Mont'Kiara International School vs Nexus International School Malaysia
Mont'Kiara International School and Nexus International School Malaysia are both in Kuala Lumpur, about 27 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Nexus International School Malaysia also offers IEYC, IPC, Bespoke and Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 35,110 - 125,520 for Mont'Kiara International School and MYR 46,050 - 104,490 for Nexus International School Malaysia. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 680 and 700 pupils. Typical class sizes are 16 at Mont'Kiara International School and 20 at Nexus International School Malaysia.
IB (DP), IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
680
Pupils
700
Typical class size
Typical class size
16
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1994
Opened
2008
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
M'KIS is situated in the Mont'Kiara neighborhood of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This area is known for its family-friendly environment, with a significant expatriate community. The school is well-connected by public transport and is close to various amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and parks.
Location
Nexus is located in Putrajaya, about 30 km south of central Kuala Lumpur. The area is known for its green spaces, planned infrastructure, and proximity to government offices. The school is easily accessible via major highways and is within reasonable distance from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Stages
Stages
M'KIS offers education from Pre-Kindergarten (age 3) through to Grade 12, with Elementary, Middle and High School levels
Stages
The school is structured into Early Years (ages 3–5), Primary School (Years 1–6), Secondary School (Years 7–11), and Pre-University (Years 12–13).
School type
School type
M'KIS is a co-educational school. It does not offer boarding facilities.
School type
Nexus is a co-educational day and boarding school. Boarding is offered for students aged 10 and above, with options for weekday or full boarding.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
M'KIS provides support for students with mild learning differences through its Literacy Support Program (Kindergarten to Grade 5) and Learning Support Program (Grades 6 to 12). Support is offered via small group pull-out, push-in, or occasionally one-on-one sessions, tailored to individual needs. Students with an Individual Student Support Plan (ISSP) receive longer-term assistance.
Additional learning support
Nexus provides in-class support through specialist teachers who collaborate with classroom educators to assist students with language and learning needs. In Primary School, Personal Learning Assistants (PLAs) help integrate students with autism spectrum disorders and other complex learning needs into the classroom environment.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school follows an international curriculum and is not affiliated with any specific country.
Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
M'KIS is a non-denominational school and does not have any religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.
School day structure
School day structure
The standard school day at M'KIS begins at 8:00 AM. For Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 students, the day concludes at 1:20 PM, while students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 finish at 2:50 PM. On days with after-school activities, late buses depart at 4:10 PM and 5:10 PM.
School day structure
In the Primary School, the day begins at 8:20 AM and ends at 3:25 PM, with a slightly earlier finish at 2:25 PM on Fridays.
Secondary School starts at 8:40 AM and finishes at 3:10 PM, with a morning break from 10:00 AM to 10:20 AM and lunch from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM.
Bus service details
Bus service details
M'KIS provides daily bus transportation for students residing in various areas of Kuala Lumpur. The buses are 16-seaters equipped with seat belts, GPS, and cameras to ensure student safety. Morning pick-ups occur between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM. Afternoon departures are scheduled at 1:20 PM for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 students, and at 2:50 PM for Kindergarten through Grade 12. Additionally, late buses are available at 4:10 PM and 5:10 PM to accommodate students participating in after-school activities.
Bus service details
The school offers a bus transportation service managed by an external transport company. The service covers various areas within Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, with routes established based on parental demand and requiring a minimum of 10 students per area. Pick-up and drop-off occur at designated points and buses are equipped with GPS tracking systems.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fee (Non-refundable): MYR 1,700 - Payable upon confirmation of assessment appointment
English Language Proficiency Assessment Fee (Non-refundable): MYR 1,200 - Applied if additional English proficiency assessment is required to determine EAL needs
Admission Fees for New Students (Non-refundable, One-time): - Pre-K3 (3 years old): No admission fee - Pre-K4 (4 years old): No admission fee - Kindergarten (KG): MYR 8,500 - Grades 1-12: MYR 28,000
*Admission fee is waived for direct transfer students from other internationally accredited schools in Malaysia under certain conditions*
- Pre-K3 (3 years old): MYR 35,110 per year - Pre-K4 (4 years old): MYR 41,690 per year - Kindergarten (KG): MYR 83,290 per year - Elementary School (Grades 1-5): MYR 102,120 per year - Middle School (Grades 6-8): MYR 114,110 per year - High School (Grades 9-12): MYR 125,520 per year
English as an Additional Language (EAL) Fees
Elementary School (Grades 1-5) - EAL Intensive Program: MYR 5,000 per semester - EAL Support Program: MYR 2,000 per semester
Middle & High School (Grades 6-10) - EAL Intensive Program: MYR 5,000 per semester - EAL Support (English B): MYR 3,000 per semester
*EAL program is not offered to students in Grades 11 & 12*
Tuition Fee Discounts
Multi-Child Tuition Rebates - 2nd child: 2% off tuition fees - 3rd+ child: 3% off tuition fees
Additional Fees
Visa Processing Service Fee - MYR 500 per student per year - MYR 1,000 per guardian per year - Not applicable for Employment, MM2H, or PVIP visa holders
Payment Information
Payment Timeline - Invoices sent before the start of the new semester - Full payment due within 7 days of the first day of school
Payment Options Cheque / Wire Transfer / Credit/Debit Cards.
