Melaka International School vs Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM)
Melaka International School and Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM) are both in Malacca, about 10 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Published annual fees are MYR 11,574 - 33,540 at Melaka International School and MYR 24,000 - 38,100 at Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM), which puts Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM) roughly 38% higher. Melaka International School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM) from 3 to 18. Melaka International School is the larger school, with around 280 pupils to Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM)'s 60. Typical class sizes are 25 at Melaka International School and 18 at Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM).
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
280
Pupils
60
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
18
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1993
Opened
2020
Bus service
Bus service
—
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
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
The school is divided into Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary, and Pre‑University (A‑Levels).
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
Melaka International School is a co-educational day school.
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
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.
Additional learning support
It is not a specialist SEN school and nor does it have a dedicated learning support centre.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
There is no formal affiliation with any other country; it follows the British-based Cambridge curriculum within Malaysia’s national regulatory framework.
Country affiliation
There is no official affiliation with any country, foreign government, or national education system.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school is non-denominational, with no 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 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.
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
The school website does not explicitly state that it provides a bus service.
Bus service details
Transportation is available from Muar to Melaka.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Scholarships
The school’s official website does not mention any scholarships or financial aid programmes.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not operate a formal waitlist or admissions pool. Offers are based on space availability and assessment results.
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.
