How to enroll your child in MOE’s mid-year admissions as an LTVP holder

How LTVP Children Can Enter MOE Schools Mid-Year

For parents holding a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), enrolling your child into a local Ministry of Education (MOE) school mid-year is possible, but it is not a direct application to the school. The primary route is through a centralized process called the Supplementary Admissions Exercise for International Students (S-AEIS). This involves your child passing a placement test in English and Mathematics to secure a school spot based on their performance and available vacancies.

Navigating the Singapore education system can feel complex, especially for international families on passes like the LTVP. You want the best for your child, and securing a place in a local MOE school is a goal for many, as studying in Singapore as a foreign student offers a world-class education. This guide breaks down the entire mid-year admission process, providing you with a clear, step-by-step roadmap to give your child the best chance of success.

Understanding Mid-Year Admissions: The S-AEIS Process

Unlike Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents who can approach schools directly if they have a valid reason for a mid-year transfer, international students, including LTVP holders, must go through a centralized admissions exercise.

• AEIS (Admissions Exercise for International Students): This is conducted around September for admission into the next academic year, which starts in January.
• S-AEIS (Supplementary Admissions Exercise for International Students): This is the key process for mid-year admissions. It is typically conducted around February or March for admission into Primary 2-4 and Secondary 1-2 for the same academic year.

Success in the S-AEIS is the main gateway for LTVP children to enter the local school system mid-stream.

Eligibility: Can Your LTVP Child Apply?

Yes, your child is eligible to apply as an international student. The key criteria are primarily based on age. MOE has strict age limits for each academic level to ensure students are of a similar age to their peers.

For example, to be eligible for the S-AEIS for Primary 4, a child must typically be between 9 and 10+ years old on January 1st of the admission year. It is crucial to check the exact age requirements on the official MOE website for the specific year you are applying, as these are non-negotiable.

Step-by-Step Guide to MOE Mid-Year Admission for LTVP Holders

Follow these steps carefully to navigate the S-AEIS process. Missing a deadline or a document can unfortunately result in an unsuccessful application.

Step 1: The Prerequisite – Cambridge English Test (For Primary Applicants)

Before you can even apply for the S-AEIS Mathematics test, primary-level applicants must first take a relevant Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ) test and meet the required score. This is a recent requirement by MOE to ensure that children have a foundational level of English proficiency before entering the school system.

Action: Check the MOE AEIS webpage for the specific CEQ test and minimum score required for your child’s age group. Register for this test well in advance as S-AEIS registration is only open for a short period.

Step 2: Register for the S-AEIS Test

Once the S-AEIS application window opens (usually in January), you must submit your application online via the official MOE portal. This is a time-sensitive step, as registration can close early if all available slots are filled.

Key Document: Your child’s valid Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is essential. A significant advantage for LTVP holders is that you do not need to apply for a separate Student’s Pass from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for your child to study in a mainstream school.

Step 3: Prepare the Necessary Documents

Having your documents in order will make the online application smooth. You will typically need digital copies of:

• Your child’s Birth Certificate.
• Your child’s valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
• Your child’s valid Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
• Your own passport/Singapore identification document.
• A recent passport-sized photograph of your child.

Step 4: Take the Centralised S-AEIS Test

Your child will sit for a centralised test in English and Mathematics (only Mathematics for primary applicants who have already cleared the CEQ test). The test level will be appropriate for their age. The purpose is to assess their academic abilities against the standards of the Singapore curriculum.

Step 5: Await the Outcome and School Offer

S-AEIS results are usually released online in April. If your child is successful, the offer is for a specific school.

Important Note: You cannot choose the school. Placement is determined by MOE based on your child’s test score, available school vacancies, and your registered local address.

A Crucial Consideration: Admission Priority and School Placement

This is a key point that all international parents must understand. Admission is not guaranteed even with a passing score.

MOE prioritises students in the following order:

1. Singapore Citizens (SC)
2. Permanent Residents (PR)
3. International Students

While LTVP holders are eligible, they fall into the “International Students” category. The significant advantage in school placement and fees is a primary motivation for many families who are exploring the process of getting PR in Singapore. The MOE does not officially publish a priority hierarchy within the international student group, so securing a place is highly competitive. For those seeking long-term stability, a successful Singapore PR application can make a significant difference in this process. Ultimately, the goal for many is to become singapore permanent resident to provide their children with greater educational certainty and enjoy the other benefits of being a Singapore Permanent Resident.

Financials: School Fees for International Students

The school fees for international students are significantly higher than those for locals. It’s essential to budget for this recurring cost. Fees are paid monthly and are subject to annual increases.

As of 2024-2026, the monthly fees for international students are:

Note: These are indicative figures. Please check the official MOE website for the latest fee structure.

What if the S-AEIS Application is Unsuccessful?

It is common for international students not to secure a place on their first attempt due to the high competition. If this happens, do not be discouraged. Your options include:

• Try the main AEIS later in the year for admission to the next academic year.
• Consider private or international schools, which have their own admission criteria and intake periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does my LTVP child need a Student’s Pass to study in an MOE school?

A: No. A valid Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) exempts your child from needing a separate Student’s Pass.

Q: Can I choose which MOE school my child goes to?

A: No. School placement through S-AEIS is decided by MOE based on test results, vacancies, and your residential address. There is no option to select a school.

Q: What subjects are in the S-AEIS test?

A: Secondary level applicants are tested on English and Mathematics. Primary level applicants only take the Mathematics test, as they must have already passed a required Cambridge English test beforehand.

Q: When does S-AEIS registration usually happen?

A: The registration period is typically in January each year for admission in the same academic year. Always check the MOE website for the exact dates.

Your Next Step

Navigating the MOE admission process takes careful planning and timely action. The information provided here is your starting point, but the official guidelines are always the final word.

For the most current and detailed information on application dates, age requirements, and test procedures, we strongly encourage you to visit the official Ministry of Education (MOE) website. Prepare early, stay informed, and give your child the support they need for this important journey.