Malacca Expatriate School vs Melaka International School
Malacca Expatriate School and Melaka International School are both in Malacca, about 1 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes, and Melaka International School also offers Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are MYR 16,500 - 35,400 at Malacca Expatriate School and MYR 11,574 - 33,540 at Melaka International School, which puts Malacca Expatriate School roughly 15% higher. Malacca Expatriate School takes pupils from 5 to 16, and Melaka International School from 4 to 18. Melaka International School is the larger school, with around 280 pupils to Malacca Expatriate School's 200. Typical class sizes are 15 at Malacca Expatriate School and 25 at Melaka International School.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
200
Pupils
280
Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1980
Opened
1993
Bus service
Bus service
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Bus service
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Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Malacca Expatriate School (MES) is situated in the residential neighbourhood of Taman Permatang Pasir Perdana, about 15 minutes by car from Malacca city centre. It's close to public bus routes and offers easy access to local shops, eateries, and recreational spaces.
Location
Melaka International School is located in the residential area of Taman Siantan, Kampung Lapan, Melaka Tengah, a two-hour drive south of Kuala Lumpur. The suburb is well connected via the North–South Expressway, and the campus is near local shops, parks, and bus routes, making daily routines convenient.
Stages
Stages
Malacca Expatriate School is divided into Primary (Foundation–Year 6) and Secondary (Years 7–11). Post–Year 11 progression options include AS/A‑Levels or the International Baccalaureate for further study.
Stages
The school is divided into Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary, and Pre‑University (A‑Levels).
School type
School type
MES is a co-educational, day school and does not provide boarding facilities. It caters to both expatriate and local families.
School type
Melaka International School is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
MES does not have specialist staff or facilities for students with identified additional learning needs.
Additional learning support
Melaka International School offers general learning support through its Counselling Services and classroom-based interventions. While it is not a specialist institution for Special Educational Needs (SEN), the school provides assistance for students who may require extra academic help, particularly in language and core subjects.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
MES is not formally affiliated with a particular country beyond curriculum standards.
Country affiliation
There is no formal affiliation with any other country; it follows the British-based Cambridge curriculum within Malaysia’s national regulatory framework.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
MES is non-denominational and operates without any religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school is non-denominational, with no religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day at Malacca Expatriate School runs from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday. This schedule applies to both Primary and Secondary students.
School day structure
The day structure at Melaka International School is as follows: Kindergarten: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Year 1 - Year 2 : 8:00 AM – 2:15 PM Year 3 - Year 11 : 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Time is allocated for breaks, lunch, and co-curricular activities.
Bus service details
Bus service details
There is no explicit mention of a school bus or coach service on the MES website.
Bus service details
The school website does not explicitly state that it provides a bus service.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One-Time Payment Application/Assessment Fee: MYR 600 (non-refundable, payable with the application). Registration fee: MYR 2,500 (non-refundable) Deposit: A deposit equal to one term’s tuition must be maintained at all times and is refunded if written notice is given at least one month before the next term starts.
Annual Tuition Fees Reception: MYR 16,500 Years 1–6: MYR 18,900 Year 7: MYR 24,300 Year 8: MYR 25,350 Year 9: MYR 26,400 Year 10: MYR 30,600 Year 11: MYR 35,400
*Note: the total annual fee includes an Annual Resource fee of MYR 2,400 for all levels.
Uniforms, Textbooks, and Other Costs Uniforms and textbooks are not included and must be purchased separately.
Discounts & Provisions Students joining after Week 6 of a term pay half the term fee. Reception students leaving at 12:30 PM receive MYR 500 discount on the term fee. Sibling discount: 10% off the younger sibling’s term fee. mes.edu.my
Billing & Payment Terms Fees are billed per term and must be paid before the start of the term. For Year 11, fees are costed on an entire year basis. Payment via bank transfer, cheque or other means as detailed in the offer letter.
Refund Policy The term-fee deposit is refundable if notice is given in writing at least one month before the next term.
Additional Notes MES reserves the right to increase fees by up to 10% each academic year.
Fee details
One-Time Payment Application Fee: MYR 600 (non-refundable, Kindergarten) MYR 800 (non-refundable, Year 1–11), payable upon application submission. Enrollment Fee: MYR 1,500 (non-refundable, Kindergarten) MYR 4,000 (non-refundable, Year 1–11)
Refundable Deposit Equivalent to one term’s tuition fee. Refundable with one month’s written notice (excluding school holidays).
Annual Tuition Fees Kindergarten: MYR 11,574 Year 1–3: MYR 14,532 Year 4–6: MYR 17,406 Year 7–8: MYR 18,798 Year 9–10: MYR 26,835 Year 11: MYR 33,540
*Note: A 5% discount is available if the full year’s tuition is paid in advance. Sibling discounts of 5% per child are available for the second and subsequent siblings.*
Other Fees Miscellaneous Fee: MYR 1,200 per year (non-refundable) Student Insurance: MYR 20 per year (non-refundable)
Additional Charges (not included in tuition) Uniforms, textbooks, meals, excursions, co-curricular activities (CCAs), exam fees, and transportation (if applicable) are billed separately.