Fee details
Application Fee: RM 1,300 (non-refundable)
Registration Fee: * Early Years (Full Day): RM 10,000 * Early Years (Half Day): RM 5,000 * Years 1-13: RM 20,000
Deposit: One term's tuition fee (refundable with proper notice)
Annual Tuition Fees The school operates on 3 terms per year, with fees ranging from:
* Nursery: RM 46,050 per year * Reception: RM 48,960 per year * Years 1-2: RM 59,460 per year * Years 3-4: RM 68,280 per year * Years 5-6: RM 73,440 per year * Year 7: RM 82,950 per year * Years 8-9: RM 84,120 per year * Years 10-11: RM 96,420 per year * Years 12-13: RM 104,490 per year
Additional Support Services * English as Additional Language (EAL): 10-20% of tuition fee per term * Learning Support: RM 5,000 per term * Alternative Pathway: RM 16,000 per term
Discounts * Sibling discounts: 30-75% on registration fees, 5% on tuition fees * Early payment discount: 3% off Terms 2 & 3 if annual fees paid by August 15, 2025
Boarding Fees (Year 5+) * Full Boarding: RM 16,900 per term * Weekly Boarding: RM 15,250 per term * Occasional Boarding: RM 310 per night * Sundry Deposit: RM 1,000 (refundable)
Payment Method Payments can be made via bank transfer or debit/credit card.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
The Nexus Boarding House is on campus for learners aged 10 to 18, offering Full Boarding, Weekly Boarding and Occasional Boarding. The boarding house provides 24-hour care, dedicated study spaces, meals, on-site laundry, and a programme of after-school and weekend activities. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available in Boarding. Boarders come from over 15 nationalities.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
The school uses a uniform for all learners from Early Years to Pre-University, with a tailored uniform for each stage. Uniforms can be purchased online or via the on-campus vending machine.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
The cafeteria serves breakfast, morning break, lunch and after-school snacks. Café Connexions provides pastries, sushi, frozen yogurt, light meals and coffee.
House system
House system
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House system
Boarders live in the Nexus Boarding House on campus with floors that include common lounges; the Senior Floor offers single rooms while younger boarders share rooms. A Boarding Council coordinates activities, feedback and leadership within the boarding community.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
Nexus International School Malaysia is governed by a Board of Governors and is part of Taylor's School Group. The leadership structure includes a Director of Boarding and a Head of Boarding, reflecting the school's governance framework within the Taylor's Schools network.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Mont'Kiara International School offers a full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs:
Primary Years Programme (PYP): For students in Kindergarten through Grade 5, focusing on inquiry-based learning across various subjects.
Middle Years Programme (MYP): For Grades 6 to 10, encompassing eight subject groups, including language acquisition, sciences, mathematics, arts, and design. mkis.edu.my
Diploma Programme (DP): For Grades 11 and 12, offering a two-year pre-university course leading to the IB Diploma.
In addition to the IB Diploma, students also earn a U.S. High School Diploma upon graduation.
Curriculum details
Early Years learners (ages 3–5) follow the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), focusing on play-based learning. Primary students (Years 1–6) engage with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), integrating thematic units with core subjects. In Secondary School, Years 7–9 follow a modified UK National Curriculum designed to prepare students for the IGCSE examinations in Years 10–11. The Pre-University level (Years 12–13) offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), recognized by universities worldwide.
The school emphasizes the development of positive relationships between students and teachers to create a supportive learning environment.
