For many international families, enrolling a child into Singapore’s education system is a dream that requires careful planning and timely action. The Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) is one of the main pathways for foreign students who wish to join a local school in Singapore. As the Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced the AEIS 2025 schedule, parents are now preparing their children for the application, testing, and admission process.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the AEIS 2025 key dates and timeline, including the Cambridge English Qualification (CEQ) requirement, application windows, test schedules, and eventual school placement. If you are planning for your child to sit for AEIS in 2025, keeping track of these dates is crucial to avoid missing any deadlines.
Understanding AEIS 2025
The AEIS is designed for international students who want to join Singapore’s mainstream Primary or Secondary schools outside of the regular admission period. Unlike local students who sit for the PSLE or O-Level pathways, international students must sit for a centralised test to assess their readiness for the Singapore curriculum.
AEIS covers Mathematics and English for Secondary applicants, while Primary applicants are assessed based on Mathematics. Additionally, since 2022, MOE has introduced a new requirement: all Primary-level AEIS applicants must submit CEQ scores as part of their application. This step ensures that only candidates with the required level of English proficiency are considered.
Key AEIS 2025 Dates
The 2025 AEIS exercise includes multiple critical dates that parents should take note of. Missing any one of these deadlines can mean waiting an entire year before the next opportunity.
1. CEQ Test Window (For Primary Applicants)
- Deadline: Applicants must take the CEQ test before July 2025.
- Why it matters: CEQ scores are mandatory for Primary 2 to Primary 5 AEIS applications. Without a valid CEQ result, the application will not be accepted.
- Best strategy: Book the CEQ test early—preferably by May or June 2025—to ensure that results are ready in time for the application period in July.
2. AEIS 2025 Application Period
- Dates: Monday, 28 July 2025 to Thursday, 4 September 2025
- Mode: Online via the Candidates Portal (CP).
- Requirements: During the application, parents must upload all required documents, including passport details, birth certificate, a recent passport-sized photo, and CEQ results for Primary applicants.
Applications are processed on a first-come-first-served basis, and incomplete submissions will be rejected. It is important to prepare scanned documents in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.
3. AEIS 2025 Test Dates
- Secondary 1 to Secondary 3: Tuesday, 23 September 2025
- Primary 2 to Primary 5: Wednesday, 24 September 2025
- Test subjects:
- Secondary applicants sit for English and Mathematics.
- Primary applicants sit for Mathematics only.
Both tests are paper-based and designed to measure a child’s suitability for the Singapore curriculum. Test venues will be confirmed after registration.
4. Release of AEIS Results
- Expected period: Mid-November 2025
- Mode: Results will be released via the Candidates Portal. Parents will also receive placement details for successful applicants.
At this stage, not all applicants may be successful. Those who fail may consider applying for the Supplementary Admissions Exercise for International Students (SAEIS) in February 2026, if eligible.
5. Reporting to School
- Timing: Late December 2025 (exact dates will be confirmed by MOE).
- Successful candidates must report to their assigned school before the new academic year begins in January 2026.
- Students should prepare documents such as passports, student pass applications, and any medical reports required by the school.
Timeline Breakdown: Step-by-Step
To make the process clearer, here is a chronological breakdown of AEIS 2025:
- By July 2025: Primary applicants must take the CEQ test.
- 28 July – 4 September 2025: Submit AEIS application online via Candidates Portal.
- 23 September 2025: Secondary AEIS test.
- 24 September 2025: Primary AEIS test.
- Mid-November 2025: Results released online.
- Late December 2025: Successful candidates report to school.
- January 2026: Students begin school in Singapore.
Important Notes on Eligibility and Age Criteria
When planning for AEIS 2025, parents should also take into account eligibility conditions, especially regarding the child’s age and academic background.
- Primary Level: For international students aged 7 to 12 years old, depending on their age, they may be placed into Primary 2 to Primary 5.
- Secondary Level: For international students aged 13 to 16 years old, placement may be into Secondary 1 to Secondary 3.
- There is no direct admission into Primary 6 or Secondary 4/5, as these are key national examination years (PSLE and O-Levels).
Parents must also note that placement is subject to availability of vacancies in schools.
Fees for AEIS 2025
The application fee for AEIS 2025 is payable during online submission. The rates differ by level:
- Primary: S$340
- Secondary: S$630
These fees are non-refundable, even if the applicant withdraws or fails the test. CEQ tests also have separate fees, which vary depending on the Cambridge English test centre where they are taken.
How to Prepare for AEIS 2025
Since AEIS is highly competitive, parents are advised to begin preparation well in advance. Here are some useful preparation strategies:
- Take CEQ Early
For Primary applicants, book a CEQ test slot well before July 2025. This reduces the stress of waiting for results close to the application deadline. - Strengthen Core Subjects
- For Primary: Focus on Mathematics word problems and applied reasoning.
- For Secondary: Emphasise English comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and Mathematics problem-solving.
- Practice with Past Papers
While MOE does not publish past AEIS papers, many education centres and publishers provide practice materials aligned with the Singapore curriculum. - Consider Preparation Courses
Some tuition centres in Singapore specialise in AEIS preparation, offering trial tests and targeted lessons. This can be helpful, especially for students unfamiliar with Singapore’s education style.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying CEQ Testing
Many parents underestimate the importance of CEQ timing. Without a valid CEQ score, Primary applications cannot proceed. - Incomplete Documents
Submitting applications without proper documentation is a common reason for rejection. Double-check all requirements before submission. - Assuming Guaranteed Placement
AEIS is competitive, and placement is subject to both performance and available vacancies. Parents should manage expectations accordingly. - Overlooking Student Pass Requirements
Successful applicants will need to apply for a Student’s Pass from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Begin preparations early to avoid delays.
Conclusion
The AEIS 2025 is a vital pathway for international students seeking to enter Singapore’s highly regarded education system. With applications opening on 28 July 2025 and tests scheduled for 23–24 September 2025, families must carefully plan their timelines, especially around the CEQ requirement for Primary applicants.
By keeping track of key dates—CEQ testing, application windows, test schedules, results release, and reporting deadlines—parents can ensure a smooth application journey. Early preparation in Mathematics and English, combined with proper documentation and timely CEQ submission, can significantly improve the chances of success.
Ultimately, AEIS is not just about passing a test—it is about equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in Singapore’s rigorous academic environment. For parents aiming to secure a place in 2026, careful planning and disciplined preparation starting now will make all the difference.