Sports at schools for international students

Sports at school are an integral part of the educational experience. Educators understand that the benefits of physical activity contribute to a child’s development in many areas. These include physical strength, mental resilience, social skills and life skills. Here’s a taste of what’s on offer for international students at 10 schools in Singapore, including opportunities to compete beyond the school, and the facilities available for school sports and physical education.

Dulwich College (Singapore) school sports

Dulwich offers a comprehensive physical and sports education programme that provides personalised pathways for students to pursue their passions. At the same time, they can develop a lifelong interest in physical activity and healthy living. Students can participate in a wide range of activities for sports education. These include football, rugby, netball, basketball, athletics, tennis, badminton, swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, cricket and hockey.

The College has fielded over 275 teams across all age groups (ages 7 to 18) for the Athletic Conference of Singapore International Schools (ACSIS) competitions. In the last academic year, the College claimed 16 Division 1 titles across 20 different sports, the U15 and U18 Netball Teams were FOBISIA champions, and the College hosted over 800 students from around the globe for the Dulwich Olympiad.

High-performing sports students can further develop their skills through the Ignite! Exceptional Performance Development Programme. This provides technical, tactical and cognitive support, as well as individual health, fitness and lifestyle mentoring. Many of these students have represented Singapore internationally and competed in tournaments worldwide.

Dulwich believes that every student should have the opportunity to represent the College in the sports they’re interested in, regardless of their ability. This approach fosters team camaraderie and helps cultivate character traits such as determination, courage and graciousness. Underpinning all sports education activities is the principle of good sportsmanship and fair play, which applies to players, parents and coaches alike.

The College also offers IGCSE, IBDP Sport Exercise Health Science and BTEC Level 3 Sport as part of the IB Careers Programme. These courses enable students to deepen their knowledge while gaining qualifications for further study or potential careers in the sports, health and wellness industries.

Hear from an international student on sports at school

“My sports journey at Dulwich has been incredibly fulfilling, offering me diverse opportunities to excel in both touch rugby and netball. Being part of the touch rugby team for the last nine years has shaped me into the person I am today, where I’ve developed my skills and forged strong bonds with my teammates. Despite achieving amazing feats with this team, the highlight that I’m eagerly anticipating is the upcoming tournament in Australia. It’s an exciting chance to compete internationally and push ourselves as a team in my final year.

In addition to touch rugby, my involvement with the netball team has been equally rewarding. Last year, we achieved a major milestone by winning the FOBISIA tournament, a victory that emphasised our hard work and dedication. This experience not only boosted my confidence but also demonstrated the power of teamwork and perseverance. All sporting opportunities at Dulwich have taught me the resilience, discipline and dedication that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
– Sophia, Senior School student

71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org

SJI International school sports options

At SJI International, sport is more than just games on a field – it’s about nurturing confidence, resilience, teamwork, and a lifelong love of being active. From the youngest students in Elementary School to competitive athletes in High School, the school’s sports programme inspires students to aim high, challenge themselves, and discover the joy of physical achievement.

The Elementary School embraces a true “sport for all” ethos. Every child is encouraged to participate, explore new skills, and experience the thrill of competition. With multiple teams entered in the ACSIS league each year, there’s a place for every international student to shine. Young athletes regularly represent the school at both local and international competitions, proudly returning with a growing collection of cups and trophies.

The school partners with professional coaches and providers in competitive swimming, tennis, football, netball, basketball and badminton. Their specialist expertise – combined with the dedication of the school’s PE teachers and staff coaches – creates a programme that is both inclusive and aspirational, offering every child a chance to thrive.

By High School, students are competing at the highest level. The school’s ACSIS teams regularly compete at Division 1 across football, basketball, badminton, tennis, netball, rugby, touch rugby, volleyball and competitive swimming. For sports beyond ACSIS, students join CCA clubs or represent SJI International at the National School Games in disciplines such as fencing, sailing, golf, and taekwondo.

The Lawrence Da Silva Sports Complex, the heartbeat of the school’s sports, features a 25-metre competitive swimming pool, an indoor sports hall, fitness room and rock-climbing wall. There’s also outdoor basketball, netball and tennis courts, and a FIFA- and IRB-approved turf field. This makes the campus a hub for training, competition and ACSIS finals.

Hear from an international student on sports at school

“SJI International’s sports curriculum and facilities allow students to connect with others and develop new skills. Teachers guide and support students in surpassing their limits, creating an environment where both students and teachers learn from each other while exploring new sports and activities. The dedication and effort teachers put into helping their students instil confidence and curiosity, encouraging them to join teams and try new experiences. At SJI International, students are empowered to grow and become the best version of themselves, realising that they can achieve anything.” – Ana Pereira Alves, Grade 6

490 Thomson Road
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg

UWCSEA sports programme

Sports at UWCSEA is designed to inspire students to discover their passions and develop a lifelong appreciation for an active lifestyle. The extensive sports programme provides a wide variety of choices that meet each students’ individual aims and is a vital training ground for developing their skills and qualities.

