Starting a tuition centre in Singapore is one of the smartest bets in Asia's education sector right now. But here's the truth: most founders focus on teaching quality and forget the business fundamentals until it's too late.
If you're planning to open a tuition or enrichment centre, you're facing three founder risks that can kill growth before you hit 50 students: compliance gaps that delay your launch or trigger penalties, cashflow mistakes that turn profitable months on paper into overdrafts in your account, and admin overload that stops you from selling because you're buried in spreadsheets and WhatsApp groups.
This guide is your launch-and-scale playbook. You'll learn how to register legally, choose a business model that fills seats and protects margins, price for profit (not just popularity), build a 90-day timeline from ACRA to first invoice, and set up systems—like Tutorbase—that automate scheduling, billing, and student records so you can focus on growth instead of firefighting.
Singapore's competitive education landscape drives high demand for tuition centres, with market research essential for identifying revenue opportunities in mainstream subjects.
Let's get started.
Key Takeaways
Compliance First: Success starts with accurate ACRA registration, URA/HDB premises approval, and timely MOE registration if enrolling 10+ students.
Strategic Modeling: Choose the business model (group vs. 1:1) that balances your margin goals with operational capacity.
Financial Safety: Model cashflow with a 3–6 month working capital buffer to cover rent and payroll risks before break-even.
Automated Operations: Implement robust SOPs and tuition management software like Tutorbase from Day 1 to minimize admin overhead.
Scalable Growth: Focus on unit economics and standardisation to easily replicate your success in future locations.
Why start a tuition centre (or enrichment centre) in Singapore right now?
Singapore's education system creates a steady, predictable demand cycle. Parents invest heavily in supplementary learning, driven by exam timelines, competitive school placements, and skills enrichment.
From a business perspective, here's why this market works:
Consistent spend: Families budget for tuition as a recurring expense, not a discretionary one.
Exam cycle predictability: You can forecast enrolment spikes around major exams (PSLE, O-Levels, A-Levels) and plan capacity accordingly.
High renewal rates: If you deliver results and run a smooth operation, students stay for years—giving you compounding lifetime value.
What type of centre should you open?
You've got three main categories:
Tuition centres teach mainstream subjects (Math, Science, English, Mother Tongue) aligned with MOE syllabus. They serve steady demand but face regulatory requirements once you hit scale.
Enrichment centres focus on non-mainstream skills—coding, robotics, music, art, chess. These typically face fewer MOE syllabus restrictions and attract higher margins, but demand can be less predictable.
Home-based or hybrid setups let you start lean, test your offer, and delay premises costs. Great for bootstrapping, but harder to scale without a physical location.
Choose your path: growth-focused vs boutique
If you want growth and multi-location scale, choose a tuition centre business model with group classes, standardised timetables, and proven subject demand.
If you prefer high margins and founder control, consider a boutique enrichment centre or premium 1:1 service with fewer students, higher fees, and flexible premises.
Either way, the fundamentals—compliance, pricing, systems, and staffing—stay the same.
What business model should you choose for your tuition centre?
Your business model determines your unit economics, operational complexity, and scaling roadmap. Let's break down the five most common models in Singapore.
Group classes
How it works: 4–12 students per class, fixed timetable, subject-specific sessions.
Unit economics: Lower price per student, but high capacity utilisation drives total revenue. Teacher cost per student drops as class size grows.
Operational needs: Higher space requirements, structured timetables, and tight attendance tracking to maintain group dynamics.
Best for: Founders who want predictable revenue, scalable operations, and efficient use of teaching hours.
1:1 tutoring
How it works: One tutor, one student, customised pacing and syllabus focus.
Unit economics: Higher hourly rates, but lower total throughput per tutor. Margins depend on pricing discipline.
Operational needs: Smaller venue footprint, flexible scheduling, and strong customer relationship management to retain high-value clients.
Best for: Premium positioning, niche subjects, or exam specialists who can justify pricing at 2–3× group rates.
Hybrid (blended group + 1:1)
How it works: Core subjects in small groups, add-on 1:1 for exam prep or weak areas.
Unit economics: Balances volume and margin; upsells increase average revenue per student.
Operational needs: More complex timetabling and teacher allocation; requires clear pricing tiers.
Best for: Centres that want flexibility and the ability to serve different budget segments without cannibalising their core offer.
Explore more on hybrid models and requirements.
Enrichment centre
How it works: Teach skills like coding, music, art, drama, or STEM—outside mainstream syllabus.
Unit economics: Often premium-priced; less price-sensitive parents; lower regulatory burden.
