What is the AEIS Exam?

AEIS (Admissions Exercise for International Students) is the centralised admissions test administered by Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) for international students seeking admission to government primary and secondary schools. Successful candidates are assigned to a school by MOE, with entry at the start of the academic year in January.

There are two examination sessions:

• AEIS (Main Exam) — Held in September/October each year. Successful students begin school the following January.
• S-AEIS (Supplementary Exam) — Held in February/March each year. Successful students start school in June of the same year.

AEIS does not have a fixed passing score. MOE assigns students based on exam results, residential location, and available school vacancies. A stronger exam performance significantly improves the chances of placement in a preferred school.

S-AEIS Supplementary Admissions

S-AEIS (Supplementary Admissions Exercise for International Students) provides a second opportunity for students who missed the September AEIS or were unsuccessful in their first attempt.

Key differences:

• S-AEIS difficulty is the same as AEIS, though competition may be slightly lower as some places are already filled during the main AEIS intake.
• S-AEIS is only open to students applying for Primary 2–4 and Secondary 1–2. Primary 5 and Secondary 3 are not available for the supplementary exercise.
• Successful S-AEIS candidates enter school in June of the same year, mid-academic year.

CEQ English Requirements (New Policy from 2025)

From 2025 onwards, all international students applying for the AEIS/S-AEIS primary school levels must obtain a valid CEQ (Cambridge English Qualification) score before they can register for the Mathematics test. The CEQ certificate must be issued within 12 months prior to the AEIS/S-AEIS application window.

AEIS Primary (September) — CEQ Requirements by Age

Age	Apply For	CEQ	Min Score	Math Content	Result
7 – 7+	P2	A2 Key for Schools (KET)	≥100	P1 Math	P2 / P1 / Unsuccessful
8 – 8+	P3	A2 Key for Schools (KET)	≥120	P2 Math	P3 / P2 / Unsuccessful
9 – 9+	P4	A2 Key for Schools (KET)	≥130	P3 Math	P4 / P3 / Unsuccessful
10 – 10+	P5	B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET)	≥140	P4 Math	P5 / P4 / P3 / Unsuccessful
11 – 11+	P5	B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET)	≥140	P4 Math	P5 / P4 / Unsuccessful
12 – 12+	P5	B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET)	≥140	P4 Math	P5 / Unsuccessful

AEIS Secondary (September) — No CEQ Required

Apply For	Age	Exam Content	Result
Sec 1	12 to 14+	P6 content	Sec 1 / Unsuccessful
Sec 2	13 to 15+	Sec 1 content	Sec 2 / Unsuccessful
Sec 3	14 to 16+	Sec 2 content	Sec 3 / Unsuccessful

S-AEIS Primary (February) — CEQ Requirements by Age

Age	Apply For	CEQ	Min Score	Math Content	Result
7 – 7+	P2	A2 Key for Schools (KET)	≥100	P1 Math	P2 / P1 / Unsuccessful
8 – 8+	P3	A2 Key for Schools (KET)	≥120	P2 Math	P3 / P2 / Unsuccessful
9 – 9+	P4	A2 Key for Schools (KET)	≥130	P3 Math	P4 / P3 / Unsuccessful
10 – 10+	P4	A2 Key for Schools (KET)	≥130	P3 Math	P4 / P3 / Unsuccessful
11 – 11+	P4	A2 Key for Schools (KET)	≥130	P3 Math	P4 / Unsuccessful
12 – 12+	❌ No channel

Note: CEQ scores are valid for 12 months from the test date. We recommend preparing for the CEQ exam 3–6 months in advance. Secondary-level applicants (Sec 1–3) still require English proficiency — see the secondary school section below for details.

A2 Key for Schools — Exam Format

A2 Key for Schools (formerly KET) is the Cambridge English entry-level qualification, corresponding to CEFR level A2. It is used by AEIS/S-AEIS primary applicants ages 7–9 (applying for P2–P4).

