Charis International School vs Kinabalu International School
Charis International School and Kinabalu International School are both in Sabah. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Charis International School also offers Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary), and Kinabalu International School also offers British and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are MYR 15,000 - 39,600 at Charis International School and MYR 16,041 - 56,250 at Kinabalu International School, which puts Kinabalu International School roughly 32% higher. Charis International School takes pupils from 4 to 16, and Kinabalu International School from 3 to 18. Kinabalu International School is the larger school, with around 432 pupils to Charis International School's 60. Typical class sizes are 5 at Charis International School and 17 at Kinabalu International School.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
60
Pupils
432
Typical class size
Typical class size
5
Typical class size
17
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2014
Opened
1973
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
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
Kinabalu International School is located in Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on the island of Borneo in East Malaysia. The school sits in a quiet, leafy suburb approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre. It is accessible by car and taxi, and located near local amenities and residential neighbourhoods. The surrounding area offers a calm environment for families while remaining close to urban conveniences.
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
Kinabalu International School is structured into Early Years, Primary School (Years 1–6), Secondary School (Years 7–13), and A Levels in Year 13.
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
Kinabalu International School is a co-educational, non-boarding day school. It welcomes both Malaysian and international students and operates on a not-for-profit model governed by a Board of Governors elected by the parents.
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 offers support for students with mild to moderate additional learning needs. Provision is coordinated through its Learning Support Team, who work in partnership with teachers and families. Support may include differentiated instruction, classroom assistance, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as required.
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
KIS does not have a formal affiliation with any one country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Charis International School does not explicitly state any religious affiliation on its official website.
Religious affiliation
Kinabalu International School is secular and has no 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 day typically begins at 7:45 AM and ends at 2:00 PM for Early Years and Primary, and 3:00 PM for Secondary classes. There are designated morning breaks and a lunch period. After-school clubs and extracurricular activities run on selected afternoons until around 3:00 PM for Primary and 4:00 PM for Secondary students.
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
The school does not run a transport service.
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
Fee details
One Time Only Fees Application Fee: A non-refundable MYR 800 is payable upon application. Registration Fee: Upon acceptance, a MYR 2,500 non-refundable registration fee is charged. Capital Fee (Reception - Foundation 2): a non-refundable MYR 2,000 to be paid before the student is enrolled in the school. Transferable upon entry to Year 1. Capital Fee (Year 1 - Year 13): a non-refundable MYR 8,000 to be paid before the student is enrolled in the school. Refundable Deposit: A deposit equal to MYR 2,500 is payable and refundable with written notice of withdrawal. Six school weeks notice is required.
Annual Tuition Fees Reception & Foundation 1 (1) Finish at 11.20 AM: MYR 16,041 Reception & Foundation 1 (2) Finish at 2 PM: MYR 22,239 Foundation 2: MYR 26,109 Years 1 - 2: MYR 33,474 Years 3 - 5: MYR 35,352 Year 6: MYR 37,209 Years 7 - 8: MYR 42,750 Year 9: MYR 44,589 Year 10: MYR 54,315 Year 11: MYR 45,612 Year 12: MYR 56,250 Year 13: MYR 47,225
Individual Needs Fee (per term) English as an Additional Language or Special Educational Needs: MYR 1,860 Both English as an Additional Language and Special Educational Needs: MYR 2,790
Additional Fees Annual Student Accident Insurance: a non-refundable insurance fee of MYR 32 payable before the date of admission or annually before the first day of the academic year. Public Exams Fees: IGCSE and A Level exam fees are set each year by the Exam Boards. Fees will depend on the subjects taken. Field / Residential / Social / Class Trips: Fees are charged on an individual basis, based on quoted costs incurred for the trip concerned. Catered Lunches: Additional costs apply. School Uniforms: Additional costs apply.
Payment of Fees Tuition fees are billed termly in advance. There are 3 terms per academic year. You may choose to pay it: - In monthly instalments ( premium applies) - On a termly basis - A full year’s fee in advance
Refund Policy Tuition fees are non-refundable unless a withdrawal notice is submitted in writing in accordance with school policy. The refundable deposit is returned when the notice conditions are met.
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
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
Kinabalu International School follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years to Secondary. In Early Years (ages 3–5), the focus is on structured play, communication, and foundational skills across seven areas of learning. The Primary School (Years 1–6) builds core competencies in English (including Drama), Mathematics, Science, Computing, Humanities, and the Arts (Music and Design Technology), along with weekly lessons in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, French and PE. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), students continue with a broad curriculum including ICT, Personal, Social, Economic and Health Education. At Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), students work toward the Cambridge IGCSE, selecting subjects alongside core requirements in English, Language, Mathematics, and Sciences. Post-16 students (Years 12–13) follow the Cambridge A Level programme, typically choosing 3–4 subjects based on their university goals.
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
1. Application To submit an application to the school, you will need to complete the Application Form and pay a non-refundable application fee of RM 800 per child. Application may be made online/ via email, or physically submitted. *Please note that this is not a commitment from you to accept a place, nor does it confirm that your child will be offered a place.
2. Assessment Assessments are conducted in school (by appointment), based on age and year group. For families based overseas, it is possible for the assessment to be taken in your country of residence.
3. Placement Offer Following the assessment stage, the Heads of School and the Principal review the assessment results and confirm their recommendation regarding a place at the school. This process typically takes between 7 to 14 school days. A verbal confirmation is provided as soon as a decision is made. Additionally, a written confirmation follows, detailing the offer of a place, class placement, and admission date.
4. Acceptance of a Place A confirmation of acceptance is required within 7 days of the placement offer letter being issued. Upon receipt of the signed acceptance, the school will finalise the student’s class placement, raise the invoice for fees, and provide all relevant information for the start of school. *If a student does not begin attending within two weeks of the agreed start date, their name will be removed from the admissions list, and the application fee will be forfeited.
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
Kinabalu International School offers a Scholarship Programme for Year 12 students entering the A-Level programme. Scholarships are merit-based and awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance along with active involvement in extracurricular or community service activities.
The scholarship applies to the two-year A-Level programme and may cover a portion of the tuition fees. Applicants must complete a scholarship application form, submit academic records, and participate in an interview and assessment process.
Scholarships are limited and subject to annual availability and funding decisions by the school’s Board.
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
Parents will be informed if a class is full. If they still wish to continue with the application procedure, they will be advised that the student will be placed on a waiting list in the appropriate pool. The pools are as follows: - Pool A - Students who have a parent employed by the school. - Pool B - Students whose siblings are studying at KIS. - Pool C- Students for whom English is their first language. - Pool D - Students with English as an additional language but who are fluent in English. - Pool E - Students with English as an additional language who are not fluent in English.
