AEIS Registration Process Singapore: A Complete, Comprehensive Guide for Parents in 2026

If AEIS Registration Process Singapore: A Complete, Comprehensive Guide for Parents in 2026

If you’re a parent thinking about sending your child to study in Singapore, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard of the AEIS exam. And honestly? The whole idea can feel a little overwhelming at first. I mean, Singapore’s education system is renowned for being rigorous, structured, and highly competitive. So naturally, the registration process for AEIS (Admissions Exercise for International Students) carries that same feeling of “better get everything perfect.”

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you understand how the AEIS registration process works step by step, it starts feeling manageable, even straightforward.

In this long, detailed post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know. From registration details to the required documents, payment, confirmation, test dates, and even small tips that most guides often overlook. Think of this as a friend explaining things over a cup of tea or coffee, whichever keeps you sane during long application nights.

Let’s dive in.

What Exactly Is the AEIS?

AEIS stands for Admissions Exercise for International Students, and it’s basically Singapore’s standardized exam for overseas students who wish to join local government schools. If your child is not a citizen or PR and wants to enter Primary 2–5 or Secondary 1–3, AEIS is your gateway. The test is competitive, but it also gives students a fair chance since all applicants sit for the same assessment.

For a comprehensive understanding of the exam structure, check out our detailed AEIS exam guide, which covers everything from format to expectations.

The exam tests:

• English
• Mathematics

The questions aren’t memorization-based; they test thinking skills, language understanding, and application. If your child passes, they get allocated to a school with available places. If not, don’t panic, there’s also the S-AEIS, which happens around February. Want to know the difference? Learn more about AEIS vs S-AEIS to understand which exam suits your situation.

AEIS Registration Process Singapore (Step-by-Step Guide)

Now let’s break down the registration process into simple, digestible steps so you never feel lost at any point.

1. Check Eligibility Before Doing Anything

This might sound obvious, but a surprising number of parents skip this part and rush straight into registration. Your child must:

• Be international (not a Singapore citizen or PR)
• Be of the correct age range for the level they’re applying for
• Meet the minimum age requirements
• Have a passport valid for at least 6 months

Age matters a lot. Singapore is strict about school placement, and MOE does not bend these rules.

Age Criteria (General Guide)

• Primary 2: 7–8 years old
• Primary 3: 8–9 years old
• Primary 4: 9–10 years old
• Primary 5: 10–11 years old
• Secondary 1–3: 12–15 years old

If your child is older than 16, AEIS won’t be an option.

For detailed information about primary and secondary formats, refer to our comprehensive guide to AEIS primary format and syllabus and our AEIS format and syllabus breakdown for secondary.

Tip: If you’re unsure about age placement, MOE’s website has an updated chart every year.

2. Prepare All Documents Before Registration Opens

Registration opens once a year, and seats fill up shockingly fast. If you don’t have your documents ready, you might end up scrambling. You’ll need:

• Child’s passport (scanned copy)
• Parent’s passport (scanned copy)
• Child’s birth certificate
• Child’s latest school report
• A recent passport-size photo
• A valid email address

Make sure your scans are clear. Blurry documents slow down processing and sometimes even cause delays or rejections.

3. Go to the MOE AEIS Registration Portal

MOE opens an online portal for AEIS registration, and this is where the actual application begins. You’ll fill out:

• Child’s full details
• Parent’s contact information
• Residential address
• Schooling history
• The exam level you are applying for

This is where many parents get anxious, checking everything five times as if MOE will send a school inspector to their home. Relax. As long as details match official documents, you’re fine.

4. Upload All the Required Documents

This step requires patience. Make sure:

• PDFs are under the size limit
• Images are not sideways (yes, this matters)
• Names and dates match the passport exactly

If your child has two given names, write both. Singapore admin systems are extremely particular about these little things.

5. Pay the AEIS Registration Fee

AEIS is not free. The registration fee has to be paid online, usually via:

• Credit card
• Debit card
• Or other online payment methods accepted by MOE

The fee is nonrefundable. So double-check everything before you hit “Submit.”

6. Receive Email Confirmation

Once you submit the form and payment, MOE sends you an email, usually within minutes, but sometimes a bit later during peak periods. This email includes:

• Payment receipt
• Confirmation of successful registration
• Exam details (later through another scheduled email)

If you don’t receive the email after 24 hours, check:

• Spam folder
• Your email spelling in the form
• Payment status

Sometimes, MOE also sends follow-up requests if any document needs verification.

