English course in Singapore for foreigners
Berlitz Singapore runs English classes for foreigners living, working or studying in Singapore, from complete beginner to advanced. Classes are private or semi-private and taught entirely in English by trained, native-speaking teachers, so you speak from the first lesson instead of translating. Learn at our Orchard Road centre or switch to live online lessons when you need to.
Who our English course for foreigners is for
You don’t need any English to start, and you don’t need to share a language with your teacher. The Berlitz Method works in English only, which is why it works for every first language. We place you by level after a short assessment, so a beginner and an intermediate speaker each get the right pace.
Basic English course for foreigners
For adults starting from zero or close to it. Greetings, numbers, directions, shopping, food, transport, simple questions and answers. Your teacher uses pictures, gestures and context instead of translation, and you leave the first lesson with sentences you can use the same day.
Study English in Singapore as an international student
For students at a Singapore university, polytechnic or private school, and for students here on a short stay. Build the speaking, listening and academic English you need for lectures, group work and daily life, or use it as a bridge before an IELTS course.
English for work
For Employment Pass, S Pass and work permit holders who understand English but hesitate to speak it. Meetings, emails, presentations, phone calls, small talk with clients. Lessons are built around your job, not a generic textbook.
English for daily life
For new arrivals, spouses and dependants settling in. Clinics, banks, schools, HDB and condo life, talking to neighbours and colleagues. Flexible daytime slots and a teacher who corrects you kindly and often.
English when your first language is very different
Pronunciation, sentence structure and listening are the usual sticking points for speakers of Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and other Asian languages. We work on those directly, in English, with a teacher trained to hear where the interference is.
You get by, but want to sound natural
For learners who can hold a conversation but hesitate, translate in their head or get lost when native speakers talk fast. Fluency, accuracy, vocabulary and pronunciation for work and social situations.
What you learn in our English classes
Every lesson has a stated goal at the start, so you know what you’re practising and why. Content is set by your level and what you need English for.
- Speaking from lesson one. You spend most of each lesson speaking, through role plays, conversation and tasks, not copying from a board.
- Pronunciation and clarity. Sounds, stress and rhythm that make you easier to understand, corrected early before habits set in.
- Listening. Understanding native speakers at normal speed, including the Singapore and international accents you’ll hear at work and school.
- Everyday conversation. Shops, clinics, transport, housing, socialising, small talk.
- Workplace and academic English. Meetings, presentations, email, phone and video calls, class discussions, giving updates.
- Grammar in use. Taught inside real sentences you’ll actually say, not as separate rules to memorise.
- Reading and writing. Emails, forms, messages and documents, as far as your goals need.
- Progress you can see. Progress reviews and a level test before you move up, with a certificate on completing each level.
Not sure which level or format is right? Ask us.
Tell us a little about yourself and a Program Advisor will call you back within one working day for a short placement chat, then recommend a level, a package and available slots. No commitment.
Why foreigners choose Berlitz for an English course in Singapore
The Berlitz Method has been taught in the target language only since 1878. No translation, no shared language required. You learn to think in English instead of translating in your head.
Every teacher is trained in the Berlitz Method and used to working with adults from every language background.
You get the teacher’s full attention, so every sentence you say gets corrected. Semi-private lets you learn with a partner, classmate or colleague at a lower per-person price.
Classes run Monday to Friday 8:30am–9:15pm, Saturday 8:30am–5:30pm and Sunday morning. Change your schedule week to week, and switch to live online lessons when you travel.
Needs assessment, orientation, progress reviews, a test before each level, and a certificate when you complete one.
Berlitz has taught languages since 1878, with more than 500 language centres worldwide. The Singapore centre is at Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road.
Class format and schedule
Levels run from basic to advanced; you start with a placement assessment and move up after a level test. Already speak English and want to focus on fluency? See our English speaking course. Want a language other than English? Berlitz Singapore teaches 13 languages. See all language courses.
Ready to enrol? Choose a package.
Fees for our English classes for foreigners cover a full programme, not a term. Registration and digital course materials are included; hard-copy materials are S$100 extra. Returning Berlitz students should speak with a Program Advisor about the re-enrolment discount. Instalment payment is available for private students enrolling in 80 lessons or more.
20 Lessons
- One-to-one with a native-speaking teacher
- Registration fee (S$200) included
- Digital materials included
- Switch to online any time
40 Lessons
- Everything in Private 20 Lessons
- Lower price per lesson
- Continuity with the same teacher
20 Lessons
- Two students, one teacher
- Registration fee (S$100) included
- Digital materials included
- Both students join at the same level
40 Lessons
- Everything in Semi-private 20 Lessons
- Lowest price per lesson
- Continuity with the same teacher
How enrolment works
-
Pick a package above. Your choice is carried into the order summary.
-
Tap Buy now. You go straight to Berlitz’s secure Shopify checkout with the package preloaded — no cart step.
-
We call to schedule. A Program Advisor confirms your level with a short assessment and books your first lesson.
Payment
Order summary
Buy now — go to secure checkout
Buy with shopPay
English classes for foreigners in Singapore: common questions
I have almost no English. Is there a basic English course for me?
Yes. The course starts from complete beginner. Your first lessons are built from simple, useful language you can use the same day, and your teacher uses gestures, pictures and context instead of translation.
Is the class only for foreigners?
No. Anyone can join. The course is built for adults whose first language isn’t English, but Singaporeans who want to speak more confidently are welcome too.
Do you teach in Mandarin, Japanese or my first language?
No. Lessons are in English only, which is the Berlitz Method. It feels unusual in the first lesson and normal by the third. It’s also why the method works for every first language.
Can international students join? Does the course come with a Student’s Pass?
International students already in Singapore on a Student’s Pass, or visiting on a short-term pass, can join any package. Our courses are private tuition and do not come with a Student’s Pass. Speak with a Program Advisor if you need a receipt or attendance letter for your school.
Can I join on a work pass or Dependant’s Pass?
Yes. There is no pass requirement to enrol. If you need a letter or receipt for your employer, ask your Program Advisor.
How long until I can speak confidently?
It depends on your starting level and how often you have lessons. After your placement assessment, your Program Advisor will recommend a number of lessons for the level you want to reach. Most students find 40 lessons is the right size for a full level.
Are the lessons SkillsFuture-eligible?
No. Berlitz Singapore courses are not SkillsFuture-claimable. Some employers do cover language training; ask your HR.
Can I do lessons online instead?
Yes. Every package can be taken in person at Orchard Road or online via live video, and you can switch between the two.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. You receive a Berlitz certificate on completing each level.
Is this the same as an IELTS course?
No. This course builds speaking, listening and everyday English. If you need a band score, see our IELTS preparation course. Many students do this course first, then IELTS.
Have a different question? Request a call back, see our IELTS preparation course, or call +65 6733 7472.
Start your English course for foreigners in Singapore.