Navigating AEIS and S-AEIS: Key Factors for Successful Admissions

The country of Singapore represents one of the top educational systems in the world. It’s no surprise that so many international students are looking to Singapore for the greatest education and business. International students applying to Singapore public schools must register for the Admission Exercise for International Students (AEIS) or the Supplementary Admission Exercise for International Students (S-AEIS).

These tests are created and administered by the Singapore Ministry of Education and serve as a standardised assessment of pupils’ academic ability prior to enrollment in primary or secondary public schools. This test is unnecessary if you are applying to a private school.

This article will explain everything you need to know about AEIS and S-AEIS to help you decide which exam is right.

What is the AEIS exam?

The AEIS is a test for international students seeking admission to Primary 2–5 and Secondary 1–3 in the following academic year.

Starting in July 2022, AEIS-Primary pupils must take the Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ) test administered by Cambridge Assessment English. However, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will continue to test mathematical qualifications.

To enter primary school, students aged:

• 7 to 7+ must sit for A2 English and Pri 2 Math
• 8 to 8+ must sit for A2 English and Pri 3 Math
• 9 to 9+ must sit for A2 English and Pri 4 Math
• 10 to 12+ must sit for B1 preliminary and Pri 5 Math

To enter secondary school, students aged:

• 12 to 14+ may sit for the Secondary 1 test
• 13 to 15+ may sit for the Secondary 2 test
• 14 to 16+ may sit for Secondary 3 test

Please keep in mind that the CEQ test must be completed 12 months prior to submitting the AEIS application.

What is the S-AEIS Exam?

To be approved to Primary 2–4 and Secondary 1–2 in the same academic year, overseas students needs to take the Supplementary Admission Exercise for Overseas Students (S-AEIS). It gives those running late or requiring assistance with their AEIS application a chance.

A child applying for the primary level must take the CEQ examination 12 months before taking the S-AEIS exam, just like they must take the AEIS exam. English and math are included in the S-AEIS exam, which is required of applicants for the secondary level. The following are the particular requirements as stated by the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB):

To enter primary school, students aged:

• Age 7 to 7+ must sit for A2 English and Pri 2 Math
• Age 8 to 8+ must sit for A2 English and Pri 3 Math
• Age 9 to 9+ must sit for A2 English and Pri 4 Math
• Age 10 to 11+ must sit for A2 English and Pri 5 Math

To enter secondary school, students aged:

• Ages 12 to 14+ may sit for the Secondary 1 test
• Ages 13 to 15+ may sit for the Secondary 2 test

What’s the difference between them?

1. Purpose

AEIS is the key exam for international students seeking admission to Singapore public schools for the upcoming academic year, which normally begins in January.

S-AEIS provides a secondary possibility for students to enroll in schools in the middle of the academic year, often between May and July, depending on the availability of spots.

2. Timing

EIS is held yearly in September or October, with applications opening in July and results expected around December.

S-AEIS occurs in February or March. The application opens in January, with the results revealed in April.

3. Availability

Often, more spaces are available in the AEIS, as students will join the local pupils at the beginning of the year.

S-AEIS often has fewer spots available because it is determined by the vacancies left over from the regular AEIS intake.

Which one should I choose?

The AEIS will be a good option if you intend to enroll in a public school during the regular entry period. However, you can use the S-AEIS in its place if you miss the AEIS registration time or your AEIS application is denied.

How do I prepare?

International students must prepare for the AEIS and S-AEIS tests to enroll in Singapore’s mainstream schools. These tests, which concentrate on math and English, are meant to gauge how prepared pupils are to satisfy the rigorous academic requirements of the Singaporean educational system. Observe these pointers to enhance your exam preparation:

Understanding the curriculum  

Assess the AEIS and S-AEIS according to your age and educational background. For instance, if you are twelve years old, you ought to apply for a secondary one and have knowledge of the Primary Six curriculum. You can identify the most important topics to concentrate on throughout your preparation by knowing the exam’s syllabus and content. For comprehensive details on the entrance exams, please visit the Ministry of Education (MOE) website.

Study resources

Books and workbooks that match the AEIS or S-AEIS test topics are excellent resources for developing fundamental knowledge and honing important skills on a certain subject. Online resources also provide interactive courses, drills, and practice exams that can further improve comprehension and preparedness.

Practice past papers 

The kinds of questions that are frequently asked in the AEIS and S-AEIS exams can be understood by gathering previous exam papers and practicing them regularly. Practicing timed mock exams also aids in developing efficient time management techniques for test day for a higher score.

Hiring Tutors

If you’re pressed for time, think about getting a support lesson from a private instructor to prepare. A certified tutor with AEIS/S-AEIS preparation experience should be able to adjust to your preferred learning style and will be able to speak with the exam structure. Seek out a tutor with a track record of success in assisting pupils in passing, who is dedicated and available for regular study sessions before the test.

What Happens If I Don’t Pass?

The path continues if the AEIS or S-AEIS is passed. A poor exam result do not necessarily indicate that there are no more opportunities. There are alternatives, such as retaking the tests or looking into private and foreign school opportunities. Recall that the secret is to be resilient and upbeat. There are always fresh chances and directions to take.

International students who want to enroll in Singapore’s local educational system must pass the AEIS or S-AEIS exam. To succeed in either exam, it takes careful planning and adjustment in studying to meet Singapore’s demanding educational system.

Remain upbeat and proactive—a planned strategy and planning can greatly influence your outcomes. Never be afraid to ask for help or speak for more details when you need it to help you succeed academically.