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Affordable International Schools in Malaysia: Updated 2025 List with Fees

Picture of Sara Ortiz Martinez By  Sara Ortiz Martinez  ·  1 minute read

For families relocating to Malaysia, one of the first concerns is balancing quality education with affordability. International school fees in Malaysia vary significantly depending on the city, curriculum, and facilities. While some schools charge over RM 100,000 per year, others offer excellent education at more moderate fees.

This guide highlights affordable international schools in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Penang with their 2025 tuition ranges.

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Why Parents Look for Affordable Options

  • Cost of living: Many families relocate with limited school allowances.

  • Multiple children: Tuition multiplies quickly when more than one child is enrolled.

  • Long-term planning: Families staying several years in Malaysia need sustainable fees.

👉 Related post: Top Affordable International Schools in Johor Bahru

Tuition Fees in Malaysia (2025 Overview)

City School Example* Curriculum Annual Tuition Range (RM)
Kuala Lumpur Various mid-tier schools British / IB RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
Johor Bahru Affordable schools near Causeway British / IB RM 20,000 – RM 40,000
Penang Community-focused schools British / American RM 25,000 – RM 50,000

*Examples are anonymized for neutrality. Families can explore school-specific details directly on doris Malaysia listings.

What to Watch Beyond Tuition

  • Application and registration fees (one-time, can be significant)

  • Uniforms and transport (can add RM 5,000+ annually)

  • Extracurriculars and field trips (often additional)

👉 Related guide: The Cost of International Schools: What You Need to Know

Tips for Parents

  • Compare multiple schools side by side using  doris Malaysia.

  • Ask about sibling discounts and payment plans.

  • Check if fees increase annually and by how much.

FAQs

What is considered affordable for international schools in Malaysia?
Generally, RM 20,000–50,000 annually is considered the mid-range, compared to premium schools above RM 100,000.

Are affordable schools lower in quality?
Not necessarily. Many focus on academics with fewer luxury facilities.

Which Malaysian city has the most affordable options?
Johor Bahru tends to offer the lowest tuition compared to Kuala Lumpur.

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