Can Children of Singapore Self-Employed EP Holders Attend Public Schools?
In 2025, Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) has made several adjustments to the admission policies for children of self-employed EP foreign nationals, maintaining educational fairness while providing more opportunities for families truly rooted in Singapore.
1. Basic Conditions for Public School Admission
1. Visa Eligibility
- Necessary conditions:
- Children must hold a valid Dependent's Pass (DP) or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
- EP main applicant's monthly salary ≥ S$6,000 (2025 new regulation)
- Special circumstances:
- LTVP holders need to submit an additional education deposit (S$10,000)
- Overage children (>21 years old) cannot apply
2. Age Requirements
- Primary level:
- Primary 1 entry age is 6 years old (as of January 1 of that year)
- Transfer students must pass the AEIS exam (September/February annually)
- Secondary level:
- Secondary 1 to 3 can apply through AEIS
- Secondary 4 and above only have limited international student quotas
3. Priority Hierarchy
Singapore public school admission is divided into three phases:
- Phase 1: Children of citizens (100% guaranteed)
- Phase 2: PR children (ranked by points)
- Phase 3: Foreign children with DP/LTVP (competing for remaining places)
2025 data shows that popular primary schools' Phase 3 acceptance rate is only 17%
2. Key Admission Pathways and Strategies
1. Primary 1 Direct Entry (Exam-free)
- Application period:
- Late June to early July annually (2025 specific dates to be announced)
- Results announcement: Mid-October
- Success rate factors:
Influencing Factors Weight Enhancement Suggestions
Residential distance 30% Secure school district housing 1 year in advance
Siblings enrolled 25% Arrange older children to enter international schools first
Parent volunteer service 20% Complete 40 hours of community service before application
Alumni connections 15% Seek alumni recommendation letters
Special talents 10% Prepare award certificates 2. AEIS Exam (Transfer students)- Exam content:
- English (equivalent to local students of the same age)
- Mathematics (emphasis on applied problem-solving)
- 2025 newly added logical thinking assessment
- Preparation suggestions:
- Attend MOE-certified preparatory classes (e.g., British Council)
- Use Singapore school textbooks (e.g., My Pals series)
- Case study: An EP child successfully entered Nanyang Primary School after 6 months of intensive training
- DSA Program (Direct School Admission):
- Covers sports, arts, STEM and other fields
- Application time: Primary 5 second semester (prepare 2 years in advance)
- 2025 newly added AI innovation category
- Success factors:
- Professional-level competition awards (e.g., SYF Arts Festival)
- Authoritative certification (e.g., ABRSM music grades)
- New regulations:
- Must provide rental contract/property certificate for 12+ months
- Utility payment records as supporting documents
- Countermeasures:
- Lock in school district address early (popular districts like Raffles Place need 2 years advance)
- Avoid frequent address changes
- Assessment indicators:
- Parent participation in school activities (≥3 times/year)
- Family English usage frequency (interview assessment)
- Optimization suggestions:
- Actively join Parent Support Group (PSG)
- Attend school open days and keep records
- Preparatory class requirements:
- Non-English native speakers must complete 3-month bridging course
- Mathematics must reach 80% progress of Singapore curriculum
- Recommended institutions:
- MOE-designated preparatory centers (e.g., SSTC)
- International school transition programs (e.g., ACS International)
- Raffles Institution Primary School:
- Phase 3 acceptance rate only 9%
- Suggestion: Consider second-tier schools (e.g., Catholic High Primary)
- Punggol Digital District surroundings:
- Newly established STEM-featured schools (more flexible admission)
- Government talent program priority
- Church/Buddhist schools:
- Must attend religious classes (exemption can be applied)
- Advantage: Smaller class sizes (25 students/class)
- Tuition fees (S$800-2,000 monthly)
- Uniforms/textbooks (approximately S$1,500 first year)
- Extracurricular equipment (e.g., robotics course kits)
- MOE Scholarships (requires service agreement)
- Corporate sponsorships (e.g., Grab Tech Talent Program)
- Community funds (clan associations like Hokkien Huay Kuan)
- Advantages:
- Lower admission threshold
- Flexible curriculum connection
- Risks:
- Transferring to public requires readaptation to teaching system
- High tuition fees (average S$35,000-50,000 annually)
- Legal pathway:
- Apply for homeschooling permit from MOE
- Regular participation in national assessments required
- Applicable situations:
- Professional training for specially talented children
- Families with frequent cross-border mobility
- Recommended solution:
- Singapore curriculum internationally certified schools (e.g., UWC overseas campuses)
- Maintain compatibility with local education system
