The Singapore International Choral Festival is open only to amateur choirs. The amateur qualification does not extend to the conductor or accompanist. Choirs may be from conservatories or music academies.

The minimum size of the competing choir is 20 participants, not including the conductor and accompanist(s). Special permission to compete with fewer than 20 singers may be obtained from the organisers, should there be extenuating circumstances that prevent the choir from meeting the minimum requirement.

Individual choir members are not allowed to participate under different choirs in the same category of competition unless written approval is sought from the organisers and the relevant festival fees paid. Choirs cannot compete in 2 categories within the same voicing (i.e. A choir cannot take part in both A1 and A3). Choirs taking part in Category J are not allowed to participate in Categories A or B.

The age limit of the singers must be observed according to category specifications, with age calculated in the year of the competition (in this case, 2026). However, a maximum of 15% of the singers in the competition choir may exceed this limit up to a cap of three (3) years above the age limit of the category, provided a valid reason is submitted to the organisers in writing at the time of application.

There is no age restriction on participants competing in the Open Categories.

The intended competition repertoire using the prescribed form during registration must be submitted in soft copy to the organisers by upon registration to ensure that all requirements are met. Choirs who are performing songs not in English or Latin are to submit a song description/translation in English. There is to be no change in programme or performance order once it has been approved.

For choirs competing in multiple categories, repertoire should not be repeated. Each work may be performed only once (that is, under one category).

While the festival will provide a blanket copyright music cover, choirs are individually responsible for honouring the performance rights of the songs. In light of our commitment to the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the festival no longer requires hardcopy scores to be provided. All scores must be electronically submitted in clear and unmarked original PDF format. The scores should also indicate the necessary license that is purchased for use by the choir. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in disqualification from the competition.

All published choral works may only be sung using original scores. The use of unauthorised/reproduced copies is strictly prohibited and will be subjected to a 5% final score penalty based on jury discretion.

The pure singing time limit for each category does not include time taken for movement on or off stage, between pieces, or applause. In the event that a choir exceeds the time limit, a penalty of 5% of the total mark will be deducted from their final score.

All songs performed for the competition must be performed in the original key in accordance to the score submitted. No transpositions are allowed.

It is a condition of participation that choirs must agree to the photography, recording and broadcast of their participation in the festival by the organisers. Unauthorised video or audio recordings using professional equipment are strictly prohibited, likewise the use of equipment for the amplification of voices or instruments other than the technical setup provided by the organisers.