Excelsior International School vs R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru
Excelsior International School and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru are both in Johor Bahru, about 18 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Excelsior International School also offers IB, Bespoke and British, and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are MYR 25,800 - 64,000 at Excelsior International School and MYR 13,020 - 28,450 at R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru, which puts Excelsior International School roughly 117% higher. Excelsior International School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru from 3 to 16.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
2008
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
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Location
REAL International School is located in Masai, in the eastern part of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The campus is about 25 minutes from the Johor–Singapore Causeway and is accessible via the Pasir Gudang Highway. The area is mainly residential with nearby shops and amenities, and transport links support commuting from central Johor Bahru and surrounding suburbs.
Stages
Stages
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Stages
The international school is structured into four main stages: Early Years (ages 3–5), Primary (ages 5–11), Lower Secondary (ages 11–14), and Upper Secondary (ages 14–16). Students progress through the Cambridge International Curriculum, culminating in IGCSE examinations in Year 11.
School type
School type
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School type
It is a co-educational international school offering day schooling only. There are no boarding facilities at the Johor Bahru campus.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
The school provides limited additional support for students with mild learning needs, typically managed within the classroom by teachers. There is currently no dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) department or specialist staff indicated on the school’s site.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.
School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
The school day begins at 8:00 AM for all levels. Early Years finishes at 1:10 PM from Monday to Thursday and at 12:00 PM on Fridays. Primary students attend until 3:40 PM Monday to Thursday and 12:40 PM on Fridays. Secondary students have the longest schedule, ending at 4:10 PM Monday to Thursday and 1:10 PM on Fridays. Breaks and lunch are incorporated between morning and afternoon lessons.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
The school offers a private bus service covering various residential areas around Johor Bahru. Transport routes and pricing are managed by third-party providers in coordination with the school. Parents are advised to confirm availability and stop locations directly with the campus during enrollment.
Per‑term tuition (school operates two academic terms; per‑term amounts shown are the annual tuition divided by two) - Nursery / KG1 / KG2: RM 12,900 per term. - Grade 1 – 3: RM 17,500 per term. - Grade 4 – 5: RM 20,250 per term. - Grade 6 – 8: RM 23,375 per term. - Grade 9 – 10: RM 26,500 per term. - Grade 11 – 12: RM 32,000 per term.
Billing schedule & payment terms - Tuition is set and published as an annual amount and is billed on the school's academic cycle; per‑term invoices follow the school's term structure (the school operates a two‑term academic year). - Registration fee is payable to obtain the enrolment package; the enrolment (acceptance) fee is payable on acceptance of the offer and is non‑refundable. - Security deposit: an amount equal to 20% of the annual tuition, payable as a deposit. The security deposit is refundable when the student leaves provided at least one term's written notice of withdrawal is given; refund is subject to deductions for damage or outstanding charges. - Resource / stationery / meal charges and other annual ancillary charges are invoiced separately from base tuition and are payable according to the school's billing schedule. Specific ancillary charges (examples listed below) are billed in addition to tuition.
Boarding fees (where applicable) - Boarding is offered on campus. Indicative boarding charge quoted in local school listings: RM 26,000 per year (boarding charged in addition to tuition).
Other costs and recurring charges - Meal fee (Early Years): RM 1,750 per year (applies to Nursery, KG1 and KG2 as an annual charge; older students use a pay‑as‑you‑consume system using a student ID card deposit). - Stationery & resource / resource fee (annual, by year group): - Nursery – KG2: RM 500 (stationery/resource) — (school listing). - Grade 1 – 5: from RM 600. - Grade 6 – 8: from RM 650. - Grade 9 – 10: from RM 700. - Grade 11 – 12: from RM 850. - Additional resource charges (listed on some school summaries) may include textbook rental, laboratory/ICT fees, examination fees (IGCSE/IB) and optional yearbook/graduation charges; these are additional to tuition and ancillary charges. Examination and external assessment fees (IGCSE, IB) are not included in tuition.
Refund information - Registration and enrolment (acceptance) fees are stated as non‑refundable. - Security deposit is refundable subject to the condition that at least one term's written notice of withdrawal is given and after deductions (if any) for damage or outstanding charges.
