Borneo International School vs St. Joseph’s International School Kuching
Borneo International School and St. Joseph’s International School Kuching are both in Sarawak, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS Levels programmes. Borneo International School also offers Cambridge (Primary), and St. Joseph’s International School Kuching also offers Cambridge A Levels and Malaysian. Published annual fees are MYR 9,680 - 33,300 at Borneo International School and MYR 14,800 - 21,400 at St. Joseph’s International School Kuching, which puts Borneo International School roughly 19% higher. Borneo International School takes pupils from 6 to 18, and St. Joseph’s International School Kuching from 13 to 18. St. Joseph’s International School Kuching is the larger school, with around 1,500 pupils to Borneo International School's 600. Both keep typical class sizes around 25.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Malaysian Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
600
Pupils
1,500
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Malay
Opened
Opened
2017
Opened
2017
Bus service
Bus service
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Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Borneo International School is situated at Jalan Setia Raja in the Tabuan Laru area of Kuching. This is a well-developed suburban neighborhood that hosts a mix of residential, commercial, and educational facilities. The school’s campus is part of the Saradise development, a modern township with a focus on urban lifestyle, dining, and community spaces.
The location is approximately 10 minutes by car from Kuching International Airport and about 15 minutes from the Kuching city centre. It is also within reach of prominent areas like Tabuan Jaya and Stutong, both established residential zones.
Location
St. Joseph’s International School Kuching is situated at Lot 419, Section 58, KTLD, Jalan Tan Sri Datuk William Tan, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The school occupies the former site of SK St. Teresa in the Padungan area, placing it within the central business district of Kuching. This central location offers convenient access to various parts of the city.
Stages
Stages
Borneo International School is divided into Primary School, Secondary School and Sixth Form.
Stages
St. Joseph’s International School Kuching is divide into Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary and A-Level.
School type
School type
Borneo International School is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.
School type
The school is a co-educational day school and it does not provide boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Students benefit from career counseling services and assistance with university applications through partnerships with organizations like MABECS and UCAS. A-Level students take part in a four-week work experience programme that provides exposure to professional environments. The school also runs masterclass seminars featuring guest speakers to connect classroom learning with real-world insights. Community service is a key part of student life, with regular activities promoting social awareness and civic responsibility. Small class sizes allow for individual attention, ensuring that students receive guidance tailored to their learning needs.
Additional learning support
St. Joseph’s International School Kuching provides several types of learning support to help students beyond the classroom. They offer English language support, extended school hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., giving students time for extra tutorials, homework help, and consultations with teachers. In addition to academics, the school supports students’ personal growth through creative arts activities like music, dance, and drama.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school has no formal affiliation with any country.
Country affiliation
The school does not have a country affiliation.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Borneo International School is a secular institution. There is no any religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has a Roman Catholic religious affiliation, as it is managed by the Marist Brothers and operates under the guidance of the Archdiocese of Kuching.
School day structure
School day structure
General School Hours (by level and day):
Primary School
Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA) Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA) Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Secondary School (Years 7–9)
Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA) Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA)
Years 10 & 11 (IGCSE)
Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:40 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:40 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA) Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:40 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA)
Structure of the School Day:
Primary Level:
1.The day is divided into three sessions of approximately two hours each.
2.Includes scheduled morning breaks and a lunch break.
3.On two days per week, students can choose from a variety of activities or clubs, extending their day by one hour.
Secondary Level:
1.The regular day runs slightly longer than primary.
2.Two days per week include extended time for extracurricular activities (ECAs), adding 30 minutes to the day.
3.Students engage with teachers and coaches in settings beyond the classroom, fostering broader personal development.
School day structure
School Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not offer a bus service.
Bus service details
The school does not offer a bus service
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One-Time Fees
Application Fee: RM200 Non-refundable; payable upon submission of the student application form. Assessment Fee: RM150 Non-refundable; applicable to students required to sit for a written assessment before admission. Admission Fee (One-time, non-refundable):
Security Fee: RM3,000 per student Refundable only if a written notice of withdrawal is submitted at least one full term in advance.
Annual and Per-Term Tuition Fees
Malaysian Students Year 1: RM9,680 annually / RM2,420 per term Year 2: RM9,680 annually / RM2,420 per term Year 3: RM9,680 annually / RM2,420 per term Year 4: RM9,972 annually / RM2,493 per term Year 5: RM9,972 annually / RM2,493 per term Year 6: RM9,972 annually / RM2,493 per term Year 7: RM12,052 annually / RM3,013 per term Year 8: RM12,052 annually / RM3,013 per term Year 9: RM13,916 annually / RM3,479 per term Year 10: RM18,876 annually / RM4,719 per term Year 11: RM18,876 annually / RM4,719 per term A-Level (Years 12–13, 18 months): RM27,750 total / RM4,625 per term
Non-Malaysian Students Year 1: RM11,616 annually / RM2,904 per term Year 2: RM11,616 annually / RM2,904 per term Year 3: RM11,616 annually / RM2,904 per term Year 4: RM11,968 annually / RM2,992 per term Year 5: RM11,968 annually / RM2,992 per term Year 6: RM11,968 annually / RM2,992 per term Year 7: RM14,464 annually / RM3,616 per term Year 8: RM14,464 annually / RM3,616 per term Year 9: RM16,700 annually / RM4,175 per term Year 10: RM22,652 annually / RM5,663 per term Year 11: RM22,652 annually / RM5,663 per term A-Level (Years 12–13, 18 months): RM33,300 total / RM5,550 per term
Refund Policy 1.All fees are non-refundable unless explicitly stated otherwise.
