So you have carefully surveyed the field of international and private schools, selected the school that is the best fit for your child, and now you want to initiate the process of enroling your child in your school of choice. You probably want to do this as soon as possible – space is limited in many schools and many are filled to capacity and have waiting lists. Also, early application will give your child a better chance of being accepted and enroled in your school of choice before the next intake.
Although each school has its own enrolment process, there are a few key steps that parents generally follow to enrol their child in a private or international school in Malaysia. These steps are outlined for you below, but you should refer to the website of your school of choice for more specific information about its application and admission procedure and policies.
Please note that the enrolment process for Malaysians and expatriates typically has some significant differences, as foreign students may be required to obtain a student visa, to complete some additional forms and provide additional documentation.
STEPS TO ENROLMENT
1. Ensure your child meets all of the school’s requirements
Carefully read and review the admissions policy and requirements of your school of choice. Ensure that your child meets all of the entry criteria. If you have any questions or concerns, contact a school representative for further clarification.
2. Submit application forms along with the application fee and required supporting documents
You will need to complete the school’s application forms and then submit these to your school of choice. These forms can usually be downloaded from the school’s website. If not, you can pick them up from the school itself or ask the school to send them to you.
Schools will typically request other supporting documents including photocopies of report cards and transcripts from previous schools, standardized test results, vaccination and health records, birth certificates as well as passport-sized photographs. Expatriate students will be asked to provide original copies and photocopies of their passports and visas.
Schools usually provide parents with a checklist of items that need to be completed. Refer to this checklist to ensure that you have completed all of the necessary forms and compiled all of the required documentation before sending your application – either via email, regular mail or in person – to your school of choice.
Many schools require you to pay a non-refundable application fee. It is important to note that this payment is for the processing of the application, and does not guarantee a place for your child in the school.
3. Bring your child to the school for an interview and test
After submitting your application, you should receive a letter or email from the school acknowledging that they have received your application as well as an official receipt for payment of the application fee.
Please allow some time for the school to process your application. If your child meets the school’s entry requirements and if the school has places available, the school will contact you to set up an appointment for an interview and/or test.
The interview and test are meant to gauge whether your child’s academic abilities and personal qualities are a good fit for the school, and whether he or she has any learning difficulties or special needs that may require attention. The nature of the assessment varies depending on the age and level of the student.
4. Receive offer of acceptance from the school and pay fees
Your child’s application and performance on the assessment will be reviewed by the school, and you will be notified of the school’s decision on your child’s admission.
Generally speaking, there are three possible outcomes:
1) Your application is successful and you child is offered a place in the school.
2) Your application is successful, but the school is full and does not have a place for your child and so your child will be placed on a waiting list. You will be notified later should a place become available.
3) Your application was not successful.
If your child is admitted into your school of choice, you will need to confirm your acceptance of the offer and pay a refundable deposit as well as registration, tuition and/or other fees to secure his or her place.
