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If you're relocating to Malaysia with children, choosing an international school is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. The country has a wide mix of school types, fee ranges, and curricula — and it can be difficult to know where to begin.
This guide answers the most common questions parents ask when exploring international schools in Malaysia, including KL, Johor Bahru, and Penang. It also explains how doris helps you compare schools clearly, without rankings or sponsored listings.
1. What international curricula are available in Malaysia?
Most international schools in Malaysia offer one of the following:
| Curriculum | Common Cities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| British (IGCSE & A-Level) | KL, Johor Bahru, Penang | Most widely offered; exam-based |
| IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | KL, Penang | Fewer in number; inquiry-led learning |
| American (Diploma & AP) | KL | Broad subject range; GPA-based |
| Australian | KL, Subang | Includes SACE or HSC curriculum |
| Bilingual/National | KL, JB, Penang | Mandarin-English, Islamic, French and more |
2. How much do international schools cost in Malaysia?
Fees can vary depending on location, curriculum, and year group. Here’s a general guide:
| Annual Tuition (MYR) | Typical School Profile |
|---|---|
| Below 25,000 | Smaller schools, national curriculum, limited facilities |
| 25,000–60,000 | Mid-range British or bilingual schools |
| 60,000+ | Premium IB, boarding, or large-campus schools |
🛈 Note: Some schools include transport, meals, or activities. Others list these as extras.
3. When should I apply?
Many schools offer rolling admissions, but some have fixed intake dates in January or August. For popular schools or year groups, early application is recommended.
| Situation | Recommended Timeline |
|---|---|
| Relocating mid-year | 3–6 months in advance |
| Planning ahead | 6–12 months before intake |
| Already in Malaysia | Rolling entry may still be available |
doris shows current availability and admission details on every school profile.
4. Which cities have the most international schools?
| City | Overview |
|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur (KL) | Most variety and volume of schools, across all curricula |
| Johor Bahru | Strong British options, including boarding and mid-range schools |
| Penang | Smaller selection; strong community focus |
| Subang/Shah Alam | Good value-for-fee schools, often with bilingual options |
doris allows you to filter by city, neighbourhood, or school type.
5. Do I need to live near the school?
In Malaysia, traffic in KL and JB can significantly impact school runs. Many parents choose housing close to school, especially if children are younger or transport options are limited.
Check for:
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School bus routes
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Morning drop-off timeframes
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Proximity to major highways or MRT/LRT links (KL only)
6. What support is available for language and learning needs?
Many schools offer:
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English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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Mother tongue or second-language programmes (Mandarin, French, Arabic)
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SEN support, including learning support teams and behavioural specialists
Use doris to filter by these features during your school search.
7. What questions should I ask during school tours?
If you're able to visit schools (in person or virtually), ask about:
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Curriculum delivery and assessment
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Class size and teacher turnover
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Language and SEN support
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Parent communication and involvement
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What a typical day looks like for your child’s age group
You can also message schools directly through doris for clarification or follow-ups.
8. How do I make a shortlist?
Start with doris. Use filters like:
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Curriculum
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Location
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Tuition fee range
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Class size
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Language or SEN support
You can then:
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Compare schools side by side
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Save your shortlist
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Contact schools and track responses
Final Thoughts
Malaysia offers a rich mix of international school options — but that can make it hard to know where to begin. With doris, you can explore clearly, compare confidently, and make decisions based on what your family actually needs — not what’s most promoted.
doris is:
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Free for families
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100% impartial (no paid rankings or ads)
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Custom-built for expat parents in Southeast Asia
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Powered by AI to match you with schools that fit