An International School in Malaysia

Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you want to broaden your horizon and live in a different country? The offer of an international school in malaysia provides a wealth of opportunities to learn English, develop your interpersonal skills and discover new things!

An international school in Malaysia offers a variety of programmes for students ranging from pre-school to grade 12. Whether you are an expat or a local, life in an international school in Malaysia will teach you a new way of thinking and interacting, as well as provide you with a wealth of new friends.

Find out what an international school in Malaysia is all about by reading on.

Why Study Abroad In Malaysia?

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, and is among the world's most popular travel destinations, due mostly to its tropical climate and beautiful beaches. Its cuisine and multicultural population are also draws for potential students looking for study abroad. In fact, Malaysia is a member of the G20 group, which stands for the ‘20 most powerful nations in the world'.

The country is known for its hi-tech industry and vibrant music scene. It also works hard to promote international understanding and friendship, and has established a number of scholarship programmes, including the International Education Scholarship (IESS) for students from developing countries. In addition, Malaysia currently offers a tax exemption for students entering full-time undergraduate studies, so you will not have to pay taxes for up to three years.

Top International Schools In Malaysia

Malaysia is a paradise for education, with a lot of international schools offering a high quality education to local and expat students. Here is a shortlist of the best international schools in Malaysia, selected on the basis of academics, extracurricular activities and more importantly, on what the school has to offer for a globally minded student:

• British International School – Kuala Lumpur
• Saint Thomas School – Kuala Lumpur
• SMA School – Kuala Lumpur
• Chinese School – Kuala Lumpur
• Intercontinental Malaysia School
• New Education Centre

British International School – Kuala Lumpur

The British International School – Kuala Lumpur (BISKL) educates students from pre-school to grade 12. It is one of the most prestigious schools in the country, and aims to provide its students with a unique blend of academic excellence and enterprise skills. The school's name comes from the United Kingdom's former colonial power, and the building itself is a wonderful example of British Colonial design, with beautiful stained glass windows and high ceilings. The school community is very international, with teachers and students often coming from faraway places like China, Indonesia and the Philippines. The school also has a strong partnership with local universities, providing students with unique opportunities for internships and part-time jobs. Notable alumni include Tan Sri Dato' Haji Ahmad Badawy, the founding chairman of the Multitrade Corporation and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, as well as Hollywood star and entrepreneur Kate Winslet.

SMA School – Kuala Lumpur

SMA School – Kuala Lumpur (SMASKL) is an international day school, catering to students ranging from pre-school to grade 12. It offers a British-based education, with a special focus on the languages and cultures of Southeast Asia. The school maintains close links with the local community, and over 40% of its teaching staff are from the local area. As well as teaching English, the school also provides students with the unique opportunity to learn a trade and gain vocational skills. Notable alumni include Tan Sri Dato' Haji Ahmad Badawy, the founding chairman of the Multitrade Corporation and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, as well as Hollywood star and entrepreneur Kate Winslet.

SMA School – Kuala Lumpur

Located in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, SMA School – Kuala Lumpur (SMASKL) is the Malaysian portion of the Maris Stella Maris Academy, a Roman Catholic international school. It teaches students from pre-school to grade 12, with most classes taken up by grade 10 and 11 students. The school's teaching staff are fully qualified and experienced, with around 40% having worked abroad. Extracurricular activities include sports, art, music and drama, along with trips to Malaysia's most iconic tourist spots, like the Kuala Lumpur Tower and the Petronomus Park.

Saint Thomas School – Kuala Lumpur

The Saint Thomas School – Kuala Lumpur (STS KL) is a British institution with origins in the City of London. It is one of the country's most prestigious schools, with students regularly winning gold, silver and bronze medals at International competitions. The school also prides itself on its sporting successes, with students playing for the national soccer team and taking part in local tournaments. The school's curriculum is structured and comprehensive, with students typically taking four years to complete their studies. It is one of the most popular schools in Malaysia, with over 90% of students going on to top universities in the UK and overseas. Notable alumni include Tan Sri Dato' Haji Ahmad Badawy, the founding chairman of the Multitrade Corporation and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, as well as Hollywood star and entrepreneur Kate Winslet.

Saint Thomas School – Kuala Lumpur

Located in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, Saint Thomas School – Kuala Lumpur (STS KL) is the Malaysian portion of the Maris Stella Maris Academy, a Roman Catholic international school. It teaches students from pre-school to grade 12, with most classes taken up by grade 10 and 11 students. The school's teaching staff are fully qualified and experienced, with around 40% having worked abroad. Extracurricular activities include sports, art, music and drama, along with trips to Malaysia's most iconic tourist spots, like the Kuala Lumpur Tower and the Petronomus Park.

SMA School – Kuala Lumpur

SMA School – Kuala Lumpur (SMASKL) is an international day school, catering to students ranging from pre-school to grade 12. It offers a British-based education, with a special focus on the languages and cultures of Southeast Asia. The school maintains close links with the local community, and over 40% of its teaching staff are from the local area. As well as teaching English, the school also provides students with the unique opportunity to learn a trade and gain vocational skills. Notable alumni include Tan Sri Dato' Haji Ahmad Badawy, the founding chairman of the Multitrade Corporation and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, as well as Hollywood star and entrepreneur Kate Winslet.

Intercontinental Malaysia School

The Intercontinental Malaysia School (IMSKL) was set up in 2001 and follows the British model of education. It provides an education for students aged 4 to 18, and is one of the most popular schools in Malaysia as a result. It is situated in the suburb of Kuala Lumpur, near the Petronomus Park. The campus is beautifully designed and has an international feel, with many different nationalities represented among its students. The school promotes enterprise and academic achievements, with students regularly competing in inter-school competitions and winning awards for their work. The school's facilities are modern and well-maintained, and its teaching staff are highly qualified and experienced.

New Education Centre

New Education Centre (NEC) is an ‘International Baccalaureate’ (IB) school in Kuala Lumpur. It offers a British education for students aged 4 to 18, with many of its students going on to continue their education at university. The school is fully IB compliant, and has taken on an ‘Innovation Hub' ethos, focusing on developing new ways of teaching and learning. The centre has also undertaken a massive expansion of its facilities, adding modern science and computer labs, a recording studio, a gym and a pool. The school's name ‘New Education Centre' comes from its willingness to embrace change and develop new ways of teaching and learning. It was originally established in the 1960s, and is one of the most prestigious schools in Malaysia.

Find out more about studying abroad in Malaysia by visiting the Study in Malaysia website, which is a great resource for international students, as well as those considering studying in the country. Additionally, the Malaysian government publishes an annual report, which highlights the best and worst performing international schools in the country. These reports are a good indicator of how competitive exams are, as well as a fantastic guide for students looking into studying in Malaysia.