7. Wait for AEIS Test Date Notification

MOE assigns test dates once registrations close or reach capacity. You’ll receive:

• Exam date
• Test venue
• Candidate entry proof

Students must print the exam entry proof and bring it along with their passport on exam day. For more information on what to bring, check our guide on what to bring for AEIS exam day and what to expect.

Important dates to track? Visit our AEIS key dates and deadlines guide to stay organized.

8. Prepare for the Exam (The Part Everyone Forgets)

Let’s be honest. Registration is the easy part. The real challenge is preparing for AEIS. English and Math skills need polishing. You can download AEIS sample papers and practice tests from MOE’s portal, but many parents prefer tuition specifically for AEIS because the exam style is unique.

For English preparation specifically, explore our to understand the question format better.

Many families also benefit from structured preparation. Check out our comprehensive 3-month AEIS study plan to ensure your child is on track.

If you’re considering professional guidance, learn about that specialize in exam preparation.

Try keeping a balance, though. Kids shouldn’t be drowning in prep. A tired child doesn’t perform well in these types of assessments. A calm, well-rested brain works way better.

9. Exam Day: What to Expect

Exam day feels intense, even for parents waiting outside. Make sure your child:

• Gets enough sleep
• Eats something light
• Brings all required items
• Arrives early (Singapore timing is strict)

The exam usually takes a few hours. Parents wait outside, some pacing nervously, others checking their phones. It’s a whole experience.

10. AEIS Results and School Allocation

Results are sent via email. If your child passes, MOE will allocate a school depending on:

• Available vacancies
• Your residential area
• Exam performance

You don’t get to choose the school, but you can later apply for a transfer if needed. If your child does not pass, there’s still hope:

• Register for S-AEIS (supplementary AEIS)
• Strengthen English and Math
• Try again

Many students pass on their second attempt.

Why AEIS Registration Feels Hard (But Really Isn’t)

Sometimes it’s not the process but the pressure that makes AEIS registration feel intense. As parents, we want the best for our kids, and Singapore has a reputation for delivering high-quality education. That naturally brings anxiety.

The good thing? MOE’s process is designed to be transparent. There’s no hidden trick, no “secret method.” It’s simple:

• Check eligibility
• Prepare documents
• Register
• Pay
• Sit for the test

That’s it. Once you look at it like that, it becomes less scary.

Tips to Make AEIS Registration Smoother

Register Early: Slots fill quickly, and once full, the portal closes.

Double-Check Document Names: MOE is strict with identity matching.

Use MOE Sample Papers: They’re the closest to the real exam. Access our AEIS mock test Singapore resources for comprehensive practice.

Give Your Child Time: No child performs well under panic-based studying. For smart preparation tips, check our AEIS exam Singapore smart tips 2025.

Common Mistakes Parents Make (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Registering for the Wrong Level

Always check your child’s age based on the MOE’s chart.

2. Submitting Blurry Documents

Clear scans help avoid unnecessary delays. To understand what you’re preparing for, review the AEIS 2025 Singapore guide for AEIS school entry.

3. Using Different Name Spellings

Passport name = registration name. Not negotiable.

4. Forgetting to Check Email Regularly

MOE communicates everything through email.

5. Waiting Until the Last Day to Register

Please don’t do this. The site becomes slow, and slots may already be gone.

Looking to avoid common pitfalls? See our guide on avoiding AEIS common mistakes for exam success.

Why Singapore’s AEIS Is Worth the Effort

Let’s be honest: AEIS isn’t just another exam. It’s an opportunity for your child to study in one of the world’s top-performing education systems. Singapore schools offer:

• High academic standards
• Strong discipline and structure
• Safe environment
• Multicultural exposure
• Clear pathways to future opportunities

For many families, it becomes a life-changing experience. Read an inspiring story in our post about Kang Shi Kyu’s AEIS journey in Singapore.

Final Thoughts

The AEIS registration process in Singapore might seem like a mountain at first glance, but once you break it down, it’s just a series of simple steps. Preparation, not perfection, is what matters. And honestly, watching your child walk confidently into the exam hall after all the effort… that moment alone makes the whole journey worth it.

If you follow the steps, stay organized, and give your child emotional support along the way, you’ve already done half the work.