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2 minute read
Relocating to Kuala Lumpur (KL) as an expat family can feel exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. Compared to Singapore, KL offers more affordable housing and school fees, while still maintaining a wide choice of international schools. The real question isn’t whether you’ll find a school, it’s which school best suits your child, your commute, and your family’s lifestyle.
Here’s what expat parents should know when planning school choices in KL.
Step 1: Consider the Curriculum
KL schools cover a wide range of pathways.
| Curriculum | Common in KL? | Typical Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| British (IGCSE + A Levels) | Very common | UK, Australia, global universities |
| IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma) | Growing | Global university applications |
| American (with AP) | Available | U.S. + flexible pathways |
💡 Tip: Unsure which fits your child best? Use doris’ free AI school search to get personalised recommendations based on your priorities and your child’s learning style.
Explore: All Malaysia international schools
Step 2: Think About Neighborhoods and Commutes
Traffic in Kuala Lumpur can be unpredictable, so location is often the deciding factor for many families. Popular expat areas combine family-friendly housing with easy school access.
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Mont Kiara: Expat hub with condos + easy access to Garden International School and Mont’Kiara International School.
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Desa ParkCity: Family-friendly gated community with The International School @ ParkCity.
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Bangsar & Damansara: Trendy but central, close to Alice Smith (Primary) and short drive to secondary options.
Step 3: School Examples
| School | Curriculum | Fee Range (MYR/year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Alice Smith School | British | 30,000 – 80,000 | Longstanding KL institution |
| Garden International School | British | 40,000 – 90,000 | Large expat community |
| Mont’Kiara International School | American + AP | 50,000 – 100,000 | Strong U.S. pathway |
| Marlborough College Malaysia | British + IB | 90,000 – 130,000 | Premium boarding option in Johor |
💬 Looking for smaller or more affordable schools? Try doris’ Malaysia school listings to filter by budget, curriculum, or location.
Step 4: Practical Tips for Parents
- Plan housing and schools together: Commute time matters more than it looks on a map.
- Apply early: 6–12 months ahead for key entry points like Year 1, Year 7, and Year 10.
- Budget for hidden costs: Transport, uniforms, exams, and extracurriculars can add up.
- Ask about transition support: Orientation and buddy programs make a big difference for new students.
FAQs
Is KL more affordable than Singapore for international schools?
Yes. Fees are generally lower, though premium schools approach Singapore pricing.
Where do most expats live in KL?
Mont Kiara and Desa ParkCity are popular due to their international communities and proximity to major schools.
Which curriculum dominates KL?
The British curriculum (IGCSE + A Levels) remains the most common across Malaysia.
👉 Explore: All Malaysia international schools
Start Your School Search with doris
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.
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