The International School of Penang (Uplands) is offering prestigious Senior School scholarships of up to 100 percent for exceptional students entering the IB Diploma Programme or High School Diploma pathway in August 2026.
The International School of Penang (Uplands) is inviting applications for its prestigious Senior School scholarships, offering up to 100 percent tuition support for outstanding students entering either the IB Diploma Programme or the High School Diploma pathway from August 2026.
OUR SCHOOL
The International School of Penang (Uplands) is a not-for-profit, co-educational and non-denominational day school for students aged between 4 – 18 years old. We aim to provide an exemplary international education in a dynamic multicultural environment, encouraging all school members to be active learners and engage with the local and wider community.
Our values are important to us. As an international community, we uphold the School’s Guiding Statements, nurturing its members to become globally minded citizens.
Inquiry, Diversity, Respect, Collaboration, Resilience
We live our motto: Respect for Self. Respect for Others.
OUR SENIOR SCHOOL PROGRAMMES
Uplands offers a flexible, multi-certification pathway in Years 12 and 13, allowing students to personalise their learning experience while studying within an inclusive High School environment.
Students may choose to:
• Complete the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) alongside a High School Diploma, or
• Take selected IBDP courses combined with High School subjects and self-guided electives
Regardless of the pathway chosen, students learn together in shared classrooms that promote collaboration and academic rigour. Further details on pathways are available via the High School Curriculum website.
THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (DP)
The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous and balanced academic programme designed for students aged 16 – 19, preparing them for university study and life beyond school.
The programme consists of six subject groups:
• Studies in language and literature
• Language acquisition
• Individuals and societies
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• The arts
In addition to subject studies, students complete the DP core, which includes:
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK), exploring how knowledge is constructed
• The Extended Essay, an independent research project of up to 4,000 words
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), encouraging personal growth and community engagement
More information on the IB Diploma Programme is available at the International Baccalaureate website.
THE SCHOLARSHIP
The International School of Penang (Uplands) welcomes both internal and external applicants who model the Uplands school values and the IB learner profile attributes to apply for our prestigious scholarship to study in the Senior School at Uplands. The school provides scholarships up to 100% to deserving applicants. The value of the scholarship offered on tuition costs will be determined individually and discussed with each applicant during the selection process. The program will commence in August 2026, at the beginning of Senior School, for a two-year period.
ELIGIBILITY
This scholarship is open to qualified students for entry into the senior school to study either the IB Diploma Programme or the final two years of the four-year High School Diploma Programme. The application can be made by any student of any nationality who either currently attends Uplands or who hopes to attend, and who can demonstrate the following criteria:
A successful applicant for the Senior School Scholarship will be able to demonstrate:
- How they characterise the school’s values and the IB Learner Profile
- An understanding of the nature of the IB or High School Programme and how they will be able to meet the different elements of the programme.
- A well-rounded portfolio of excellence across all subjects.
- A particular passion and interest that they wish to pursue at Uplands.
- A commitment to serving their community.
- How an Uplands education can make a difference to their life and their community
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will submit the following parts of the application using the Google Form that is linked in this document, each of which will demonstrate how he/she exemplifies the above qualities:
PART 1
Personal information form, including MyKad or passport number (external candidates only)
PART 2
School records/reports, including any school-certified results, including PMR/SPM, IGCSE forecast results, if relevant (external candidates only)
PART 3
Personal statement (see below)
PART 4
Letter of recommendation from a community member who knows him/her well
PART 5
Letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counsellor who knows him/her well
APPLICATIONS FORMS:
• Application form for External candidates
• Application form for Internal candidates
SELECTION PROCESS
Successful applicants will complete the following parts of the application, each of which will demonstrate how s/he exemplifies the above qualities:
PART 6
A series of assessments, including the CAT4 aptitude test and a written essay
PART 7
A selection interview
DEADLINES AND KEY DATES
- Complete applications should be submitted on or before the 20th March 2026.
- Complete the application on the Google form and any additional documents should be emailed to admissions@uplands.org with the subject line IBDP Scholarship 2026.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete assessments and an interview by the first week of April 2026.
Scholarship recipients will be notified by 30th April 2026.
