Affordable International Schools in Malaysia

Last updated 18 September 2026

About international schools in Malaysia

Affordable international schools in Malaysia provide recognised international curricula at noticeably lower fee points than premium city-centre schools, so families relocating from higher-cost hubs often find their budgets go further here. English is the usual medium of instruction while schools commonly offer Cambridge (IGCSE/A-Level), International Baccalaureate, American and Australian pathways, and include Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin as additional language subjects. On the affordable end you will typically see annual tuition in the roughly RM15,000 - RM40,000 band (averages for “affordable” filters sit in the low-tens of thousands), but fees rise in older year groups and many schools add one-off enrolment or capital levies plus transport, meals and exam costs. Admissions are school-managed rather than centralised; most schools run main intakes in January and around August/September, use brief placement tests or interviews and recommend starting enquiries six to twelve months before your intended start date.

Compare 146 Affordable international schools in Malaysia. Filter by curriculum, fees (average MYR 23,381), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 146 schools · avg fee MYR 23,986

Schools listed: 146
Curricula: 28
Average annual fee: MYR 23,986
Fee range: MYR 1,000 – 60,000
Most common curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE (115 schools)
Average school size: 652 pupils
Largest by enrolment: Seri Omega Private & International School
Oldest: Lodge International School (1953)
With boarding: 30

82 international schools in Kuala Lumpur

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Dwi Emas International School

IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE · Ages 4 to 17

MYR 25,300 - 44,550

Ages 4 to 17 years

IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE

Instructs in English, Mandarin and Malay

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Students pitting their wits against each other in the TISKL Chess Competition.

Taylor's International School Kuala Lumpur

IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum) · Ages 4 to 16

MYR 18,435 - 53,115

Ages 4 to 16 years

IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE

Instructs in English

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Students take to the stage during the school production of 'Far Far Away' a shrek inspired musical.

Sri KDU International School Subang Jaya

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary) · Ages 3 to 18

MYR 23,950 - 59,500

Ages 3 to 18 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)

Instructs in English and Mandarin

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Students take on their Diabolo CCA, a traditional Chinese spinning-top activity that improves their hand-eye coordination, patience, focus, and creativity.

Sri KDU International School Klang

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary) · Ages 3 to 16

MYR 20,610 - 54,380

Ages 3 to 16 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)

Instructs in English

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Straits International School Rawang

IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum) · Ages 3 to 16

MYR 17,601 - 52,492

Ages 3 to 16 years

IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE

Instructs in English

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21 international schools in Johor Bahru

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Students playing against another school's football team in a friendly match.

Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens

British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE · Ages 3 to 18

MYR 18,510 - 48,270

Ages 3 to 18 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)

Instructs in English

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Mount Safa International School

Cambridge (Primary) · Ages 4 to 16

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Stellar International School

IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE · Ages 3 to 18

MYR 14,400 - 23,760

Ages 3 to 18 years

IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, Singapore Curriculum

Instructs in English

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IDRISSI International School

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 4 to 16

MYR 12,000 - 27,000

Ages 4 to 16 years

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE

Instructs in English

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Matahari International School

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 3 to 19

MYR 17,030 - 24,000

Ages 3 to 19 years

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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9 international schools in Ipoh

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Sports day for Primary and Early Years students.

Tenby Schools Ipoh

IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum) · Ages 2 to 18

MYR 10,410 - 29,490

Ages 2 to 18 years

IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels

Instructs in English

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"A teacher briefing parents and students about academic pathways.

EdQuest International School

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary) · Ages 5 to 19

MYR 10,200 - 21,666

Ages 5 to 19 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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City Harbour International School

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 2 to 18

MYR 7,920 - 26,400

Ages 2 to 18 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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Students carefully measuring liquids during a chemistry lab.

Knewton Global Schools Ipoh

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary) · Ages 5 to 16

MYR 9,025 - 22,175

Ages 5 to 16 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE

Instructs in English

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Westlake International School

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary) · Ages 3 to 18

MYR 9,300 - 15,900

Ages 3 to 18 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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8 international schools in Penang

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Sri KDU International School Penang

British Curriculum · Ages 3 to 18

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Straits International School Penang

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 3 to 16

MYR 17,940 - 47,340

Ages 3 to 16 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)

Instructs in English

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Assumption International Secondary School

Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE · Ages 11 to 19

MYR 21,600 - 28,800

Ages 11 to 19 years

Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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Students gathered for "Eagle's Day", a well celebrated Dalat tradition.

Dalat International School

Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum · Ages 3 to 18

MYR 21,000 - 57,200

Ages 3 to 18 years

Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum

Instructs in English

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Pelita International School

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 4 to 19

MYR 9,360 - 33,810

Ages 4 to 19 years

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)

Instructs in English

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8 international schools in Sarawak

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Borneo International School

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary) · Ages 6 to 18

MYR 9,680 - 33,300

Ages 6 to 18 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels

Instructs in English

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Knewton Global Schools

IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum · Ages 3 to 16

MYR 11,340 - 23,400

Ages 3 to 16 years

IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Malaysian Curriculum

Instructs in English and Malay

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The school's building reflecting its classic architectural charm.

Lodge International School

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary) · Ages 7 to 18

MYR 7,340 - 20,000

Ages 7 to 18 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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Students energetically playing a group game at the Prefect Camp 2025, captured during team-building fun and excitement.

