Imperium International Secondary School vs Kinabalu International School
Imperium International Secondary School and Kinabalu International School are both in Sabah, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Imperium International Secondary School also offers Cambridge (Secondary), and Kinabalu International School also offers British and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 34,000 - 45,000 for Imperium International Secondary School and MYR 16,041 - 56,250 for Kinabalu International School. Imperium International Secondary School takes pupils from 12 to 18, and Kinabalu International School from 3 to 18.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
432
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
17
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2024
Opened
1973
Bus service
Bus service
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Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
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
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.
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
Imperium International Secondary School is a co-educational day school and does not offer boarding facilities.
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
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).
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
Imperium International Secondary School is a Malaysian institution and does not have an affiliation with any other country.
Country affiliation
KIS does not have a formal affiliation with any one country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school is secular and does not have any religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
Kinabalu International School is secular and has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
The school's website mentions the availability of scholarships; however, specific details regarding scholarship types, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines are not provided.
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
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.
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.