Fee payment options - Meal payments for Early Years and pay‑as‑you‑consume catering for older students are handled via funds deposited to the student ID card system. - The school issues invoices and manages fee collection through its finance office and the school's published billing cycle; parents should use the school's published payment channels when settling registration, enrolment, deposit and tuition invoices.
Notes on extra / conditional charges - Additional charges may apply for special programmes, learning support/EAL, external examination entries (IGCSE/IB), optional co‑curricular activities, school transport and medical/insurance for international students. These charges are billed separately from base tuition.
These fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, except the deposit, which is refundable under the terms of the Admission Contract.
Annual Tuition Fees (Payable Termly)
Early Years * Tuition: MYR 10,620 * Supplementary Fee: MYR 2,200 * Tech Fee: MYR 200 * Total: MYR 13,020 per year
Primary (Years 1–6) * Year 1–2: MYR 21,280 * Year 3: MYR 19,600 * Year 4: MYR 22,900 * Year 5: MYR 19,890 * Year 6: MYR 23,190
Secondary (Years 7–11) * Year 7: MYR 24,620 * Year 8: MYR 25,360 * Year 9: MYR 25,690 * Year 10–11: MYR 28,450
Each year’s fee includes tuition, a MYR 2,800 supplementary fee, and a MYR 500 tech fee, except for Early Years.
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms * Fees can be paid annually (by August) or termly, with due dates in August, January, and April. * A 2% monthly surcharge applies to late payments. * A 3% discount is available for full-year payments made via bank transfer or cash before August.
Other Costs * Uniforms, books, visa fees (for international students), and administrative charges are not included in the tuition fees and are charged separately as applicable.
Refunds * Tuition, registration, and application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. * Deposits are refundable under specific conditions outlined in the admission policy.
Payment Methods * Annual Payments: Bank transfer and cash. * Termly Payments: Bank transfer, cash, credit card, and cheque. * Payments should be made to R.E.A.L Education Group Sdn Bhd, and proof of payment must be submitted via email or fax.
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
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Curriculum details
REAL International School Johor Bahru follows the British Cambridge curriculum across all school stages. In the Early Years (ages 3–5), the school adopts the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), focusing on learning through play and development in communication, numeracy, and creativity. The Primary School (Years 1–6) uses the Cambridge Primary Programme, which covers English, Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives, and ICT, along with Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. In Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum with more subject specialisation. The Upper Secondary (Years 10–11) prepares students for the IGCSE examinations, typically taken at age 16, in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, ICT, and Business Studies. Co-curricular subjects like Art, Music, Physical Education, and Robotics are integrated throughout all stages.
1. Book a school tour or attend an Open Day (optional but encouraged). Families can arrange to visit the Johor Bahru campus to view the facilities, observe classroom settings, and speak with school staff. Tours are typically arranged directly with the admissions team and provide a clearer understanding of the school environment.
2. Submit an application form and required documents. Families will be asked to complete a formal application form and provide relevant documents such as academic records, passport copies, birth certificate, and immunisation records. A one-time application fee of MYR 1,500 is payable at this stage.
3. Student assessment and interview. Applicants may be asked to complete a placement assessment or attend an interview, depending on the year level and prior academic background. This helps the school determine appropriate class placement and any additional support needed.
4. Offer and acceptance. Successful applicants will receive an offer letter. Upon acceptance, families must pay a registration fee (MYR 5,000), deposit (MYR 10,000), and the first term’s fees. The Admissions Office will then guide families through onboarding, uniforms, and other first-day preparations.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
REAL International School Johor Bahru does not currently advertise academic or other scholarships on its official platforms. Fee reductions may be available through sibling discounts and promotional rebates for early or full-year payments. Families are encouraged to check directly with the school regarding any available financial incentives or temporary offers at the time of application.
Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
REAL International School Johor Bahru does not publicly operate a pool system or formal waitlist. Admissions are generally processed on a rolling basis, subject to availability in the requested year group. In cases where classes are full, the admissions team may offer to place a student on an informal waiting list and notify families if a place becomes available.
