International Schools in Kuala Lumpur: The Complete 2025 Guide
Your comprehensive guide to international schools in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley. Discover top schools, fee structures, and admissions insights.
Kuala Lumpur has emerged as a top destination for families seeking quality international education at more accessible price points than Singapore or Hong Kong. With over 100 international schools in the Klang Valley, KL offers exceptional variety across curricula, price points, and educational philosophies.
This guide covers everything you need to know about international schools in Kuala Lumpur and the greater Klang Valley area.
Why Kuala Lumpur for International Education?
Kuala Lumpur offers a compelling value proposition for international education:
- Cost-effective: 30-50% lower fees than Singapore for comparable quality
- English-speaking: Most Malaysians speak English fluently
- Multicultural: Diverse Malay, Chinese, Indian, and expat community
- Modern infrastructure: World-class facilities at many schools
- Quality of life: Affordable housing, domestic help, and lifestyle
Curriculum Options in KL
Kuala Lumpur offers a full range of international curricula:
International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Schools: IGB International School, Fairview International, Mont'Kiara International
- Fee range: MYR 50,000 - 100,000 per year
- Best for: Globally mobile families, inquiry-based learners
British Curriculum
- Schools: Garden International, Alice Smith, ELC International, BSKL
- Fee range: MYR 40,000 - 120,000 per year
- Best for: UK university pathway, structured learning
American Curriculum
- Schools: ISKL, Mont'Kiara International School
- Fee range: MYR 70,000 - 130,000 per year
- Best for: US university pathway, holistic development
Australian Curriculum
- Schools: Australian International School Malaysia
- Fee range: MYR 35,000 - 70,000 per year
- Best for: APAC-focused families
Other Curricula
- Canadian: Sunway International School
- French: Lycée Français de Kuala Lumpur
- Japanese: Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur
- Singaporean: Tenby Schools
Fee Overview
One of KL's biggest advantages is affordability. Here's what to expect:
| Grade Level | Annual Fees (MYR) |
|---|---|
| Pre-school | 25,000 - 60,000 |
| Primary | 35,000 - 90,000 |
| Secondary | 50,000 - 110,000 |
| High School | 60,000 - 130,000 |
Additional costs to budget for:
- Registration fees: MYR 1,000 - 15,000
- Development levy: MYR 5,000 - 50,000 (one-time)
- School bus: MYR 3,000 - 8,000 per year
- Uniforms: MYR 1,000 - 2,500
- Lunches: MYR 3,000 - 6,000 per year
- After-school activities: MYR 2,000 - 10,000 per year
Total cost ranges from MYR 50,000 to MYR 160,000+ per year depending on school and grade level.
Top International Schools
Premium Tier
International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)
- American curriculum with IB Diploma option
- Beautiful Ampang Hilir campus
- Known for: Arts, athletics, community service
- Fees: MYR 90,000 - 130,000
- Wait times: Can be lengthy for some grades
Alice Smith School
- Oldest British international school in Malaysia (since 1946)
- Two campuses: Primary (Jalan Bellamy) and Secondary (Equine Park)
- Known for: Academic rigor, British tradition
- Fees: MYR 60,000 - 100,000
Garden International School (GIS)
- British curriculum through A-Levels
- Beautiful Bukit Kiara campus
- Known for: Pastoral care, facilities
- Fees: MYR 50,000 - 95,000
Upper-Mid Tier
IGB International School
- Full IB curriculum (PYP, MYP, DP)
- Modern Sierramas campus
- Known for: Innovation, sustainability
- Fees: MYR 50,000 - 100,000
Mont'Kiara International School (MKIS)
- American curriculum with IB options
- Central Mont'Kiara location
- Known for: Community feel, convenience
- Fees: MYR 55,000 - 95,000
British International School of Kuala Lumpur (BSKL)
- Part of Nord Anglia Education
- Cheras campus with excellent facilities
- Known for: Global network, MIT STEAM collaboration
- Fees: MYR 50,000 - 100,000
Value Options
ELC International School
- British curriculum
- Shah Alam and Cyberjaya campuses
- Known for: Value, growing reputation
- Fees: MYR 30,000 - 55,000
Australian International School Malaysia (AISM)
- Australian curriculum
- Sri Petaling campus
- Known for: Sports, outdoor education
- Fees: MYR 35,000 - 70,000
Fairview International School
- Full IB curriculum
- Multiple campuses across Malaysia
- Known for: Accessibility, value for IB
- Fees: MYR 35,000 - 65,000
Location Considerations
The Klang Valley is large—school location significantly impacts daily life:
Mont'Kiara / Sri Hartamas
- Schools: MKIS, Garden International, French School
- Pros: Expat-friendly, walkable, many amenities
- Cons: Traffic, premium pricing
- Best for: Families wanting urban convenience
Ampang / KLCC
- Schools: ISKL, Sayfol
- Pros: Central, established expat area
- Cons: Traffic, older infrastructure
- Best for: Corporate families, diplomatic community
Bangsar / Damansara
- Schools: Alice Smith (Primary), IGB, Cempaka
- Pros: Trendy, good restaurants/cafes
- Cons: Traffic, competitive housing
- Best for: Young families, creative professionals
Subang / Petaling Jaya
- Schools: Tenby, Sunway, Taylor's
- Pros: More affordable, good local schools
- Cons: Further from city center
- Best for: Budget-conscious families
Cyberjaya / Putrajaya
- Schools: ELC, Nexus
- Pros: Modern, planned community
- Cons: Can feel isolated
- Best for: Tech industry families
Admission Process
Timeline
- August-October: Open houses begin
- October-January: Primary application period
- January-March: Assessments conducted
- March-April: Offers released
- August: Academic year begins
Required Documents
- Passport copies (all family members)
- Birth certificate
- Previous school reports (2 years minimum)
- Immunization records
- Teacher recommendations
- Recent passport photos
- Parents' work permits/visa documentation
Assessment Types
- Cognitive assessments: CAT4, MAP
- English proficiency: Writing samples, interviews
- Math assessment: Grade-appropriate test
- Interview: Student and sometimes parents
Admissions FAQs
Living in KL as an Expat Family
Housing Near Schools
| Area | Monthly Rent (Condo) | School Access |
|---|---|---|
| Mont'Kiara | MYR 4,000 - 12,000 | MKIS, GIS, French School |
| Ampang | MYR 3,000 - 8,000 | ISKL, Alice Smith |
| Bangsar | MYR 3,500 - 10,000 | Alice Smith, IGB |
| Subang | MYR 2,000 - 5,000 | Tenby, Sunway |
Practical Tips
- Join expat groups: Facebook groups like "KL Expats" are invaluable
- Hire help: Domestic helpers are affordable and common
- Get a car: Public transport is improving but cars are still essential
- Learn some Malay: Basic phrases go a long way
Making Your Decision
Questions to Ask Schools
- What percentage of teachers are certified/qualified?
- What is the teacher turnover rate?
- How do you support students with learning differences?
- What are the university destinations for recent graduates?
- How do you communicate with parents?
Red Flags
- Admission feels too easy (may indicate low standards)
- Vague about fee structure or increases
- Limited access to teachers or leadership
- High staff turnover
- Outdated facilities or technology
Green Flags
- Transparent about outcomes and results
- Active parent community
- Clear curriculum articulation
- Professional development for teachers
- Responsive to concerns
Ready to Explore?
Kuala Lumpur offers exceptional value in international education. Start your school search today.
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Last updated: January 2025
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