Singapore Government School

Enrol in Singapore’s Government Schools: A Guide for International Students

Learn how to apply, understand the curriculum, and discover the benefits of studying in Singapore’s world-class education system.

Why Choose Singapore’s Government Schools?

World-Class Education System

Singapore’s education system consistently ranks among the best worldwide. With a focus on academic excellence and critical thinking, it prepares students for success in university and beyond.

Holistic Development Beyond Academics

In addition to strong academics, Singaporean schools offer Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) that promote leadership, teamwork, and character-building, ensuring students grow into responsible, well-rounded individuals.

Global Recognition Qualifications

Singapore’s PSLE, O-Levels, and A-Levels are internationally respected and open doors to leading universities worldwide, giving students a solid foundation for higher education.

Admissions Process for Foreign Students

Application Deadlines and Timelines

International students must check registration periods for the AEIS exam and ensure they meet all deadlines for application. Early planning is essential to avoid missing key dates.
Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS)

International students (except for Primary 1 applicants) must pass the AEIS exam. The exam tests English and Mathematics and has a competitive passing rate, so adequate preparation is essential.
Limited Spaces for Foreign Students

Singapore’s government schools prioritize local students, so there are limited spaces available for international students each year. Foreign students are admitted based on available vacancies in schools near their residential address.
No AEIS for Primary 1

International students applying for Primary 1 (the first year of primary school) do not need to take the AEIS exam. Instead, they can directly apply for available spots in nearby schools.
Placement Based on Residential Address

After passing the AEIS exam (if required), students will be assigned to a government school based on available vacancies and their residential address. Proximity to the school can affect the placement.
School Fees for International Students

International students may be required to pay higher school fees compared to local students. The exact fee structure depends on the student’s grade level and the school’s policies.
Post-Admission Process

Once admitted, international students will undergo an orientation program to help them adjust to the local school environment, cultural differences, and the academic system.

Registration Timeline

Step 1

Indicate Interest, Online Submission (Phase 3 Registration)

Period: From 9:00 AM on Tuesday, 28 May 2024, to 4:30 PM on Monday, 3 June 2024.
(Note: This is not a registration; it is a prerequisite for Phase 3 registration. Admission is not guaranteed and is subject to available vacancies after all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents have been allocated places.)
Step 2

Offer Notification (By mid-October 2024)

MOE will notify parents via email whether their child has been offered a place in a designated primary school.
Step 3

Registration at Designated School

If offered a place, parents will be informed of how to register at the designated school.

Required Documents for Indication of Interest:

Child's Birth Certificate: An English translated copy is required if it is in another language.
Child's Passport Bio-Data Page: This is the page that shows the child's personal particulars and photo.
Parents' NRIC Front and Back: For Singapore Citizen parents.
Parents' Marriage Certificate: Where applicable.
Valid Email Address: For communication purposes.
(Optional) Singapore Contact Number: For emergency contact.
Singapore Residential Address: Where the child is or will be residing.
Personal Particulars of the Child's Elder Sibling: If they are studying in a national school in Singapore.

Important Notes

Eligibility

Your child must be born between 2 January 2018 and 1 January 2019 (both dates inclusive) to be eligible for the 2024 P1 Registration Exercise.

Admission Phases

International students can only register during Phase 3, after all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents have been allocated a place.

Alternative Admission

If your child is not offered a place in a mainstream school, you may consider private schools or taking part in the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) for admission to Primary 2 in the following year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can international students apply for Primary 1 admission in Singapore?

International students can indicate their interest during Phase 3, which for 2024 runs from 28 May to 3 June 2024. Admission is subject to availability.

Do international students need to take the AEIS test for Primary 1?

No. The AEIS test is for Primary 2 and above. Primary 1 applicants follow the Phase 3 registration process via MOE.

Is admission guaranteed for foreign students who register in Phase 3?

No. Admission is not guaranteed. It depends on the number of vacancies after all Singapore Citizens and PRs are placed.

How will I know if my child has been offered a place?

MOE will notify parents via email by mid-October if a place is offered. The email will include registration instructions.

Can I choose the school for my child?

You can indicate preferences, but the final school allocation is based on vacancy and MOE discretion. You cannot choose any school freely.

Do both parents need to be in Singapore for registration?

Not necessarily, but you must provide all required documents, including NRIC/passport info for both parents.