Admission to Government School (AEIS)
Admission to Government School (AEIS)
About the AEIS Preparatory Course
What is the AEIS exam?
The Admission Exercise for International Students (AEIS) is a centralised entrance examination administered by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE), for international students seeking admission into Singapore government primary and secondary schools. The exam is held twice a year in September/October (AEIS) and February/March (S-AEIS). The exam assesses two subjects — English (language proficiency, reading comprehension, vocabulary) and Mathematics (numeracy and logical reasoning) — at one level below the student’s intended placement. Placement in a government school depends on the student’s AEIS performance, available vacancies, and the family’s declared residential address in Singapore.
AEIS is significantly more demanding than most international school curricula. Singapore’s education system has one of the highest academic standards globally, and AEIS specifically tests skills that mirror what students will face in mainstream Singapore classrooms — not just basic conversation or arithmetic. Without proper preparation, even academically strong international students often find the exam difficult. A structured preparatory course familiarises students with Singapore’s English and Mathematics syllabuses, the exam format, and the level of rigour expected.
Our Two-Level Curriculum
Our AEIS preparatory course is structured differently for Primary and Secondary level students to match the requirements of each AEIS examination band:
Primary 2 to 5 (Ages 7–12)
Primary students follow a curriculum that prepares them for AEIS Mathematics and English proficiency through internationally-recognised Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ). P2–P4 students prepare for CEQ A2 Key for Schools (CEFR Level A2); while P5 students prepare for CEQ B1 Preliminary for Schools (CEFR Level B1).
Secondary 1 to 3 (Ages 13–16)
Secondary students take focused, AEIS-targeted preparation across both English and Mathematics papers, with intensive practice and exam technique training specifically aligned to the AEIS Secondary exam format and difficulty.
What Makes Our Programme Different
MOE-Aligned Curriculum
Our syllabus is built around Singapore’s MOE primary and secondary frameworks — the same standards AEIS is benchmarked against. Primary students prepare for internationally recognised Cambridge English Qualifications alongside Mathematics.
Monthly Intakes
Start whenever your child is ready. We offer monthly intakes throughout the year, giving you flexibility to align with your family’s timeline rather than waiting for fixed term dates.
Regular Progress Tracking
Monthly tests, end-of-term examinations, CEQ/AEIS practice tests, and parent progress reports give you clear visibility on how your child is improving throughout the programme.
Exam-Focused Approach
Beyond English and Mathematics teaching, our programme includes exam strategy, time management, and intensive past-paper practice — preparing students for the exam format and rigour they’ll face on test day.
Why Choose Spring College International
Established in 2001, Spring College International has spent over two decades preparing international students for admission into Singapore’s government schools. Here’s why families across Asia trust us with their child’s AEIS preparation:
EduTrust-Certified PEI
Spring College International is registered with SkillsFuture Singapore and holds the prestigious EduTrust certification, meeting the highest quality standards in Singapore's private education sector.
Two Decades of Experience
Established in 2001, SCI has spent over 20 years supporting international families through Singapore's AEIS process — across cultural, academic, and immigration considerations.
Small Class Sizes
Classes are conducted in small groups to ensure personalised attention. Teachers can identify each student's weak areas early and provide targeted coaching to address them.
Student Pass Support
As an EduTrust-certified PEI, we sponsor Student Pass applications for international students enrolled in our full-time courses, handling the ICA process for you.
Bilingual Family Support
Our team supports families in both English and Chinese — easing communication for parents navigating Singapore's education system from overseas.
Two Central Campuses
Choose between our Jurong East campus and Bishan campus, both within 5 minutes of MRT stations and bus interchanges.
Programme description:
The AEIS Preparatory Course is a structured 6-month, full-time programme that prepares international students aged 7–16 for the AEIS examination. The curriculum is split into two distinct tracks — Primary and Secondary — to match the requirements of each AEIS examination band.
Course Modules
Primary Level (Ages 7–12)
- CEQ English (Cambridge English Qualifications)
- P2 – P4: CEQ A2 Key for Schools. Builds foundational English — reading, writing, listening, basic spoken communication. CEFR Level A2.
- P5: CEQ B1 Preliminary for Schools. More advanced — complex texts, structured writing, richer vocabulary. CEFR Level B1.
- AEIS Mathematics (Primary) Covers the four core strands of the Singapore primary mathematics syllabus: Numbers, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics, and Algebra. Strong emphasis on problem-solving and word problems.
Secondary Level (Ages 12–16)
- AEIS English (Secondary) Covers grammar and vocabulary, reading comprehension across narrative and non-narrative texts, essay writing, summary writing, and language editing — specifically aligned to the AEIS Secondary English exam format and difficulty.
