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Learn Chinese in Singapore: 70+ Options for Mandarin Classes

Rum Tan | December 4, 2018

If you’re in search of where to learn Mandarin, the good news is that there’s no shortage of Chinese language classes in Singapore.

Unfortunately, that could also spell bad news – the sheer multitude of options will make it difficult for you to narrow your options.

One way of streamlining your search process is knowing exactly what you are looking for.

Ask yourself these questions

What is your purpose of learning Mandarin?

  • Do you prefer a personal tutor or a group setting?
  • Do you want weekly classes or an intensive course?
  • Are you interested in conversational skills or are you preparing for a specific exam like the O Levels?
  • How far are you willing to travel for classes?

Keeping in mind all these considerations, here are some places for you or your child to improve in Mandarin by leaps and bounds.

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For your easy reference, the list below is divided into five different groups: toddlers, preschoolers, students, adults and professionals.

 

For toddlers: Mandarin playgroups

toddler playgroup

Bibinogs

Bibinogs is a specialist bilingual and Chinese language preschool with special pre-nursery programmes, including adult-accompanied ones. Babies as young as six months old can take part in Bilingual Babes which include a Mandarin playtime in the midst of activities that enhance early motor skills and cognitive development.

There are also programmes with a pure Mandarin curriculum where native Chinese teachers establish the basis of Mandarin phonics through fun language activities.

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Additional details:

  • Programmes are held at Serene Centre and King’s Arcade
  • Preschool programmes available

Programmes for toddlers:

  • Little Tots  (18 months to 2.5 years)
  • Panda (18 months to 2.5 years)
  • Mandarin Tots (18 months to 2.5 years)
  • Mandarin Babes (9 to 17 months)
  • Bilingual Tots (18 months to 2.5 years)
  • Bilingual Babes (6 to 17 months)

Chengzhu Mandarin Centre

Chengzhu Mandarin Centre allows parents to join in their child’s learning journey with its adult-accompanied programmes for kids aged six months to three years old.

The PlayNest and PlayClub programmes stimulate the impressionable child’s senses through theme-based activities. They are Chinese lessons for toddlers that are cleverly disguised as exciting playtimes. As they grow older, they can join preschool programmes that introduce them to Chinese arts through songs, music, legends, poems, calligraphy and handicrafts.  This is certainly an excellent place to find a Mandarin tutor for toddlers. 

Additional details:

  • Programmes are held at Rochester Mall
  • Preschool and primary programmes available

Programmes for toddlers:

  • Playnest
  • Playclub

Little Mandarins

Little Mandarins takes in local and international learners as young as 18 months old and throws in learning Chinese in the midst of music, games, and arts and crafts.

Parents can join in the highly interactive Mum & Tots classes while kindergarten-aged kids can go solo in the high-energy Playlessons. Higher-level classes structured towards reading, writing, conversations and Hanyu Pinyin are accessible to older students up to the age of 16.

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Additional details:

  • Programmes are held at Block 71, Loewen Road
  • Preschool and primary programmes available

Programmes for toddlers:

  • Mums & Tots

Other notable programmes:

For preschoolers: Mandarin enrichment classes

Beijing Language School

Beijing Language School develops the potential of young ones to confidently express themselves in Mandarin.

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Programmes for nursery and kindergarten students are conducted by teachers with an Early Childhood degree. Kids start from the basics of how to hold a pencil and move on to nursery rhymes, brush strokes, vocabulary, punctuation and such, all within a “play-and-learn” approach.

Additional details:

  • Programmes are held in Tampines, Pasir Ris, Sengkang, Punggol, Rivervale and Waterway Point
  • Primary and secondary programmes available

Programmes for preschoolers:

  • N1 & N2
  • K1 & K2

Berries World of Learning

Berries World of Learning is an immensely popular choice for parents who’d like their kids to have a strong foundation in Mandarin. The nursery and kindergarten programmes are shaped to enhance the child’s basic knowledge in the language.

Storytelling, game sessions and hands-on projects are incorporated into lessons so that young learners pick up valuable skills and retain interest in Mandarin within a fun environment.