In the Early Years program, the curriculum focuses on helping children acquire skills to interact appropriately with others, control emotions, and communicate effectively.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Nexus supports students with mild to moderate learning difficulties through its Alternative Pathway program, which offers a personalized curriculum tailored to individual learning styles and needs. The school employs ELL teachers trained in English as an Additional Language (EAL) and special needs to co-plan and deliver differentiated learning experiences. Inclusion teachers work with class teachers to provide practical advice and support, including in-class assistance and specific interventions. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but offers integrated support within the mainstream curriculum.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
Nexus offers a structured English language support programme tailored to students' proficiency levels. The Intensive English Programme (IEP) is designed for learners at CEFR A2 level, providing specialized English instruction in small groups for approximately 35% of the week, alongside mainstream classes. Students at CEFR B1 level can join the English as an Additional Language (EAL) support programme, which includes targeted sessions to develop academic English skills, particularly in preparation for examinations. For students requiring minimal assistance, in-class support is available to further enhance their academic English. Additional fees apply for the IEP and EAL programmes.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
Nexus places a strong emphasis on student mental wellbeing through dedicated staff and structured programs. The school employs counsellors who offer individual support, promote resilience, and assist teachers in supporting emotional wellbeing in the classroom.
Nexus was awarded the Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS), recognizing its high standards in emotional wellbeing and mental health provision for learners, staff, and parents. Pastoral care is a core component, with form tutors as key contacts and a restorative approach to fostering positive relationships.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
Nexus International School Malaysia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
The school has on-campus facilities designed to inspire creativity, exploration and wellbeing at every stage of learning. There are specialized studios for drama, dance, music and film, along with dynamic sports venues and a fully equipped library. A real rainforest supports Forest School sessions. The campus has dedicated Early Years, Primary and Secondary areas, plus outstanding boarding, dining and wellbeing services.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
Indoor facilities include a 7,000 sq ft multipurpose indoor hall with courts for basketball, volleyball, netball and badminton, and a rock climbing wall. The fitness suite supports learner wellbeing and physical development. Outdoor facilities comprise a main field spanning over 11,000 sqm with a grandstand and two outdoor multipurpose courts for tennis, basketball and netball training and competitions. The aquatic centre includes a 25m swimming pool and a separate wading pool for younger learners.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
Science is supported by dedicated Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratories. An ICT Lab & Maker Space provides robotics, coding and digital literacy work. The Libraries support learning with a two-level library and an Early Years/Primary reading area. The Art Room offers access to drawing tablets, a 3D printer and VR headsets; a Film Room; Drama & Dance Rooms with a black box studio; an IBDP Hub; a Secondary Learning Hub; a Cooking Room for life skills; and Special Learning Areas for learners requiring additional support.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
The campus enables arts and performance outside the classroom with a 500-seat theatre, Drama & Dance Rooms and a black box studio, plus a Film Room and dedicated Music facilities with practice rooms and a recording studio. Forest School sessions provide outdoor hands‑on learning, while the extensive sports facilities support clubs and competitive activities.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
Nexus International School Malaysia was established in 2008 in Putrajaya by Taylor's Education Group, a prominent private education provider in Southeast Asia. As part of Taylor's Education Group, Nexus benefits from shared resources and a commitment to innovative learning practices.
Community
Community
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Community
The Nexus community comprises learners, parents, teachers, and staff who actively participate in various events and activities. The school hosts cultural celebrations such as Hari Raya assemblies and Curriculum Days, fostering a sense of unity and cultural appreciation. These events provide opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate diversity.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
Nexus International School Malaysia has an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that organizes events to strengthen community bonds. One notable initiative is the annual "Tree of Hope," where parents and learners prepare gifts and thank-you notes for school staff, including security guards, cleaners, and cafeteria workers, to show appreciation for their contributions.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
The school serves learners aged 3 to 18. The Nexus Pathway includes Early Years, the IPC Primary Curriculum, the Nexus Middle School Programme, IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB Diploma Programme, IB Careers-related Programme and IB Courses). The IB Diploma Programme was authorised in March 2012, and Nexus is recognised among Malaysia's top IB schools. Apple Distinguished School status has been held since 2015; Cambridge Assessment International Education Centre since 2009; IPC accreditation; and MOE 5-Star Award.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
The Nexus community emphasizes sports and the arts as part of wider learning. The Forest School Programme provides outdoor learning experiences. Digital learning is a core focus, with Nexus as an Apple Distinguished School enabling technology-rich creativity.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
Primary uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), fostering personal qualities and international-mindedness. The Nexus Middle School Programme bridges IPC and IGCSE, emphasising digital literacy, global citizenship and wellbeing. The IB Programmes prepare learners for international higher education and global citizenship.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
A wide range of after-school and weekend activities is offered, supporting social development and interests beyond the classroom. Learner-led co-curricular activities are a notable feature of Nexus' culture. Forest School and related outdoor programs contribute to experiential learning and community engagement.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Global Goals Day initiatives have been recognised by the International School Awards in 2025 for fostering global citizenship and community engagement.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
The Nexus Way emphasises Relationships, Inclusion, Innovation and Mindsets as the school's core approach. Learners participate in leadership through learner-led co-curricular activities and enterprise-type initiatives that develop collaboration and initiative.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Pastoral care and student wellbeing are priorities in Nexus boarding. The school holds a Ministry of Education 5-Star Award and the Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS), reflecting commitments to emotional wellbeing and mental health. Forest School and related wellbeing programmes support physical and mental health across the school community.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
The school offers language acquisition options including Malay and Chinese (various levels), French and Spanish; Korean is available via online tutoring; Self-Taught languages can be studied with approval. Mandarin is available as a language option within the IB Diploma and related language offerings, alongside Malay, French and Spanish. English as an Additional Language (EAL) provides structured language support across Primary and Secondary, and there is an Intensive English Programme (IEP) for learners with little to no English.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
International School of the Year Award (2023) Presented by the Australian Boarding Schools Association, acknowledging outstanding performance among international schools.
Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS) Recognises the school's commitment to promoting the well-being of its students.
Top 2% Global IB Schools and Top 50 in Asia Ranked by Education Advisers Ltd, reflecting high academic achievement in the IB Diploma Programme.
Ministry of Education’s 5-Star Award Awarded by Malaysia's Ministry of Education for exceptional standards in private education.
International School Award (2025) Granted by ISC Research, recognising excellence in international education.
Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
Council of International Schools (CIS) Re-accredited in April 2022, this accreditation signifies adherence to high standards in international education, recognised by universities worldwide.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme, indicating compliance with the rigorous standards set by the International Baccalaureate Organisation.
Cambridge International Examinations Accredited to offer IGCSE qualifications, aligning with the globally recognised Cambridge curriculum.
International Primary Curriculum (IPC) at Mastering Level Achieved the highest level of IPC accreditation, demonstrating excellence in delivering the IPC framework.
Apple Distinguished School (2022–2025): Recognized for innovative use of Apple technology in teaching and learning environments.
ICDL Accredited Test Centre First international school in Malaysia to become an ICDL Accredited Test Centre, offering globally recognised digital skills certification.
Boarding Schools' Association (BSA) and Australian Boarding Schools' Association (ABSA) Membership indicates adherence to standards in boarding education and care.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Schedule a campus visit or attend an Open Day. M'KIS encourages prospective families to tour the campus during school hours to observe classes and meet faculty. Appointments are scheduled to ensure personalised attention.
2. Complete the online application. Submit the application form along with the required documents.
3. Provide teacher recommendations. Depending on the grade level, specific recommendation forms should be submitted by current educators directly to M'KIS: -For Pre-K3 to Grade 5: Teacher Recommendation Form -For Grades 6 to 12: Counsellor or School Administrator, English Teacher, and Math Teacher Recommendation Forms
4. Pay the application fee. A non-refundable application fee of RM1,700 is required for each application. Payment details are provided during the application process.
5. Admissions assessment. Assessments vary by grade level: -Pre-K3: No formal assessment -Pre-K4 & Kindergarten: Brief, developmentally appropriate assessment -Grade 1 and above: Assessments in reading, writing, and math; EAL assessment if applicable
6. Receive the admissions decision. Decisions are typically communicated within two business days.
Admissions
1. Schedule a visit or virtual consultation. Prospective families are encouraged to book a campus tour or arrange a virtual consultation to learn more about the school's facilities and programs.
2. Submit the application form. Complete the "Application for Admission" form and provide necessary documents, including health records, photographs, and academic transcripts. An application fee is payable upon submission.
3. Assessment and interview. Applicants may be required to undergo an assessment and interview to determine suitability for the school's programs.
4. Offer and acceptance. If the application is successful, an offer letter will be issued. Parents must confirm acceptance and pay the enrollment fee to secure the place.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not offer scholarships for tuition.
Scholarships
The school offers scholarships for both the IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme. IGCSE scholarships provide 30% or 50% tuition fee waivers for entry into Years 10 and 11. IB Diploma scholarships are available for Years 12 and 13, with both full and partial awards. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, co-curricular involvement, leadership qualities, and English proficiency. Applicants must submit an application form, personal essay, academic records, and recommendation letters.
Waitlist
Waitlist
M'KIS operates a waitlist system for certain grade levels where capacity has been reached. Applicants placed on the waitlist will be offered admission as spaces become available.
Waitlist
Nexus operates a wait pool system when classes reach capacity. Applicants are placed in the wait pool upon submission of the application and payment of the application fee. Placement from the wait pool is subject to availability and the school's admission criteria.