In Primary School, the sports programme focuses on movement and sports basics in a fun, non-competitive environment. In Junior to High School students can choose to engage recreationally and/or competitively in netball, rugby, sailing, kayaking, softball, touch (rugby), ultimate frisbee, volleyball, water polo and more.

Under the banners of Phoenix at Dover Campus and Dragons at East Campus UWCSEA participates in the ACSIS conference, SEASAC tournaments and other inter-school, regional and international competitions. In the 2024/25 school year, UWCSEA won 17 of the 22 SEASAC championships.

Woven into the sports programme is a focus on developing the skills and qualities that are at the heart of a UWCSEA education. More than 80 in-house and full-time coaches, supported by more than 150 external UWCSEA-trained coaches guide students in pushing through challenges and reflecting upon defeat. This helps them develop personal resilience and skills in effective collaboration. They encourage students to communicate, trust, and support their teammates. This cultivates a commitment to care and the practice of principled action. Importantly, throughout their competitive and recreational sports journeys, students are supported in developing self-awareness and leadership skills.

The College’s extensive sports facilities include:

• full-sized all-weather football pitches
• floodlit 10-lane 50m competitive swimming pools
• floodlit acrylic tennis courts that incorporate four netball courts
• floodlit artificial turf fields for football or hockey
• outdoor beach-volleyball courts
• cricket nets
• indoor air-conditioned sports halls including a 20x8m climbing wall
• fully-equipped gymnastics centres
• fitness centres with gyms equipped for competitive team strength and conditioning

Hear from an international student on sports at school

“I valued every moment with the UWCSEA 19A Football team. On the pitch, it helped me increase my self confidence and footballing abilities. Being able to represent my school with teammates and coaches was always a core memory of mine. Going on bus drives to away campuses and flying to other countries with the team created opportunities for us to be more independent, and also allowed us a break from school and studying. Put simply, myself as well as the team had a passionate desire to win. This was what motivated us to sacrifice time to go to training and drove us to play with competence at home/away games. Playing for UWCSEA not only developed my personal skills, it also created an inclusive community within the team. The team thrived through our passion and shared love of the game.” – Felix Lim, Class of 2025, UWCSEA

Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Road | 6774 2653
East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73 | 6305 5353
uwcsea.edu.sg

Tanglin Trust School – high-level sports programme coaching

Tanglin offers a combination of high-level coaching and outstanding sports facilities designed to support students at every stage of their school sporting journey. These include:

• two fully equipped strength and conditioning suites for Junior and Senior students
• an on-site physiotherapy clinic
• a world-class Aquatics Centre with a 50-metre pool and an additional 25-metre pool
• a specialist Gymnastics Centre delivering the largest programme in international schools here
• indoor golf facilities
• five multipurpose halls
• three climbing walls
• a newly refurbished central playing field, complete with digital scoreboard

Students enjoy a packed calendar of school sports ranging from House competitions to inter-school fixtures. They also have regular success in regional tournaments including FOBISIA, SEASAC, Feeding Frenzy swimming and the SCC Rugby 7s. Teams also compete further afield at the Gold Coast Touch Rugby Tournament, the Dubai College 7s, and the Harrow Bangkok International 7s.

Sporting ability is nurtured from Infant school. By Senior School, high-performing sporting students can apply for Tanglin’s IMPACT Programme. It provides individualised support to promising athletes, helping them balance academic studies with high-level sporting commitments.

Hear from an international student on sports at school

“Being part of the Tanglin Lions community has given me countless opportunities to explore different sports and compete in tournaments, and the privilege of representing the school. What makes this community so special is its vibrant, inclusive spirit and the dedicated support and guidance from our coaches. Through school sports, I have developed resilience, celebrated successes, and built connections that will stay with me well beyond my time at Tanglin.” – Chiara C., Year 13

95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg

Australian International School – competitive sports programme and tournaments

The Australian International School (AIS) sports programme offers students many opportunities in a wide range of sports such as volleyball, basketball, swimming, netball, rugby, touch and football. Physical education is part of the curriculum and includes the teaching of technical aspects of different sports. There are also a large number of co-curricular sporting activities on offer. AIS also hosts regular carnivals (athletics, competitive swimming, cross-country and biathlons). Students have access to a great array of facilities at the school. These include a 25-metre pool, a football/rugby field, tennis courts, a weights room and an Athlete Development Programme lab.

