The Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) 2025 is one of the most important entry routes for foreign students who want to study in Singapore’s mainstream schools. Each year, thousands of international applicants prepare for the AEIS test, which assesses their proficiency in English and Mathematics. Understanding the AEIS 2025 syllabus and exam format is essential for every candidate, as it allows them to prepare strategically and improve their chances of securing a place in a Singapore primary or secondary school.
This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the AEIS 2025 syllabus, exam format, difficulty level, and preparation strategies.
Understanding the AEIS 2025 Test
The AEIS exam is designed by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) to assess whether international students have the academic abilities to integrate into the local school system. The two core subjects tested are:
- English – To evaluate reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills.
- Mathematics – To assess problem-solving, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and applied reasoning.
Successful candidates are offered school placements based on their performance, availability of vacancies, and MOE guidelines.
AEIS 2025 Exam Levels
The AEIS is not a single standardized test for all ages. Instead, it is divided into different levels depending on the applicant’s intended grade:
- Primary 2/3 AEIS Test – For children aged 7–9 years.
- Primary 4/5 AEIS Test – For children aged 9–11 years.
- Secondary 1 AEIS Test – For students around 12–14 years.
- Secondary 2/3 AEIS Test – For students aged 13–16 years.
Each test level has a syllabus tailored to the corresponding curriculum in Singapore schools.
AEIS 2025 English Syllabus
The AEIS English test is not just about vocabulary memorization. It is designed to ensure students can handle Singapore’s fast-paced, English-medium education.
Components:
- Reading Comprehension
- Passages ranging from 300–600 words.
- Questions include multiple-choice, short answers, and inference-based tasks.
- Tests ability to understand meaning, tone, and context.
- Grammar and Vocabulary
- Multiple-choice questions covering tenses, prepositions, conjunctions, and sentence structure.
- Vocabulary questions test synonyms, antonyms, and contextual word usage.
- Writing Section
- For Primary level: short writing tasks such as picture-based composition or short essays (100–150 words).
- For Secondary level: longer essays (200–350 words) requiring narrative, descriptive, or argumentative writing.
Skills Needed:
- Strong reading habits to improve comprehension speed.
- Solid grammar foundation to avoid careless mistakes.
- Ability to express ideas clearly in written English.
AEIS 2025 Mathematics Syllabus
The Mathematics paper is often the most challenging part for international students because Singapore’s math curriculum is globally recognized as rigorous.
Components:
- Arithmetic
- Whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
- Ratio and proportion questions.
- Algebra (Secondary levels)
- Solving linear equations and inequalities.
- Simplifying algebraic expressions.
- Geometry and Measurement
- Perimeter, area, and volume.
- Angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles.
- Data Analysis
- Interpreting graphs, tables, and charts.
- Probability and statistics (basic level).
- Problem-Solving Word Problems
- Multi-step problems requiring logical reasoning.
- Application of concepts in real-life scenarios.
Skills Needed:
- Strong conceptual understanding, not just memorization.
- Ability to explain mathematical reasoning.
- Practice with challenging word problems to boost problem-solving confidence.
AEIS 2025 Exam Format
While the exact number of questions may vary slightly, the general structure is consistent:
English Test Format
- Primary Level:
- Multiple-choice questions (grammar & vocabulary).
- Reading comprehension (MCQs & short-answer).
- Writing composition (100–150 words).
- Secondary Level:
- Multiple-choice grammar & vocabulary.
- Reading comprehension with longer passages.
- Essay writing (200–350 words).
Mathematics Test Format
- Primary Level:
- Section A: Short-answer questions.
- Section B: Word problems.
- Secondary Level:
- Section A: Multiple-choice questions.
- Section B: Short-answer questions.
- Section C: Structured, long-answer problems.
Difficulty Level of AEIS 2025
Many international students find AEIS challenging because:
- Singapore’s syllabus is more advanced compared to other countries.
- English test emphasizes deep comprehension rather than rote learning.
- Mathematics requires strong problem-solving ability, not just basic calculations.
However, with consistent preparation, students can bridge the gap.
Preparation Strategies for AEIS 2025
- Start Early
- Ideally, begin preparation at least 6–12 months before the test.
- Early preparation builds confidence and reduces exam anxiety.
- Use Past-Year Papers
- Practice with AEIS sample papers to familiarize with question style.
- Time yourself to simulate real exam conditions.
- Strengthen Weak Areas
- Focus on English grammar rules and essay writing.
- Drill on math word problems and algebra practice.
- Enroll in AEIS Preparation Courses
- Many tuition centers in Singapore specialize in AEIS training.
- Professional tutors can provide guidance aligned with MOE’s standards.
- Improve Time Management
- Both English and Math tests are time-pressured.
- Practice pacing yourself so you can complete all questions.
- Read Widely
- English skills improve significantly when students read newspapers, novels, and online articles daily.
- Exposure to different sentence structures enhances writing ability.
Common Mistakes Students Make in AEIS
- Over-focusing on memorization instead of understanding concepts.
- Neglecting essay writing practice.
- Not showing working steps in math problems (marks are awarded for process).
- Ignoring time limits during practice.
Conclusion
The AEIS 2025 exam syllabus and format are carefully designed to evaluate whether international students can thrive in Singapore’s rigorous academic environment. Success in the exam requires more than just academic knowledge – it demands critical thinking, clear communication, and strong problem-solving skills.
By understanding the AEIS 2025 syllabus for English and Mathematics, and preparing strategically with past papers, tuition support, and disciplined study habits, international students can maximize their chances of passing the test and securing admission into a Singapore school.
If you are preparing for AEIS 2025, start early, stay consistent, and focus on building a solid foundation. With the right approach, you can achieve success and begin your educational journey in Singapore.