Education in Malaysia: A Guide for Expat Families
Below is an article about the general topic of schooling in Malaysia and also family life here. You may also wish to read the online copy of our annual Expat Education Guide, which focuses more on the schools. We also have a listing of international schools in Malaysia, which you can view here
For families moving to Malaysia, education is often one of the biggest considerations when deciding where to live and how quickly to relocate. The good news is that Malaysia offers an unusually wide choice of international schools, preschools, universities and childcare options, particularly in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor.
Families can choose between British, International Baccalaureate, American, Australian and other education systems, with schools ranging from relatively affordable local international schools to large premium campuses offering extensive sporting, arts and extracurricular facilities.
Malaysia is also a comparatively easy place to raise children. English is widely spoken, domestic help and childcare are more affordable than in many Western countries, private healthcare is readily available, and many residential areas have been developed specifically with families in mind.
International Schools in Malaysia
Malaysia has a large international school sector serving both expatriate and Malaysian families. The greatest concentration is in Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding Klang Valley, including Mont Kiara, Desa ParkCity, Sri Hartamas, Ampang, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya and parts of Shah Alam. There are also well-established international schools in Penang, Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri and several other Malaysian cities.
Schools vary considerably in size and character. Some have several thousand students, large campuses, swimming pools, sports fields, theatres and extensive extracurricular programmes. Others are smaller and offer a more intimate environment. Parents should therefore look beyond the word “international”. Schools can differ significantly in teaching style, facilities, class sizes, academic expectations and fees.
Admission procedures normally include school reports from the child’s existing school and may involve an interview or assessment. Places in popular year groups can sometimes be limited, so families relocating to Malaysia should ideally begin contacting schools well before their intended move.
School Fees
International school fees in Malaysia vary enormously. At the lower end, annual tuition can be around RM20,000 to RM30,000, while many established international schools charge between RM40,000 and RM80,000 a year. Fees at some of Malaysia’s premium schools can exceed RM100,000 annually for older students.
Tuition is not necessarily the full cost. Parents should also check for additional charges for – application and registration fees, deposits, technology or resource fees, school uniforms, books and learning materials, school meals, transport, examination fees, sports and extracurricular activities, school trips and residential programmes
Basic tuition fees normally often increase as children progress through the school. Families with two or three children should pay particular attention to sibling discounts, which are available at some
schools. It is always advisable to obtain the school’s latest fee schedule before making a decision, as tuition and additional charges are normally reviewed periodically.
British, IB, American and Australian Curricula
One of the advantages of Malaysia’s international education sector is the choice of curricula
British Curriculum
The British system is among the most widely available. Students typically follow the English National Curriculum through primary and secondary school before taking IGCSE examinations at around age 16. Students may subsequently continue to A Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or another pre-university qualification.
The British system is particularly useful for families who may later return to the UK or move to another British-curriculum school elsewhere in Asia or the Middle East. IGCSE and A Level qualifications are also widely recognised by universities internationally.
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate, usually known as the IB, is offered by a number of schools in Malaysia. Depending on the school, programmes usually include the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and the two-year IB Diploma Programme. IB places considerable emphasis on independent thinking, research, communication and learning across different disciplines.
The Diploma can be academically demanding, but it is widely recognised by universities around the world and is particularly popular among internationally mobile families.
American Curriculum
American schools generally follow a US-style system culminating in a High School Diploma. Teaching tends to involve continuous assessment rather than relying principally on major external examinations. Students intending to attend university in the United States may also take Advanced Placement courses and other relevant examinations.
An American curriculum can make transitions easier for children who have previously studied in the United States or who are likely to attend an American university.
Australian Curriculum
Australian curriculum options are less common than British programmes but are available in Malaysia. These can be particularly attractive to Australian families and to students planning to continue their education at an Australian university. Some Malaysian schools also offer Australian pre-university qualifications.
There is no single “best” curriculum. The right choice depends on the individual child, their previous schooling and where the family expects them to study in the future.