2.The Security Fee (RM3,000) is refundable only when a student withdraws with a full term’s written notice.
3.Late payments will incur a surcharge as determined by the school.
Payment Methods All payments must be made to Borneo Covenant Sdn Bhd and can be processed through the following options:
Cheque Bank draft Direct bank deposit Online banking Telegraphic transfer Credit card (in person at the Finance Payment Counter)
Fee details
Application & Registration Fees Application Fee (one-time, non-refundable): RM 500 Assessment Test Fee: RM 100 per student
Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable):
For Years 7–9: 1st child: RM 4,000 2nd child: RM 2,000 3rd child: RM 1,000 4th child: Free
Refund Policy For Secondary Students (Years 7–11) Parents must give 1 month’s written notice before withdrawing a student.
If no notice is given, an extra full term's fee will be charged.
Refunds:
Before mid-term: Eligible for 50% refund of that term’s fee. After mid-term: No refund given.
For Pre-University Students If a student does not complete the A-Level programme, the deposit (1 semester fee) will be forfeited.
If the withdrawal happens after the exam registration deadline, exam fees are non-refundable.
For students asked to withdraw by the school, unused deposits may be refunded, but exam fees will not be.
Payment Methods JomPAY (Online Bill Payment) Credit or Debit Card Payable in person at the school office. Cheque
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Borneo International School offers a unified academic programme based on the Cambridge International Curriculum, providing a continuous educational journey from Year 1 through A-Level qualifications.
In the primary years (Years 1–6), the school follows the Cambridge Primary Programme, which emphasizes English, Mathematics, and Science, along with additional subjects such as Mandarin and Bahasa Melayu. This foundation prepares students for the structured progression into the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme in Years 7 to 9.
For students in Years 10 and 11, the focus shifts to the Cambridge IGCSE, a globally recognized qualification assessing academic knowledge across a broad range of subjects. Following this, students may enroll in the Cambridge AS and A-Level programme (Years 12 and 13), which prepares them for university admission both in Malaysia and internationally.
Curriculum details
St. Joseph’s International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum at both secondary and pre-university levels. Students typically enter at Year 7 and progress through to Year 11, preparing for the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations. The IGCSE curriculum covers core academic subjects such as English, Mathematics, the Sciences, and Humanities, along with options like Art and ICT. Malaysian students are also required to take Bahasa Melayu and Moral or Islamic Studies, in line with national regulations.
At the pre-university level, students can choose between two academic tracks: the Cambridge A-Level programme or the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT). The A-Level is an 18-month programme split into Year 12 (12 months) and Year 13 (6 months), typically involving three to four subjects in the Sciences, Mathematics, or Humanities. The AUSMAT programme, delivered over 12 months, is assessed continuously through coursework and final exams and is based on standards set by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority of Western Australia. Both qualifications are widely accepted by universities in Malaysia and abroad.
1. Application Submission. Download and complete the school’s Application Form. Attach a copy of your child’s most recent school report card and exam results when submitting the form.
2. Entrance Assessment. Schedule an appointment for your child to sit for the school’s entrance assessment examination.
3. Assessment Outcome. Within one week of the assessment, the school will notify you of the results and recommend an appropriate Year Group placement for your child.
4. Offer and Enrollment. If your child is successful, the school will issue an Offer of Acceptance letter. You will then be asked to complete and submit the Admission Form to finalize the enrollment process.
Admissions
1. Download and complete the relevant registration form from the school's website. Submit the completed form along with the required documents, which include: Two copies of the student's most recent academic report A copy of the student's birth certificate A copy of the student's MyKad or passport Two recent passport-sized photographs A copy of the parent's MyKad or passport
2. Prospective students may be required to sit for an entrance assessment to determine their suitability for the school's curriculum.
3. An interview with the student and parents may be conducted to discuss the student's educational background and expectations.
4. Successful applicants will receive an offer letter. Acceptance of the offer requires payment of the necessary fees.
5. Upon acceptance, the student will be officially enrolled, and further details regarding orientation and class placement will be provided.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Borneo International School offers scholarships for its A-Level programme.
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on scholarships.
