Top International Schools in Malaysia
With so many international school options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. As an international schools' admissions chaperone, I often get asked about the best international schools in Malaysia. With the right tuition methods and high academic standards, the answer should not be a difficult one. Let's take a quick look at the top international schools in Malaysia, as well as how to apply to these schools if you're interested.
The Top Schools In Malaysia
The best way to find out about the best schools in Malaysia is to look at the rankings. It's always best to check the school website for the latest information on rankings, exams, and enrolment. Here are the top international schools in Malaysia:
1. Harrow International School Kuala Lumpur (HIS KL)
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the largest city in Malaysia, Harrow International School Kuala Lumpur offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma to students. The school was established in 1996 and currently has over 500 students enrolled on its four continents programme. Students are given the opportunity to study in a multicultural setting with a high staff to student ratio.
The school is currently undergoing a major expansion to increase its capacity to over 700 students. This will involve the construction of a new school building which will house modern science laboratories, a large library, and updated ICT facilities.
Students at Harrow International School Kuala Lumpur have the chance to gain a unique perspective of different cultures through a variety of initiatives. Students are encouraged to participate in festivals, exhibitions, and tours around the city where they can gain an understanding of other countries' traditions and customs.
2. International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)
Located in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, the International School of Kuala Lumpur is another good school to consider. The school offers a British Council accredited A level programme as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma to students. It was established in 1968 and currently has over 500 students enrolled on its five continents programme. The school has also won a number of awards for its innovative teaching and facilities.
3. Kuala Lumpur International School (KLIS)
Nestled at the foothills of the magnificent A'Falls Forest, the Kuala Lumpur International School is yet another good option for students seeking an international atmosphere. The school also offers a wide range of opportunities for students with its six different continents offering and its virtual learning environment.
Established in 2001, the Kuala Lumpur International School is the brainchild of a group of British entrepreneurs who wanted to establish a brand new school in the Malaysian capital. They approached the Malaysian authorities with a view to opening a new school, and in 2002 the KLIS campus was officially opened. Since then, the school has continued to expand, with two additional campuses located in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur.
4. International School of Science and Technology (ISS)
A good option for those seeking an adventurous learning experience, the International School of Science and Technology is located in the Malaysian island of Borneo. The school's founder, James Berry, established the school to provide international educational opportunities to gifted young people.
Many of the school's students participate in locally organised academic and sporting events, as well as interschool competitions. The curriculum is centred around the development of independent individuals who can make a positive contribution to society.
5. Kuala Lumpur Japanese School (KLJapen)
If you're looking for a different culture shock, you could consider an English speaking experience at the Kuala Lumpur Japanese School. Established in 1960, the KLJapen campus is one of the oldest Japanese schools in Southeast Asia. Today, over 500 students from around the world study at the KLJapen, with over 70% of them being foreign nationals.
The school's graduates usually achieve high degrees of academic success, gaining entrance to one of the region's top universities. Interestingly, many of the school's graduates choose to remain in Malaysia even after completing their education, with over 80 teaching at Malaysian universities and many others taking senior management positions within the country's private sector.
6. Kuala Lumpur Chinese School (KLConsh)
Those who seek a more traditional Chinese learning environment should consider the Kuala Lumpur Chinese School. Established in 1974, the KLConsh campus is one of the largest Chinese schools in Southeast Asia. Over 600 students from around the world study at the school, with many prominent alumni including Tan Sri Shafee Abdalla, the first non-Chinese president of the United Nations Economic and Scientific Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Like the other schools on this list, the Kuala Lumpur Chinese School prides itself on its teaching and learning environment. The school offers a Chinese-language course for those who are preparing for a Chinese language proficiency test, as well as providing opportunities for students to learn about Chinese culture and history through field trips and festivals. There is also a dedicated team of over 40 teachers and support staff to ensure every student achieves their full potential.
7. Beacon School
Located in the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur, Beacon School offers a British International School environment to students who are looking for a change of pace from the busy daily routine at home. The school is a project of the Genesis Education Trust, a non-governmental organisation which aims to provide international opportunities to children from disadvantaged communities in Malaysia.
Beacon School provides a modern British education which follows the national curriculum, with teaching focused on developing independent learners who can achieve high levels of academic success. The curriculum is broad, with students learning via projects, simulations, and group work.
Those seeking a unique insight into British culture can take the opportunity to study at Beacon School, where they will learn about important historical events in the country as well as experience life in one of the oldest surviving British communities in Southeast Asia.
8. Multimedia University (MMU)
The final school on our list is one of the largest in Southeast Asia, offering a wide range of programmes from Bachelor degrees to postgraduate studies. Now home to over 10,000 students, the Multimedia University provides a truly global perspective to its students.
Founded in 1992, Multimedia University's main campus is located in the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur, with additional campuses located in the suburbs and some of the island's most beautiful beaches. The university prides itself on its friendly, community-orientated atmosphere which encourages students to interact with each other and the local community alike.
The multimedia university offers a variety of courses including teaching, business, and law, with over 70% of its degrees being accredited by the relevant UK bodies. Students are also given the opportunity to study abroad for a period after completing their education, with many opting to do so.
How To Apply To An international school in malaysia
To apply to any of the above schools, you will need to contact the admissions team for the school. The best way to do this is via email at internationalschool@gmail.com, although you can also use the phone number below to reach the admissions team directly:
- for International School of Kuala Lumpur: +6(0)7034-5600
- for International School of Science and Technology: +6(0)7031-1300
- for Kuala Lumpur Chinese School: +6(0)7038-1400
- for International Beacon School: +6(0)7030-2200
- for Multimedia University: +6(0)7032-4000
Above all, make sure you follow the instructions carefully, and don't send original documents by post. This could take a while, and you don't want to risk being turned down due to a poorly constructed application.