What Is the AEIS Exam Singapore?

The AEIS exam Singapore, short for the Admissions Exercise for International Students, is a centrally administered entrance test conducted by the Ministry of Education (MOE). It’s designed to assess the English and Mathematics proficiency of international students who want to gain admission into local government primary or secondary schools.

Unlike private or international school admissions, the AEIS exam Singapore is not an open-door policy or a rolling intake. Admission is strictly merit-based, and placements are only granted if the student performs well in the exam and if vacancies exist at the intended level. In other words, even if your child does well, there’s no guaranteed seat unless there’s space at the level appropriate for their age and exam results.

The AEIS exam Singapore is held once a year, typically in September or October, and it requires students to demonstrate a strong command of English and Mathematics. These are the two core academic pillars in Singapore’s education system. The exam’s format and standards are aligned with the national curriculum, which is known globally for its academic depth and rigor.

Tip 1: Check AEIS Exam Singapore Eligibility Early and Plan for the CEQ

The first smart step in preparing for the AEIS exam Singapore is confirming your child’s eligibility. The MOE sets strict criteria based on age and academic level, and overlooking any part of this process could disqualify your child from the exam.

If your child is aged between 7 and 11 years (as of January 1, 2025), they may apply for Primary 2 to 5. However, for Primary applicants, there is an added requirement: they must have completed the Cambridge English Qualification (CEQ) at least 12 months before their AEIS application.

This CEQ is a certified English language test that proves your child has basic English literacy, an essential precondition for taking the AEIS exam Singapore at the Primary level. If your child hasn’t completed this requirement in time, they will be ineligible to apply, even if they are the right age.

Secondary applicants (aged 12 to 16 years) are eligible to apply for Secondary 1 to 3. Unlike Primary students, they don’t need the CEQ but will sit for both English and Mathematics during the AEIS exam Singapore.

Pro Tip: At United Ceres College, we guide families step-by-step through this eligibility process and help them plan CEQ testing, so they stay ahead of MOE timelines and AEIS registration cutoffs.

Tip 2: Understand the AEIS Exam Singapore Format Before You Start

Smart preparation begins with a clear understanding of the AEIS exam Singapore format. Many families waste time on generic worksheets that don’t match the actual testing style leading to poor performance despite long hours of study.

Primary-Level Format:

At the Primary level, the AEIS tests only Mathematics. The paper includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions that cover core topics such as number operations, word problems, geometry, measurement, and fractions. The exam typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Unlike basic arithmetic tests, the AEIS exam Singapore evaluates a child’s ability to reason, interpret problems, and apply math in real-world scenarios, the key aspects of the Singapore Math curriculum.

Secondary-Level Format:

At the Secondary level, the exam covers both English and Mathematics. The English paper includes comprehension passages, grammar correction, vocabulary usage, and essay writing. The composition section assesses clarity, logical flow, and language accuracy.

The math paper includes algebra, data handling, percentages, speed/time/distance problems, and geometry. Calculators are not allowed, so students must demonstrate step-by-step working and conceptual understanding.

At UCC, our AEIS preparation mirrors MOE’s format precisely, giving students ample practice in real test scenarios to ensure confidence and competence on the actual exam day.

Tip 3: Begin AEIS Exam Singapore Preparation 12–18 Months in Advance

Success in the AEIS exam Singapore doesn’t happen overnight. While some families attempt to prepare in 2–3 months, this often leads to stress and surface-level learning. We recommend beginning preparation 12 to 18 months before the exam, especially if your child is still developing their English skills or unfamiliar with Singapore’s curriculum.

Here’s why early preparation matters:

• Language development takes time. Reading fluency, writing coherence, and vocabulary usage can’t be memorised overnight.
• Mathematical reasoning, especially word problems, requires conceptual clarity, not just formula memorisation.
• Exam technique (like pacing, managing stress, planning essays) improves through repeated practice, not crash courses.

UCC’s structured 996 model (12 hours per week of targeted support, plus personal coaching and feedback) ensures students learn at a steady pace building confidence, not just content knowledge.

Tip 4: Register Early for the AEIS Exam Singapore and Avoid Missing the CEQ

The AEIS exam Singapore is only offered once a year, with registration typically opening in June or July. If you miss this window, your child may have to wait an entire year or settle for the S-AEIS (February intake), which has fewer places and more competition.

Registration is done online via the MOE AEIS portal. You’ll need to upload your child’s passport, CEQ results (for Primary), academic records, and pay the registration fee (usually between S$150–S$200). Within days, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the exam date and venue.

United Ceres College helps parents navigate this process smoothly. From CEQ timing to document verification, we make sure you’re ready no last-minute surprises, no missed deadlines.

Tip 5: Prioritise English Fluency for AEIS Exam Singapore Especially for Secondary Students

English is the single most common reason students fail the AEIS exam Singapore, particularly at the Secondary level. The English paper demands a high degree of fluency in writing, comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary not just functional language ability.

Many students struggle with:

• Essay planning and structure
• Grammatical accuracy
• Understanding implicit meaning in comprehension passages
• Writing with tone, flow, and logical transitions

To succeed, your child needs consistent exposure to English through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Encourage them to read widely, write regularly, and engage in English conversations daily.

At United Ceres College, our English enrichment goes beyond textbooks. We integrate language learning into real-world cultural activities that give students the confidence to speak, write, and think in English, the same skills they need to excel in the AEIS exam Singapore.

Tip 6: Use Timed Mock Exams to Master AEIS Exam Singapore Conditions

Being academically strong isn’t enough. Many students who understand the content still underperform in the AEIS exam Singapore because they don’t finish the paper on time or panic under pressure.

Timed mock exams are your child’s best friend. They build stamina, reveal pacing problems, and train students to manage stress and think clearly under exam conditions.

Our AEIS mock exams at UCC are conducted under strict test-day rules. No calculators, real-time tracking, and formal feedback sessions. This helps students internalise the AEIS format and walk into the actual exam room with confidence.

Tip 7: Prepare Emotionally and Logistically for AEIS Exam Singapore Day

On the big day, it’s not just what your child knows, it’s how they feel.

The AEIS exam Singapore can be intimidating, especially for students who have never taken a national-level test. That’s why parents must support their children not just academically, but emotionally and logistically.

Visit the exam venue ahead of time. Prepare all required documents including the exam confirmation, passport, CEQ certificate (if needed), and stationery the night before. Ensure your child eats well, rests well, and arrives at least 45 minutes early.

Just as importantly, remind them: this is just one step on their journey. At United Ceres College, we provide students with exam-day rehearsals, calming routines, and mindset coaching because emotional readiness is key to AEIS exam Singapore success.

Final Thoughts

The AEIS exam Singapore is a gateway to a high-quality education system, but getting there requires strategy, preparation, and support. By following these 7 smart tips from understanding eligibility and CEQ requirements to building fluency and managing exam stress you’ll position your child for real success.

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