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The 2026 Supplementary Admissions Exercise for International Students (S-AEIS) has officially concluded. For many students, this marked the end of months of preparation and hard work.

However, families who missed the S-AEIS exam should not worry. There is still an important opportunity ahead — the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) held every September.

For international students hoping to enter Singapore government primary and secondary schools, AEIS remains the main pathway into the Singapore education system.

S-AEIS 2026: The End of an Important Preparation Stage

As the final group of Primary 4 students entered the examination hall last friday, the 2026 S-AEIS exam officially came to an end.

Outside the examination hall, a familiar scene unfolded. Students quietly reviewed their notes while parents and teachers exchanged encouraging glances. The moment before entering the exam room is always filled with nervous anticipation.

Feeling nervous is perfectly normal. What truly makes the difference is not who feels less pressure, but who can apply what they have practised consistently under exam conditions.

When the final exam ended, teachers finally breathed a sigh of relief. Preparing for S-AEIS is a challenging journey not only for students, but also for educators. From curriculum planning and mock examinations to daily revision sessions and pre-exam guidance, every step is designed to help students adapt to Singapore’s examination system and academic expectations.

Missed S-AEIS? The AEIS Exam in September Is the Next Opportunity

If your child did not sit for the S-AEIS exam this year, or you wish to continue preparing, the AEIS examination in September presents another important opportunity.

The Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) is a standardised entrance examination organised by the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE). It allows international students to apply for places in Singapore government primary and secondary schools.

What is the difference between AEIS and S-AEIS?

• AEIS (September) – The main admission exercise with more available places.
• S-AEIS (February) – A supplementary exam for students who missed or did not pass AEIS.

However, it is important to note that S-AEIS does not offer exams for the following levels:

• Primary 5
• Secondary 3

Admissions are determined by the MOE placement system, which considers several factors including:

• The student’s exam performance
• Available school vacancies for the year
• The student’s residential address in Singapore

Students cannot choose their school directly, as placements are allocated by MOE.

AEIS Language Requirements

Language proficiency is a key requirement for international students entering Singapore schools.

For primary school applicants, students must first pass the Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ):

• Cambridge English KET (Key English Test), or
• Cambridge English PET (Preliminary English Test).

For secondary school applicants, there is no strict CEQ requirement. However, English proficiency remains a core assessment component, as students must complete the English paper during the AEIS exam.

AEIS Exam Format and Subjects

Primary School Level (P2–P5)

Primary school candidates sit for Mathematics only.

The paper typically includes:

• Multiple-choice questions
• Short-answer questions

The test focuses on mathematics concepts from the previous academic year, assessing students’ understanding, reasoning, and problem-solving ability.

Secondary School Level (S1–S3)

Secondary candidates sit for two subjects:

1. English

• Reading comprehension
• Comprehension Cloze
• Grammar
• Vocabulary 
• Writing

2. Mathematics

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Statistics
• Probability

Both papers assess not only knowledge but also logical thinking and the ability to apply concepts in unfamiliar contexts.

How Should Students Prepare for the AEIS?

Many parents ask during consultations:
“How should my child prepare for the AEIS exam?”

In reality, AEIS is not simply a test of subject knowledge. It also evaluates whether students can adapt to Singapore’s learning style and exam structure.

For example:

• Primary AEIS focuses on mathematics reasoning and application.
• Secondary AEIS requires strong English reading and writing skills in addition to mathematics ability.

For students transitioning from overseas education systems, the biggest challenge is often not the difficulty of the subjects themselves, but adjusting to:

• A new language environment
• Singapore’s academic expectations
• Different exam formats and problem-solving approaches.

Every Student Has a Different AEIS Learning Path

From years of experience teaching AEIS preparation courses, one thing is clear: every student’s learning path is different.

Some students:

• Have a strong mathematics foundation but need time to strengthen their English reading skills.

Others:

• Arrive in Singapore with weaker English proficiency and need to first develop language ability and study habits.

For this reason, effective AEIS preparation programmes usually group students according to:

• Age
• Entrance test results
• Academic foundation

Some students begin in foundation classes to build core skills gradually, while others join intensive preparation courses for focused exam training.

A Learning Community That Continues Beyond the Exam

Over the years, teachers often find that the most memorable moments are not the exam scores, but the small milestones in each student’s growth.

Many students who successfully enter government schools through AEIS still return to review lessons or study independently. Sometimes, former students voluntarily help younger students who are preparing for their exams, sharing tips and explaining difficult questions.

This natural exchange between past and current students gradually builds a supportive learning community, where experience and encouragement are passed on from one generation of students to the next.

AEIS Preparation Is a Long-Term Learning Journey

Education is never a sprint. It is a long-term journey that requires steady progress and consistent effort.

Whether your child has just completed the S-AEIS exam or is preparing for the upcoming AEIS, each stage of preparation helps build the foundation for future academic success.

After the exams, students can take time to rest and recharge. For those planning to take the AEIS in September, now is the ideal time to review learning strategies and establish a structured study plan.

Planning Your Child’s Path to Singapore Government Schools

In the coming months, we will continue sharing AEIS preparation advice, study strategies, and exam planning guidance for international students.

Our goal is to help more students successfully adapt to Singapore’s education system and develop confidence in their new learning environment.

If you are planning your child’s pathway to Singapore government schools, feel free to reach out to us for guidance.

Every child is unique, and the most suitable preparation strategy will depend on their academic background, language level, and learning pace. Understanding the AEIS system early and planning ahead can make the entire preparation journey smoother and more effective.

Preparing for AEIS: Why Early Preparation Matters

The AEIS exam is highly competitive, and admission to Singapore government schools is not guaranteed. Placement depends on:

• The student’s exam performance
• Available school vacancies
• The family’s residential address in Singapore.

Because the exam tests both academic knowledge and English proficiency, many international students benefit from structured preparation before sitting for the test.

AEIS Preparation Course in Singapore – Prepare with Hanbridge Institute

If your child plans to sit for the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS), structured preparation can significantly improve both exam readiness and confidence. The AEIS exam is a key pathway for international students seeking admission to Singapore government primary and secondary schools, and proper preparation is essential to succeed.

The AEIS Preparatory Course at Hanbridge Institute is designed to support international students preparing for the AEIS entrance exam in Singapore. Our programme focuses on building strong academic foundations while helping students become familiar with the AEIS examination format and question types.

What Students Will Gain from Our AEIS Preparatory Course

• Strengthen Mathematics and English foundations aligned with AEIS requirements
• Adapt to Singapore’s AEIS exam format and question structure
• Practise with mock AEIS exams and targeted training sessions
• Develop effective exam strategies and time-management skills

With structured lessons, guided practice, and exam-focused preparation, students can build the confidence and skills needed to perform well in the AEIS examination.

👉 Learn more about the AEIS Preparatory Course and register here:
https://hanbridge.edu.sg/program/preparatory-course-for-admission-to-government-schools/

With the right preparation and academic support, students can improve their chances of gaining admission to Singapore government schools through the AEIS exam.

Contact Hanbridge Institute

For more information about our AEIS preparation course in Singapore, feel free to contact us:

📞 Phone: (+65) 6513 0552
📧 Email: contact@hanbridge.edu.sg

For the complete guide, including important dates, application procedures, eligibility requirements, and a detailed exam overview, please refer to our blog: “MOE Announces 2026 S-AEIS Application and Test Schedule: Key Dates, Application Process, and Exam Overview.”

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the S-AEIS timeline, registration steps, examination format, and preparation tips to help parents and students better understand the admissions process for Singapore government schools.