Riam Hill International Secondary School

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 12 to 17

MYR 15,000 - 24,000

Ages 12 to 17 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE

Instructs in English

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St. Joseph’s International School Kuching

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 13 to 18

MYR 14,800 - 21,400

Ages 13 to 18 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Malaysian Curriculum

Instructs in English and Malay

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4 international schools in Malacca

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Middle school students conduct a chemistry experiment during a practical science class, building teamwork and inquiry skills.

Melaka International School

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 4 to 18

MYR 11,574 - 33,540

Ages 4 to 18 years

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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A confident PISM student presenting during the school’s speech competition.

Planetarium International School Melaka (PISM)

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 3 to 18

MYR 24,000 - 38,100

Ages 3 to 18 years

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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Students focused during a written assessment session, demonstrating their learning and preparation across core subjects.

Malacca Expatriate School

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 5 to 16

MYR 16,500 - 35,400

Ages 5 to 16 years

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE

Instructs in English

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Primary students proudly present their handmade solar system model during a classroom science showcase.

JT International School

British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE · Ages 3 to 17

MYR 22,000 - 34,200

Ages 3 to 17 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE

Instructs in English

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4 international schools in Sabah

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Students take part in a relay race during outdoor PE lessons, promoting teamwork, fitness, and fun.

Kinabalu International School

British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE · Ages 3 to 18

MYR 16,041 - 56,250

Ages 3 to 18 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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A young student concentrates during a handbell performance, showcasing musical discipline and focus.

Charis International School

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 4 to 16

MYR 15,000 - 39,600

Ages 4 to 16 years

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE

Instructs in English

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A well-equipped and inviting classroom at IISS, designed to support interactive learning and student engagement.

Imperium International Secondary School

Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE · Ages 12 to 18

MYR 34,000 - 45,000

Ages 12 to 18 years

Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE

Instructs in English

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Students proudly march in a school parade led by the school mascot, showcasing vibrant house spirit and camaraderie during Sports Day.

Jesselton International School

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary) · Ages 4 to 18

MYR 14,190 - 37,500

Ages 4 to 18 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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2 international schools in Kuantan

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International School of Kuantan

IPC (International Primary Curriculum), American Curriculum · Ages 5 to 18

MYR 21,515 - 50,720

Ages 5 to 18 years

IPC (International Primary Curriculum), American Curriculum

Instructs in English

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International Islamic School Malaysia - Kuantan

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 6 to 18

MYR 15,100 - 25,500

Ages 6 to 18 years

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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2 international schools in Selangor

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Beaconhouse Preschool Sarah's Klang

IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum · Ages 2 to 5

-MYR 1

Ages 2 to 5 years

IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum

Instructs in English and Mandarin

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MAZ International School - Petaling Jaya Campus

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary)

MYR 13,500 - 27,900

Up to age 15

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)

Instructs in English

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1 international school in Muar

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Upper primary students participate in a hands-on first aid workshop, learning how to perform CPR.

Destiny International School

British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE · Ages 4 to 17

MYR 10,725 - 22,815

Ages 4 to 17 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE

Instructs in English

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1 international school in Kedah

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AIU International School

Cambridge (Primary) · Ages 5 to 11

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1 international school in Labuan

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Aerial view of the Labuan International campus.

Labuan International School

British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE · Ages 4 to 16

MYR 13,800 - 19,200

Ages 4 to 16 years

British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Singapore Curriculum

Instructs in English

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1 international school in Kota Bharu

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Wadi Sofia Schools

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) · Ages 4 to 17

MYR 7,200 - 13,600

Ages 4 to 17 years

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE

Instructs in English

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1 international school in Genting Highlands

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Students participating in outdoor activities.

Highlands International Boarding School

Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels · Ages 11 to 18

MYR 9,000 - 14,000

Ages 11 to 18 years

Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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1 international school in Terengganu

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Ekhlass International School

MYR 13,800 - 44,600

Ages not listed

Curriculum not listed

Language not listed

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FAQs for Malaysia

What does “affordable” mean for international schools in Malaysia?

“Affordable” is a market label rather than a formal category and usually refers to schools charging noticeably less than premium city schools. In practice this commonly means annual tuition in the low-to-mid tens of thousands of ringgit, though exact thresholds vary by region and year group and you should check each school’s published fee schedule for the year you need.

Which curricula and languages will my child encounter at an affordable international school?

Affordable international schools in Malaysia most often teach international curricula such as Cambridge (primary through IGCSE and A-Level), the International Baccalaureate and, less commonly, American or Australian programmes. English is the primary language of instruction at these schools, with Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin typically offered as compulsory or elective language subjects.

How much should I budget beyond headline tuition?

Expect one-off application and enrolment fees, possible capital levies or refundable deposits, and recurring extras such as school bus, meals, uniforms and exam charges, which together can add materially to the annual cost. Some guides show registration/application fees of a few hundred to a few thousand ringgit and capital levies or deposits that are larger at higher-tier schools, so always request a full fee breakdown (annual and one-off) before you accept a place.

When should we apply and what documents or assessments are typical?

Application timelines are set by each school, but many operate main intakes in January and around August/September and recommend families begin the process six to twelve months ahead to secure popular year groups. Schools generally ask for recent school reports, passport copies (for international families), and conduct placement tests or short interviews in English and maths to confirm the correct year group and any additional learning needs.

What should we check on a school visit beyond facilities?

Ask about teacher qualifications and staff turnover, the school’s approach to English-additional learners and special educational needs, typical class sizes and how the school measures pupil progress and pastoral care. Also request a recent fee schedule and a sample academic calendar, check how exam years are prepared (IGCSE/IB/A-Level), and talk to other parents where possible for a practical view of routine day-to-day life.

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