Additional details:

  • Programmes are held in various locations including Bishan, Yishun, Tampines and Jurong
  • Primary programmes available

Programmes for preschoolers:

  • N1 – First Bite
  • N2 – Little Chinese
  • K1 – Chinese Enrichment
  • K2–P1 Chinese Preparatory

Eduplus Language Centre

Eduplus Language Centre is constantly evolving and improving the methods of delivering Chinese language education to today’s young learners.

Preschool students begin their learning Chinese journey with listening and reading, recognising words and forming their own sentences. They can continue their progression into their primary and secondary school years with lessons oriented towards academic excellence.

Additional details:

  • Programmes are held in Thomson V-One, Ulu Pandan Community Building and Block 507, Bishan Street 11
  • Primary and secondary programmes available

Programmes for preschoolers:

  • Oral Expression Course
  • Oral Sentence Making & Oratory Summarize Course
  • Han Yu Pin Yin Characters Recognising Course

Joy Little Schoolhouse

Joy Little Schoolhouse is a Mandarin immersion preschool ideal for parents who are looking for a childcare service with a predominantly-Mandarin programme. Their before- and after-school student care allow kids to spend their time productively by completing their homework, playing outdoors and going through a one-hour Mandarin Enrichment Lesson.

The premises include a theme playroom, an indoor gym, a garden and an outdoor playground.

Additional details:

  • Programmes are held at Sin Ming Lane
  • Playgroup programme available

Programmes available:

  • Jolly Tots (Nursery 1 & 2)
  • Jolly Kids (K1 & K2)
  • Before School Student Care
  • After School Student Care

Other notable programmes:

For students: Academic-oriented Mandarin classes or tuition

student learning

Chinese Bridge Language School

Chinese Bridge Language School aims to cultivate critical thinkers while nurturing achievers. The primary and secondary school classes are in-line or a step ahead of the lessons in schools, enabling students to better understand every chapter. At the very least, students will be ever-ready for upcoming exams but beyond that, their thinking skills and general knowledge will be heightened too.

Additional details:

  • Group lessons
  • Lessons are held in Marine Parade or Jurong East
  • Preschool programmes available

Programmes available for students:

  • Primary Classes
  • Secondary Classes
  • Oral & Composition Classes
  • Comprehension & Composition Classes

Chinese First

Chinese First is a tuition centre for primary school students, including those gearing up for the PSLE. Offering a different learning experience than in schools, the lessons give autonomy to the learner and they go beyond drilling concepts and lower-order thinking skills. Students are offered structured feedback and they work towards achieving bite-sized milestones that round up to big goals.

Additional details:

  • Small group lessons
  • Lessons are held at United House

Programmes available for students:

  • Lower Primary Tuition
  • PSLE Academic Tuition

SmileTutor

SmileTutor is a home tuition agency that will match students with qualified tutors. Their huge base of active home tutors covers every subject, including Chinese and Higher Chinese, across multiple levels up to Junior College. After placing a request for a tutor, parents will receive tutor recommendations within 24 hours from which they will make a selection.

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Additional details:

  • Private lessons
  • Lessons are held at home

Programmes available for students:

  • Home tutoring

Confucius Mandarin

Confucius Mandarin, which caters to primary, secondary and JC students, is highly in line with the latest MOE syllabus. They employ former teachers and assessment book authors who are able to maximise the academic scores of their students.

On top of tuition and creative writing classes, there are intensive crash courses for PSLE, O Levels and A Levels that expose students to different question types and answering techniques.


Additional details:

  • Group lessons
  • Lessons are held in multiple locations across Singapore such as Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Jurong and Hougang
  • Preschool programmes available

Programmes available for students:

  • Chinese or Higher Chinese Tuition
  • Creative Writing Classes
  • H1 Chinese Language Tuition
  • H2 Chinese Language Tuition
  • PSLE Crash Course
  • O Level Crash Course
  • A Level Crash Course

Han Language Centre

Han Language Centre supplements a student’s school education with Chinese language classes that are aligned with MOE’s syllabus. Apart from honing the necessary skills needed to ace examinations, teachers will groom media literacy and get students in touch with current affairs. Chinese cultural elements are added to classes and can be further appreciated through cultural programmes that feature Chinese calligraphy and tea appreciation.

