Are you currently considering sending your child to an international school instead of a public school? There are few things that you will need to take into consideration when choosing an international school and one of them is the school fees. International school fees in Malaysia are charged differently depending on the school. The fees for international schools in Malaysia include application fee, admission fee, tuition fee and school development fee, among others.
In Malaysia, there are several international schools recognized for their premium quality education, offering globally recognized curricula and programmes. However, this quality comes with a higher price tag. The difference in fees could also be attributed to the fact that the teaching staff consists mostly of expatriate teachers, better facilities, and the more varied extracurricular activities offered. For Year 1, the tuition fees at these top-tier schools exceed RM60,000 annually, reflecting the investment required for a world-class education and an internationally-focused academic experience. Here are 7 schools that meet these criteria in Malaysia listed in alphabetical order.
A not-for-profit school, the Alice Smith School was established in 1946 and is considered the oldest British international school in Malaysia. Students are encouraged to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, resulting in high levels of achievement and success in external exams and university placements. The primary and secondary campuses; located in Kuala Lumpur and Seri Kembangan respectively, provide world class facilities and an abundance of green open spaces. Alice Smith’s primary campus offers the British Curriculum to students from the ages of 3 to 11.
2. Australian International School Malaysia (AISM)
AISM is the most experienced Australian Curriculum provider in Malaysia. The curriculum offering, covering Pre-School to Pre-University, is delivered by highly qualified and mostly expatriate teachers.
Supported by and certified as the first Visible Learning School in the world, one of AISM’s strengths is in the closeness of its community and all that it provides: small class sizes and in-depth knowledge of its learners that deepen relationships, enhance learning opportunities and allow them to feel a sense of belonging to thrive and achieve to the best of their potential. Besides that, AISM’s facilities aim to cultivate high-order thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, essential for future success. As a fully connected campus with Wi-Fi coverage, "Bring Your Own iPad" initiative encourages senior students to use their own devices for mobile learning.
3. Garden International School
Another established international school in Kuala Lumpur is Garden International School, which opened its doors in 1951. The school has approximately 2,200 students and offers levels from preschool to pre-university. Students at Garden International School are taught the British Curriculum and sit for the IGCSE and A Levels. Emphasizing a culture of learning, GIS provides ongoing professional development for teachers and offers workshops for parents. The school’s extensive extracurricular program, including sports, music, and service learning, provides diverse opportunities for student growth as well. The school believes that every learner possesses limitless potential, and as educators, their role is to awaken diverse forms of intelligence and ignite curiosity about both the tangible and abstract world.
IGB International School (IGBIS) is the sole institution in Malaysia offering all four International Baccalaureate programmes. Since 2014, IGBIS has adopted the IB framework, aligning with its educational philosophy to empower students to be curious, open-minded, and caring. The school provides a range of facilities and a faculty of internationally-trained teachers, fostering a supportive, intercultural learning environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and inclusivity, while challenging students academically and personally. The IGBIS, school believes that their dedication to personal growth and influence not only enhances academic performance but also contributes to it. Research suggests that IB students are more likely to complete an undergraduate degree and pursue graduate studies compared to their peers pursuing other options.
5. International School of Kuala Lumpur
The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) offers an international curriculum with an American foundation. Students at pre-university level sit for the IB Diploma Programme. ISKL is now located in their new campus in Ampang Hilir which opened in August 2018.
The school also monitors and assesses student progress using international standards-based assessment frameworks that emphasize 21st-century skills. The school’s distinctive feature lies in its diverse, high-quality, transdisciplinary pathways, allowing each learner to select a curriculum that aligns with his abilities, interests, and aspirations. Their teaching and learning approach is guided by a Learning Principles framework, emphasizing robust academics, social and emotional learning, and the importance of student autonomy in their educational journey.
6. Mont Kiara International School (M’KIS)
Mont Kiara International School offers the American Curriculum from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12. The IB Diploma Programme is offered at pre-university level. The school has been operating since 1994 and has approximately 650 students. The story of M’KIS has consistently revolved around the pursuit of excellence. M’KIS consistently pursues excellence, emphasizing a positive environment, community well-being, and world-class education, setting it apart from others and fostering a supportive environment that goes beyond academics.
7. The British International School Kuala Lumpur
The British International School of Kuala Lumpur (BSKL) is situated in a serene residential suburb of Petaling Jaya, providing a purpose-built campus surrounded by lush greenery. As one of the premier institutions in Kuala Lumpur, this school consistently strives to innovate and achieve academic excellence that positions it among the world’s top schools. BSKL campus offers the British Curriculum and students sit for the IGCSE and A Levels, catering for students from the age of 2 to 18. While a BSKL education prioritizes academic achievement, it also nurtures students to become compassionate, curious, reflective, and well-rounded individuals with diverse interests.
In conclusion, Malaysia hosts a range of premium international schools, each offering a distinctive educational experience. These institutions provide diverse curricula, emphasizing personalized learning, extracurricular activities, and holistic development. With a focus on academic excellence and nurturing well-rounded individuals, these schools offer a supportive environment, fostering resilience, empathy, and social responsibility. From the American Curriculum to the International Baccalaureate programmes, these schools aim to prepare students for the complexities of the modern landscape, equipping them with the skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. The commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and the well-being of students sets these schools apart from others. They offer a vibrant learning community that goes beyond traditional academics, providing a platform for students to excel and make a positive impact on the global stage.
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