Malacca Expatriate School vs Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM)
Malacca Expatriate School and Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM) are both in Malacca, about 12 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes, and Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM) also offers Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are MYR 16,500 - 35,400 at Malacca Expatriate School and MYR 24,000 - 38,100 at Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM), which puts Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM) roughly 20% higher. Malacca Expatriate School takes pupils from 5 to 16, and Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM) from 3 to 18. Malacca Expatriate School is the larger school, with around 200 pupils to Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM)'s 60. Typical class sizes are 15 at Malacca Expatriate School and 18 at Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM).
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
200
Pupils
60
Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
18
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1980
Opened
2020
Bus service
Bus service
—
Bus service
Yes
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
Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM) is located in Taman Pandan Indah, a residential suburb just north of central Melaka. The area is well connected by local roads and lies between Melaka’s historic city centre and the Ayer Keroh toll plaza, making it accessible for both local and commuting families. School transportation services are also available, including routes from nearby towns such as Muar
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
PISM serves students aged 3 to 18, organized into Early Years (3–6), Primary (Years 1–6), Secondary (Years 7–11 for IGCSE), and A‑Level (Post‑16) stages. Each stage aligns with the Cambridge curriculum.
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
The school is co‑educational and does not offer boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
MES does not have specialist staff or facilities for students with identified additional learning needs.
Additional learning support
It is not a specialist SEN school and nor does it have a dedicated learning support centre.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
MES is not formally affiliated with a particular country beyond curriculum standards.
Country affiliation
There is no official affiliation with any country, foreign government, or national education system.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
MES is non-denominational and operates without any religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
PISM operates as a non-denominational institution and does not have any religious affiliations.
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
While exact timings aren't listed, PISM follows a standard school-day format: Early Years Mon - Thu: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM Fri: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Primary School Mon – Thurs: 8:30 AM – 3:10 PM Fri: 8:30 AM – 1:10 PM
Secondary School Mon – Thurs: 8:30 AM – 3:50 PM Fri: 8:30 AM – 1:10 PM
*Students are required to be in the school before 8:10 AM.
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
Transportation is available from Muar to Melaka.
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 Payments Application Fee: MYR 600 (non-refundable, payable upon application) Enrollment Fee: MYR 2,500 (non-refundable; payable upon registration) Assessment Fee: Reception - MYR 300 Primary - MYR 400 Secondary - MYR 600 Student Visa Application Fee (for international students): New Visa - MYR 2,500 Renewal - MYR 800
Annual Tuition Fees (International Students) Early Years (EY1–EY2): MYR 24,000 Years 1–3: MYR 24,000 Years 4–6: MYR 25,200 Years 7–8: MYR 29,700 Years 9–10: MYR 34,800 Year 11: MYR 38,100
Annual Tuition Fees (Malaysian Students) Early Years (EY1–EY2): MYR 19,200 Years 1–3: MYR 19,200 Years 4–6: MYR 20,220 Years 7–8: MYR 24,900 Years 9–10: MYR 30,000 Year 11: MYR 33,300 *Note that the total fees per year include a fee of MYR 2,400 (annual), which covers science/ICT labs, library, and student insurance.
Other Fees Late Pick-Up Charges (Preschool Only): With Siblings: MYR 250–450/month Without Siblings: MYR 300–500/month Extra: MYR 50 charged every 15 minutes after the designated time (3:10 PM, 4:00 PM & 5:00 PM)
Sibling Discounts 10% off tuition fees for the second child 15% off tuition fees for the third and subsequent children The discount applies only to tuition fees and remains valid as long as multiple siblings are enrolled.
Refundable Deposit Equivalent to one full term’s tuition fee, payable upon enrolment. Refunded (without interest) after the end of the semester if a written withdrawal notice is given before the first day of the semester and all school obligations are met. *Note that all withdrawals are subject to administrative charges of MYR 100 per student.
Additional charges for uniforms, meals, ECAs, excursions, exam fees, textbooks, and materials may apply.
Payment Methods Payments can be made via cheque, bank draft, or online transfer.
Bank Details: Beneficiary: Planetarium International Sdn. Bhd. Bank: Public Bank Melaka Account Number: 3225877611 Bank Address: No. 60-68, Jalan Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka Swift Code: PBBEMYKLXXX
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
—
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
—
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
Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM) follows the Cambridge International curriculum across all stages. The Early Years programme introduces foundational literacy, numeracy, and personal development. Primary students (Years 1–6) follow the Cambridge Primary curriculum with core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives. In Secondary (Years 7–11), students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSEs, typically taken in Year 11, with a range of subjects including Malay, Mandarin, ICT, and Business Studies. Post-16 students pursue the Cambridge A-Level programme, usually over two years, allowing subject specialisation in preparation for university. English is the primary language of instruction, with Malay and Mandarin taught as additional languages.
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
Book an Open Day PISM occasionally holds open days and information sessions, allowing parents to tour the school, meet teachers, and better understand the curriculum and culture.
Complete the Application Form Parents must complete the official application form, attach relevant documents (e.g. birth certificate, academic records, passport/IC copy, vaccination record, and any diagnostic reports), and pay a non-refundable application fee of MYR 600.
Placement Assessment Students are required to undergo an age-appropriate placement assessment: Reception to KG: Individual interview with teachers Years 2–6: Online assessments in English and mathematics Years 7–10: Written tests in English, mathematics, and science The outcome is used to determine both academic fit and class placement.
Offer and Enrolment Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer. To confirm the place, parents must pay a non-refundable enrolment fee (MYR 2,500) and the refundable deposit (equivalent to one term’s tuition).
Scholarships
Scholarships
Malacca Expatriate School does not offer scholarships.
Scholarships
The school’s official website does not mention any scholarships or financial aid programmes.
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 pool. Admission is based on placement assessment results and availability within the intended year group.
