How to choose a business English course in Singapore

Business English can help you communicate more clearly and confidently at work in Singapore. Many foreign professionals want to improve their English to support their career: applying for jobs, expressing themselves at meetings, or taking on more responsibility.

This guide explains what business English is, where you can learn it, and how to choose the right course for your goals.

What business English is (and is not)

Business English is practical, work-focused English. It helps you write clear emails, speak confidently in formal meetings, give formal presentations, and handle formal calls. However, most conversations in business settings use conversational English, and if you overuse business terms and vocabulary, you don’t sound professional; you sound like someone who is trying too hard.

Business English doesn’t focus much on grammar, and that isn’t the primary focus of a Business English class.

So if you are still struggling with basic grammar and worried that your sentences aren’t in the correct order, it is best to focus on raising your level to a minimum standard first. Business English is not a shortcut. It’s an add-on after you’ve mastered the fundamentals.

• Our basic English course is designed to help you master the basics of English quickly,
• Our English speaking course takes you from pre-intermediate all the way to advanced
• After that comes “business English” or as we call it “English for executives”.

Business English is also different from exam courses like IELTS, TOEIC or WPLN. These exams test specific skills under timed conditions, and the courses serve to help you get as high a score as possible during the test. Business English, on the other hand, is about real communication at work.

Common business English skills include:

• Clear email writing
• Reports and short business documents
• Formal Presentations and Client Communication
• Formal Meetings and Negotiations
• Formal phone and online meeting skills

Who usually takes business English in Singapore

Many learners use business English to become more confident in the Singapore workplace.

Typical learner groups include:

• C-suite level professionals (CEO, CFO, etc.) who have moved to Singapore from abroad and need clearer communication at work
• If you need to write minutes of meetings, memos, contracts and policy papers.
• Managers and young executives, who are required to write many emails to introduce themselves and their companies.

To find out your current English level, you can use CEFR levels (A2, B1, B2, etc.), which describe how well you can use English in everyday communication. If you want a simple explanation of what each level means, you can read our guide to CEFR levels, or take a short placement test.

Knowing your level matters because a course should not be too easy or too difficult — the right level helps you learn faster and stay motivated.

Types of business English courses in Singapore

Short skills workshops

These focus on specific skills. Examples include email writing, business writing and presentation skills. Workshops are useful when you need fast, targeted improvement.

Part-time group business English courses

These run on evenings or weekends. Classes are usually small, which helps learners practise more. This option works well if you want steady progress. Have a look at our business English courses.

Private or small-group coaching

Private (business) English lessons follow your schedule and goals. They offer the fastest improvement because the teacher can focus on your exact needs. The cost is higher due to the level of customisation and because you get full teacher attention.

Corporate / in-company training

Corporate English training programmes are designed for teams. The lessons follow workplace needs and company communication tasks. Typically they are paid for by the employer.

Longer programmes (e.g., diploma)

These offer multi-level pathways. They are mostly intended to prepare non-native English speaking students for further study in Singapore and are often full-time. They are usually not practical for working professionals who work full-time and want to learn how to express themselves more clearly.

What to look for when choosing a course

Your goal

Decide what you need most: writing, speaking, or both. Think about your daily work tasks: emails, meetings, regional communication, or client presentations.

Your current level

CEFR guidance can help. If you are still at a low level (A1 or A2), start with a basic English course before moving to business English. Wonder what level you are? You can take our free online level assessment to find out.

Course format and schedule

Choose between face-to-face and online classes. Consider weeknight or weekend classes. Check class size, because smaller groups give you more speaking time.

Teacher profile

Look for schools that offer CELTA/TESOL-qualified teachers, such as English Express or British Council. It also helps if teachers have experience working with professionals or in corporate settings.

Budget and funding

You may be able to use UTAP or SkillsFuture Credit, depending on your status. These schemes are mainly for Singapore Citizens or certain groups of residents, so they may not apply to you. For official details, you can check the pages for SkillsFuture Credit and UTAP funding. Employer sponsorship is also common, but it may come with strict requirements that affect course choice or flexibility. It is still worth asking HR if they can pay for some or all of your course fees.

Matching course types to common situations

• “I need better emails fast” → a short writing workshop.
• “I must present to clients every week” → a speaking-heavy business English course.
• “I am new to Singapore and struggle in meetings” → a part-time group course.
• “My schedule is tight” → private coaching or online lessons.
• “I want a long-term pathway” → a diploma or structured multi-level programme.

Where to learn business English in Singapore

There are many providers offering business English, including large schools, smaller centres, private tutors and online platforms.

At English Express:

• Classes are small — 8 learners or fewer.
• You can choose small group or private lessons.
• We start with a level assessment to understand your goals and current skills.
• Lessons are learner‑focused, because every professional has a different background and different workplace needs.

You can explore our business English courses or take the level assessment test to get started.

FAQ

Is business English only for advanced learners?

 

What’s next?

You do not need perfect English to succeed at work. Small, steady steps make a big difference.
If you want to understand your level and find the right starting point, you can take a simple level assessment. It is a quick way to see which type of business English course is the best choice for you.