R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru vs Sri Utama International School - Johor Bahru
R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru and Sri Utama International School - Johor Bahru are both in Johor Bahru, about 11 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes, and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are MYR 13,020 - 28,450 at R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru and MYR 12,458 - 20,000 at Sri Utama International School - Johor Bahru, which puts R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru roughly 28% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 16. Sri Utama International School - Johor Bahru is the larger school, with around 1,000 pupils to R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru's 500. Both keep typical class sizes around 20.
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.
Location
Sri Utama International School Johor Bahru is located in the residential neighborhood of Melodies Garden, just off Jalan Rhu. The campus is situated within easy reach of the Johor Bahru city centre and is accessible via major roads such as Jalan Abdul Samad and the Tebrau Highway. The area is well-connected by car and close to key amenities including hospitals, shopping malls, and restaurants.
Stages
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.
Stages
The school is structured into three key phases: Kindergarten (ages 3–5), Primary School (Years 1–6), and Secondary School (Years 7–11). Students typically transition through these phases within the same campus, following the Cambridge International Curriculum throughout.
School type
School type
It is a co-educational international school offering day schooling only. There are no boarding facilities at the Johor Bahru campus.
School type
It is a private co-educational day school, welcoming both boys and girls.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
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.
Additional learning support
While the school does not advertise a specialised special needs department, it provides differentiated teaching approaches and pastoral care for a range of student needs. Teachers aim to support students' academic and emotional development through classroom accommodations and individual attention, where required.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.
Religious affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any particular religion. However, it offers Islamic Studies as part of its curriculum for students who choose it, alongside PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) for others.
School day structure
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.
School day structure
The school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, the school operates on a shorter schedule, finishing at 12:30 PM. Breaks and lunch are built into the day, though exact timings may vary by age group.
Bus service details
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.
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service that circulates through local neighborhoods. Families can obtain contact details for the school’s transportation provider upon enrolment. Routes are arranged based on demand, so parents are encouraged to check whether their area is covered and coordinate directly with the bus operator.
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.
Fee details
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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
The Johor Bahru campus has a cafeteria on site operated by Delischool. It offers a diverse menu with on-site cooking, and meals are prepared to safety and nutritional standards. The cafeteria can be contacted at cafeteria.real@shfservices.com.
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
REAL Schools Johor Bahru is part of REAL Schools and is associated with XCL Education in Malaysia.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
Sri Utama International School Johor Bahru follows the Cambridge International Curriculum across all stages, from Primary through Upper Secondary. In the Primary years (Years 1–6), students study English, Mathematics, Science, and other subjects based on the Cambridge Primary Framework, with assessments including the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint in Year 6. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) continues with the Cambridge curriculum and includes another Checkpoint assessment in Year 9 for core subjects. In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, with subjects offered including English (First Language and ESL), Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Malay, and Global Perspectives. Additional subjects such as Art & Design, Music, Physical Education, and ICT are part of the broader curriculum. English is the main language of instruction, and all students also study Malay, with Islamic Studies or PSHE offered depending on student background.
Social and Emotional Learning is integrated into daily classroom routines, with teachers supporting the development of empathy, teamwork, and self-regulation. In the Early Years and Primary stages, group activities and play-based tasks help children build confidence and communication skills. Older students participate in pastoral care sessions and character-building programs. Teachers serve as key contact points for emotional support, and the school promotes respectful behavior and positive peer relationships. Assemblies and thematic class discussions are used to reinforce values such as kindness, resilience, and responsibility.
