Matahari International School vs R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru
Matahari International School and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru are both in Johor Bahru, about 28 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Matahari International School also offers Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels, and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 17,030 - 24,000 for Matahari International School and MYR 13,020 - 28,450 for R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru. Matahari International School takes pupils from 3 to 19, and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru from 3 to 16. R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to Matahari International School's 200. Both keep typical class sizes around 20.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
200
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2013
Opened
2008
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Matahari International School is located in Taman Nusantara Prima, Iskandar Puteri, Johor. The area is a residential neighborhood with local shops and services, and is part of the Iskandar Malaysia development zone. It is accessible via major road networks connecting Johor Bahru and surrounding townships.
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
The school is structured into seven levels under the Viisaus Programme, starting from Early Years (ages 3–6) through to Stage 6 (ages 17–19). These roughly align with international equivalents such as Nursery/Reception, Primary (Stages 1–2), Lower Secondary (Stages 3–4), Upper Secondary (Stage 5), and Pre-University (Stage 6). The curriculum integrates Cambridge International content, preparing students for assessments such as IGCSE and A-Level.
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
This is a co-educational, English-medium day school. It does not offer any boarding facilities.
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
—
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school provides additional academic support through its Functional Classroom model, which groups students by academic level rather than age. This allows targeted teaching for subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science theory. Support is structured rather than specialist, and the school does not describe itself as a dedicated SEN institution.
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
The school does not have an official affiliation with any country.
Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.
School day structure
School day structure
The exact start and end times of the school day at Matahari International School are not publicly published on the school’s official website.
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
A school transport service is available and managed by the school.
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.
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
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
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Food options
—
House system
House system
—
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Matahari International School follows the Viisaus curriculum model alongside the Cambridge International Curriculum. The school begins with the Viisaus Early Years Program (ages 3–6), followed by Stages 1 to 6 (ages 6–19), aligned with Cambridge checkpoints. Students take the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint at Stage 2, followed by IGCSE in Stage 5 (ages 15–17) and A-Level qualifications in Stage 6 (ages 17–19). Functional Classrooms focus on English, Mathematics, Malay, Chinese, and Science (theory), while Home Classrooms support project-based learning in subjects like global perspectives, geography, and arts. Lessons are delivered using a mix of traditional and collaborative methods. Science labs, art rooms, and music spaces support subject-specific instruction.
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. Attend an Open Day or Schedule a Visit: The school regularly hosts Open Days, providing an opportunity to explore the campus, meet teachers, and learn about the curriculum. If you cannot attend an Open Day, you can arrange a private visit by contacting the school at +607 510 2388 or via WhatsApp at +6016 753 8088.
2. Submit an Application Form: Complete the appropriate registration form based on your child's educational level (Primary, Secondary, or A-Level). These forms are available on the school's official website.
3. Provide Required Documentation: Along with the application form, submit necessary documents such as your child's birth certificate, previous school reports, and any other relevant records. The admissions team will inform you of the specific documents needed.
4. Await Admission Decision: After reviewing the application and documents, the school will communicate their decision. If accepted, you'll receive further instructions on enrollment and orientation procedures.
Admissions
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
The school offers financial aid options, including scholarships, bursaries, and study loans. These are designed to support students who demonstrate academic excellence or require financial assistance. Details about eligibility criteria and application procedures can be obtained by contacting the school's admissions office.
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
Matahari International School does not publicly disclose a formal waitlist or pool system.
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.