Operational needs: Specialised staff, equipment/materials, and marketing that emphasises outcomes (portfolios, competitions, certifications).
Best for: Founders with niche expertise or who want to avoid MOE syllabus alignment and mainstream competition.
Franchise model
How it works: License an established brand, curriculum, and operating playbook.
Unit economics: Faster launch, but ongoing royalties and marketing fees eat margin.
Operational needs: Less curriculum development, more execution discipline; franchisor often mandates systems and suppliers.
Best for: Operators who value speed-to-market and brand recognition over margin and control.
Model fit checklist
Before you commit, ask yourself:
How much founder time can I dedicate in year one?
What's my available capital for fit-out, working capital, and marketing?
Am I comfortable with regulatory complexity and inspections?
Do I want to build a brand I own, or fast-track with a franchise?
Your answers will point you toward the model that matches your risk tolerance, margin targets, and growth timeline.
How do you define a value proposition that parents pay for (and staff can deliver)?
Your positioning isn't just marketing—it's your operational promise. If you can't deliver it consistently, you'll burn through students and damage word-of-mouth fast.
Positioning options in Singapore
Results-led: "We close grade gaps and boost exam scores." Requires strong academic staff, past results to showcase, and clear progress tracking.
Premium small group: "Maximum 6 students per class." Commands higher fees but demands tight scheduling and teacher quality.
Exam-specialist: "PSLE Math mastery in 12 weeks." Focused curriculum, intensive model, and high-stakes accountability.
Niche enrichment: "Bilingual coding for primary school students." Differentiated offering with less direct competition.
Hybrid convenience: "In-person + online flexibility." Appeals to busy families but requires tech and teacher training.
Convert positioning into an offer
Once you pick a lane, translate it into specifics parents can evaluate:
Class structure: Group size, session length, frequency (weekly, twice-weekly, intensive)
Materials: Proprietary worksheets, past-year papers, digital resources
Homework policy: How much, how often, and who reviews it
Progress reporting: Monthly updates, mid-term assessments, or parent–teacher meetings
The tighter your offer, the easier it is to price, staff, and scale.
Keep it ethical and compliant
Singapore's consumer protection laws and MOE guidelines mean you can't overpromise results or use manipulative tactics.
Use ethical promotions compliant with consumer laws; build trust via MOE/CPE registration display.
Show your registration status, publish clear refund policies, and let results speak through testimonials—not guarantees you can't control.
What are the legal requirements to start a tutoring business in Singapore?
Compliance isn't optional, and it's not something you can retrofit after launch. Get it right early or risk delays, fines, and reputational damage.
Your compliance roadmap
Step 1: Register your business with ACRA
You'll typically set up as a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd). This gives you liability protection and is required before you can apply for premises approvals or CPE licensing.
Step 2: Secure and approve your premises
Your lease must allow commercial educational use. Confirm with URA (for commercial properties) or HDB (for HDB shop units) that your intended use is permitted. Don't sign a lease until this is verified.
Step 3: Fire safety and premises compliance
Submit your floor plan to SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force) for Fire Safety and Shelter Department (FSSD) approval. This covers occupancy load, exits, and fire safety equipment.
Step 4: Signboard and minor fit-out approvals
Check with your building management and URA/HDB for signage rules. Some locations restrict size, lighting, and branding.
Step 5: CPE/MOE registration (if applicable)
If your centre will teach 10 or more students in mainstream subjects, you'll need to register as a private school under MOE. More on this in the next section.
Register business as Pte Ltd with ACRA first, then apply for a tuition centre license from CPE (under MOE) requiring company proof, premise inspection, fire safety, and staff details.
Other compliance areas to track
PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act): Protect student and parent data; publish a privacy policy.
Employment basics: CPF contributions, work passes for foreign staff, and employment contracts.
Annual renewals: Your CPE/MOE registration (if applicable) renews annually; plan ahead.
Don't guess—document everything
Requirements vary by student count, subjects taught, and premises type. Keep a compliance folder with all approvals, inspection reports, and correspondence. You'll need it for renewals and audits.
When do you need MOE tuition centre registration (and what triggers it)?
This is where most founders get confused—or discover compliance gaps after they've already signed a lease.
The 10+ student rule
If your centre teaches mainstream subjects (subjects aligned with MOE syllabus—Math, Science, English, Mother Tongue) and you have 10 or more students enrolled at any time, you must register as a private school with MOE.
MOE registration is mandatory for centres with 10+ students teaching mainstream subjects; you will need to submit floor plans, Fire Safety Certificate, URA/HDB approval, SMC forms, and teacher registrations via GoBusiness.