Choosing an International School
Malaysia’s large number of international schools can make the selection process difficult. Location should be one of the first considerations. Kuala Lumpur traffic can be heavy, particularly during the morning school run. A school that appears reasonably close on a map can involve a surprisingly long commute at peak times.
Many expatriate families therefore choose where to live only after deciding on a school. Other factors worth considering include- curriculum, academic results, class sizes, teacher experience and turnover, student nationalities. language support, university placement record, sports facilities, music, drama and arts programmes, extracurricular activities, special educational needs support, school transport, campus security and fees
Parents should visit shortlisted schools whenever possible. The atmosphere of a school can be difficult to judge from a website or prospectus. Walking around the campus, meeting teachers and seeing students at work can reveal considerably more.
Parents should also consider their child’s personality. A highly academic school may suit one child perfectly while another may flourish in a smaller school offering greater individual attention.
Preschools and Nurseries
There is an extensive range of nursery, preschool and kindergarten options throughout Malaysia’s larger cities. These range from small neighbourhood centres to international preschools associated with larger schools. Montessori, Reggio Emilia, British Early Years Foundation Stage and other approaches are widely available.
Most expatriate areas have numerous choices within a short distance. When choosing a nursery or preschool, parents should consider staff-to-child ratios, teacher qualifications, cleanliness, security, outdoor space and how the centre communicates with parents.
Air conditioning is standard in many centres, although parents may also want to look for schools providing regular outdoor play. Waiting lists can exist at particularly popular preschools, but generally Malaysia offers considerably more flexibility than some countries where childcare places must be secured years in advance.
Universities and Higher Education
Malaysia has become a significant regional education centre. Alongside its public universities, the country has numerous private universities and colleges as well as Malaysian campuses operated by overseas universities.
Students can therefore complete internationally recognised degrees in Malaysia, often at a substantially lower overall cost than studying in the university’s home country. There are particularly strong options in areas including business, engineering, computing, medicine, hospitality and communications. Malaysia is also geographically well placed for students from across Asia, while English is the main teaching language at many private institutions.
For expatriate families whose children complete secondary school in Malaysia, remaining in the country for university can therefore be a realistic option rather than automatically returning to their home country.
Special Educational Needs
Support for children with special educational needs has improved considerably, although the level of provision differs widely between schools. Larger international schools may have dedicated learning support departments, counsellors, educational psychologists or specialist teachers.
Support may be available for children with dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, speech and language difficulties and other learning requirements. However, not every school is equipped to
support every child. Parents should be open about a child’s requirements when applying and ask specifically what resources are available.
Questions should include whether specialist support is included in tuition fees, whether additional charges apply and whether outside therapists can work with the child at school.
Kuala Lumpur and other major cities also have private speech therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists and specialist learning centres. Families with children requiring substantial support should research this area carefully before choosing both a school and residential location.
School Transport
Many international schools operate school bus services covering the main expatriate residential areas. This can be extremely useful, particularly when both parents work.
Transport is normally provided for an additional fee and may either be operated directly by the school or by an outside company. Parents should ask about journey times as well as cost.
A child living on the opposite side of Kuala Lumpur from their school could spend considerable time travelling each day, particularly during peak traffic. Some families employ a driver or arrange shared transport with other parents instead.
For younger children, parents should also ask whether buses have attendants and how students are supervised during collection and drop-off.
Private Tutors
Private tuition is extremely common in Malaysia. Tutors are available for most academic subjects, languages and examination programmes including IGCSE, A Levels and the IB. Tuition may take place at home, at learning centres or online.
Some students use tutors to help with difficult subjects or examination preparation, while others attend enrichment classes in mathematics, science, languages or writing.
Parents should avoid automatically assuming that additional tuition is necessary simply because it is common. Children already attending demanding international schools can have fairly intensive academic schedules.
Activities for Children
One of the attractions of raising a family in Malaysia is the enormous range of activities available outside school. International schools themselves usually offer extensive extracurricular programmes, but private classes and clubs are also widely available.