Sports are played every day, including weekends for rep sports teams and clubs. AIS also hosts and takes part in tournaments under ACSIS and SEASAC, which are attended by many international schools. In addition, student athletes compete in Australian International Schools Association competitions in Asia.

Hear from an international student on sports at school

“I joined AIS in 2021, and the impact the Sharks Community has had on me since then is something I can’t describe. The connections I’ve made with the coaches, teammates and the entire sporting community is almost like a second family for me. My biggest takeaways from the past few years have been perseverance, trust and integrity: displaying perseverance to the sports I love and staying committed; trusting in my team, that they’ll always have my back both on and off the field; and upholding the school values of Respect, Opportunity and Achievement. I’m forever grateful for the numerous opportunities that AIS has presented. From travelling around Asia for tournaments to even just running out onto the field with my mates. I’ve made memories through sport that I know I’ll never forget.” – Oscar, Year 12, 2023/24 Sports Prefect

“I joined the Sharks community a decade ago, a pivotal part of my life. The countless opportunities for growth, achievement and camaraderie have shaped me and many of my teammates within the Sharks community. Behind every success at AIS are dedicated coaches – our cheerleaders – who have generously given their time and unwavering support to help us achieve our goals. From classroom to court, competitive swimming pool or field, our coaches have been there supporting and cheering us on. I’m immeasurably thankful for being a part of this incredible community and eagerly anticipate the promising future that awaits the Sharks.” – Ruby, Year 12, 2023/24 Sports Prefect

1 Lorong Chuan
6653 2958 | ais.com.sg

Singapore American School sports

All students at Singapore American School (SAS) can take part in school sports education programmes. They include volleyball, soccer, basketball, rugby/touch, swimming, badminton, track and field, baseball and fast pitch softball.

Elementary school students can try sports in a low-cost and low-risk environment through the school’s intramural programmes. Those seeking a more challenging experience can sign up for skill development and club-level sports that are taught by professional coaches. Students can continue to participate in these programs from middle school through high school. They can also represent the school in teams that play in ACSIS competitions locally and in the IASAS varsity tournaments internationally.

Hear from an international student on sports at school

“Sports at SAS have been some of the best experiences I’ve had in all of high school. I love how competitive our school’s sports are and the sense of community among the athletes. Our school takes sports very seriously, while also making sure we put the student in student-athlete. All the teams are very different, but one thing that’s consistent is the family you get out of it. On the softball team we call it a “sisterhood”and every team has its own version of that.” – Priya, Grade 11

40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg

Chatsworth International School – athletics and sports programme

Athletics and sports at Chatsworth International School are an extension of the classroom. Sports activities at the school aim to guide students with their development of self and group confidence as well as emotional and physical competency.

The academic year 2024/25 saw record-breaking participation in team sports. Slightly over a third of the school’s student population, aged 7 to 18 competed across sports such as football, basketball, netball, volleyball, touch rugby, swimming and badminton. The year also saw the debut of the school’s competitive swimming and volleyball teams, opening new pathways for student-athletes to shine. Chatsworth students brought home three gold, eight silver, and one bronze team medals, along with multiple individual medals, which the school says is a remarkable feat for a small-sized school.

Chatsworth recognises exceptional contributions to the growth and spirit of their Athletics sports programme. Outstanding students receive various sports awards during the Secondary End of Year Awards. The school’s sporting facilities include a huge indoor sports hall, soccer field (7 a side), outdoor multipurpose court and swimming pool.

Hear from an international student on sports at school

“Being an athlete at Chatsworth has provided me with one of the most fulfilling experiences of my education up until now. My Chatsworth athletic journey has brought me through five seasons of competitive basketball and two of competitive volleyball. While maturing as an athlete through my time here, I have also taken on roles of leadership and guidance, volunteering as an assistant coach in my respective sports.

Representing Chatsworth in sports has been a big source of pride for me. Along the way, I have cultivated qualities like discipline, resilience and cooperation that will be useful beyond high school sports. Having access to great facilities and being surrounded by people who share my passion for sports has made training and competing something I look forward to each day. It has undeniably shaped my identity, giving me countless memories and friendships that I’ll never forget.” – Phoenix Adachi, Year 13, Male Student Athlete of the Year 2024/25

72 Bukit Tinggi Road
6463 3201 | chatsworth.com.sg

Nexus International School (Singapore) – multi sports programme

Nexus offers an extensive range of athletic programmes, state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to both academic and athletic excellence. It’s a member school of the ACSIS and FOBISIA, which means learners can choose from a range of competitive sporting options.

The campus is equipped with a FIFA and World Rugby-specified AstroTurf field, two gymnasiums, two fitness suites, a running track, a yoga studio, a 50m Olympic-sized pool and an aquatic centre. These world-class facilities assist Nexus learners to strive for their absolute best and to achieve their goals.

