The AEIS (Admission Exercise for International Students) exam is a crucial pathway for international students applying to public schools in Singapore. To help parents and students better understand the AEIS exam requirements, here is a detailed explanation of the conditions and essential requirements for international students seeking admission to Singapore’s public schools.

1. Age and Grade Requirements

Age Range

• Primary School: Students applying for Primary 2 to 5 in Singapore must be between 7 and 12 years old. Specifically:
  • Primary 2: Ages 7 to 8
  • Primary 3: Ages 8 to 9
  • Primary 4: Ages 9 to 10
  • Primary 5: Ages 10 to 11
• Secondary School: Students applying for Secondary 1 to 3 must be between 12 and 16 years old. Specifically:
  • Secondary 1: Ages 12 to 14
  • Secondary 2: Ages 13 to 15
  • Secondary 3: Ages 14 to 16

Students must meet the age requirements for the grade they are applying for; otherwise, it may affect the success rate of their application.

2. Academic Proficiency in English and Mathematics

Academic Foundation

• English Proficiency: The English section of the AEIS exam assesses students’ reading comprehension, writing, and language application abilities. For non-native English speakers, English proficiency is crucial for passing the AEIS exam. Students need to have a sufficient level of English to understand and answer complex language questions.
• Mathematics Proficiency: The Mathematics section evaluates students’ understanding of mathematical concepts, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Although the content may not be inherently difficult for many international students, questions are presented in English, so students must be able to understand mathematical terminology and solve problems in English.

3. AEIS Exam Registration and Examination Process

Registration Process

• Registration Period: Registration for the AEIS exam usually opens from July to August each year, with the exam held in September. Students and parents should closely monitor the Singapore Ministry of Education’s official website for the latest registration information.
• Registration Documents: Required documents include:
  • A copy of the student’s birth certificate and passport
  • School transcripts or academic records from the past two years
  • Completed AEIS registration form and registration fee

Examination Process

• Exam Subjects: The AEIS exam comprises English and Mathematics sections, each divided into several parts. The exam duration is typically half a day to a full day, depending on the grade applied for.
• Exam Location: The exam is usually conducted at designated testing centers in Singapore, and international students must arrive in Singapore in advance to take the exam.

4. Post-Exam Admission Arrangements

Admission and Enrollment

• Exam Results: Results are typically released within two months after the exam. Successful candidates will receive an admission notification from the Singapore Ministry of Education, detailing the assigned school and grade.
• Enrollment Arrangements: Students who pass the exam will be assigned to a public school in Singapore. The grade level is determined based on the exam results and the student’s age. Singapore’s education system is flexible, allowing students to be placed in a grade suitable for their performance.

5. Preparation Tips for the AEIS Exam

Advance Preparation

• Language Improvement: Non-native English speakers should enhance their English skills well in advance, particularly in reading and writing. This can be achieved through English training courses, reading English books, and practicing writing.
• Mathematics Training: Although the difficulty of mathematics itself is generally manageable, solving problems in English can add complexity. Students should familiarize themselves with relevant mathematical terms and practice extensively to improve problem-solving speed and accuracy.

Seeking Professional Tutoring

• Tutoring Classes and Online Courses: Many educational institutions offer AEIS-specific tutoring classes or online courses. These can help students prepare more effectively by understanding exam question types and answering techniques.iWorld Learning is a renowned language school in Singapore specializing in AEIS and related language exams. The school offers comprehensive courses designed to enhance students’ English proficiency and academic abilities to ensure excellent results in the AEIS exam. With an experienced teaching team and advanced teaching methods, iWorld Learning provides personalized guidance and support. Whether students are beginners or have some foundation, they can find suitable learning paths to build a strong foundation for entering Singapore’s top schools.

Parental Support

• Emotional Support: Parents should provide emotional support, pay attention to the child’s psychological state, and help manage exam-related stress.
• Creating a Conducive Learning Environment: Provide a quiet and distraction-free study environment to help the child focus fully on preparation.

The AEIS exam is a key pathway for international students to enter public schools in Singapore. Understanding the exam conditions and developing effective preparation strategies are critical to passing the AEIS exam successfully. Through advance planning, systematic study, mock exams, and psychological preparation, students can excel in this challenge and take a significant step toward high-quality education in Singapore. Parents and students should make full use of available resources and maintain a positive attitude to effectively face the AEIS exam challenge.