For international students seeking admission into Singapore’s mainstream government schools, two key pathways stand out — the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) and the Supplementary Admissions Exercise for International Students (S-AEIS). Both are administered by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and test students in English and Mathematics.
But while they share a similar purpose, there are important differences in timing, difficulty, availability of seats, and student suitability. This guide explains the AEIS and S-AEIS in detail and helps you decide which exam is best for your situation.
Table of Contents
What is the AEIS?
The Admission Exercise for International Students (AEIS) is held once a year, typically in September. It is the main intake channel for international students.
AEIS Covers Admission For:
- Primary 2 – Primary 5
- Secondary 1 – Secondary 3
What is Tested?
- English
- Mathematics
The AEIS Exam assesses a student’s ability to keep up with the rigorous Singapore education system. Successful candidates are placed into schools the next academic year (January).
What is the S-AEIS?
The Supplementary Admissions Exercise for International Students (S-AEIS) is held in February or March.
It is essentially a second chance for students who:
- missed the AEIS window
- did not pass AEIS
- want admission within the same academic year
S-AEIS Covers Admissions For:
- Primary 2 – Primary 4
- Secondary 1 – Secondary 2
Note: There is no Primary 5 and Secondary 3 intake for S-AEIS due to limited vacancies.
Key Differences Between AEIS and S-AEIS
Who Should Take AEIS?
AEIS is ideal for:
- Students who have time to prepare
- Families planning admission for the next academic year
- Students applying for higher levels (P5 or S3)
- Students who want more school options
Advantages of AEIS
- More vacancies
- Full range of levels available
- More preparation time
Who Should Take S-AEIS?
S-AEIS is ideal for:
- Students who missed AEIS registration
- Students who did not pass AEIS
- Families who need admission within the same year
- Students comfortable with fewer level options
Advantages of S-AEIS
- Quick admission timeline
- Lower pressure for students who perform better early in the year
- A second opportunity to enter Singapore schools
AEIS vs S-AEIS: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose AEIS if :
- You are planning ahead for next year
- Your child needs higher-level admission like P5 or S3
- You want more school availability
- Your child needs more time for preparation
Choose S-AEIS if:
- You need fast entry into Singapore schools
- You missed the AEIS exam
- You did not clear AEIS and want a second chance
- Your child is entering levels P2–P4 or S1–S2
Preparation Strategies for AEIS & S-AEIS
Strengthen English Foundations
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Grammar
- Sentence construction
- Cloze passages
- Writing (where applicable)
Focus on Mathematical Concepts
- Problem-solving
- Model drawing
- Fractions, percentages, ratios
- Algebra (for secondary levels)
- Word problems (high weightage)
Practice Under Exam Conditions
- Timed tests
- Mock exams
- Past-year style questions
Identify Weak Areas Early
- Weak topics in Math
- Grammar gaps
- Slow reading or comprehension
- Lack of exam stamina
Enroll in a Structured Preparatory Course
Structured programmes such as those offered by Spring College International help students get exam-ready through:
- Experienced teachers
- AEIS & S-AEIS format-based training
- Intensive revision
- Mock exams
- Small-group and personalized coaching
Conclusion
Both AEIS and S-AEIS serve as gateways for international students to enter Singapore’s world-class education system.
With proper preparation, strategic planning, and guidance from experienced educators at Spring College International, students can confidently take either exam and successfully enter a Singapore mainstream school.