Social & emotional learning
Sri Utama International School integrates social and emotional learning into its curriculum through structured Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and Values Education programs. These lessons are timetabled across year groups and aim to develop skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. Teachers also act as homeroom mentors, fostering supportive relationships and monitoring students' personal development. The school encourages open communication between students, staff, and families, and uses a student-centred pastoral care model. SEL is reinforced through daily classroom interactions and school-wide behavior expectations that promote mutual respect and responsibility.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
REAL International School Johor Bahru is not a specialist SEN institution but offers limited in-class support for students with mild learning needs. Support is usually delivered by classroom teachers who adjust lesson delivery or pacing as needed.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Sri Utama is not a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
REAL International School Johor Bahru offers a dedicated English Language Learning Academy (ELLA) for students who require additional support in English. The program is designed for non-native English speakers across all year groups and includes intensive language instruction tailored to each student’s level. ELLA classes are held in small groups to focus on key areas such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students work towards joining mainstream classes as their proficiency improves. ELLA is led by qualified English teachers and includes regular assessments to track progress. The program is integrated into the wider school timetable, allowing students to continue participating in core academic and co-curricular activities.
English as an additional language
The school provides structured support for students who speak English as an additional language through its English as a Second Language (ESL) program, offered from early years through to IGCSE. ESL is a timetabled subject for all students, recognizing that most learners at the school speak English as a second or third language. At IGCSE level, students can also opt for English as a Second Language as an official examination subject. Language acquisition is supported by classroom teachers and ESL specialists using targeted instruction and scaffolding techniques. Additional reading and speaking initiatives, such as the “Sri Utama Readers” and “Communication” program, are offered at younger levels to build confidence.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Student wellbeing is supported through regular class check-ins, character education sessions, and extracurricular activities that promote social connection. Teachers play a central role in monitoring emotional health and encouraging open communication. The school environment emphasizes kindness, cooperation, and mutual respect. While there is no on-site counsellor publicly listed, students are guided to approach staff when they need help. Events such as anti-bullying campaigns and wellness days are organized throughout the year.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the school’s pastoral care framework, which includes homeroom teacher relationships, Values Education, and PSHE sessions. Teachers monitor student behavior and emotional development in class and refer students for additional support if needed. The school promotes open communication and family partnerships as part of its wellbeing approach. Activities that encourage teamwork, self-expression, and reflection are embedded into the school’s academic and co-curricular programs. There is no mention of a school counsellor or in-house mental health professional in the current materials.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
REAL International School Johor Bahru follows a formal safeguarding policy in line with Malaysian law and UK guidance. The school has a designated Safeguarding Committee and trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who oversee child protection procedures. All staff are required to complete safeguarding training and use the *MyConcern* platform to report any issues or disclosures. Safeguarding topics such as online safety, peer conflict, and self-harm are integrated into the curriculum through PSHLE lessons, assemblies, and tutor sessions. Physical spaces are arranged to support supervision, especially during one-on-one interactions. The policy prioritises immediate reporting and clear procedures to ensure student safety at all times.
Safeguarding
Sri Utama implements a range of safeguarding measures to ensure student safety, including 24-hour on-campus security and CCTV monitoring in all areas. Access to school premises is controlled, and students are supervised during school hours and activities. While specific policies on child protection are not published in the prospectus, safeguarding is embedded in the school’s broader pastoral and behavioral expectations. Staff are expected to maintain a safe and respectful environment, and students are encouraged to report concerns to trusted adults. Families are included in safety communications through regular updates and meetings.