Paper	Content	Number of Items	Duration	Weighting
Reading & Writing	Understand short notices, announcements, emails; fill in forms, write short notes	7 parts / 32 questions	60 min	50%
Listening	Listen to short dialogues and monologues, extract key information	5 parts / 25 questions	30 min	25%
Speaking	Conversation with examiner and another candidate; introduce yourself, describe pictures	2 parts	8–10 min	25%

A2 Key Total Score: Maximum 150. Pass (Grade C) at 100, Grade B at 120, Grade A at 130 (indicating B1 level proficiency).

B1 Preliminary for Schools — Exam Format

B1 Preliminary for Schools (formerly PET) is the Cambridge English intermediate qualification, corresponding to CEFR level B1. It is used by AEIS/S-AEIS primary applicants ages 10–12 (applying for P5).

Paper	Content	Number of Items	Duration	Weighting
Reading	Understand newspaper articles, emails, notices; test detail comprehension and inference	6 parts / 32 questions	45 min	25%
Writing	Write one email and one article or story	2 questions	45 min	25%
Listening	Listen to interviews, talks, conversations; understand main ideas and details	4 parts / 25 questions	30 min	25%
Speaking	Conversation with examiner and another candidate; discuss personal experiences, opinions and pictures	4 parts	12–17 min	25%

B1 Preliminary Total Score: Maximum 170. Pass (Grade C) at 140, Grade B at 160 (indicating B2 level), Grade A at 170.

AEIS / S-AEIS Registration & Exam Timeline (2026 Reference)

Milestone	AEIS	S-AEIS
Registration Period	Mid-July — Late August	Early January — Late January
Exam Period	September / October	February / March
Results Released	Mid-to-late December	Late April — Early May
School Start	January (new academic year)	June (mid-year intake)
Eligible Levels	Primary 2–5 & Secondary 1–3	Primary 2–4 & Secondary 1–2
Application	Online via MOE website (www.moe.gov.sg)

Required Documents for Registration

• Student's passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Student's Pass (if currently in Singapore)
• CEQ score report (mandatory for primary applicants)
• School report cards from the last 2 years (with official English translation)
• Passport-sized digital photo
• Local guardian's contact details in Singapore
• Application fee (approx. S$ 250–350, subject to MOE confirmation)

Secondary School (Sec 1–3) Entry Guide

International students applying to Singapore government secondary schools (Sec 1–3) sit the AEIS/S-AEIS Mathematics test, conducted in English. Unlike the primary level, secondary applicants undergo a different English assessment process:

English Requirements for Secondary Applicants

• Sec 1 & Sec 2 candidates: Must take the MOE-administered English Test alongside the Mathematics paper. The test covers vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and writing.
• Sec 3 candidates: Also required to take the English Test, at a higher difficulty level. Note that S-AEIS does not accept Sec 3 applicants.
• While IELTS or TOEFL scores can be submitted as supporting evidence, they cannot replace the MOE English Test requirement.

Secondary Mathematics Syllabus

• Sec 1 Mathematics: Arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, speed, basic algebra, geometry (area, perimeter, volume), data analysis.
• Sec 2 Mathematics: Extends Sec 1 topics with factorisation, linear equations, introduction to functions, probability, geometric proofs, and statistical charts.
• Sec 3 Mathematics: Includes trigonometry, coordinate geometry, quadratic functions, indices, logarithms, and introductory calculus concepts.

⚠ Important: Chinese students often lose marks due to unfamiliarity with English mathematical terminology. We strongly recommend dedicated English maths vocabulary training and familiarisation with the Singapore syllabus question formats. Our AEIS programme includes a bilingual maths vocabulary module.