- AEIS Mathematics (Secondary) Covers Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measurement, Statistics and Probability — all at the level expected for entry into the Singapore secondary school year your child is applying to. Includes problem-solving techniques specific to the AEIS examination style.
Entry Requirements:
Age
At least 7 years old (matching the eligible age range for MOE’s AEIS exam Primary 2 through Secondary 3)
Academic Level
Students should have completed one level of education below the level they are applying to enter in their home country.
Language Proficiency
At least a Pass in English at one level below intended enrolment level; OR pass SCI’s free English placement test.
Duration:
- 6 months
- Mode: Full-time
- Lesson time:
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday — 4:30pm to 6:00pm
- Intake: Monthly
No lessons during public holidays and school holidays.
Mode of Assessment
Internal Assessment
- Monthly tests
- End-of-term examinations
- Homework assignments
- Mock exam papers
External Assessment
- Cambridge English Qualification (CEQ) Test (Primary level)
- AEIS (Admissions Exercise for International Students)
- S-AEIS (Supplementary Admissions Exercise)
What Happens Before and After AEIS
The AEIS process spans several months from preparation through to school placement. Here’s exactly what to expect at each stage so you can plan with confidence.
Stage 1 — Preparation & Exam Registration
- Students join our AEIS Preparatory Course at least 6 months before sitting the exam, covering MOE-aligned English and Mathematics, exam strategy, and intensive past-paper practice. MOE opens AEIS registration in July (for AEIS) and January (for S-AEIS) — our admissions team guides parents through the process. The AEIS exam is held in September/October each year; the S-AEIS is held in February/March for students who missed AEIS or did not pass.
Stage 2 — Results & School Placement
- AEIS results are typically released around December (for AEIS), and April/May (for S-AEIS). Successful candidates receive a placement offer from MOE based on AEIS performance, available school vacancies, and the family's declared residential area in Singapore. Students who accept their placement begin school at their assigned government school — Primary 2 through Primary 5, or Secondary 1 through Secondary 3 — at the start of the next academic term, which is January (for AEIS) and May (for S-AEIS).
Stage 3 — Beyond Government School
- Once enrolled, students follow Singapore's mainstream education pathway — PSLE (Primary 6), GCE O-Level (Secondary 4/5), then GCE A-Level or Polytechnic Diploma, leading to local or overseas universities. International students who successfully complete a Singapore national examination (PSLE, GCE O-Level, or GCE A-Level) are also eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR), opening longer-term opportunities to live, work, and study in Singapore.
Student Success — Real AEIS Results
Below are a selection of real AEIS offer letters achieved by Spring College International students. Personal details have been redacted for privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AEIS, and how is it different from S-AEIS?
AEIS is the main intake exam held in September/October each year, with placement starting the following January. S-AEIS (Supplementary AEIS) is a smaller, second-chance exam in February for students who missed AEIS or didn’t pass, with placement around April–May. Both exams have the same format, syllabus, and difficulty — the only differences are timing and that S-AEIS typically has fewer school vacancies.
What does the AEIS exam test?
AEIS tests two subjects — English (reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing for Secondary) and Mathematics (number, algebra, geometry, with strong emphasis on word problems). Both are written exam papers conducted in English at MOE-designated venues in Singapore.
How long does my child need to prepare for AEIS?
We recommend a minimum of 6 months of focused preparation, which is why our full-time programme runs for this duration. Students with stronger English foundations may be ready in 3–4 months; students needing more English support may benefit from 9–12 months (potentially starting with our Certificate in English course first).
Will my child definitely get into a Singapore government school after passing AEIS?
Passing AEIS makes your child eligible for placement, but placement is also subject to vacancy availability at suitable schools within your declared residential area. MOE makes the final placement decision based on test performance, geographical proximity, and available capacity. The vast majority of students who pass AEIS do receive placements.
What level will my child be placed in?
AEIS placements are available for Primary 2 through Primary 5, and Secondary 1 through Secondary 3. The placement level depends on your child’s age and exam performance. Students cannot enter Primary 1 (which has its own registration process) or Primary 6, Secondary 4, or Secondary 5 (which are exam preparation years for PSLE and O-Level).
Can my child join the course on a Student Pass?
Yes. As an EduTrust-certified PEI, Spring College International is authorised to sponsor Student Pass applications for international students enrolled in our full-time courses. Our admissions team handles the entire application process with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
What if my child fails AEIS — can they re-take it?
Yes. Students can re-sit AEIS or take S-AEIS as the next available option. Many of our students continue their preparation with us for an additional 3–6 months between exam cycles to substantially improve their results the second time around.
What support do parents get during the course?
Parents receive monthly progress reports covering their child’s quiz scores, end-of-term examination results, and individual feedback on areas of strength and areas needing more work. Our academic team is also available for parent-teacher meetings on request, and we conduct virtual meetings for parents not in Singapore.