Additional details:

  • Group lessons
  • Lessons are held in multiple locations across Singapore such as Kovan, Hougang, Khatib, Queenstown and Clementi
  • Pre-primary programmes available

Programmes available for students:

  • Primary Level Chinese Language Classes
  • Secondary Level Chinese Language Classes
  • Performing Arts Appreciation Classes
  • Holiday Programmes

Hua Language Centre

Hua Language Centre knows that exam results are important, but they do not compromise a student’s interest in the language along the academic journey. This means that participants will study smart by learning the analytical skills needed to tackle exam questions rather than be drilled incessantly with dry knowledge.

Primary school lessons are administered with the aid of animated powerpoints, graphics and mnemonics, while secondary school lessons are laden with discussions and exam strategies.

Additional details:

  • Group lessons
  • Lessons are held in Causeway Point, United Square, Greenwich V and Parkway Parade
  • Playgroup and preschool programmes available

Programmes available for students:

  • Primary Enrichment Chinese Programme
  • Primary Special Focus Programme
  • Secondary Enrichment Chinese Programme
  • Secondary Special Focus Programme
  • Holiday Camps
  • Holiday Workshops

Jiang Education Centre

Jiang Education Centre delivers the boost needed for students in schools. Those about to sit for an upcoming O Level exam can join a targeted intensive course that covers oral, reading and writing skills, while students on holiday can enhance their Mandarin with lessons relating to real-life situations. The centre’s expertise in teaching Mandarin is demonstrated by the consulting services they offer to other schools that provide Mandarin tuition or enrichment classes.

Additional details:

  • Group lessons
  • Lessons are held in Fu Lu Shou Complex, Parkway Centre, Ang Mo Kio and Bukit Timah Shopping Centre

Programmes available for students:

  • Chinese Classes for Kids
  • O Level Chinese Classes
  • Chinese Oral Enrichment Classes
  • Chinese Holiday Class

Linda Mandarin

Linda Mandarin is a language school with an accredited Chinese course syllabus taught by native Mandarin teachers who are bilingual and professionally-trained. Local primary school students can enrol for lessons tailored to the MOE curriculum while international students will go through a course based on the TCSL (Teaching Chinese as a Second Language) syllabus.

Exciting holiday programmes in Singapore and in China are also open for students to further their education while on school breaks.

Additional details:

  • Private or group lessons
  • Teachers are either certified by MOE/NIE or have a degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (TCFL)
  • Parent-teacher meetings are held each term
  • Lessons are held at Hengda Building or Jurong Gateway Road
  • Adult and business programmes available

Programmes available for students:

  • Kids Private Course
  • International Kids Class
  • Local Kids Class
  • Holiday Program in Singapore
  • Holiday Program in China
  • IB/ IGCSE Chinese Classes

Other Programmes:

Programmes for Special Academic Tracks:

While most students in Singapore go through the national examinations (such as PSLE and O Levels), there are those on a journey towards a different or an additional accreditation.

The most common one that is specifically related to Chinese language competency is Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK), China’s official standardised test and the only internationally recognised certification by China. Students who are eyeing scholarships in top Chinese universities and work opportunities with Chinese companies have an advantage with HSK certification, which is why they sign up for HSK tuition and preparation courses.

Programmes for HSK:

Students on the International Baccalaureate (IB) track can also find Mandarin classes related to their school curriculum.

Programmes for IB:

For adults: Part-time or full-time courses to learn Mandarin

adult studying

HUA JIE Language Programme

HUA JIE Language Programme has developed a concept called Learn Mandarin Fast which is designed for new students to learn Mandarin in Singapore as quickly as possible. This 30-hour programme purportedly enables participants to grasp the basics of Mandarin 30% faster than any other programme out there. Those wondering how to learn Chinese fast can find out here.

They also zoom into what’s important in terms of Mandarin usage for individual learners – whether it’s for business, travel, or leisure – to allow effective communication with Chinese speakers.

Additional details

  • Private, mini group (2-3 participants) or small group (4-7 participants) lessons
  • Lessons are held at International Plaza
  • Business and academic programmes available

Programmes available for adults:

  • Chinese Beginner Courses
  • Chinese Intermediate Courses
  • Chinese Advanced Courses
  • Reading and Writing Chinese Characters

Linda Mandarin

Linda Mandarin has a wide array of Chinese classes for adults, some focusing solely on conversational skills while others are more well-rounded. On top of interactive classes with a course book and workbook, learners are provided with resources such as video and audio lessons.