Secondary Grade Placement by Age

MOE assigns students to a grade level based on a combination of age and exam performance. The reference table below shows typical placements:

Date of Birth	Recommended Level to Apply	Possible Assigned Grade
2 Jan 2012 – 1 Jan 2013 (12+)	Sec 1	Sec 1
2 Jan 2011 – 1 Jan 2012 (13+)	Sec 2	Sec 1 or Sec 2
2 Jan 2010 – 1 Jan 2011 (14+)	Sec 3	Sec 2 or Sec 3
2 Jan 2009 – 1 Jan 2010 (15+)	Sec 3	Sec 3

Note: These are reference ranges. MOE reserves the right to adjust grade placement based on actual test performance.

🏫 What Happens After Passing AEIS?

Once your child passes the AEIS exam, MOE assigns them to a government school based on exam results, available vacancies, and residential location. Here's what to expect:

• School Placement Letter — Issued by MOE approximately 4–6 weeks after results. The letter includes the assigned school, start date, and reporting instructions.
• Student's Pass Application — After receiving the placement letter, the school will assist with the Student's Pass (visa) application through ICA. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Students already in Singapore on a tourist visa may need to extend or exit and re-enter.
• School Orientation — Most schools run a half-day orientation for new international students covering school rules, timetable, CCA options, and uniform purchase. Parents are encouraged to attend.
• Integration Support — Many government schools offer additional English support (via the School-based English Language programme) for new international students in their first year. Our after-school tuition can supplement this with targeted subject coaching.

💡 Pro tip: Plan your accommodation near the assigned school ahead of time. MOE school assignments are binding, and we recommend our homestay service for a smooth transition — your child gets a safe home, nutritious meals, and daily academic supervision within the same neighbourhood.

AEIS Preparation Tips

🏆 Why Choose InHome EduHub for AEIS Preparation?

With over 16 years of experience as a dedicated AEIS training centre in Singapore, we offer a structured, results-driven approach to AEIS exam preparation that goes beyond simple classroom teaching.

📋 AEIS Exam Subjects Breakdown by Level

The AEIS exam content varies significantly by grade level. Understanding what each level tests helps students focus their preparation effectively.

Primary 2 (Age 7+)

• CEQ Requirement: A2 Key for Schools (KET) — minimum score 100
• Mathematics: Primary 1 syllabus — basic arithmetic, number recognition, simple word problems (English)
• Skill Focus: Foundational number sense, basic addition/subtraction, introductory multiplication tables

Primary 3 (Age 8+)

• CEQ Requirement: A2 Key for Schools (KET) — minimum score 120
• Mathematics: Primary 2 syllabus — addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, basic fractions, time, money
• Skill Focus: Multi-step problem solving, introduction to measurement and geometry

Primary 4 (Age 9+)

• CEQ Requirement: A2 Key for Schools (KET) — minimum score 130
• Mathematics: Primary 3 syllabus — advanced arithmetic, fractions, decimals, area/perimeter, bar graphs
• Skill Focus: Intermediate problem solving, data interpretation, geometric reasoning

Primary 5 (Age 10-12+)

• CEQ Requirement: B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET) — minimum score 140
• Mathematics: Primary 4 syllabus — fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, angles, volume, speed
• Skill Focus: Advanced problem solving with multi-step word problems, rate/distance/time calculations

Secondary 1 (Age 12-14+)

• English: MOE-administered English Test (vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, writing)
• Mathematics: Primary 6 syllabus — advanced arithmetic, algebra introduction, geometry, statistics, speed/distance/time
• Skill Focus: Transition from concrete arithmetic to abstract algebraic thinking

Secondary 2 (Age 13-15+)

• English: MOE-administered English Test (higher difficulty — essay writing, comprehension)
• Mathematics: Secondary 1 syllabus — linear equations, factorisation, coordinate geometry, probability, statistical charts
• Skill Focus: Algebraic manipulation, geometric proofs, data analysis

Secondary 3 (Age 14-16+)

• English: MOE-administered English Test (advanced level)
• Mathematics: Secondary 2 syllabus — quadratic functions, trigonometry, indices, logarithms, introductory calculus
• Skill Focus: Higher-order mathematical reasoning, examination techniques

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)