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As more families look across the border for quality education, Johor Bahru (JB) has quickly become one of the region’s most attractive destinations for international schooling. Lower fees, modern campuses, and global curriculum pathways make JB a strong alternative for both local families and Singapore-based commuters.
This guide gives you a clear starting point for comparing the best international schools in Johor Bahru, impartially, and based only on publicly available information.
Inside, you'll find:
• A curated list of international schools with curriculum, ages, and locations
• A quick comparison table to help you shortlist faster
• Tips to make sense of the JB school landscape
• CTAs to explore every school on doris, your impartial, free comparison tool
• A parent-focused FAQ section
Want personalised support?
Use doris to get school suggestions tailored to your child’s learning style, age, and your family’s priorities, completely free.
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Sample of International Schools in Johor Bahru
Below is a snapshot of some of the most frequently researched international schools in JB. All information is impartial and descriptive.
| School | Location | Curriculum | Ages | View on doris |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlborough College Malaysia | Iskandar Puteri | British → IGCSE + A Levels | 3–18 | View school profile |
| Raffles American School | Nusajaya | American → AP | 3–18 | View school profile |
| Sunway International School (SIS) | Medini | Canadian (Ontario) + IB DP | 3–18 | View school profile |
| Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens | Gelang Patah | British + Malaysian National Curriculum | 3–18 | View school profile |
| Austin Heights International School | Taman Mount Austin | British → IGCSE + A Levels | 3–18 | View school profile |
| Seri Omega Private & International School | Skudai | British (Cambridge) | 3–18 | View school profile |
This sample is for informational purposes only. doris does not rank schools or promote specific institutions. Listings are impartial and based on publicly available data.
Top International Schools in Johor Bahru (2025)
Below are impartial, descriptive mini-profiles to help you understand curriculum style, location, and pathways available.
Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM)
Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A Levels)
Location: Iskandar Puteri
MCM offers a traditional British curriculum with the option for day or boarding. The school sits on a large campus and follows IGCSE and A Level pathways familiar to families moving from the UK or other British-system schools.
Raffles American School (RAS)
Curriculum: American (K–12, AP Capstone)
Location: Nusajaya
RAS provides a full American K–12 programme with Advanced Placement options. The spacious campus supports academic learning alongside arts, sports, and leadership activities.
Sunway International School (SIS)
Curriculum: Canadian (Ontario) + IB Diploma
Location: Medini
SIS offers a Canadian-based curriculum in the Middle and High School years, with the IB Diploma Programme at the senior level. The programme provides continuity for families seeking a blend of academic structure and inquiry-based learning.
Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens
Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A Levels) + Malaysian National Curriculum
Location: Gelang Patah
Tenby operates dual streams: an international programme and the Malaysian National Curriculum. The international stream follows a character- and citizenship-focused British curriculum, supported by the ISP network.
Austin Heights International School
Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A Levels)
Location: Taman Mount Austin
Austin Heights offers a British curriculum with smaller class sizes and a community-centred environment. Its location is convenient for families living closer to central JB.
Seri Omega Private & International School
Curriculum: British (Cambridge)
Location: Skudai
Seri Omega follows a Cambridge programme with a focus on academic progression. It is a commonly chosen option for families seeking moderate fees and structured subject pathways.
Why Families Are Choosing JB Over Singapore
Many families, both local and Singapore-based, are considering Johor Bahru for its:
• Lower tuition fees (often 30–50% below Singapore averages)
• Strong curriculum options: British, American, IB, Canadian
• Full K–12 pathways at most campuses
• Newer facilities across Iskandar Puteri and Medini
• Feasible commute options via the Second Link
But every child learns differently. That’s why doris helps families compare schools based on learning style, curriculum familiarity, campus environment, bilingualism, and SEN support — not rankings.
Budget Matters, But Fit Matters More
International school fees in Johor Bahru typically range from RM 20,000 to RM 100,000 per year. Families also compare:
- What’s included in tuition?
- Are there additional development or technology fees?
- How stable are costs over time?
- Does the school’s teaching approach suit my child?
doris helps you compare schools clearly, without sponsored listings or paid placements.
Tips for Using This List Effectively
Start with curriculum.
British, American, IB, and Canadian pathways differ significantly in assessment style and classroom approach.
Use location as a practical filter.
Families commuting from Singapore often prefer Iskandar Puteri, Medini, and Gelang Patah.
Cost isn’t everything.
Many mid-range schools offer strong consistency and community connection.
Apply early, especially for lower primary.
Still Overwhelmed? doris Can Help.
doris is a free, impartial tool designed for parents. You can:
- Compare schools by curriculum, location, fees, or SEN support
- Build a shortlist and message schools directly
- Use AI-powered suggestions based on your child’s needs
- Explore impartial school profiles with clear, structured information
FAQ: International Schools in Johor Bahru
How many international schools are in JB?
There are over 20 international and private-international schools in Johor Bahru offering British, American, Canadian, Malaysian, and IB pathways.
Are JB international schools cheaper than Singapore?
Yes. Fees are typically 30–50% lower, depending on the school and year group.
Do JB schools offer full K–12 progression?
Most major international schools offer full early years through pre-university pathways (IGCSE, A Levels, AP, or IB DP).
Are JB schools suitable for Singapore-based families?
Some schools are feasible for cross-border commuters, particularly around Medini and Iskandar Puteri.
Does doris rank schools?
No. doris does not rank schools or accept paid placement. All information is impartial and based on publicly available data.
Can doris help me shortlist JB schools?
Yes. doris provides personalised suggestions based on your child’s learning style, school preferences, and budget, completely free.
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doris is a free, independent platform that helps families explore and compare international schools across Asia. Powered by AI, it provides impartial, data-driven recommendations based on each child’s needs, offering transparency and clarity in a process that’s often overwhelming. Unlike agents or sponsored listings, doris is completely unbiased — helping parents find the right school with confidence and peace of mind.
doris (the platform) is not a person, it’s an AI-powered education platform built to make school discovery easier, clearer, and more transparent for families.