Additional details:

  • Private or group lessons with 4-6/8 students
  • Some courses are eligible with SkillsFuture Credit
  • Group classes are held at Hengda Building or Jurong Gateway Road
  • Academic and business programmes are available

Programmes available for adults:

  • Private Mandarin Class
  • Beginner 1 Group Class
  • Beginner 2 Group Class
  • Intermediate Class
  • Intensive Mandarin Course

Elite Linguistic Network

Elite Linguistic Network provides Chinese classes that are relevant and practical, delivering them in a lively classroom setting. The beginner, intermediate and advanced courses are further broken down to multiple terms for solid progression. There’s also an Experiential Learning Programme where participants can learn Chinese every week for three months while sipping tea at Tea Chapter.  

Additional details:

  • Private and group lessons with 4-8 students
  • Group lessons are held in Bugis, Jurong East or Tea Chapter

Programmes available for adults:

  • Chinese Beginner Term 1-4
  • Chinese Intermediate Term 1-4
  • Chinese Intermediate Term 1-2
  • Experiential Learning Programme at Tea Chapter

Kirin Mandarin

Kirin Mandarin has a course specifically for conversational Chinese that is broken down to four levels depending on the learner’s background. Adults short on time can also dive quickly into the language with a part-time crash course that does away with boring academic-style learning. Kirin Mandarin employs highly-experienced native experts who are certified in language training to ensure fruitful lessons.

Additional details:

  • Private and group lessons
  • Customised courses can be provided
  • Group lessons are held at home or in Paya Lebar Square
  • Children and business programmes are available

Programmes available for adults:

  • Conversational Chinese
  • Chinese Crash Course
  • Customised Chinese Course

Yi Mandarin

Yi Mandarin’s Conversational Mandarin Course is unique because it is specific to the Singapore context, enabling both non-Chinese Singaporeans or foreigners to feel at ease around Chinese-speakers, be it the hawker uncle, a taxi driver or a Singaporean friend. The six levels of spoken Mandarin classes do not bore participants with the nitty gritty; instead, they jump in and learn to speak Mandarin confidently and correctly in order to be understood.

Additional details:

  • Group lessons
  • A free trial class is available
  • Courses are eligible with SkillsFuture Credit
  • Classes are held at United House
  • Academic and business programmes are available

Programmes available for adults:

  • Conversational Chinese

Han Hai Language Studio

Han Hai Language Studio has courses structured in accordance to different HSK levels. Earlier levels teach real-life conversational skills and Chinese phonetics while more advanced levels place an emphasis on reading and writing Chinese characters. Participants conclude each level with an exam or presentation before transitioning seamlessly to the next stage.

Additional details:

  • Private and group lessons capped at six students
  • Group lessons are held at United House
  • Children and business programmes are available

Programmes available for adults:

  • Beginner (3 levels)
  • Elementary (4 levels)
  • Intermediate (4 levels)
  • Pre-advanced (4 levels)
  • Advanced (4 levels)

Inlingua School of Languages

Inlingua School of Languages is a well-established school offering not just courses in Chinese but also in over ten languages including English, French, Korean, Vietnamese and Spanish.

Adults can further their education with full-time or part-time courses taught by trained native speakers. There are even virtual classrooms for those who require more flexibility in timings and locations while learning conversational Mandarin

Additional details:

  • Private and group lessons
  • Lessons are held along Cuppage Road in Orchard

Programmes available for adults:

  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Individual
  • Virtual Classroom

Nanyang Technological University

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) offers Adult Chinese Learning Programme for those with a deep interest in Chinese culture on top of Chinese language. They have an 18-hour course tailored to adults who can converse in Mandarin but would like to familiarise themselves with the Chinese phonetic, as well as an intensive programme broken down to basic, intermediate and advanced levels. Students will be awarded a certificate after completing the courses successfully.

