Parents and students often start with a simple question, what is AEIS exam, then discover there are timelines, eligibility rules, test formats and a newer Cambridge English Qualifications requirement for primary applicants. This blog gives an AEIS Singapore overview that is accurate, practical and easy to act on. Where rules or formats are mentioned, I cite official sources so you can trust the details.

AEIS Singapore overview

The Admissions Exercise for International Students, AEIS, is the national route for non-Singaporean students who want to enter government primary schools at Primary 2 to 5 and secondary schools at Secondary 1 to 3 in the next academic year. Places are offered subject to vacancies. Applications are made through MOE and the tests are administered by SEAB.

Key facts at a glance

• Who it is for: International students who are not Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, seeking admission to MOE schools.
• Levels covered: Primary 2 to 5, Secondary 1 to 3. Availability depends on vacancies.
• Subjects tested: English and Mathematics, with test content aligned to the level preceding the one applied for.
• Outcome: Successful candidates receive a placement offer, not a school-of-choice guarantee.
  For parents deciding which route to take, see our AEIS vs S-AEIS differences guide for a quick comparison.

CEQ requirement AEIS primary, what it means and why it matters

Primary applicants must first meet a Cambridge English Qualifications, CEQ threshold before proceeding with AEIS. MOE’s eligibility checker shows the minimum CEQ required by age group. In short, CEQ verifies baseline English readiness so younger students can cope once placed.
To see how this works in the full AEIS timeline, refer to the AEIS 2025 Singapore preparation guide.

Practical takeaways:

• Check the exact CEQ needed for your child’s age using the MOE eligibility tool.
• Register for an appropriate CEQ level with an authorised provider and plan the date so the result is ready in time for AEIS. Cambridge Assessment English and local guidance pages explain formats and registration.
• Keep proof of your CEQ score for the AEIS application.
  

Tip: CEQ is not an optional add-on for primary applicants. Without the required CEQ score, a primary AEIS application will not proceed. Always validate the exact score and window on MOE’s page before committing to dates.

Eligibility and who should apply

MOE sets age-appropriate tests and potential placement levels. The checker tells you which test your child should take and the possible level they may be placed at after a successful outcome. Former mainstream students seeking readmission have additional steps such as clearing arrears.

Eligibility checklist

• My child is aged 7 to 17 and is not a Singapore Citizen or PR.
• For primary levels, my child has or will obtain the required CEQ score before applying.
• We accept that placement depends on vacancies and is not school-specific.

Timeline, fees and how to apply

Registration typically opens once per year for AEIS, with S-AEIS in a different window. Fees are published by MOE and are non-refundable. Always consult the current cycle for dates and fees.

Application steps

1. Review eligibility and CEQ requirements, primary only.
2. Prepare documents such as passport, photo, transcripts and, for primary, CEQ results.
3. Apply through MOE during the specified window and pay the fee shown for primary or secondary.
4. Watch for SEAB instructions on entry proof retrieval in the Candidates Portal about two weeks before the test.

Indicative fees
MOE lists the current fee for AEIS Primary and AEIS Secondary, subject to GST. Verify the exact figures on the live page, as these can change.

Test format, what is actually examined

SEAB describes the test structure and the expectation that applicants are familiar with topics taught in the level preceding the one applied for. The tests cover English and Mathematics, with a mixture of item types. Calculators are not allowed.

English

• Reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary.
  
• Writing section at secondary level, and writing or language tasks at primary.
  
• The focus is on functional language and understanding of texts aligned to mainstream syllabuses.

Mathematics

• Number and operations, fractions, measurement, geometry, word problems.
  
• Multiple choice, short answer and open-ended questions that require workings.
  
• Learn the prior year level content for the level you are applying to enter.

Example: If applying for Secondary 3, be prepared for topics typically taught in Secondary 2. If applying for Primary 3 through the P2/3 test, revise Primary 2 content.

What to bring and test-day logistics

Two points matter most. Retrieve and print your personalised Entry Proof from SEAB’s Candidates Portal when notified, and bring the required identification documents. SEAB’s instructions explain timing and retrieval.

Day-of checklist

• Printed Entry Proof and valid passport.
• Stationery permitted by SEAB.
  
• No calculators for Mathematics
• Arrive early and follow venue-specific directions.

For a practical list of what to prepare, review What to bring for AEIS exam day.

How to prepare well, without wasting time

This is a fundamentals post, not a full study plan, but these principles align to how AEIS is set up.

For primary applicants

• Schedule CEQ early, then plan AEIS around it so documents are ready at application.
• Build daily English routines, reading plus vocabulary.
  
• Practise mental arithmetic and written workings since calculators are not allowed.

For secondary applicants

• Work through the prior-level syllabus in English and Mathematics.
• Do timed mixed-section practice to handle changes between MCQ, short answer and open-ended tasks.
  
• Review past-style questions from reputable sources. Where third-party formats are used, verify they resemble SEAB expectations.

   

Placement outcomes and next steps

Passing AEIS does not guarantee a particular school. Placement is based on available vacancies and administrative considerations. If unsuccessful, families can consider applying for S-AEIS in its cycle or exploring other schooling routes.

After the result

• Accept the offer promptly and complete any placement steps instructed by MOE or the school.
  
• Prepare your child for the school’s curriculum pace and language environment.
  
• If no place is offered, review options including S-AEIS and alternative schools.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is AEIS the same as S-AEIS
A: No. S-AEIS is a supplementary exercise that usually runs in a different part of the year. It serves students who missed AEIS or need another attempt. Details are on MOE and SEAB pages each cycle.

Q: Do I need CEQ for secondary
A: The CEQ requirement applies to primary applicants. Secondary applicants should prepare for both English and Mathematics according to mainstream syllabuses. Always confirm current requirements on MOE’s eligibility and test detail pages.

Q: How precise are published test formats
A: SEAB provides test structures and the expectation on prior-level knowledge. Item counts and timings can be adjusted between cycles, so rely on the official pages rather than third-party summaries.