Jesselton International School vs Kinabalu International School
Jesselton International School and Kinabalu International School are both in Sabah, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes, and Jesselton International School also offers Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary). Published annual fees are MYR 14,190 - 37,500 at Jesselton International School and MYR 16,041 - 56,250 at Kinabalu International School, which puts Kinabalu International School roughly 40% higher. Jesselton International School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Kinabalu International School from 3 to 18. Kinabalu International School is the larger school, with around 432 pupils to Jesselton International School's 250. Typical class sizes are 14 at Jesselton International School and 17 at Kinabalu International School.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
250
Pupils
432
Typical class size
Typical class size
14
Typical class size
17
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2018
Opened
1973
Bus service
Bus service
—
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Jesselton International School is situated at Lot 1, Jalan Kemajuan, Karamunsing, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The school is located in a central area of Kota Kinabalu, providing convenient access to various parts of the city. This location offers ease of transportation for families residing in and around the city.
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
Jesselton International School follows the British curriculum, preparing students for IGCSE and A-Level examinations and is structured as follows: Kindergarten: Ages 4–6 Primary School: Years 1–6 Secondary School: Years 7–11 A-Level Programme: Years 12–13
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
Jesselton International School is a co-educational day school. It 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
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school provides support for students with additional learning needs, including those requiring special educational assistance.
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
Jesselton International School does not have a formal affiliation with any country.
Country affiliation
KIS does not have a formal affiliation with any one country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school is non-denominational 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
Specific details about the daily schedule, including start and end times, as well as break and lunch periods, are not publicly provided.
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
Jesselton International School does not publicly specify the provision of a school bus or transportation service.
Annual Tuition Fees Kindergarten (1–2): MYR 14,190 Year 1–2: MYR 21,270 Year 3–4: MYR 25,230 Year 5–6: MYR 27,390 Year 7–8: MYR 31,350 Year 9: MYR 32,000 Year 10–11: MYR 36,840 Year 12–13: MYR 37,500
Other Fees Supplies and Equipment: Primary 1–4: MYR 180 per term Primary 5–6: MYR 320 per term Secondary: MYR 320 per term A-Level: MYR 500 per term
Sports Activities: Kindergarten: MYR 100 per term Primary 1–4: MYR 200 per term Primary 5–6 and Secondary: MYR 480 per term
Kindergarten Afternoon Care: MYR 490 every month After-School Activities: MYR 50 registration fee per activity per term, additional fees may apply for specialist coaches.
Examination Fees: IGCSE: MYR 500–700 per subject A-Level: as per examination board rates.
Uniform: Available for purchase from the school.
Textbooks: Primary: Purchase from the school Secondary and A-Level: Purchase as per the book list.
Visa Application (if applicable): MYR 500.
Sibling Discounts Second child: 5% discount Third child: 10% discount Fourth and subsequent children: 15% discount
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms The school operates on a three-term academic year. Payments are due within 28 days from the date the invoice is issued. Early annual payment of tuition fees (all three terms in one payment) attracts a 100% discount on Supplies and Equipment Fees for the academic year.
Refund Information The enrolment fee is non-refundable. The deposit is refundable upon withdrawal, subject to the school's terms and conditions.
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
—
House system
House system
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House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Jesselton International School offers a British-based curriculum from Early Years through to A Levels. In the Kindergarten stage (ages 4–6), the school follows a play-based learning approach aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The Primary School curriculum (Years 1–6) includes English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Art, Music, PE, and Languages (Malay and Mandarin). At the Secondary level (Years 7–11), students follow the Cambridge curriculum, preparing for IGCSE examinations in a range of core and elective subjects. In Years 12 and 13, students pursue Cambridge International A Levels, selecting from academic subjects in sciences, humanities, and mathematics. English is the medium of instruction, with additional support for non-native speakers.
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 Visit or Attend an Open House Parents are encouraged to visit the campus to meet with staff and understand the school's environment.
Complete the Application Form Students must submit a registration form and ensure that all the required documents, such as previous school reports and identification, are included.
Assessment and Interview Depending on the year group, students may be required to undergo assessments or interviews to determine appropriate placement and support needs.
Offer and Acceptance Successful applicants will receive an offer letter. To secure the place, parents must confirm acceptance and pay the enrolment fee of MYR 6500 and a deposit of MYR 2000 due at registration.
Orientation and Commencement Before the academic year begins, new students may attend orientation sessions to familiarize themselves with the school community and routines.
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
As of the current information available, Jesselton International School does not publicly advertise any scholarship programs.
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
Jesselton International School does not publicly specify the use of a waitlist or pool system. Admissions are processed on a rolling basis, and placements are subject to availability in the desired year group.
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.
