Local school placement for foreign children — Complete 2026 guide

Local school placement for foreign children in Singapore is possible but competitive: international students are admitted to government and government-aided schools mainly through the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS), and only after Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents have been allocated places. Families should understand the test, the timing and the higher fee tier before choosing this route.

Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.

How local school placement for foreign children works

Foreign children seeking a place in a mainstream local school (Primary 2 to Secondary 3, in practice) sit the AEIS, a centralised test of English and Mathematics administered by the Ministry of Education. Those who pass are offered a place based on performance, age and vacancies, not on a school of choice. Citizens and PRs have priority in the broader admissions framework, so a place is never guaranteed for an international applicant. The official rules are published by the Ministry of Education.

Who can apply, and the priority order

The child must hold a valid immigration pass (commonly a Dependant’s Pass or Student’s Pass). Admission priority generally runs: Singapore Citizens first, then Permanent Residents, then international students. This is why many expatriate families plan for an international school as a fallback while attempting the local route. The Compulsory Education Act 2000 makes primary education compulsory for Singapore Citizen children, but it does not extend that obligation to foreign children, so placement here is a choice rather than a requirement.

The AEIS timeline

• Main AEIS: typically held around September–October each year for places the following January.
• Supplementary AEIS (S-AEIS): usually held around February for mid-year vacancies.
• Registration: opens weeks before the test; late registration is generally not accepted.
• Outcome: successful candidates are posted to a school with vacancies, often not near their preferred area.

Fees for international students

International students pay a higher monthly fee tier than citizens and PRs, and ASEAN-national rates differ from non-ASEAN rates. As an indication for 2026 (confirm current figures with MOE):

• Primary level: roughly S$900+ per month for non-ASEAN international students.
• Secondary level: higher again, often well over S$1,000+ per month for non-ASEAN international students.
• Miscellaneous fees, examination fees and the cost of uniforms and materials are additional.
• Fees have been rising in recent years, so budget for annual increases.

Schools, health and registration

Mainstream schools are registered and regulated under the Education Act 1957, which underpins the national system the Ministry of Education administers. Enrolment is also subject to health and immunisation requirements overseen by the Ministry of Health, so ensure your child’s vaccination records meet the national schedule before applying. Getting the family settled first makes all of this smoother, as set out in our complete guide to relocating to Singapore as a family.

For parents relocating a business too

Where a parent is also moving a company or investment to Singapore, the corporate side deserves equal planning. Our corporate partners explain when an overseas company creates a taxable presence here in their guide to Singapore permanent establishment rules, and the governance of co-founders and investors in their guide to drag-along, tag-along and shareholder agreements.

Preparing for the AEIS

The AEIS tests English and Mathematics at a standard pegged to the Singapore curriculum, which is demanding for children arriving from different education systems. English assessment expects strong reading comprehension and writing; Mathematics is typically a year or more ahead of many overseas curricula at the same age. Children who have been learning in another language often need the most preparation time, because they must reach a working command of academic English quickly.

A realistic preparation plan starts six to twelve months before the test. Map your child’s current level against the Singapore syllabus for the year group they will sit, close the gaps systematically, and use past-style practice to build exam familiarity and timing. Many families engage tutors who specialise in AEIS preparation. Equally important is managing expectations: passing the AEIS leads to a posting based on vacancies, not to a chosen school, and a strong international-school alternative should remain open throughout. Treat the AEIS as one route to pursue diligently, while keeping a backup so your child’s schooling is never left uncertain.

Common mistakes and gotchas

• Assuming you can pick the school. AEIS posts students to schools with vacancies; preference is limited.
• Missing the registration window. AEIS registration is strict and late entries are not accepted.
• Underpreparing for the test. English and Mathematics standards are demanding for children from different systems.
• No backup plan. Always hold an international-school option open in case the AEIS result or posting does not suit.

FAQs

Is the AEIS the only way in? For most international students entering mainstream levels, yes. Direct-school admission for foreigners is very limited.

Can my child choose the school? Not really. Placement depends on vacancies, performance and age, and the posted school may not be your first choice.

How much are the fees? International-student fees are a higher tier than for citizens and PRs, commonly S$900+ a month at primary and more at secondary; confirm the current rates with MOE.

Does compulsory education apply to my foreign child? No. The Compulsory Education Act 2000 applies to Singapore Citizen children; foreign children are not subject to it.

When should we start? Begin a year ahead: prepare for the test, line up immigration passes, and keep an international school as a parallel option.

Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.