Singapore Government Schools — Admissions Support
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 government schools, offering world-class education and holistic development.
Why Choose Singapore’s Government Schools?
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 (Prerequisite for Phase 3 Registration)
Period: From 9:00 AM on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, to 4:30 PM on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Note: This is an indication of interest, not a registration. It is a prerequisite for International Students who wish to participate in Phase 3 of the 2026 P1 Registration Exercise, for admission in January 2027. Admission is not guaranteed and is subject to available vacancies after all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents have been allocated school places. -
Step 2
Offer Notification (By end-October)
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 (IOI) for Singapore Government Schools:
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When can international students apply for Primary 1 admission in Singapore?
International students can indicate their interest in Primary 1 admission to Singapore government schools during Phase 3 of the P1 Registration Exercise. Admission is subject to the availability of places after Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident children have been allocated school places. For the latest registration dates and details, please refer to the MOE P1 Registration Phases and Key Dates
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.