Singapore’s mainstream education system is globally recognised for its academic excellence, structured curriculum, and high standards. With its strong emphasis on Maths, Science, and English, it’s no surprise that many international families aspire to enrol their children in local government schools for quality education.
But before securing a spot, there’s a crucial step that international students must take: the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS). This centralised entrance test determines your child’s eligibility to join Primary 2 to 5 or Secondary 1 to 3 levels in Singapore’s public schools.
As competition intensifies, a well-planned AEIS preparatory plan becomes essential. With proper planning, commitment, and the right support, your child can approach the test with confidence. Read on for a step-by-step process of preparing your child for the AEIS 2025 to give your child the best chance at success.
AEIS 2025 Timeline and Requirements
The first step to a successful AEIS preparation is understanding what to expect from the process. Knowing the deadlines, eligibility requirements, and necessary paperwork ensures your child doesn’t miss any crucial opportunities along the way.
Track the Application Window and Test Dates
It’s important to stay updated on AEIS via the official MOE website to ensure timely application. Here are the important things to take note of if you’re enrolling your child for AEIS 2025:
- Applications for the 2025 AEIS open in July
- Primary Levels: From 9am on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, to 430pm on Tuesday, 22 July 2025.
- Secondary Levels: From 9am on Thursday, 10 July 2025, to 430pm on Wednesday, 23 July 2025.
- AEIS tests are conducted from Monday, 1 September 2025, to Friday, 5 September 2025.
- Results are typically released within 2 months from the test date.
- Successful applicants begin school in January 2026.
Determine Your Child's Eligibility and Placement Level
Placement will be based on your child’s age and academic background:
- Primary 2 to 5: For children aged 7 to 11+ (as of 1 January of the following year).
- Secondary 1 to 3: For children aged 12 to 14+.
Besides age, language and academic abilities must be considered. Primary school applicants have to attain the minimum score in the Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ) test before submitting an AEIS application. As the AEIS exam is conducted entirely in English, fluency in the language is essential.
Prepare Required Documents & Handle Fees
Applying for the AIES requires the following documents:
- Your child’s birth certificate (a translated copy in English if the original is in another language)
- Your child’s passport with a validity of at least 6 months
- Your child’s passport-sized photo
For primary school applicants
- Your child’s statement of results for the relevant CEQ test taken the previous year
- Your marriage certificate, if required.
There are also non-refundable handling fees when applying, which can be paid via credit card, debit card, or PayNow.
- Primary Levels: $340
- Secondary Levels: $630
Preparing these documents in advance reduces stress and ensures a smooth application process.
Crafting a 12-Month Study Roadmap
Preparing for AEIS is not a sprint, but a marathon. If you have just started considering the AEIS and may not be in time for the 2025 intake, fret not — it’s perfectly okay to plan ahead.
To support your child’s long-term success, our AEIS preparatory course has put together a 12-month study plan for the 2026 intake, giving them ample time to strengthen their foundation, develop advanced skills, and become fully exam-ready.
Month 1 to 4: Build Strong Foundations
The focus during this stage is to fill any learning gaps.
- English: Strengthen grammar, sentence structure, and everyday vocabulary.
- Math: Master core topics and operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), number patterns, and shapes.
This early phase builds essential confidence before introducing more complex topics.
Month 5 to 8: Strengthen Critical Skills
Now that your child has a strong foundation, you can shift your attention to more demanding content.
- English: Begin structured writing exercises like short essays and summaries.
- Math: Solve multi-step problems and tackle word problems that require logical reasoning and numerical accuracy.
At this stage, regular revision and weekly practice are key to reinforcing concepts. It may be ideal to enrol in an AEIS tuition centre at this point to receive timely feedback and focused guidance to accelerate progress.
Month 9 to 12: Sharpen Exam Readiness
In the final quarter, it is recommended for your child to experience a simulation of the exam to reduce anxiety and build familiarity. An AEIS preparatory course will typically support this through:
- AEIS-style mock tests practised under timed conditions.
- Focusing on frequently tested concepts.
- Reviewing mock tests and correcting them to reinforce understanding.
This phase strengthens exam discipline, helping your child manage time and remain focused throughout.
Core Skills Needed for the Test
Even with a well-structured study plan, it’s crucial to equip your child with the right skills to succeed in the AEIS. Beyond subject knowledge, the test requires strong language abilities, analytical thinking, and time management, all of which are essential for performing well under exam conditions.
Master English for Comprehension and Writing
To perform well in the English component, your child needs more than just basic vocabulary. They must understand context, grammar, and how to express ideas clearly.
- Encourage regular reading, writing, and daily conversations in English to build fluency.
- Familiarise them with AEIS question types such as multiple-choice questions (MCQs), cloze passages, and open-ended writing tasks, which assess their ability to understand and respond critically to text.
Confidence in Mathematics Problem-Solving
Math questions in AEIS assess logic, reasoning, and numerical accuracy under time constraints.
- Focus on building speed and accuracy through consistent practice of core topics, such as arithmetic, fractions, and geometry.
- Use structured worksheets and varied problem formats to help your child develop answering techniques with confidence.
Exam Techniques for Focus and Time Management
Even the smartest students can struggle if they lack exam-taking strategies. Here are techniques that can boost your child’s focus and time management:
- Guide your child to allocate time wisely for each section and question.
- Practise with them how to stay calm under pressure, simulating timed conditions during mock exams.
- Reinforce habits such as reading instructions carefully, checking answers, and eliminating distractions to build focus and confidence on test day.
These skills will prepare your child not just for AEIS, but for future academic challenges as well.
Secure Success with KRTC’s AEIS Preparatory Course
While self-study is valuable, enrolling your child in an AEIS tuition centre can make all the difference. Structured lessons, experienced educators, and access to curated learning materials ensure a more targeted approach.
At KRTC, your child will receive expert guidance from tutors well-versed in Singapore’s MOE syllabus. Our AEIS preparatory course is designed to improve performance in both English and Mathematics, using a step-by-step system aligned with the official test format.
Whether it’s building foundational knowledge or mastering AEIS exam techniques, KRTC equips your child with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to succeed. Contact us now at +65 6354 1044 or enquiry@krtc.com.sg to learn more about our AEIS programme!
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