Dear Parents
Welcome to Singapore. We know that you’ve a lot of important things on your mind right now. And enrolling your children in a Singapore Public School for their Primary or Secondary education is one of them.
So, we’d like to help you, by providing clear advice on how to do this.
Your Child needs to sit the AEIS, to get into a Singapore Public School
Before you can enroll your children in a Government School in Singapore, your child must first sit a test, called the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS).
The test is for all International Students 7 years of age and older for entry into School from Primary 2 – 5 and Secondary 1- 3.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) sets the test, and the two key subjects, which are tested; are English and Mathematics. Your child must have a working knowledge of both.
There are no exceptions. Every International Student sits the same test. Therefore, if you want your child to receive the benefits from one of the best education systems in the world, in order to give them huge advantage in life, then it’s worth the effort to get them prepared, for this test.
Why You Should Enrol your Children
The education your child will receive in a Singapore Public School is equal to that provided by the best schools in the world. Singapore’s schools have rightly earned the reputation for excellence, producing highly skilled professionals in every field. You won’t be disappointed.
When your children are enrolled one of the schools, you can be confident that, what they’re learning is not only of the high standard, but also meets the MOE guidelines, and therefore makes the transition to further study at university so much easier, for them.
This may not be the case at a private non-Government Schools, because you can’t be absolutely sure that curriculum being taught complies with MOE guidelines, and besides they’re way more expensive than a public school.
You can’t beat Singaporean public schools for quality and price. They’re outstanding value.
What’s more, your kids will have a fabulous time mixing not only with International Students but more importantly, befriending Singaporean national students. The friendships they form will pay big rewards toward their development.
How We Help You.
As you can see there’s quite a bit for you to do. But the most important part is to ensure your children are test ready. This is where we can help you the most.
We can connect you with our qualified tutors, if you feel your child needs individual help. And with our selected AEIS Preparatory Schools, for group classes.
We’ve been helping parents just like you, place their children into public schools for many years. With our expertise and in-depth knowledge of Singapore’s Education System we’ll be able to advise on the necessary preperation to help your children gain enrolment too, so that they can succeed in a highly competitive world.
What Is AEIS?
AEIS stands for Admissions Exercise for International Students. It is a centralized admissions exercise conducted by the Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore every September/October for new international students who wish to seek admission into Primary 2–5 and Secondary 1–3 levels in January of the following academic year.
Who Can Take The Test?
International students between the ages of 7 to 17 who wish to be admitted into Primary 2 to Primary 5, and Secondary 1 to Secondary 3 are eligible to take the AEIS or S-AEIS. Note: There is no admission to Primary 6 and Secondary 4 levels as these are critical years, when the PSLE (Primary School Leaving Certificate) and GCE “O” Levels exams are being conducted. Only international students who are not Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residence are eligible.
AEIS 2018 Test Dates
The next AEIS 2018 test has been tentatively scheduled on 19th, 20th and 21st September 2018. Registration will be opened from July 2018. Exact date of registration is not known so please check back in July again for updated information here. Registration shall be on MOE, Singapore website. We shall provide the link to register once registration is opened in July.