Children can participate in football, rugby, swimming, tennis, badminton, basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, dance, music, drama and many other activities. Malaysia’s tropical environment also provides opportunities for hiking, cycling, diving, sailing and other outdoor pursuits.
Shopping malls frequently contain cinemas, ice rinks, climbing centres, trampoline parks, indoor playgrounds and children’s educational attractions, making them particularly popular during hot or rainy weather. Families also have easy access to beaches, islands, rainforests and highland areas for weekends away.
Childcare
Childcare is generally easier and more affordable to arrange in Malaysia than in many Western countries. Nurseries and childcare centres are widely available, particularly in urban areas. Some families also employ domestic helpers who assist with childcare as part of their duties.
Malaysia has a long-established system that allows eligible households to employ foreign domestic helpers, although regulations, agency procedures, and permitted source countries can change. For example, the current MM2H visa does not allow holders to employ live in foreign maids. Families considering this option should check the current immigration requirements and employment regulations. Babysitting services are also available, although recommendations from trusted parents, schools and friends remain one of the safest ways to identify reliable carers.
As anywhere, parents should check references and satisfy themselves about a carer’s experience before leaving young children in their care.
Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods
For families moving to Kuala Lumpur, choosing a neighbourhood and choosing a school are often closely connected. Several areas are particularly popular with expatriate families.
Mont Kiara and Sri Hartamas
Mont Kiara has one of Kuala Lumpur’s largest expatriate populations and is surrounded by international schools, restaurants, shops and children’s activities. Most housing consists of condominiums, many with swimming pools, playgrounds, gyms and other family facilities.
Nearby Sri Hartamas offers similar convenience with a mixture of condominiums and houses.
Desa ParkCity
Desa ParkCity has become particularly popular with families because of its landscaped environment, parks, pedestrian areas and community atmosphere.
It is one of the relatively few parts of Greater Kuala Lumpur where walking and cycling are incorporated extensively into the neighbourhood design.
Bangsar
Bangsar is an established residential area popular with both Malaysian and expatriate families. It has restaurants, shopping centres, medical facilities and relatively convenient access to central Kuala Lumpur. Housing includes condominiums as well as landed homes.
Ampang
Ampang has traditionally been popular with embassy staff and expatriates. Several international schools are located in or near the area, and there is a good selection of larger houses and condominiums.
Subang Jaya and Petaling Jaya
Families looking outside central Kuala Lumpur may consider Subang Jaya or Petaling Jaya. Both have international schools, shopping centres, hospitals and a wide range of family facilities, often with somewhat lower housing costs than the most popular central expatriate neighbourhoods.
Outside Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor also have established expatriate communities with international schools nearby.
Raising Children in Malaysia
For many expatriate families, Malaysia proves to be an enjoyable place to bring up children. The country’s multicultural population means children grow up surrounded by different languages, religions, foods and traditions. English is widely used, particularly in urban areas, and most international families find everyday communication relatively easy.
Malaysia is also well-placed geographically for family travel. Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and many other Asian destinations are within a few hours by air, while Malaysia itself offers beaches, islands, rainforests, national parks and historic towns.
Private healthcare is widely available in major cities, and there are numerous hospitals and clinics catering to international patients. The tropical climate allows children to swim and participate in outdoor activities throughout the year, although parents need to take sensible precautions regarding heat, mosquitoes and strong sunlight. As with any relocation, children can take time to adjust. Joining school activities, sports clubs and community groups is often one of the quickest ways for both children and parents to establish friendships.
A Good Choice for Families
Malaysia offers expatriate families something increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: a wide choice of international education combined with a comfortable lifestyle and relatively manageable living costs. .
The best approach is usually to identify several suitable schools first, visit them wherever possible, compare the complete cost rather than tuition alone, and then choose a home which keeps the daily school journey manageable.
For many expatriate parents, getting those two decisions right, school and location, makes the rest of family life in Malaysia considerably easier.