Payment Methods Payment can be made via cash, cheque, credit card, or online transfer.
Bank Details Beneficiary: Longterm Focus Sdn. Bhd. Name of Bank: Public Bank Melaka Account Number: 3813195128 Bank Address: No. 60-68, Jalan Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka. Swift Code: PBBEMYKL
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
Malacca Expatriate School offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Reception to Year 11. The Primary section (Reception to Year 6) follows the Cambridge Primary Programme, covering subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and ICT. In Years 7 to 9, students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum and prepare for the Checkpoint assessments. Years 10 and 11 focus on the Cambridge IGCSE, with subject options including English, Mathematics, Combined Science, Business Studies, Accounting, History, and ICT. Malay and Mandarin are also taught as language subjects. The curriculum is structured to align with Cambridge’s international academic progression.
Curriculum details
Melaka International School follows the Cambridge curriculum from Kindergarten through A‑Levels. Kindergarten (ages 4–6) uses an Early Years thematic curriculum focusing on communication, numeracy, social skills, creative development, and early science via play, phonics, drama, music, and field trips.
In Primary (ages 6–11), students study the Cambridge Primary Programme and International Primary Curriculum framed by the UK National Curriculum, including English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, ICT, PE, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia
Secondary (ages 12–16) follows Cambridge Lower Secondary through Key Stage 3 and IGCSE in Year 11, with choices in sciences, maths, English, ICT, humanities, business, economy, and languages; exams are CAIE‑administered.
A‑Level (ages 17–18) offers Cambridge International A‑Levels, with subject options like Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Accounting, Business, and History; IELTS preparation is also provided.
Book a School Visit (optional) Families are welcome to schedule an appointment to tour the campus and speak with staff before submitting an application.
Submit Application Complete the application form and provide required documents, including: previous school report, school leaving certificate, student birth certificate, immunisation record, passport-sized photos, copies of parents' ID/passports, and a copy of parents' marriage certificate. A non-refundable assessment fee of MYR 600 must be paid by cash or cheque to complete the application. Submission does not guarantee a place.
Complete the student assessment Students will be scheduled for age-appropriate assessments once there is a potential vacancy. Assessment content is confidential and not shared with parents. Applicants with known learning needs must inform the school, as the school does not have Special Needs teachers.
Receive and Respond to Offer Letter Successful applicants will receive a formal Offer Letter outlining fees, terms, and start date. Enrolment is contingent on assessment results, availability of space, and a valid Student Pass issued by Malaysian Immigration (for expatriates).
Confirm Acceptance and Enrolment Parents must confirm the offer and pay the required fees before the child begins school. Once accepted, the school will share further details on class timetables, extracurricular activities, uniforms, and book requirements.
Admissions
Complete the application form You'll need the student’s health record, birth certificate/passport, parent IDs, recent school reports, passport-sized photos, and a non-refundable application fee (MYR 600–800). For international students, certified documents (like a bank statement) and a letter from the Malaysian Ministry of Education are required.
Attend the entrance assessment For Primary and Secondary, this includes English and Math tests and an informal chat with the Head of Primary or Secondary. It takes about 2 hours and happens on campus.
Receive the Letter of Offer Admissions staff, subject heads, and school leadership review results together before confirming successful applicants. Parents receive the offer by email along with the invoice and next steps.
Complete government approvals (for international students) The school applies for Ministry of Education approval (MYR 185) and a Student Pass or Dependant Pass from Immigration (MYR 250), plus a performance bond (handled on your behalf).
Confirm admission and make payments To confirm the spot, settle the deposit, registration fee, term fees, insurance, and miscellaneous costs by the deadline. International students require government approvals before final placement.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Malacca Expatriate School does not offer scholarships.
Scholarships
Melaka International School offers two scholarships to enrolled full-time students: Dr. Ishak’s Outstanding Academic Scholarship Eligibility: Students entering Year 7 with 80% or higher in Maths, Science, and English from Year 6. Students must pass the school's scholarship exam with 80% or higher. Awards a 30% tuition fee waiver (not a cash award). Open to Malaysian and international students.
Ms. Shamsunnisa’s Outstanding Sports Scholarship Eligibility: Malaysian students who have represented at district, state, or national level (MSSD, MSSM, SUKMA, etc.), with supporting documentation. Awards a 30% tuition fee waiver, reviewed annually.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Yes, MES operates a waitlist system. If a class is full, the student’s application remains active, and they may be placed on a waitlist until a vacancy becomes available. Assessments are only scheduled when a place might be open. Applications are processed in order of submission with complete documentation and payment.
Waitlist
The school does not operate a formal waitlist or admissions pool. Offers are based on space availability and assessment results.
