If you’re an overseas parent planning to enrol your child into a Primary or Secondary school in Singapore, you’re probably already aware of the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) — a pathway into the local education system. What many don’t realise is that preparing for AEIS 2025 actually starts much earlier than the exam itself.

To help your child become a confident learner and be truly well prepared for exams, it’s crucial to understand the timeline, eligibility criteria, and how to plan your application around the Cambridge English Qualification (CEQ) requirement — which is now a mandatory step before applying for AEIS 2025 or S-AEIS 2025.

Timeline at a Glance: When Should You Start Preparing?

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• 12 months before AEIS/S-AEIS application: Your child must take the CEQ test by Cambridge Assessment English.
• Take CEQ in your home country: The test can be taken at any authorised CAE exam centre worldwide.
• Meet the CEQ score: If your child achieves the minimum required CEQ score, they may proceed to apply for the Mathematics AEIS test appropriate for their age group.
• Register early: Note that registration may close earlier than the stated deadline if all slots are taken.
• Receive school placement: Based on your child’s AEIS performance, they may be offered a place in a local school.

Success in AEIS 2025 takes more than academic ability — it takes good planning. It starts with choosing the right time to take the CEQ exam.

How to Choose the Right Time for the CEQ Exam

AEIS is conducted twice a year — in February and September. However, to qualify for AEIS registration, your child must pass the CEQ exam within 12 months before submitting the application.

Here’s what that means for you:

• If you are targeting the September 2025 AEIS, your child must have passed the CEQ test by July 2025.
• Since CEQ results take around 4 to 8 weeks to process, it’s safest to sit for the exam by June 2025 at the latest.
• Similarly, if you’re aiming for the February 2026 AEIS (S-AEIS), your child must complete CEQ by November 2025.

To avoid unnecessary stress and last-minute rushes, it is recommended to book the CEQ exam as early as possible — preferably 2 to 3 months before the AEIS registration window opens. That gives your child ample time to ace the exams and you more flexibility if rescheduling is needed.

CEQ English Requirements for Different Age Groups

Not all CEQ exams are the same. The required English level depends on your child’s age group:

• Ages 7 to 9 → Take A2 Key for Schools
• Ages 10 to 12 → Take B1 Preliminary for Schools

Each level has a corresponding Cambridge English Scale (CES) score requirement to qualify for AEIS registration. It’s important to choose the exam that aligns with both your child’s age and English proficiency.

Age Requirements and School Placement Eligibility

Here’s another critical factor that often gets overlooked — your child’s age on 2nd January of the year they intend to enter school in Singapore determines which AEIS level they are eligible to sit for. Here’s the official guide:

Let’s say your child takes and passes both the CEQ and AEIS tests in September 2025 or March 2026 — they will be admitted to the 2026 academic year, and their eligibility will be determined by their age on 2 January 2026. Understanding this framework is key to making informed decisions and managing expectations — both yours and your child’s.

Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Be Prepared

Navigating the AEIS 2025 process may seem complex, but with early planning and the right support, you can help your child feel confident and well prepared for exams. From selecting the correct CEQ level to booking the test at the right time, every step you take now sets the foundation for your child’s future in Singapore.

If you’re looking for guidance on preparing for the AEIS English and Mathematics tests, or need structured learning support, Superstar Teacher offers curated programmes that are aligned with Singapore’s MOE syllabus — ideal for those aiming to transition into the local school system.