Muslim Religious Schools (MRS)

Information and application guideline.

Last updated on 3 October 2026

About mandatory registration of Muslim Religious Schools (MRS)

Background

The mandatory registration of Muslim Religious Schools (MRS), formerly known as Islamic Education Centres and Providers (IECPs), and religious teachers under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS) has been in place since 2017. Collectively these frameworks ensure that the Singaporean Muslim community has access to credible Islamic education and is safeguarded against deviant or problematic teachings.

Registered MRS must employ ARS-recognised teachers and deliver Islamic curricula that have been verified by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS). ARS-recognised asatizah are guided by a Code of Ethics and must fulfil Continuous Professional Education (CPE) requirements to maintain their recognition.

The framework has seen sustained growth in participation over the years. Between 2017 and 2025, the number of registered MRS/IECPs grew from 303 to 475, while registered religious teachers increased from 4,744 to 5,205. Nevertheless, developments in the religious education landscape have underscored the need to strengthen regulatory oversight, particularly as online religious learning becomes increasingly accessible.

Amendments to the requirements for Muslim Religious Schools

From 2 October 2026, new requirements for Muslim Religious Schools will take effect under the Administration of Muslim Law (Amendment) Act 2024. The amendment introduces a new definition of Muslim Religious Schools.

Definition of Muslim Religious School

A Muslim Religious School (MRS) means any of the following:

(a) any person or organisation that habitually provides Islamic instruction to 10 or more individuals physically present in Singapore;

(b) a place where 10 or more individuals physically present in Singapore are habitually provided with Islamic instruction;

(c) in the case of a correspondence school where Islamic instruction is provided to 10 or more individuals physically present in Singapore — the place or places where the Islamic instruction is prepared or where answers are examined or corrected.

Please note the following:

This definition also applies where Islamic instruction is habitually provided online or remotely through electronic means.
"Teaching habitually" means providing Islamic instruction on a recurring basis to 10 or more students at least once a month.
Islamic Instruction refers to the teaching of Quranic recitation, Quranic literacy, tajwid, fardh ain, or other religious sciences including, but not limited to, aqidah, tafsir, fiqh, and hadith.

Amendments to the AMLA Rules Section 87 introduce new registration requirements for Islamic education providers

Action required

Please note of the following:

Individuals providing religious instruction, or operating as a proprietor, in a manner that meets the definitions of an MRS as stipulated above, are required to register as an MRS with MUIS. Register as an MRS (opens in new tab) or refer to the MRS registration user guide (opens in new tab) for step-by-step instructions on completing the registration.
Existing registered MRS are not required to re-register under the updated framework and may continue operating under their current registration.

Services requiring MRS registration

List of Services

S/N	Services requiring MRS registration
1	Full-time Madrasah
2	Part-time/weekend madrasah
3	Higher Learning Classes offering structured Certificate/Diploma/Degree programmes that cover Islamic instruction
4	Quranic classes, including but not limited to Iqra, Tajwid, Tarannum and Tahfiz
5	Tuition classes that cover Islamic instruction
6	Arabic classes to understand Islamic instruction/content. Excludes communicative Arabic language
7	Student Care Centre that offers Islamic instruction
8	Madrasah Entrance Test Preparatory Classes that offer Islamic instruction
9	Religious Services (Ruqyah, Funeral) that conduct workshops/classes with recitation or memorization of Islamic instruction
10	Online religious classes that offer and teach Islamic instruction
11	Travel agency that offers Manasik Umrah and Hajj

Services not requiring MRS registration

List of services

S/N	Services
1	Personal sharing of religious views with family and friends
2	Islamic services that do not involve teaching, such as practising Ruqyah or performing funeral services or conducting tahnik or tahlil or Qurban or badal umrah
3	Religious online classes that are conducted outside of Singapore

Definition of Home-based and Centre-based MRS

A Home-based MRS conducts classes from residential premises, including the operator's own home or any other private residential property, whether physically or virtually.

A Centre-based MRS conducts classes from a fixed non-residential premises, including a dedicated centre, rented spaces, or any other non-residential address, whether physically or virtually.

Transition period for MRS registration

Individuals or organisations that meet the new definition of an MRS are given a six-month transition period from 2 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 to register with MUIS. During this period, MUIS will provide assistance via clinics and helplines.

Forms and applications

Muslim Religious Schools (MRS) forms and applications

Name of form	Information needed	Estimated submission and processing time	Fees
MRS Registration Form (opens in new tab) (For new registrations)	Curriculum and learning materials List of teachers employed by the MRS MRS must employ only Islamic teachers (asatizah) or Quranic teachers registered under ARS, and ensure that the curriculum, learning materials and teachers comply with the ARS Code of Ethics. For a step-by-step guide, refer to the user guide [PDF, 201.95 KB] (opens in new tab).	Submission: 10-15 minutes Processing: 2 months	N.A
MRS Amendment Form (opens in new tab) (for current registered MRS)	MRS certificate number Updated curriculum and learning materials Updated list of teachers employed by the MRS Venue details	Submission: 5-10 minutes Processing: 2-4 weeks	N.A
MRS Cessation Form (opens in new tab) (For current registered MRS)	MRS certificate number Date of cessation Reason for cessation	Submission: 5-10 minutes Processing: 1-2 weeks	N.A

Additional information

Under Section 87(5) of AMLA, a person must not conduct a Muslim Religious School (MRS) unless it is registered by the Majlis. For more information, please refer to AMLA (Muslim Religious School) Rules (opens in new tab).

Contact us

MUIS is ready to assist you

Clinic sessions

MUIS will be conducting clinic sessions to assist you with the online registration process. To register for a clinic session and view the full schedule and details, complete the Muslim Religious School Registration Clinics form (opens in new tab).

Helpline

If you need further assistance or clarification, please email info@muis.gov.sg or call us at 6359 1199. For our operating hours, please visit our Contact Us page.