Parents always want the best for their children, and hence in an increasingly competitive world they are opting to send their children to international and private institutions to ensure they receive a quality education that can help them to be the best version of themselves.
However, these institutions, especially international schools, don’t come cheap.
Since the Malaysian government eliminated the quota for Malaysian enrolment in 2012, the floodgates have opened with international schools popping up all over the country.
These schools range from affordable to super-expensive, depending upon the facilities offered, the qualification of the teachers and the overall environment.
Presently, there are about 163 international schools in Malaysia and here is a list of the most expensive as well as most well-equipped schools in the country.
Marlborough College Malaysia
Situated in Iskandar Puteri in Johor, Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) offers a British curriculum with IB accreditation, meaning your child gets a top-of-the-line education syllabus.
MCM’s students are taught mostly by British educators who are highly qualified in their field.
This school is situated on a secure 90-acre estate and is an independent boarding and day school whose roots go back to Marlborough College, UK established way back in 1843.
MCM’s aim is to develop individuals who can maximise their potential and positively give back to society.
With the expectation for all students to engage in a broad range of co-curricular activities, they provide activities such as sports, music, art, drama as well as outreach and educational trips.
Estimated annual fees: RM84,000 – RM194,000
Shattuck St Mary’s School
Shattuck St Mary’s School (SSMS) is located in Forest City, Johor and has an extensive campus equipped with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, gymnasium, as well as a football field.
The school follows the American curriculum with over half their educators from Canada, Philippines, UK, Australia, Germany, Singapore and Malaysia.
With experience of running one of the finest boarding schools in the US, SSMS set up a spectacular campus right here in Malaysia in 2018.
The school recognises that children learn in different ways and this is reflected not only in their different approaches to teaching at different ages but also a unified vision of education for the child.
Estimated annual fees: RM76,500 – RM166,500
The International School of Kuala Lumpur
Located in Ampang Hilir, Kuala Lumpur The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) follows the American curriculum along with IB, and balances academics with social, emotional and moral development.
With around 68 nationalities attending, this institute offers exceptional programmes and world class facilities with the most advanced learning environment featuring academic, arts and athletic resources.
Besides that, their co-curricular activities include visits as well as tournaments abroad. Two noteworthy activities offered are the Global Action Programme (GAP) and Malaysia week.
These programmes are aimed at engaging students in various social activities and service works to make them aware of different global issues.
Estimated annual fees: RM92,905 – RM115,285
Mont’ Kiara International school (M’KIS)
Located in Kuala Lumpur, this international school offers the North American curriculum and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).
Since being an IB teacher requires undergoing extensive training, the school has teachers of various nationalities.
In operation since 1994, M’KIS prides itself on being global minded and internationally diverse with a student population from over 55 nationalities.
The school also has a low student-teacher ratio ensuring that their students get the best care and guidance. Being amongst the top-ranking international schools in Malaysia, M’KIS is fully equipped with facilities too.
Estimated annual fees: RM88,580 – RM110,828
The British International School of Kuala Lumpur
The British International School of Kuala Lumpur (BSKL) located in Selangor, adopts the National Curriculum of England.
The school is part of the Nord Anglia Education family – one of the world’s leading premium education organisations with schools located around the world.
So, if you’re a family who migrates often, this education system could be a good option for your child.
Being a part of Nord Anglia, BSKL has ties with organisations such as MIT and Unicef, which would benefit your child.
They also have excellent extracurricular activities such as sports and enrichment activities as well as music programmes.
Besides that, the institute is one of the leading schools in Kuala Lumpur with students from 63 nationalities, with the average class size being 22 students. The school has a student to teacher ratio of 9:1.
Estimated annual fees: RM55,170 – RM99,970
While there’s no denying that the fees of these schools are high, the available facilities, quality of education and amount of global exposure offered to students are unparalleled, giving your child an invaluable experience.
SchoolAdvisor.my provides information on private and international schools, extra-curricular activities as well as other education-related topics in Malaysia.