International Schools in Malaysia
Compare 232 international schools in Malaysia. Filter by curriculum, fees (average MYR 32,794), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Edited by Aziza Francienne · B2C Marketing Manager
- Schools listed
- 232
- Curricula
- 32
- Average annual fee
- MYR 33,477
- Fee range
- MYR 1,000 – 247,800
More school facts
- Most common curriculum
- Cambridge IGCSE (164 schools)
- Average school size
- 706 pupils
- Largest by enrolment
- Seri Omega Private & International School
- Oldest
- The Alice Smith School - Primary Campus (1946)
- With boarding
- 48
About international schools in Malaysia
International schools in Malaysia are concentrated in the Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley area, with sizeable clusters in Penang and the Iskandar Puteri/Johor corridor, and commonly offer English-medium pathways such as the British (Cambridge/IGCSE and A-Levels), the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), American and other national curricula. Annual tuition varies widely - many schools sit in a mid-range around MYR 25,000 - 55,000 per year while budget options can be lower and premium campuses may charge well over MYR 100,000 - and most schools also levy one-off enrolment or capital fees plus transport and exam charges. Main intakes are often in January and August, though some schools run rolling admissions and individual calendars differ, so families usually begin enquiries several months before a planned move. Instruction is primarily in English but schools generally teach Bahasa Malaysia as required and many offer Mandarin, Tamil or mother-tongue language programmes or language support; check each school’s published language policy for specifics.
View by curriculum (9)
126 international schools in Kuala Lumpur
See all 126 →40 international schools in Johor Bahru
See all 40 →22 international schools in Penang
See all 22 →9 international schools in Ipoh
See all 9 →8 international schools in Sarawak
See all 8 →6 international schools in Malacca
See all 6 →4 international schools in Sabah
See all 4 →3 international schools in Kedah
See all 3 →
3 international schools in Kuantan
See all 3 →3 international schools in Selangor
See all 3 →2 international schools in Muar
See all 2 →2 international schools in Terengganu
See all 2 →1 international school in Labuan
See all 1 →1 international school in Kota Bharu
See all 1 →1 international school in Genting Highlands
See all 1 →1 international school in Negeri Sembilan
See all 1 →Choosing an international school in Malaysia
Curricula
There are 232 international schools in Malaysia covering 32 curricula. The most widely offered are Cambridge IGCSE (164), Cambridge (Secondary) (107), Cambridge (Primary) (97), British Curriculum (82), Cambridge A Levels (57). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.
Fees & what they cover
Annual tuition across Malaysia runs from about MYR 1,000 to MYR 247,800, averaging roughly MYR 33,477. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.
Admissions & timing
Sought-after schools in Malaysia run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.
Boarding
48 of the 232 schools offer boarding — useful if you're relocating or want weekly or full boarding.
How doris stays impartial
doris lists every international school in Malaysia we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.
Popular comparisons in Malaysia
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FAQs for Malaysia
Which curricula are available and how do they differ?
How much should we budget beyond published tuition fees?
When should we start the admissions process and what are the main intake months?
What ages and entry points do international schools normally cover?
What should relocating families prioritise when choosing a school?
Read our blog
International School FAQs: What Parents Ask When Moving to Malaysia
Key insights for families relocating to Malaysia, covering entry requirements, language support, and what to expect.
Penang vs. Kuala Lumpur: Which Malaysian City Is Right for Your Family?
Compare two of Malaysia’s most popular expat destinations for schooling, lifestyle, and community fit.
Top Questions Expats Ask About International Schools in Malaysia (Answered)
If you're relocating to Malaysia with children, choosing the right international school is one of the first big decisions you’ll face.