When Is AEIS Conducted
| Date of AEIS Test | Level | Application Period |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Sep 2018 | Sec 1 – 3 | 4 Jul – 24 Aug 2018 |
| 20 Sep 2018 | Pri 4 – 5 | 4 Jul – 24 Aug 2018 |
| 21 Sep 2018 | Pri 2 – 3 | 4 Jul – 24 Aug 2018 |
Test Timetable
| Mathematics | English | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Level | Start Time | Duration | Start Time | Duration |
| 19 Sep 2018 | Sec 1 | 09:00 | 2 hr 15 min | 14:30 | 2 hr 10 min |
| Sec 2 | 09:00 | 2 hr 15 min | 14:30 | 2 hr 10 min | |
| Sec 3 | 09:00 | 2 hr 15 min | 14:30 | 2 hr 10 min | |
| 20 Sep 2018 | Pri 4 / 5 | 09:00 | 2 hr 20 min | 14:30 | 2 hr |
| 21 Sep 2018 | Pri 2 / 3 | 09:00 | 1 hr 50 min | 14:30 | 1 hr |
Age Eligibility
Primary School
There are 2 tests for Primary level: one test for Primary 2/3 (P2 / P3) admission and another for Primary 4/5 (P4 / P5) admission. The test level you should sit for depends on your age, as shown in below table:
| Age as at 1st January of the Year of Admission | Appropriate Test | Content Level Tested | Possible Level / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 to 7+ | P2 / P3 | P1 / P2 | P2 or P1 or unsuccessful |
| 8 to 8+ | P2 / P3 | P1 / P2 | P3 or P2 or P1 or unsuccessful |
| 9 to 9+ | P4 / P5 | P3 / P4 | P4 or P3 or P2 or unsuccessful |
| 10 to 10+ | P4 / P5 | P3 / P4 | P5 or P4 or P3 or unsuccessful |
| 11 to 11+ | P4 / P5 | P3 / P4 | P5 or P4 or unsuccessful |
| 12 to 12+ | P4 / P5 | P3 / P4 | P5 or unsuccessful |
To help you to understand how the placement is done for successful applicants, for instance, applicants who are 9 to 9+ who sit for the P3 / P4 test may be placed to Primary 4, Primary 3, Primary 2, or be found unsuccessful, depending on their performance in the tests and their age. MOE does not recommend admission to levels where international students will be more than two years older than their classmates.
Secondary School
Applicants seeking admission to secondary schools can choose to sit for the Secondary 1, the Secondary 2 or the Secondary 3 test. The permissible age range is shown below:
| Level | Permissible Age Range (as at 1st January of the Year of Admission) | Content Level Tested | Possible Level / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sec 1 | 12 to 14+ years old | Pri 6 | Sec 1 or unsuccessful |
| Sec 2 | 13 to 15+ years old | Sec 1 | Sec 2 or unsuccessful |
| Sec 3 | 14 to 16+ years old | Sec 2 | Sec 3 or unsuccessful |
MOE does not recommend admission to levels where international students will be more than two years older than their classmates.
Test Format
Students sitting for AEIS will be tested in English and Mathematics. The questions, set only in the English language, will determine the applicants’ English literacy, numeracy and reasoning abilities. Those who pass the test will be offered places in suitable schools, based on availability of school vacancies, their test performances and intended residential areas in Singapore.
Primary 2/3 English Test
The AEIS Primary 2/3 English test comprises 34 Multiple-Choice Questions on Comprehension and Language Use. Applicants will be given 1 hour to complete. There will be:
- Comprehension (two passages) – 6 items
- Comprehension Cloze (two passages) – 10 items
- Vocabulary – 5 items
- Grammar – 5 items
- Spelling – 8 items
Primary 2/3 Mathematics
The AEIS Primary 2/3 Mathematics test comprises two parts. Applicants will be given 30 minutes to complete Part 1 and 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete Part 2. The use of calculators is not allowed.
| Section | Format | Number of Items |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Multiple-choice questions | 34 items |
| Part 2 | Short-answer questions | 34 items |
For short-answer questions, applicants have to show the method of solution (working steps) clearly and write the answer in the space provided.
Primary 4/5 English
The AEIS Primary 4/5 English test comprises two parts. Applicants will be given 2 hours to complete Part 1 and Part 2. The paper is taken in a single sitting.
| Section | Format |
|---|---|
| Part 1 | Writing Two topics are set, one of which comes with a picture. Applicants choose one topic and write a composition of at least 100 words on it. |
| Part 2 | Comprehension and language use 50 compulsory multiple-choice questions Comprehension (based on two passages) – 10 items Comprehension cloze (based on two passages) – 12 items Vocabulary – 14 items Grammar – 14 items |
Primary 4/5 Mathematics
The AEIS Primary 4/5 Mathematics test comprises two parts. Applicants will be given 40 minutes to complete Part 1, and 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete Part 2. The use of calculators is not allowed.
| Section | Format | Number of Items |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Multiple-choice questions | 36 items |
| Part 2 | Short-answer questions | 16 items |
| Open-ended questions | 12 items |
For short-answer questions, applicants have to show the method of solution (working steps) clearly and write the answer in the space provided.
