Entering Singapore Public Schools: 4 AEIS Success Tips

When you first decide to move to Singapore, your biggest concern as a parent is likely your child's education. While international school fees can be a significant burden, Singapore's high-quality public schools are hard to pass up. However, for international students, securing a spot is quite a challenge. Here is a detailed guide on the AEIS—the only gateway to public schools—based on the latest 2025–2026 information.

At a Glance

Primary students must obtain CEQ scores before applying.

Public school tuition fees are set to increase in 2026.

School placement is determined by the MOE and is final.

Different Procedures for Primary and Secondary

The Ministry of Education (MOE) applies different criteria for primary and secondary international students. While all levels previously took the AEIS, the primary school admission process has recently undergone significant changes.

Primary (P2–P5): Primary students no longer take an English test during the AEIS. Instead, they must first obtain a 'CEQ (Cambridge English Qualification)' score. Only those who meet the required benchmark can qualify for the AEIS Mathematics test held in September. Since results take 4 to 8 weeks, early preparation is essential.
Secondary (S1–S3): Secondary students follow the traditional format, taking both English and Mathematics on the AEIS exam day. The English component focuses on writing and comprehension, while the Math exam features high-difficulty problems based on the local Singaporean curriculum.

Checking Eligibility by Age

Singapore is very strict regarding age requirements. A child’s age as of January 1st must fall within the specific range for their target grade. Use the table below to check which grade your child is eligible for.

Target Grade	Age Requirement (as of Jan 1)	Remarks
Primary 2/3	7 – 9+ years	CEQ score required
Primary 4/5	9 – 12+ years	CEQ score required
Secondary 1	12 – 14+ years	English/Math Exam
Secondary 2	13 – 15+ years	English/Math Exam
Secondary 3	14 – 16+ years	English/Math Exam

Note: Primary 6 and Secondary 4 are graduating years and do not accept new international students.

2025–2026 Tuition Fees and Exam Schedule

Public schools in Singapore charge tuition for international students, and these rates increase annually. A further hike has been announced for 2026.

Primary Tuition: Increasing from SGD 985/month in 2025 to SGD 1,035/month in 2026.
Secondary Tuition: Increasing from SGD 2,050/month in 2025 to SGD 2,190/month in 2026.
Application Fees: Approximately SGD 340 for Primary and SGD 630 for Secondary. These fees are non-refundable.
Key Dates: Registration typically opens in July, exams are held in September, and successful candidates start school the following January. If vacancies remain, the S-AEIS (Supplementary exam) may be held in February or March.

Practical Tips to Increase Your Success Rate

The AEIS is highly competitive, with reported pass rates often below 20%. Success requires a strategic approach rather than just hard work.

Master Math Terms in English: Many students excel at math but struggle with 'Word Problems' because they aren't familiar with English terminology. It is essential to study using local Singaporean workbooks like 'SAP' or 'Marshall Cavendish.'
Book the CEQ Early: The CEQ exam for primary applicants can be taken globally, but slots fill up quickly. Since you need the result report before the July AEIS registration, it is recommended to take the test by April or May at the latest.
Prepare Vaccination Records: Children aged 12 and under must provide proof of vaccination for Diphtheria and Measles. Obtaining approval from the Health Promotion Board (HPB) takes time, so prepare your documents well in advance.
Have a Plan B: Since results are released in late December, it is wise to simultaneously consider private schools (such as San Yu or St. Francis Methodist) or international schools as a backup in case of non-admission.