Charis International School vs Imperium International Secondary School
Charis International School and Imperium International Secondary School are both in Sabah. Both schools offer Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes, and Charis International School also offers Cambridge (Primary). Published annual fees are MYR 15,000 - 39,600 at Charis International School and MYR 34,000 - 45,000 at Imperium International Secondary School, which puts Imperium International Secondary School roughly 45% higher. Charis International School takes pupils from 4 to 16, and Imperium International Secondary School from 12 to 18.
Charis International School is situated in Tawau, a coastal town in Sabah, East Malaysia. The school occupies four floors within Calvary Crown, a ten-story multipurpose building located in the heart of Tawau. The campus is approximately a 35-minute drive (30 km) from Tawau Airport, offering convenient access for both local and international families.
Location
Imperium International Secondary School is situated at No. 1, Lorong Wisma Dixon, Jalan Tuaran, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The school is located near the Likas area, providing convenient access to various parts of the city. Its central location ensures accessibility for families residing in and around Kota Kinabalu.
Stages
Stages
Charis International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum. The structure includes: Kindergarten: Ages 4–6 Primary: Years 1–6 (Ages 6–11) Lower Secondary: Years 7–9 (Ages 12–14) Upper Secondary: Years 10–11 (Ages 15–16)
Stages
The school's curriculum is structured into Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) and Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), culminating in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.
School type
School type
Charis International School is a co-educational and provides boarding facilities, known as "Charis Home," for outstation and international students. This boarding option is available to students from Year 7 onwards.
School type
Imperium International Secondary School is a co-educational day school and does not offer 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
Charis International School does not explicitly mention dedicated programs or facilities for students with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) on its official website.
Additional learning support
The school provides counselling services and pastoral care to support students' mental and emotional wellbeing. However, there is no specific information available regarding support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Charis International School is a private Malaysian institution and is not affiliated with any foreign government or international national system.
Country affiliation
Imperium International Secondary School is a Malaysian institution and does not have an affiliation with any other country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Charis International School does not explicitly state any religious affiliation on its official website.
Religious affiliation
The school is secular and does not have any religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
At Charis International School, the school day usually operates from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, specific daily start and end times for classes are not detailed on the official website.
School day structure
The school operates from Monday to Friday, with classes commencing at 8:00 AM and concluding at 3:30 PM. This schedule includes designated breaks and lunchtime within the school day.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Charis International School does not list a dedicated school bus or coach service on its official website.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One-Time Payment Application Fee: MYR 200 (non-refundable), payable upon application. Enrollment Fee: MYR 2,000 (non-refundable) Capital Contribution: First child: MYR 5,000 Second child: MYR 4,000 Subsequent siblings: MYR 3,000 each Refundable Deposit: Equivalent to one term’s tuition fee, refundable with appropriate notice.
Annual Tuition Fees (Malaysians) Kindergarten (K1 & K2): MYR 14,400 Year 1: MYR 18,750 Year 2: MYR 19,320 Year 3: MYR 19,890 Year 4: MYR 20,460 Year 5: MYR 21,030 Year 6: MYR 21,600 Year 7: MYR 24,525 Year 8: MYR 25,950 Year 9: MYR 27,375 Year 10: MYR 30,300 Year 11: MYR 31,725
Annual Tuition Fees (non-Malaysians) Kindergarten (K1 & K2): MYR 15,000 Year 1: MYR 23,400 Year 2: MYR 24,120 Year 3: MYR 24,840 Year 4: MYR 25,560 Year 5: MYR 26,280 Year 6: MYR 27,000 Year 7: MYR 30,600 Year 8: MYR 32,400 Year 9: MYR 34,200 Year 10: MYR 37,800 Year 11: MYR 39,600
*This fee structure includes miscellaneous fees and meals (optional).
Payment Methods Fees can be paid through several methods: Cheques / Banker's Draft (in MYR): Payable to Charis Education Sdn. Bhd.
Cash in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR): While cash payments are not encouraged for security reasons, they can be made at the Admissions Office from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Telegraphic Transfer in Foreign Currency: Account Name: Charis Education Sdn. Bhd. Account Number: 1002 00000 72718 Bank Name: Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (Tawau Branch) Bank Address: Lot 69 & 70, Ground & 1st Floor, Kubota Square, Jalan Kubota, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia Bank Telephone: +60-89-771 488 / 489 / 490 Bank Fax: +60-89-771 494 SWIFT Code: BMMBMYKL XXX
*Important Note: A copy of the bank transaction report must be forwarded to the School’s Fee Collection Office via: Fax: +60-89-762487 Email: charistawau@outlook.com WhatsApp: +60-17-2178830
Annual Tuition Fees Year 7: MYR 34,000 Year 8: MYR 35,000 Year 9: MYR 38,000 Year 10: MYR 39,000 Year 11: MYR 45,000
Discounts A 20% sibling discount is available for students from Year 7 to Year 11, provided at least one sibling is enrolled full-time. Only one discount applies per student, whichever is higher.