"At any time" means peak enrolment across all sessions—not average daily attendance.
What you need to prepare
MOE will require:
Proof of business registration (ACRA)
Floor plans showing classrooms, admin areas, toilets, and exits
Fire Safety Certificate (FSSD approval from SCDF)
URA or HDB approval for commercial educational use
School Management Committee (SMC) member details
Teacher registration details (tutors must also register with MOE)
You'll submit these via GoBusiness. Processing typically takes around 14 days after a successful site inspection.
Plan your timeline
Don't leave MOE registration to the last minute. Build in:
Document prep: 2–4 weeks to gather floor plans, approvals, and staff details
Inspection readiness: Ensure your premises meet occupancy and safety specs before the site visit
Processing buffer: Plan for 14–21 days post-inspection before you can legally operate
If you're aiming for a January term start, begin your application process in October.
What documents and premises checks should you plan for before you sign a lease?
Signing a lease without confirming compliance feasibility is one of the most expensive mistakes a founder can make.
Pre-lease due diligence checklist
Before you commit to any property, verify:
Permitted use: Is educational/tuition use allowed under the lease and URA/HDB zoning?
Fire safety feasibility: Can the layout support FSSD approval without major structural changes?
Occupancy load: Does the space support your planned student capacity under SCDF rules?
Signage permissions: Can you install exterior signage to attract walk-ins?
Neighbour restrictions: Are there noise complaints risks or building-specific rules (e.g., no weekend operations)?
Why this matters
If you sign a lease and later discover that fire safety approval requires a $20,000 sprinkler retrofit, or that your landlord won't permit educational use, you're stuck with sunk costs and delays.
Timeline buffer recommendation
Once you have premises approvals in hand, allow:
Fit-out and inspection prep: 4–6 weeks
Fire safety and MOE site visit: 2–3 weeks
Approval processing: 2–3 weeks
Total: 8–12 weeks from lease signing to legal opening. Don't promise parents a start date until your Certificate of Registration is issued.
How much does it cost to open a tuition centre in Singapore (and what should you budget first)?
Startup costs vary wildly depending on your model, location, and timeline—but the structure stays the same.
Startup cost categories
Lease deposit and advance rent: Typically 3 months' deposit + 1–2 months' advance. For a small centre, budget $10,000–$25,000 upfront.
Renovation and fit-out: Partitioning, flooring, lighting, aircon, and furniture. Lean setups start at $15,000; mid-range centres often hit $30,000–$50,000.
Furniture and equipment: Desks, chairs, whiteboards, storage, reception counter. Budget $5,000–$10,000.
Safety and compliance: Fire safety equipment, signage, FSSD approval fees. Estimate $3,000–$8,000.
Tech stack: Scheduling, billing, student records, website, and payment gateway. Tutorbase starts at affordable monthly plans; budget $100–$300/month.
Marketing and launch: Website, local SEO, trial event promotions, signage, flyers. Allocate $3,000–$8,000 for your first 90 days.
Hiring and onboarding: Recruitment ads, probation payroll, training materials. Plan for 1–2 months of payroll before revenue stabilises.
Working capital: Cash buffer for rent, utilities, and payroll until you hit break-even enrolment.
Startup costs cover lease fit-out, furniture, tech, marketing, recruitment, licensing, and working capital; you will aim for revenue via hourly, packages, term fees, or group/1:1 models.
The founder rule: rent + payroll are your biggest risks
Your two largest recurring costs are rent and teacher payroll. Model these first.
If your monthly fixed costs (rent + core staff) are $12,000 and your average revenue per student is $300/month, you need 40 students just to cover fixed costs—before profit, marketing, or growth investment.
Cash buffer guidance
Opening month rarely equals break-even month. Budget for at least 3–6 months of operating expenses before you expect positive cashflow.
What should your financial model include to avoid cashflow surprises?
A spreadsheet isn't a financial model. A real model shows you what levers to pull and what happens when enrolment slips or a teacher quits.
Build a simple operating model
Your model should include:
Capacity: Total classroom hours available per week
Utilisation rate: % of those hours filled with paying students
Pricing: Average revenue per student (ARPU) across all packages
Churn: % of students who don't renew each term
Customer acquisition cost (CAC): Marketing spend ÷ new students enrolled
Payroll: Teacher cost as % of revenue (target 30–40% for group classes)
Rent: Fixed monthly cost
Software and admin: Tutorbase, utilities, insurance, etc.
