Can Foreigners Study in Singapore Public Schools? AEIS, Fees & Admission Guide 2026
Yes, Foreigners Can Attend Singapore Public Schools — But It's Complicated
The short answer: Yes, international students can study in Singapore's mainstream (MOE) schools. The realistic answer: Places are very limited, the entrance exam is competitive, and most expatriate families end up in international schools instead.
This guide explains exactly how the process works, who is eligible, and what your realistic chances are.
The AEIS / S-AEIS Exam: The Only Way In
What Is AEIS?
The Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) is a centralized entrance examination conducted by the Ministry of Education (MOE) for international students seeking admission to Primary 2-5 and Secondary 1-3 in Singapore mainstream schools.
A supplementary exercise, S-AEIS, is held for students who miss the main AEIS or need a second attempt.
Who Must Take AEIS?
- All international students who are not Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents
- Children on a Dependant's Pass (DP) — NO exemption. All DP holders must take AEIS
- Children of Employment Pass holders — must take AEIS
The only exemptions: Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and children of certain diplomatic corps members.
Exam Structure
| Level | Subjects Tested | Duration | |-------|----------------|----------| | Primary 2-3 | English, Mathematics | ~2.5 hours | | Primary 4-5 | English, Mathematics | ~3 hours | | Secondary 1 | English, Mathematics | ~3.5 hours | | Secondary 2-3 | English, Mathematics | ~3.5 hours |
The exams test proficiency relative to the Singapore national curriculum. English and Mathematics standards are high — approximately 1-2 grade levels above what most international curricula cover at the same age.
Pass Rates
MOE does not publish official pass rates, but informal estimates from tuition centres suggest:
- Primary level: 15-25% pass rate
- Secondary level: 10-20% pass rate
Many students take the exam 2-3 times before succeeding.
AEIS Timeline
| Event | Main AEIS | S-AEIS | |-------|-----------|--------| | Application opens | July | December | | Exam date | September-October | February | | Results | December | April | | School starts | January (following year) | May-June (same year) |
Important: Applications open for a very short window (typically 2-3 weeks). Missing the window means waiting another 6+ months.
Admission: It's Not Just About Passing
Passing AEIS is necessary but not sufficient. Placement depends on:
- Available vacancies — Schools prioritize citizens and PRs. International students fill remaining spaces, which are unpredictable year-to-year
- AEIS score — Higher scores get priority for better schools and locations
- Your residential address — MOE tries to place students in schools near their registered address, but has no obligation to do so
Reality check: You don't choose the school — MOE assigns one based on availability. You may be placed anywhere in Singapore, and the school may not be your first (or fifth) choice.
Costs: Public School Fees for International Students
International students pay non-subsidized fees, which are significantly higher than what citizens and PRs pay:
| Level | Monthly Fee (ASEAN) | Monthly Fee (Non-ASEAN) | |-------|---------------------|------------------------| | Primary | SGD $440 | SGD $840 | | Secondary | SGD $700 | SGD $1,400 | | Pre-University (JC) | SGD $920 | SGD $1,770 |
Annual comparison:
| | Annual Cost (approx.) | |---|---| | Local school (Non-ASEAN, Secondary) | ~SGD $16,800 | | Affordable international school (Invictus) | ~SGD $15,000–$19,000 | | Mid-range international school (OFS) | ~SGD $18,000–$32,000 |
The gap between public school and the most affordable international schools has narrowed considerably. For some families, paying slightly more for an international school — with guaranteed placement, curriculum continuity, and better facilities — makes more sense.
Who Should Pursue AEIS?
AEIS is a good fit for:
- Families on a tight budget who absolutely cannot afford international school fees
- Children already strong in English and Mathematics at Singapore curriculum levels
- Families planning to stay in Singapore long-term (5+ years)
- Children under 10 — younger students adapt faster to the curriculum transition
AEIS is not a good fit for:
- Families on short-term assignments (1-3 years)
- Children who need English language support — the curriculum assumes native-level English
- Families who want curriculum continuity across countries
- Families who want choice in school selection
Alternative: The "Local + International" Hybrid
Some schools bridge the gap:
| School | Type | Key Features | Annual Fees | |--------|------|-------------|-------------| | St. Francis Methodist | Private secondary + pre-U | Singapore-Cambridge + IGCSE + IB DP pathways | $16,000–$24,000 | | ACS International | Methodist international | IGCSE + IB DP, strong local heritage | $27,000–$37,000 | | SJI International | Catholic international | IPC + IGCSE + IB DP, Lasallian values | $24,000–$35,000 |
These schools offer internationally recognized qualifications with elements of Singaporean academic rigor — a compelling middle ground.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply via AEIS
- Check eligibility — Your child must be within the age range for the level applied
- Prepare documents: Passport, birth certificate, passport photo, DP/Student's Pass (if applicable)
- Submit application — Via the MOE AEIS online portal during the application window (July or December)
- Pay application fee — SGD $672 (non-refundable)
- Receive exam notification — With test venue and timing details
- Student takes AEIS exam — At designated test centres in Singapore
- Receive results — Via the AEIS portal; successful candidates receive a school posting
- Report to school — Within the specified timeframe with required documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my DP-holding child skip AEIS and go directly to a local school? A: No. Dependant's Pass holders are treated the same as any other international student for MOE school admission. AEIS is mandatory.
Q: What if my child fails AEIS? A: You can retake subsequent AEIS/S-AEIS exams. Many students require multiple attempts. In the meantime, your child must attend a private or international school — it is illegal for children of school-going age to not be in school.
Q: Can my child transfer from international school to local school mid-year? A: Only through S-AEIS for entry in May-June. Direct transfers are not permitted.
Q: Does local school guarantee university placement in Singapore? A: No, but local school qualifications (O-Levels, A-Levels) are highly regarded by NUS, NTU, and other Singapore universities. International students compete on merit.
Bottom Line
Singapore's public schools offer world-class education at a fraction of international school costs — but access for foreigners is deliberately limited and competitive. For most expatriate families, international schools remain the pragmatic choice. However, if you're willing to invest in AEIS preparation and accept an assigned school, the local pathway can save significant money while delivering excellent academics.
- Find international schools within your budget — filter by fee range
- Get personalised school recommendations — answer 6 questions
- Read our full guide to the Singapore education system
Last updated: June 2026. MOE policies and fees change — verify at moe.gov.sg.