Late Payment Charges A late fee is imposed for unsettled fees not paid two weeks before the start of the term.
Refund Policy The security deposit is refundable upon withdrawal, in accordance with the school’s policies. The application and registration fees are non-refundable.
Billing and Payment Methods Payments are typically made via bank transfer or through JomPAY. Bank Transfer Details: Name of School: Edumaax Liberty Sdn Bhd Bank Name: RHB Bank Berhad Account Number: 2-14062-0011067-3 Branch: Lot LGF 081-083, Lower Ground Floor, Kenanga Wholesale City, 2 Jalan Gelugor, 55200 Kuala Lumpur Swift Code: RHBBMYKL030
Charis International School offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Kindergarten through Year 11. In the Kindergarten years (ages 4–6), students engage in foundational learning across communication, literacy, numeracy, science, art, music, and physical development, with exposure to English, Malay, and Chinese. Primary students (Years 1–6) follow the Cambridge Primary Programme, studying English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives, alongside computing, PE, moral/religious education, and additional languages. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) continues with the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme and introduces subjects such as Social Studies, Art, Music, and ICT. In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students prepare for the IGCSE exams and can choose between science or commerce streams, with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Accounting, ICT, and languages. Instruction is in English, and the curriculum is supported by co-curricular activities and project-based learning.
Curriculum details
Imperium International Secondary School offers a curriculum based on the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) framework, catering to students from Year 7 to Year 11. It follows the national school calendar.
In the Lower Secondary stage (Years 7–9), students study subjects including English as a First Language, Malay as a First Language, Mathematics, Science, ICT, History and Geography of Asia, Global Perspectives, and Physical Education. This stage is designed to build foundational knowledge and skills across a broad range of disciplines.
For Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. Up to 14 subjects are offered at this level, including English as a First Language, Malay as a First Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics or ICT, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Accounting, Economics, and Business Studies. The IGCSE program at IISS caters to different levels of ability, offering both core and extended papers in many subjects, allowing students to choose the level that best suits their academic strengths.
This structured progression from Lower to Upper Secondary ensures that students are well-prepared for further education and equipped with the necessary skills for academic success.
Schedule a School Tour or Trial Class (Optional) Families can book a school tour, admissions test, or trial class by downloading and submitting the enquiry form available on the school's website. This provides an opportunity to experience the school's environment and facilities firsthand.
Complete and Submit the Application Form Download and fill out the Admissions Form. Along with the form, prepare the following documents: Four recent passport-sized photos of the student. A copy of the student's birth certificate, MyKid, or passport. Copies of parents' MyKads or passports, and visas. The student's most recent school report. *Boarding applicants must complete the boarding application form.
Pay the Application Fee A non-refundable application fee of MYR 200 is required. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, online transfer, or telegraphic transfer.
Await Application Review and Notification The admissions team will review the application and send a notification of the outcome via email. If successful, further instructions regarding enrollment and orientation will be provided.
For International Students: Visa Application and Arrival Preparations Upon receiving an offer, international students should apply for a student visa through the appropriate visa center. After obtaining the visa, arrange travel to Tawau, Malaysia, and prepare for the start of the academic term. International students should note the following steps: Apply for a student Visa with the Visa Centre Book a flight ticket and arrive at school Pay school and misc. fees Buy and collect your books and uniforms from the school office Collect the Academic Calendar, timetable, name tag and Club activity form Download the school2me app
Admissions
Submit the Application Form and Required Documents Complete the school's application form and provide the necessary documents, including academic records and identification. A non-refundable application fee is required at this stage. This step initiates the formal application process.
Attend the Placement Test The admissions team will schedule a placement test to assess the student's suitability for the school's programs. The test evaluates academic readiness and helps determine the appropriate grade level. Parents will be notified of the test date and time via email.
Placement Test Outcome The school will communicate the outcome of the placement test within one week. If the student meets the requirements and there is availability, an offer of admission will be extended. If the desired grade level is full, the student may be placed on a waiting list.
Registration and Payment Upon acceptance, parents are required to pay the registration fee, one semester's tuition fee, insurance, and a security deposit. After payment, the school will provide a Student Handbook and Registration Checklist. Orientation details will also be shared to help new students integrate smoothly.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Charis International School offers scholarships to high-achieving students. Top-performing students are encouraged to sit for an assessment exam, and scholarships are awarded based on the results.
Scholarships
The school's website mentions the availability of scholarships; however, specific details regarding scholarship types, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines are not provided.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Charis International School does not explicitly mention the operation of a waitlist or pool system on its official website. Admissions are processed on a rolling basis, subject to availability.
Waitlist
Imperium International Secondary School operates a waitlist system for grade levels that have reached full capacity. If a student's application is successful but no immediate placement is available, their name will be added to the waiting list.