Define your key metrics
Average revenue per student (ARPU): Total monthly revenue ÷ active students
Class fill rate: Actual students ÷ maximum capacity
Teacher cost %: Total teacher payroll ÷ total revenue
Break-even enrolment: Minimum number of students to cover all fixed and variable costs
Target break-even via utilisation rates and average revenue per student; plan 12-24 month cashflow considering compliance timelines.
Plan a 12–24 month view
Singapore's tuition market is seasonal. Enrolment spikes before major exams and dips during school holidays. Model term-by-term, not month-by-month, and plan working capital to cover the valleys.
How should you price tuition classes in Singapore for profit (not just popularity)?
Pricing is a margin decision, not a marketing decision. If you default to "market rate," you'll compete on price and erode your ability to invest in quality or scale.
Pricing structure options
Hourly rates: Simple, but hard to package and upsell. Common for 1:1 or ad-hoc sessions.
Package bundles: e.g., 8 sessions for $X. Encourages commitment and improves cashflow predictability.
Term fees: Charge per term (10–12 weeks). Aligns with school calendar and locks in revenue.
Membership/subscription: Monthly auto-billing for ongoing students. Smooths cashflow and reduces admin.
Premium small-group tiers: Charge 20–30% more for capped class sizes (e.g., max 6 students vs 10).
Set pricing by subject/level with trials, sibling discounts, and bundles; track ARPU, LTV, and CAC for payback periods to ensure scalability.
Discount policy rules
Discounts are margin killers if you don't set guardrails:
Trials: Offer a single discounted or free trial lesson, then full price.
Sibling discounts: 10–15% off for second child; protect your per-student margin.
Referral credits: $50–$100 credit for successful referrals; cheaper than paid ads.
No blanket discounts: Avoid "20% off this month" promotions that train parents to wait for sales.
Connect pricing to unit economics
Calculate:
ARPU: What's your average monthly revenue per student?
LTV (Lifetime Value): ARPU × average retention months
CAC: Marketing cost per new student
Payback period: How many months to recover CAC from gross margin?
If your CAC is $150 and your gross margin per student is $100/month, you break even in 1.5 months. That's scalable. If payback is 6+ months, your pricing or acquisition strategy needs fixing.
What staffing roles do you need in the first 6 months (and what can you delay)?
You don't need a full org chart on day one. Start lean, then layer in roles as revenue justifies headcount.
Minimum viable team (Months 1–6)
Founder / Academic Lead (you): Curriculum oversight, teacher hiring, parent relationships, and compliance ownership.
Centre Admin (part-time or full-time): Enrolment, scheduling, attendance tracking, billing follow-up, and parent communications. Can start part-time and grow to full-time at 30–40 students.
Part-time teachers (2–4): Subject specialists who teach peak hours (evenings, weekends). Pay per session or on an hourly contract to keep payroll flexible.
Marketing (outsourced or part-time): Local SEO, social media, and trial event support. Hire a freelancer or agency for the first 6 months; bring in-house only when you're adding a second location.
Hiring and compliance notes
Key roles: managers, teachers (MOE-registered if applicable), admin; ensure qualifications for CPE/MOE, probation tracking, SOPs for attendance, and data protection obligations.
If your centre requires MOE registration, your tutors must register with MOE too. Keep their certifications, employment contracts, and registration records in a compliance folder.
Operating rhythm
Probation: 3 months for all hires; track attendance, parent feedback, and punctuality.
Performance reviews: Quarterly check-ins tied to student retention and parent satisfaction.
Schedule planning: Align teacher availability with peak demand (post-school hours, weekends).
Start lean, pay for performance where possible, and promote from within as you scale.
What SOPs should you standardise before your first 30 students?
SOPs aren't bureaucracy—they're margin protection. Every dispute, missed payment, or parent complaint that you handle manually costs you time and money.
Core SOP list
Enrolment: Inquiry response time (same day), trial booking process, package explanation script, payment terms, and contract sign-off.
Attendance: How to mark attendance, late arrival policy, and absent-student follow-up (automated reminder or manual call?).
Make-up lessons: When are they allowed, how to request, and how many per term.
Refunds and withdrawals: Notice period (e.g., 14 days), refund policy (pro-rated or no refunds mid-term?), and documentation.
Behaviour escalation: What happens when a student disrupts class or breaks rules; parent communication protocol.
Incident logging: Injury, illness, or safety events; record date, details, and parent acknowledgment.
PDPA basics: How you collect, store, and share student data; consent for photos/marketing; retention and deletion policies.
Why SOPs protect margins
Fewer disputes = fewer refunds.