Open-ended questions generally require longer and/or more complex method of solution. For such questions, applicants have to show the method of solution (working steps) clearly and write the answer in the space provided.
Secondary English
The AEIS Secondary English test comprises two parts. Applicants will be given 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete Part 1 and Part 2. The paper is taken in a single sitting.
| Section | Format |
|---|---|
| Part 1 | WritingTwo topics are set for Sec 1, and four topics are set for Sec 2 and Sec 3. Applicants choose one topic and write a composition on it. Applicants sitting for Sec 1 will write 200 – 300 words. Applicants sitting for Sec 2 will write 250 – 350 words. Applicants sitting for Sec 3 will write 300 – 400 words. |
| Part 2 | Comprehension and language use 50 compulsory multiple-choice questions Comprehension (based on two passages) – 15 items Comprehension cloze (based on two passages) – 15 items Vocabulary – 10 items Grammar – 10 items |
Secondary Mathematics
The AEIS Secondary Mathematics test papers comprise two parts. Applicants will be given 30 minutes to complete Part 1, and 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete Part 2. The use of calculators is not allowed.
| Section | Format | Number of Items |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Multiple-choice questions | 34 items |
| Part 2 | Short-answer questions | 20 items |
| Open-ended questions | 10 to 15 items |
For short-answer questions, applicants have to show the method of solution (working steps) clearly and write the answer in the space provided.
Open-ended questions generally require longer and/or more complex method of solution. For open-ended questions, applicants have to show the method of solution (working steps) clearly and write the answer in the space provided.
Key Events & Dates For 2018 AEIS
International students can apply from July 2018 onwards to take part in AEIS and sit for the centralised test appropriate for their age cohorts. Please return to the site for exact dates. We shall update the information once MOE, Singapore makes it available. Registration for the test date will close when all available places for that test date are taken up. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to register early, make payment and submit the required supporting documents within one week of their online application.
| Date | Event | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Jul – 24 Aug 2018 | Application for AEIStest | Online application, payment and e-mail of supporting documents to SEAB_AS@seab.gov.sg |
| By 6 Sep 2018 | Receive entry proof for AEIS test | |
| 19 Sep 2018 | Conduct of AEIS test (Sec 1 – 3) | In person |
| 20 Sep 2018 | Conduct of AEIS test (Pri 4 – 5) | In person |
| 21 Sep 2018 | Conduct of AEIS test (Pri 2 – 3) | In person |
| 14 Dec 2018 | Release of school offers (Pri 2 – 5 and Sec 2 – 3) | Online |
| 17 Dec – 31 Dec 2018 | International students to report to school (Pri 2 – 5 and Sec 2 – 3) | In person |
| 20 Dec 2018 | Release of school offers (Sec 1) | Online |
| 21 Dec 2018 – 4 Jan 2019 | International students to report to school (Sec 1) | In person |
How To Apply For AEIS
You may complete the AEIS Online Application form here. In the event that the page reads that registration for the current year is closed, you may try again at a later time in July or December.
Documents Required
Applicants are required to have a photocopy of the following supporting documents:
- Applicant:
- Birth Certificate
- Data Page of Passport
- Deed Poll (if any)
- Dependant’s Pass (if any)
- Immigration Exemption Order (if any)
- Student’s Pass (if any)
- Applicant’s Parents:
- Data Page of Passport
- Deed Poll (if any)
- Singapore NRIC (if any)
- Re-entry Permit (if any)
- Work Pass (if any)
Test Fees
The AEIS fee is S$672.00 (inclusive of GST). This fee is strictly non-refundable so consider carefully applicant’s availability for the test before applying.