The Johor Bahru campus spans 5 acres and is set among trees and greenery. The Main Building houses a range of learning spaces, and the campus includes a library and a Chemistry Lab to support science learning. Early Years facilities include outdoor play areas and age-appropriate classrooms, with additional spaces for ICT, art, electronics, and other specialised activities. There are dedicated spaces for practical subjects, including a LEGO and robotics room, textiles room, a music studio, a culinary arts kitchen, and design and technology rooms. The campus offers Cambridge International (IGCSE) through its International School and follows the Malaysian National Curriculum through its Private National School, across Early Years, International School, and Private National levels.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The International School follows the Cambridge curriculum for IGCSE. The Private National School follows the Malaysian National Curriculum from Primary 1 to Secondary 5. The campus includes a library and science facilities, including a Chemistry Lab and a Science Lab. It also houses an ICT lab, art rooms, LEGO and robotics room, a music studio, a textile room, a culinary arts kitchen, and design and technology rooms. Early Years facilities and age-appropriate classrooms support foundational learning.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular activities include inter-school public speaking competitions, with first place at the Trinity College Inter-School Public Speaking Competition. The school has achieved recognition in the National Youth Chess Championship, earning a silver medal. It has strong showings in golf at the Majlis Sukan Negara Elite Under-12 Golf Tournament (1st place). It has participation in the NASA International Space Essay Competition with top performers. It has success in cooking competitions, with champions in the Next Big Chef competition, and an ambassador team represented Malaysia at the Be the Change Conference in Taiwan in 2018.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
REAL International School Johor Bahru was established in 2008 as part of the REAL Education Group, which operates multiple campuses across Malaysia. The school originally began by offering both national and international curricula and has since expanded its facilities and enrolment. REAL Education Group became part of XCL Education Malaysia, a larger regional education group, in the 2020s. This change introduced group-wide policies, resources, and shared leadership structures across campuses. The Johor Bahru campus continues to operate as a dual-stream school under this umbrella, with distinct national and international divisions.
History
Sri Utama Schools were established in 1993 by a private Malaysian education group with the aim of offering international-standard schooling within a local context. Initially founded in Kuala Lumpur, the school expanded over time to include campuses in Johor Bahru and Kuala Terengganu. The organization has maintained consistent leadership and operates under a unified administrative structure across all campuses. Over the past three decades, it has gradually developed its academic programs to align with the Cambridge International Curriculum while continuing to integrate national education components where applicable.
Community
Community
The school hosts a range of events throughout the year that bring students, staff, and families together. These include cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Deepavali, as well as international days and charity fundraisers. Community-building events such as sports days, talent shows, and academic exhibitions are also part of the regular calendar. The school environment is inclusive, with students from multiple national and cultural backgrounds.
Community
The school community includes a mix of Malaysian and international students from various cultural backgrounds. Community life features regular celebrations of national and religious holidays such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali. Students and staff also participate in assemblies, themed cultural days, and school-organized performances. These events are intended to build cross-cultural understanding and foster inclusivity.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
REAL International School Johor Bahru has an active Parent-Teacher Association that works closely with school leadership to support student activities and community engagement. PTA members help coordinate school-wide events such as the International Day and fundraising initiatives for school improvements. Parents often volunteer during celebrations and assist with logistics for co-curricular competitions or off-site events. The PTA also provides feedback on school operations and helps strengthen communication between families and faculty. Meetings are held regularly, and all parents are encouraged to participate. The school values parent involvement as part of its broader partnership with the school community.
Parent teacher association
Sri Utama Schools maintain an active PTA that plays a collaborative role in supporting school-wide initiatives and fostering engagement between parents and faculty. The PTA regularly helps coordinate festive events such as annual sports days, Hari Raya celebrations, and year-end concerts. In some years, parents have contributed to planning field trips and hosting international food fairs or cultural days. The PTA also provides feedback to school leadership on administrative issues and supports fundraising for student welfare projects. Meetings are held periodically to discuss academic developments and campus updates. Participation is open to all parents, and involvement levels vary by campus and year.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Johor Bahru campus offers the Cambridge International curriculum, leading to IGCSE. REAL Schools JB emphasizes collaborative learning and experiential opportunities to deepen understanding. The school provides specialised pathways to enhance language skills and support religious studies. English Language Learning Academy is offered as a Special Programme.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The Johor Bahru campus offers the English Language Learning Academy as a Special Programme. Language-focused pathways support language development within the school's curriculum. The school emphasises language development as part of its holistic education approach.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Students participate in competitive sports and academic competitions. REAL Schools JB has notable achievements, including MSSM basketball champion and a silver medal in the National Youth Chess Championship. Students also perform in NASA Space Essay competitions, with Best Performers recognized. The school recorded first place in the Trinity College Inter-School Public Speaking Competition.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
The school supports community and service initiatives through Design for Change, with an ambassador team representing Malaysia at the Be the Change Conference in Taiwan (2018).