The school’s learner-athletes excel both locally and internationally. For example, the Nexus competitive swim team competes in global events like the European Junior Championships and National Swim Meets. Their footballers and volleyballers also travel to top tournaments in Thailand and New Zealand. The school is committed to expanding international sporting opportunities for  learners. It currently has national champions in competitive swimming, horse riding, mountain biking and wushu.

This year, the multisport programme at Nexus was enhanced through a partnership with Triathlon Singapore. The school also launched new initiatives such as the Athlete Development Programme, offering tailored training for athletes based on their specific land-based sport. Nexus has also started a Swim Academy and is the first school in Asia to integrate brain fitness into the curriculum.

Hear from an international student on sports at school

“The Nexus Swim Team community is the best team I’ve been a part of; it has such a great environment. The new campus has so many amazing facilities and pieces of equipment that I’m sure will help the team to excel. The school has supported me in many ways academically as well as in school sports.”
– Carmen, Class of 2022, 2024 Olympics Swimmer

1 Aljunied Walk
6536 6566 | nexus.edu.sg

Canadian International School – sports and competitive swimming

The Canadian International School approaches sports with a trifecta comprising a PE curriculum, competitive opportunities and recreational sports. With equal opportunities in all age groups, every student – affectionately known as a Husky – competes, takes on leadership roles and is encouraged to explore different sports all year round.

At CIS, physical education is the foundation of physical and mental wellbeing. With over 1,200 athletes from junior through to senior school, the Home of the Huskies fields more than 80 teams across competitive swimming, rugby, badminton, volleyball, athletics, football, netball, basketball and ultimate frisbee. In the recent ACSIS league, CIS Huskies won 45 medals.

Swimming is a core sport at CIS. Divided into three levels, the school has a Learn to Swim programme, a pre-competitive squad with over 100 places and an elite team training for national-level success. The school’s swimming programme, one of the most comprehensive in Singapore, offers flexible training before and after school and on weekends. The competitive swimming performance squad trains up to seven days a week with gym, nutrition and recovery support, including ice baths. CIS alumni include Paris 2024 Olympian, Lanihei C, and five-time Singapore National Age Group gold medallist, Ivan M.

Beyond competition, students regularly take part in travel meets, tournaments and exchanges with international teams. CIS students also enjoy a wide range of after school activities like tennis, gymnastics, pickleball, parkour, skateboarding, martial arts and more.

The school rewards hard work by awarding scholarships across all sports. This gives top athletes the opportunity to accelerate their skills and compete at the highest levels.

Hear from an international student on sports at school

“Being a Husky has shaped who I am today. Playing rugby and basketball has challenged me to push past my limits, take responsibility as a leader, and never give up when the games get tough.” – Danial Cote J., Grade 11, CIS Athletics Scholar

7 Jurong West Street 41
6467 1732 | cis.edu.sg

Dover Court International School sports competitions and sports education

Sport at Dover Court International School (DCIS) is more than competition – it’s about building character, celebrating effort and enjoying the journey together. Whether students are representing the DCIS Wolves Sports Teams or trying a new activity for the first time, they learn to support one another, show respect on and off the field, and grow through both wins and challenges.

From rugby, volleyball and swimming, to badminton, netball, athletics and football, DCIS students compete in the ACSIS league and international tournaments like the FOBISIA Games and Nord Anglia Education Games. These experiences showcase athletic talent while strengthening friendships and sportsmanship.

Older students can pursue GCSE PE and the IB Sports, Exercise, and Health Science sports education programmes. This gives them a deeper understanding of sports science and leadership. And, through the Level 2 Community Sports Leadership qualification, students gain hands-on experience in organising and leading athletic activities, preparing them to make a positive impact in their communities.

DCIS’s facilities include a competitive swimming pool complex, football pitch, multi-sport courts and three indoor halls – providing the ideal environment for students to train, compete and grow, and develop important life skills while experiencing the joy of being part of a team.

Hear from an international student on sports at school

“Over my time at Dover Court, I’ve participated in many different sports teams, including football, touch rugby, netball, basketball, volleyball and swimming. FOBISIA tournaments in Thailand are always so much fun. I enjoy all the preparation and training leading up to the tournament, but playing sports that I am passionate about with my friends is always great. These teams have taught me resilience – not every athlete will be at their best all the time and to overcome these is a great achievement. When I was the captain of some of these sports teams, I gained different leadership skills. All these skills are applicable in all situations inside and outside of the classroom. I’ve achieved many sporting awards at Dover Court, but none were as special as the Athlete of the Year.” – Emma, Year 10

301 Dover Road
6775 7664 | dovercourt.edu.sg

Now that you’re sorted on sports education for international students, read our guide to things to do in Singapore! Also, check out parent reviews of international schools in Singapore.