The fee is to be paid to Singapore Examinations And Assessment Board by Credit Card/eNETS, Cheque/Bank Draft, Cash or NETS. At point of registration where you are not clear on payment mode, you may contact us. We shall point you to the payment instruction page on MOE website. Please note that this website does not collect any AEIS test fee. AEIS.sg will not request payment from you at any time at all.
School Offer
Applicants who pass the AEIS centralised test would be offered a place in a suitable school for the academic year starting in January of the following year, primarily based on available school vacancies and the applicant’s performance in the AEIS test. School offer will take into account applicants’ intended residential area. There will be no school choice and no release of test results under AEIS. School transfer requests will not be entertained, as the school offer will take applicants’ performance and intended residential area into consideration. Therefore, indicate your intended residential area carefully. Admission is not guaranteed as the offer of a school place is dependent on the availability of vacancies and applicants’ test performance. All applicants, including those who are unsuccessful, will be able to view the outcomes of their school offer online on the following dates (tentative):
| Level | School Offer / Notification Date |
|---|---|
| Primary levels | To Be Advised |
| Secondary 1 | To Be Advised |
| Secondary 2–3 | To Be Advised |
Successful AEIS applicants should prepare themselves in advance for a new school environment where English is the language of classroom instruction, and to familiarise themselves with the relevant curriculum for their level. AEIS seeks to ensure that international students admitted to our mainstream schools are able to cope with the requirements of the Singapore curriculum. As such, applicants need to pass the AEIS to be eligible for school admission. Unsuccessful applicants may re-apply to take the next AEIS or S-AEIS at the same or higher level, subject to them meeting the permissible age-ranges for the level. Alternatively, they may wish to consider education in other school systems. The AEIS outcome is final. MOE will not accept any appeal requests from unsuccessful applicants.
Reporting To School
All successful applicants are to report to their offered schools during the following periods. If they are unable to, they should contact the schools to make alternative arrangements.
| Level | Reporting and registration period |
|---|---|
| Primary levels | To Be Advised |
| Secondary 1 | To Be Advised |
| Secondary 2–3 | To Be Advised |
Applicants who do not report to the offered schools within the periods stated above may have their places offered to other applicants.
Student’s Pass
Successful applicants holding a Dependant’s Pass (DP) or Immigration Exemption Order (IEO) do not need to apply for a Student’s Pass (STP). Their admission can be confirmed immediately upon reporting to the offered schools. Successful applicants without a DP or IEO should note that admission is subject to them obtaining a STP. They are advised to apply for their STP with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) as soon as possible after reporting to school so that they can start school at the earliest possible date upon receipt of the STP.
How To Prepare For AEIS?
English is the medium of instruction in Singapore. International students seeking admission to schools in Singapore should prepare themselves well before sitting for the AEIS tests. There are specialised AEIS Preparatory Courses to help students prepare. You should be familiar with the English and Mathematics syllabi of the level preceding the one you are applying for. Example: If you are applying for Secondary 2, prepare for the English and Math papers for Secondary 1. Contact AEIS Advisor on AEIS Preparatory Course and how to prepare for AEIS test…
What Happens If You Fail The Test?
All students unsuccessful in their attempts at AEIS or S-AEIS can apply to re-sit for the tests again. Alternatively, students can choose to seek admission to private or international schools in the meantime. Contact AEIS Advisor if your child failed AEIS and you are unsure what the best course of action to take…
We know you have many questions on AEIS… We are here to offer constructive advice and suggestions…
Whatsapp AEIS Advisor Josse at (65) 900 44959 or drop us your question.
We have helped many, anyway…
Disclaimer: We do not represent AEIS. AEIS is a centralised admissions test conducted by the Ministry of Education, Singapore. We are not affiliated to MOE in any way.
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