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Leadership development is promoted through student ambassador roles and public speaking achievements. Notable leadership outcomes include first place in the Trinity College Inter-School Public Speaking Competition and Be the Change ambassador activities.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The Johor Bahru campus sits on a five-acre site set in nature, providing a serene and nurturing environment. The campus is designed to foster academic success alongside personal growth. The school's mission emphasizes safety, happiness, and well-being as core commitments.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The REAL Schools Johor Bahru campus offers three curricular streams: an International School following the Cambridge curriculum leading to IGCSE; a Private National School following the Malaysian National Curriculum from Primary 1 to Secondary 5; and an Early Years programme for ages 3–6. The campus also provides a Special Programme called the English Language Learning Academy.
Language provision
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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
* SKIPS Award (2024) In September 2024, the National Secondary School at REAL Schools Johor Bahru was honored with the SKIPS award during the Karnival Pendidikan Swasta 2024, recognizing its commitment to quality education and holistic student development.
* NAPEI Education Excellence Awards REAL Schools have previously received the NAPEI Education Excellence Awards in the Schools category, highlighting their dedication to educational excellence.
Awards
As of the latest available school prospectus and official materials, no specific awards have been listed for Sri Utama Schools in the past five years.
Accreditations
Accreditations
* Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) REAL International School Johor Bahru is accredited by CAIE to deliver the Cambridge curriculum, including IGCSE qualifications, recognized in over 160 countries.
* Sijil Standard Kualiti Pendidikan Swasta (SKIPS) The school's National Secondary School received the SKIPS award from the Malaysian Ministry of Education in 2024, acknowledging its adherence to quality standards in private education.
Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): Sri Utama Schools are accredited by CAIE to offer the Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, and IGCSE programmes. This accreditation allows the school to administer Cambridge curriculum assessments that are recognised by universities and employers worldwide.
Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE): The school is registered with the Malaysian Ministry of Education, authorising it to operate legally as a private and international school within the national education framework.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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.
Admissions
1. Attend an Open Day or School Tour Families are encouraged to attend an open house or book a private school tour. These sessions give a first-hand look at the classrooms, facilities, and daily routines. It’s also a chance to meet with academic staff and ask questions relevant to your child’s level.
2. Complete the Application Form Once you've decided to proceed, you'll need to fill out the application form provided by the admissions office. Required documents typically include your child’s birth certificate, passport-sized photos, academic transcripts (if applicable), and immunisation records. Some age levels may require additional forms or reports.
3. Schedule a Placement Assessment Depending on the year group, applicants may be asked to complete a basic placement test in English and Mathematics. This is used to determine appropriate class placement and assess support needs. Younger children may have informal classroom observations instead.
4. Attend a Family Interview After the assessment, families are invited for an interview with the admissions team or school principal. This step helps ensure a good fit between the family and the school community. It’s also a chance to discuss school expectations and ask any final questions.
6. Offer of Admission and Fee Payment If your child is accepted, a formal offer letter is issued along with the school’s terms and conditions. To secure the place, a registration fee and refundable deposit must be paid by the specified deadline. Further orientation or transition arrangements may then be shared by the admissions team.
Scholarships
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.
Scholarships
There is no mention in the current school prospectus or public sources of a formal scholarship program for Sri Utama Schools. At this time, the school does not appear to offer academic or talent-based scholarships, but there is a siblings discount.
Waitlist
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.
Waitlist
Sri Utama Schools do not operate a formal pooled admissions system. However, for year groups that are fully enrolled, families may be placed on a waitlist. Placement from the waitlist is offered on a rolling basis if spaces become available, and priority may be given to siblings of current students or based on the date of application submission.