Fewer manual interventions = lower admin cost per student.
Fewer missed invoices = better cashflow.
Tie SOPs to your system of record
Your SOPs only work if everyone follows them—and that means having one place for student profiles, billing status, attendance records, and parent notes.
Automate scheduling and billing to cut admin, and integrate with student records for compliance.
Tutorbase gives you that single source of truth. When a parent asks for a make-up lesson, your admin checks the attendance log, applies your SOP, books the session, and updates the record—all in one system.
How do you choose the right location and layout for a tuition centre?
Location affects footfall, rent, compliance feasibility, and long-term scalability. Choose strategically, not emotionally.
Location types: pros and cons
Shophouse (ground floor): High street visibility, walk-in traffic, premium branding. Higher rent, but easier to attract new families.
Mall unit: Anchor traffic from nearby shops, family-friendly environment. Rent can be steep; check operating-hour restrictions.
Office space: Lower rent, flexible layouts, easier fit-out approvals. Less walk-in traffic; relies on referrals and digital marketing.
Co-learning or shared space: Low upfront cost, month-to-month flexibility. Limited branding control and harder to scale.
Layout guidance for throughput
Your floor plan should support efficient student flow and maximise teaching hours:
Classroom count: Plan 1 classroom per 8–12 concurrent students; don't over-fit.
Reception and waiting area: Parents expect a clean, comfortable lobby—first impressions matter.
Storage: Curriculum materials, student files, supplies.
Staff area: Small pantry or workstation for teachers between sessions.
Comply with space ratios, fire safety (SCDF FSSD approval), URA/HDB zoning for commercial use; include operational specs for classrooms and admin areas.
Compliance reminders
Before you sign:
Confirm URA/HDB zoning allows educational use.
Verify FSSD feasibility (exits, occupancy load, fire safety equipment).
Check if your planned layout meets MOE's classroom and admin space requirements (if applicable).
A great location with compliance blockers is a bad deal.
What marketing channels work best for tuition centres in Singapore (and how do you track ROI)?
Most tuition centres rely on word-of-mouth and hope. That's not a growth strategy.
Acquisition channels that work
Local SEO and Google Business Profile: Optimise for "tuition centre near [neighbourhood]" and keep your profile updated with photos, hours, and parent reviews.
Map listing optimisation: Claim and verify your listing on Google Maps, Apple Maps, and local directories.
Referrals: Incentivise parents with referral credits ($50–$100 off next term). Track referral source in your CRM.
Community partnerships: Partner with preschools, MOE schools (for flyer distribution), and enrichment centres for cross-promotion.
Paid search (Google Ads): Target high-intent keywords like "PSLE Math tuition [area]" during peak enrolment windows.
Trial events: Host free workshops or assessment clinics; convert attendees into paying students with a time-limited offer.
Build a simple funnel
Lead → Trial → Enrolment → Renewal
Set basic conversion targets:
Lead-to-trial: 40–60%
Trial-to-enrolment: 50–70%
Term-to-term renewal: 75–85%
Track each stage in Tutorbase or a simple spreadsheet. If trial-to-enrolment is low, fix your sales process or offer—not your ad spend.
Trust signals you can use ethically
Use ethical promotions compliant with consumer laws; build trust via MOE/CPE registration display.
Display your MOE or CPE Certificate of Registration on your website and in your centre. Publish clear refund and withdrawal policies. Let parent testimonials and student results build credibility—not hype.
What should your enrolment and trial lesson process look like to convert consistently?
Your sales process is just as important as your teaching. A clunky enrolment flow loses students before they ever see a classroom.
Document the end-to-end process
Enquiry → Qualification → Trial booking → Follow-up → Enrolment → Payment
1. Enquiry response time: Aim for same-day response. Parents are comparison-shopping; speed wins.
2. Qualification questions: Ask about student's grade, current challenges, goals, and budget. This helps you match them to the right package and teacher.
3. Trial booking: Offer specific time slots; don't leave it open-ended. Use Tutorbase's online booking to let parents self-schedule.
4. Post-trial follow-up: Call or email within 24 hours. Ask for feedback, answer questions, and offer a time-limited enrolment incentive (e.g., "Enrol by Friday and save the registration fee").
5. Payment collection: Don't let students start without payment. Use Tutorbase's invoicing and automated reminders to close the loop fast.
Conversion scripts and prompts
Train your admin or centre manager to handle objections:
"We're still looking around." → "That's smart. What's most important to you in a tuition centre?"
