Moving to Singapore with school-age children is exciting, but the first big question every parent asks is: “How do we get our child into a local school?” Singapore’s public education system is world-class, yet it’s not automatically open to international students. That’s where the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) comes in. This centralized test is the main gateway for foreign children to join government primary and secondary schools. Understanding it fully can save you months of stress and give your child the best possible start.
What Exactly Is AEIS and Who Needs It?
The AEIS is a standardized entrance examination run by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE). It assesses whether international students have the English and Mathematics skills needed to cope with the local syllabus.
Children who need to sit for AEIS include:
- Holders of Dependant’s Pass, Immigration Exemption Order, or Long-Term Visit Pass
- Children of work-permit holders (in some cases)
- Any foreign child who has never studied in a Singapore local school
Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents do not take AEIS.
When Are the Tests Held?
There are two main cycles every year:
- Primary AEIS (September/October) → Entry the following January
- Secondary AEIS (February) → Entry in March/April (same year)
A smaller Supplementary Admissions Exercise (S-AEIS) is also held in February/March for those who miss the main rounds or want another attempt.
Eligibility and Age Requirements
Age is calculated as of 1 January of the admission year:
- Primary 2 to Primary 5: 7 to 11+ years old
- Secondary 1 to Secondary 3: 12 to 16+ years old
Children outside these age bands usually have to look at international or private schools instead.
The Application Process Step-by-Step
- Check the official MOE website in June/July (for September tests) or November (for February tests)
- Submit the online application with scanned documents (birth certificate, passport, current pass)
- Pay the non-refundable fee (approximately SGD 672–800 depending on level)
- Wait for the candidate entry proof (sent about two weeks before the test)
Tip: Apply as early as possible—places are limited and allocated first-come, first-served.
What’s Actually Tested?
Primary Level (P2–P5)
- English: Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, writing (around 80–100 marks)
- Mathematics: Topics up to fractions, decimals, area/perimeter, simple geometry (50–60 marks)
Secondary Level (Sec 1–Sec 3)
- English: Longer comprehension passages, summary writing, situational writing
- Mathematics: Algebra, ratio, speed, graphs, advanced geometry
The papers are tough and fully aligned with Singapore’s syllabus, which is often one to two years ahead of many international curricula.
How to Prepare Effectively
- Start at least 6–9 months in advance
- Use actual Singapore textbooks (available on Popular Bookstore or OpenSchoolbag websites)
- Work through past-year AEIS/S-AEIS papers (some are released by MOE or sold by tuition centres)
- Consider a specialist AEIS tutor—many centres in Singapore focus only on this exam
- Practise timed conditions at home to build speed and stamina
Parents repeatedly say the biggest mistake is underestimating the English component. Even fluent speakers struggle with the vocabulary and summary questions.
Test Day Essentials
- Venue: Usually at designated MOE centres (e.g., Bartley Secondary or San Yu Adventist School)
- Bring: Entry proof, passport, stationery, water, light snack
- Duration: 2–2.5 hours per paper with a short break
After the Results
Results are emailed within 2–4 weeks. Successful candidates receive a school posting based on vacancies and test scores. You cannot choose the school yourself, though proximity is considered when possible.
If unsuccessful, you can:
- Reapply for S-AEIS
- Appeal (only under exceptional circumstances)
- Enrol in an international school or private candidate route for O-Levels
Costs to Budget For
- Application fee: ~SGD 672–800
- Tuition (if needed): SGD 80–150 per hour
- Textbooks and materials: SGD 200–400
- Possible bridging course if placed mid-year
Final Thoughts: It’s Worth the Effort
Yes, the AEIS journey can feel intense. But clearing it means your child joins one of the best education systems on the planet—free or heavily subsidised tuition, top teachers, and a clear pathway to excellent universities. Thousands of international families go through this every year and come out stronger.
Start planning early, stay calm, and remember: this is an investment in your child’s future that pays dividends for life.
