The Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) 2025 is one of the most important exams for international students who wish to join Singapore’s primary and secondary schools. Held annually by the Ministry of Education (MOE), the AEIS tests a student’s proficiency in English and Mathematics, which are the core subjects in Singapore’s education system.
If you are preparing for the AEIS 2025 exam, understanding the syllabus is critical. Many international students struggle not because they lack intelligence but because they are unfamiliar with the Singapore syllabus and exam format. This article will give you a complete overview of the AEIS 2025 exam syllabus, breaking it down into subjects, skills, and study strategies that you should focus on.
Overview of AEIS 2025
The AEIS 2025 will be conducted in September 2025, and successful applicants will be admitted to Singapore schools in January 2026. The exam has two main components:
- English Test
- Mathematics Test
The level of difficulty depends on the age of the student:
- Primary Level (P2 / P3 / P4 / P5 entry)
- Secondary Level (Sec 1 / Sec 2 / Sec 3 entry)
Students are placed based on their performance and the availability of school vacancies.
AEIS 2025 English Syllabus
The AEIS English test evaluates a student’s language skills, comprehension ability, and writing skills. Here’s what you need to study:
1. Vocabulary and Grammar
- Knowledge of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, and conjunctions.
- Tenses (simple present, past, future, continuous, and perfect forms).
- Subject-verb agreement.
- Articles and determiners.
- Sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling.
2. Reading Comprehension
Students will be given passages to read, followed by multiple-choice and short-answer questions. You should practice:
- Identifying the main idea and supporting details.
- Making inferences and drawing conclusions.
- Understanding vocabulary in context.
- Recognizing tone and purpose of the text.
3. Cloze Passages
These are passages with missing words that students must fill in. It tests grammar, vocabulary, and context understanding.
4. Writing
At the higher levels, students are required to write a short essay or composition. Skills required include:
- Organizing ideas into paragraphs.
- Using proper grammar and sentence structures.
- Writing descriptively and persuasively.
- Maintaining coherence and flow.
5. Listening & Oral Skills (Optional for some levels)
While not always tested in AEIS, listening and oral communication are important once admitted to schools. Students should practice speaking confidently and listening to English conversations.
AEIS 2025 Mathematics Syllabus
The AEIS Mathematics test measures problem-solving and logical thinking, focusing on topics from the Singapore Math curriculum.
1. Primary Level Mathematics (P2–P5 entry)
Key topics include:
- Numbers (whole numbers, fractions, decimals).
- Basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
- Measurement (length, mass, volume, time, money).
- Geometry (shapes, area, perimeter).
- Data handling (charts, tables, graphs).
- Word problems (application of concepts to real-life scenarios).
2. Secondary Level Mathematics (Sec 1–Sec 3 entry)
Topics become more advanced and include:
- Algebra (simplifying expressions, solving equations).
- Geometry (angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles).
- Trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent).
- Statistics and probability.
- Linear graphs and quadratic equations.
- Ratio, proportion, and percentage.
- Problem-solving in multiple steps.
Differences Between Primary and Secondary Syllabus
- Primary AEIS focuses more on foundational numeracy and basic English comprehension.
- Secondary AEIS tests higher-level abstract thinking, requiring strong algebra and advanced English writing skills.
Students aiming for Sec 2 or Sec 3 entry must be prepared for challenging problem-solving questions and more complex passages in English.
How to Prepare for AEIS 2025 English
- Read Widely: Books, newspapers, and online articles will help build vocabulary.
- Practice Grammar: Use grammar exercise books aligned with Singapore schools.
- Do Past Papers: AEIS sample papers are the best way to understand question styles.
- Improve Writing: Practice short essays weekly, focusing on structure and clarity.
- Enhance Listening Skills: Watch English news or listen to podcasts daily.
How to Prepare for AEIS 2025 Mathematics
- Master Basics First: Ensure strong arithmetic foundations before moving to algebra.
- Work on Word Problems: These require logical reasoning, not just calculations.
- Time Management: Practice finishing questions within exam time limits.
- Use Singapore Math Books: They follow the exact curriculum tested in AEIS.
- Practice Daily: Consistency builds problem-solving speed and accuracy.
Study Resources for AEIS 2025
- MOE website: For latest updates on exam dates and requirements.
- Assessment Books: Widely available in bookstores like Popular Singapore.
- AEIS Tuition Centres: Many local and online centres specialize in preparing students.
- Online Practice Papers: Mock tests can simulate the actual exam environment.
Common Mistakes Students Make in AEIS
- Memorizing Instead of Understanding: The AEIS tests application, not rote learning.
- Weak Vocabulary: Many students lose marks due to limited English vocabulary.
- Skipping Word Problems: These often carry high weightage in Mathematics.
- Poor Time Management: Not allocating enough time per question leads to incomplete papers.
- Lack of Familiarity with Exam Format: Practicing only general English and Math is not enough—students must attempt AEIS-style questions.
Final Tips for AEIS 2025
- Start preparing at least 6 months in advance.
- Take mock tests every month to track progress.
- Focus on weak areas, not just strengths.
- Use a study timetable to stay consistent.
- If needed, seek guidance from AEIS tutors or centres.
Conclusion
The AEIS 2025 exam syllabus is challenging but entirely manageable with the right preparation. Since the exam only tests English and Mathematics, students must dedicate time daily to mastering these two subjects. Success in AEIS not only secures admission into a Singapore school but also lays the foundation for future academic excellence.
By understanding the syllabus, practicing regularly, and learning effective strategies, international students can approach the AEIS 2025 with confidence.