"Can we get a discount?" → "Our pricing reflects small class sizes and experienced teachers. We do offer a sibling discount if you have multiple children."
"Can we try one more lesson before committing?" → "Our trial is designed to give you a full picture. If you'd like to continue, we can lock in your preferred day and time today."
Tie it to systems
Automate scheduling and billing to cut admin, and integrate with student records for compliance.
Set up online booking in Tutorbase so parents can book trials 24/7. Automated reminders reduce no-shows. Instant invoicing removes payment friction.
Every manual step you eliminate is one less reason for a parent to drop off.
What tech should you set up on day one to reduce no-shows and late payments?
You don't need a dozen tools. You need one system that handles scheduling, billing, attendance, and student records—so nothing falls through the cracks.
Prioritise these automations
Scheduling: Let parents book, reschedule, and cancel online. No more back-and-forth WhatsApp.
Attendance tracking: Mark attendance in real time; flag absences and trigger follow-ups.
Billing and invoicing: Auto-generate invoices, send payment reminders, and track overdue accounts.
Reminders: SMS or email reminders 24 hours before class. Cut no-shows by 30–50%.
Single customer record: One profile per student with enrolment history, attendance, billing status, parent notes, and progress tracking.
The ROI in plain terms
Fewer admin hours: Your centre manager spends less time chasing payments and answering "When is our next class?"
Fewer missed invoices: Auto-billing and reminders mean you get paid on time, every time.
Fewer make-up lesson disputes: Attendance records are time-stamped and accessible to parents via a portal.
Automate scheduling and billing to integrate with student records.
Why Tutorbase vs stitching tools together
You could use separate tools for scheduling, billing, and CRM—and spend hours reconciling data, troubleshooting integrations, and training staff on three platforms.
Or you could use Tutorbase: one platform built specifically for tutoring businesses, with scheduling, billing, attendance, parent portals, and reporting in one place.
Most multi-centre operators we work with switched to Tutorbase because they were drowning in spreadsheets and missed payments. The ROI shows up in the first month.
Why is Tutorbase the best system to run a tuition centre business in Singapore?
Drawing on our work with 700+ tutoring centres and enrichment businesses across Asia, we've seen the same pain points over and over: lost revenue from no-shows, cashflow gaps from manual invoicing, and admin overload that stops founders from scaling.
Tutorbase was built to solve those problems—specifically for tutoring and enrichment operators.
What Tutorbase does for your operations
Class scheduling: Create recurring timetables, assign teachers, cap class sizes, and let parents book trials online.
Attendance tracking: Mark attendance in-app or via tablet; auto-flag absences and send follow-up reminders.
Student records: One profile per student with enrolment history, package details, billing status, attendance, and notes.
Billing and invoicing: Auto-generate invoices, send payment reminders, track overdue accounts, and accept online payments.
Parent and student portals: Let families view schedules, attendance, invoices, and make-up lesson requests—without calling your office.
Reporting: Track revenue, utilisation, ARPU, CAC, and teacher cost % in real time.
It matches needs for scheduling, billing, portals, and reporting for ARPU/CAC; and supports launch to scaling.
Founder wins you'll see in the first 30 days
Faster enrolment flow: Parents book trials online; you close enrolments with one-click invoicing.
Fewer no-shows: Automated SMS and email reminders cut no-shows by up to 50%.
Cleaner cashflow: Auto-billing and overdue alerts mean you get paid on time.
Less admin headcount pressure: One admin can manage 100+ students when the system handles scheduling, reminders, and billing.
Real use cases
Launching your first centre: Set up your class timetable, pricing packages, and online booking page in under an hour. Start taking trial bookings before you've even finished fit-out.
Moving off spreadsheets: Import your student list, migrate payment history, and switch on auto-billing. Stop chasing parents on WhatsApp.
Running multi-site operations: Manage multiple locations from one dashboard, set role permissions, and get consolidated reporting on revenue, utilisation, and teacher cost.
Tutorbase scales with you—from 10 students to 1,000.
What is a practical 90-day launch plan for a new tuition centre?
Break your launch into four phases: Setup → Hiring → Pre-launch → Soft opening → Scale-up.