Additional details:

  • Classes are held on weekdays or weekends
  • Discounts for NTU staff, student or alumni as well as seniors
  • Courses are eligible with SkillsFuture Credit
  • Lessons are held in NTU

Programmes available for adults:

  • Introduction to Chinese Phonetics (Hanyu Pinyin)
  • Daily Chinese – HSK Programme

Other programmes:

For professionals: Business or corporate classes

professional studying

Elite Linguistic Network

Elite Linguistic Network can organise fully-customised business Mandarin courses for workers within the same company. The knowledge gained can be applied to work, such as liaising with foreign colleagues or clients, or for a staff’s personal development.

A one- or two-day workshop covering Chinese business culture and issues pertinent to a specific company can also be arranged.

Additional details

  • Lessons are held in client’s office
  • SMEs can qualify for a grant according to the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) scheme
  • Adult Mandarin programmes are available

Programmes available for professionals:

  • Corporate Class
  • Chinese Culture Business Course

Han Hai Language Studio

Han Hai Language Studio deserves to be recognised as a leading provider of corporate training in Chinese-related courses as they have catered to learners from brands like Google and Apple, as well as other prestigious global companies.

Professionals can enrol in a general business course or receive a first-class training that is adapted to their specific industry needs.

Additional details:

  • Flexible schedule and venue

Programmes available for professionals:

  • Beginners’ Conversational Chinese (Level 1 to Level 3)
  • General Business Chinese
  • Business Chinese for Fund Managers
  • Business Chinese for Investment Bankers
  • Business Chinese for Private Bankers
  • Business Chinese for Research Analysts
  • Business Chinese for Accounting and Auditing Professionals
  • Business Chinese for Legal Professionals

Nanyang Technological University

NTU partners with Confucius Institute to deliver a Business Chinese Programme that incorporates workplace themes and practical work-related scenarios. It is divided into three courses: Listening & Speaking, Reading & Writing, and Comprehensive.

On top of learning various language skills within an interactive setting, learners can take the opportunity to network with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Additional details:

  • Group lessons
  • Part-time basis (either weekday evenings or weekends)
  • Lessons are held at NTU
  • Programme is eligible with SkillsFuture Credit and other fee support that can lead up to a 90% subsidy on course fees

Programmes available for professionals:

  • Business Chinese Programme

Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business

Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business has a comprehensive range of Chinese language programmes for professionals. The business Mandarin courses are tailored to jobs within various industries, be it IT, banking, finance or accounting.

Individuals who wish to tap on China’s burgeoning economy can arm themselves with the International Business Mandarin Programme which leads up to an internationally recognised certification.

Additional details:

  • Group lessons
  • Lessons are held at Peninsula Plaza or Trade Association Hub
  • Some courses are eligible with SkillsFuture Credit
  • Other Chinese language programmes are available

Programmes available for professionals:

  • Business Mandarin for Managers & Executives
  • Business Mandarin for IT Professionals
  • Business Mandarin Specialising in Finance & Accounting Terms
  • Business Mandarin for Banking Professionals

Yi Mandarin

Yi Mandarin does not offer a mind-boggling array of programmes like some other centres. Instead, they choose to specialise in some, such as the Business Chinese course and the Professional Chinese course.

The former serves to grow industry-specific vocabulary and joins it with knowledge on how businesses are conducted in China, while the latter can catapult a professional to be a top candidate as a liaison with Chinese-speaking customers.

Additional details:

  • Private and group lessons
  • Group lessons are held at United House
  • Business Chinese course is eligible with SkillsFuture Credit
  • Academic tuition and conversational Chinese courses are available

Programmes available for professionals:

  • Business Chinese
  • Professional Chinese

Other programmes:

The range of Mandarin classes Singapore has is wonderfully diverse. With this comprehensive list of Chinese language schools in Singapore, you should be able to find a Mandarin course that best suits your needs. All the best with your efforts to learn Chinese in Singapore!

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Rum Tan

Rum Tan is the founder of SmileTutor and he believes that every child deserves a smile. Motivated by this belief and passion, he works hard day & night with his team to maintain the most trustworthy source of home tutors in Singapore. In his free time, he writes articles hoping to educate, enlighten, and empower parents, students, and tutors. You may try out his free home tutoring services via smiletutor.sg or by calling 6266 4475 directly today.