Weeks 1–4: Company setup and premises checks
Register Pte Ltd with ACRA
Identify 3–5 potential premises; verify URA/HDB use approvals
Request floor plans and confirm FSSD feasibility
Engage contractor for fit-out quote
Set up Tutorbase account; configure services, pricing, and timetable templates
Weeks 5–8: Hiring, SOPs, and compliance prep
Post teacher job ads; conduct interviews
Draft enrolment SOP, attendance SOP, refund policy
Prepare MOE/CPE registration documents (if applicable): floor plans, Fire Safety Certificate, staff details, SMC forms
Submit GoBusiness application
Build website landing page with online trial booking (powered by Tutorbase)
Weeks 9–10: Pre-launch marketing
Launch Google Business Profile and local SEO
Run trial event or free assessment clinic
Activate referral incentives for early sign-ups
Set up automated reminders and invoice templates in Tutorbase
Weeks 11–12: Soft opening
Invite first 10–20 students (friends, family, referrals) at discounted trial rate
Conduct site visit (if MOE/CPE applicable); address any compliance notes
Collect feedback; refine timetable, curriculum, and admin workflow
Issue first invoices and test payment collection
Account for annual license renewals and PDPA compliance; plan for a processing time of ~14 days post-site visit.
Week 13+: Scale-up
Open full enrolment; launch paid acquisition (Google Ads, community partnerships)
Hire additional part-time teachers as class fill rates hit 70%
Track weekly metrics: new leads, trial conversion, class utilisation, revenue
Refine SOPs and train staff on Tutorbase workflows
By day 90, you should have 30–50 students, positive cashflow, and a repeatable playbook ready for your next intake or location.
How do you scale from one centre to multiple locations (without doubling admin)?
Most founders hit a wall at 100–150 students because admin complexity and compliance tracking don't scale linearly. If you want to open a second or third location, you need to standardise everything first.
Build your "centre in a box"
Before you open location #2, document:
SOPs: Enrolment, attendance, make-up lessons, refunds, incident logging
Pricing rules: Packages, discounts, sibling offers, referral credits
Timetable templates: Standard weekly schedule by subject and level
Teacher onboarding: Job description, interview process, training checklist, performance KPIs
Reporting cadence: Weekly metrics (revenue, utilisation, CAC, ARPU), monthly P&L
Standardise operations post-registration and remember to renew annually for multi-site compliance.
Company-owned vs franchise
Company-owned: You control branding, curriculum, pricing, and operations. Higher capital requirement, but you keep all the margin.
Franchise: Faster expansion with franchisee capital, but you share revenue and give up operational control.
For most operators, company-owned with strong systems is the smarter path in Singapore's regulated environment. Compliance is easier to manage when you own the operation.
Position Tutorbase as your scaling layer
When you run multiple locations, you need:
Multi-location dashboard: See revenue, utilisation, and enrolment across all centres in one view
Role permissions: Centre managers see their location; you see everything
Centralised reporting: Consolidated P&L, teacher cost %, and ARPU by location
Consistent billing workflows: Same invoice templates, payment reminders, and overdue processes across all centres
Tutorbase gives you that control without adding headcount. One system, multiple locations, zero chaos.
What are 3 sample budget scenarios (lean, mid-range, premium) and what changes break-even?
Every founder's situation is different, but here are three realistic starting points to help you model your own launch.
Scenario 1: Lean (home-to-centre transition)
Premises: Small office or co-learning space, $2,500/month rent
Fit-out: Minimal ($8,000)
Staffing: Founder teaches, 1 part-time admin, 1–2 part-time teachers
Marketing: $2,000 for first 90 days
Total startup: ~$25,000
Break-even: ~25 students at $250 ARPU
Why it works: Low fixed costs, high founder involvement, fast path to cashflow positive.
Scenario 2: Mid-range (single-centre, growth-focused)
Premises: Shophouse or mall unit, $5,500/month rent
Fit-out: $35,000
Staffing: Founder + 1 full-time admin + 3–4 part-time teachers
Marketing: $5,000 for first 90 days
Total startup: ~$65,000
Break-even: ~50 students at $280 ARPU
Why it works: Balanced risk, scalable model, professional branding.
Scenario 3: Premium (multi-room, high-margin positioning)
Premises: High-visibility shophouse, $9,000/month rent
Fit-out: $60,000
Staffing: Founder + full-time academic manager + full-time admin + 5–6 teachers
Marketing: $10,000 for first 90 days
Total startup: ~$120,000
Break-even: ~70 students at $350 ARPU
Why it works: Premium pricing supports higher fixed costs; appeals to results-driven, high-income families.
Budget for licensing, fit-out, and safety compliance, and remember the financial sensitivity to rent/staff costs.
Sensitivity levers: what changes break-even?
Rent: Every $1,000/month rent increase = ~4 more students needed (at $250 ARPU)
Teacher cost: If teacher cost rises from 35% to 45% of revenue, you need ~15% more students to maintain margin
Class size: Increasing average class size from 6 to 8 students improves margin by ~25%
Utilisation: Running classes at 80% vs 60% fill rate cuts break-even time by 30–40%
Payment terms: Upfront term fees improve cashflow vs monthly billing
The decision rule
Don't sign a lease until you can answer:
What's my break-even student count?
Can I realistically hit that number in 4–6 months?
Do I have 6 months of working capital to cover rent + payroll if enrolment is slower than expected?
If the answer to any of these is "no," revisit your model or delay your launch.
FAQs about starting a tuition centre in Singapore
Do I need MOE tuition centre registration to open a private tuition centre in Singapore?
It depends on your student count and subjects. If you teach mainstream subjects (aligned with MOE syllabus) and have 10 or more students enrolled at any time, you must register as a private school with MOE. If you're below 10 students or teach only enrichment subjects (coding, art, music), registration may not apply—but always verify your specific case.
What does the 10+ student rule mean in practice for mainstream subjects?
The threshold is based on peak enrolment across all sessions—not average daily attendance. If you run morning, afternoon, and evening classes and your total unique student count hits 10 or more, registration is required. Plan your compliance timeline accordingly.
What are the minimum startup costs to open a small tuition centre?
For a lean, home-based or small office setup, budget around $20,000–$30,000 including lease deposit, minimal fit-out, furniture, marketing, tech, and working capital. A mid-range shophouse or mall centre typically requires $60,000–$80,000. Always include a 3–6 month cash buffer for rent and payroll before you expect break-even.
What documents do I need before I sign a lease?
Before committing to any premises, confirm: (1) URA or HDB approval for educational use, (2) Fire Safety feasibility (SCDF FSSD), (3) floor plan that meets occupancy and space requirements, (4) signage permissions, and (5) landlord consent for tuition operations. Signing a lease without these checks can lead to expensive compliance failures or lease penalties.
How should I price group classes vs 1:1 to stay profitable?
Group classes should be priced to cover teacher cost (target 30–40% of revenue) and contribute to fixed costs (rent, admin). If you charge $250/month for group and your teacher cost is $90/student, your gross margin is $160. For 1:1, you can charge 2–3× group rates, but throughput per teacher is lower—so model total revenue per teacher-hour to compare profitability.
Do tutors at registered centres need to be registered too?
Yes. If your centre is registered under MOE as a private school, all tutors must also register with MOE. Keep copies of their registration certificates, qualifications, and employment contracts in your compliance folder for inspections and annual renewals.
When should I switch from spreadsheets to a tutoring management platform?
As soon as you hit 15–20 students, manual tracking becomes a cashflow and admin risk. You'll start missing invoices, double-booking teachers, and spending hours answering "When is my next lesson?" Switch to a platform like Tutorbase early—before inefficiency costs you revenue and reputation.
Conclusion: What to do next (and how Tutorbase helps you open faster and run smoother)
Starting a tuition centre in Singapore isn't complicated—but it is detail-intensive. The founders who succeed are the ones who treat it like a business first: they model cashflow before signing a lease, they build compliance into the timeline (not as an afterthought), they price for profit (not popularity), and they automate admin before it becomes a bottleneck.
Here's your checklist:
Choose your model (group, 1:1, hybrid, or enrichment) and define your positioning.
Build a financial model that includes rent, payroll, utilisation, ARPU, and break-even enrolment.
Confirm compliance feasibility before you sign a lease—verify URA/HDB use, FSSD approval, and MOE registration triggers.
Set up your tech stack early: Tutorbase handles scheduling, billing, attendance, and student records in one platform so you can focus on teaching and growth.
Follow a 90-day launch plan with clear milestones for setup, hiring, compliance, and marketing.
How Tutorbase helps you open faster and run smoother
Tutorbase is the only all-in-one system built specifically for tutoring and enrichment businesses. You get:
Faster enrolment: Online booking, instant invoicing, and automated payment reminders
Fewer no-shows: SMS and email reminders cut no-shows by up to 50%
Cleaner cashflow: Auto-billing and overdue tracking mean you get paid on time, every time
Less admin pressure: One platform for scheduling, attendance, billing, and reporting—so one admin can manage 100+ students
Multi-centre scalability: Manage multiple locations, set role permissions, and get consolidated reporting without adding headcount
Most of our Singapore customers are live in under 48 hours—setting up classes, pricing, timetables, and online booking before they've even finished fit-out.
Ready to launch? Book a demo or start your free trial at Tutorbase and see how our software turns your tuition centre idea into a scalable, profitable operation.
