Living
Education
For the vast majority of expat children in KL, education takes place at one of the many international schools, although a few foreigners choose to home school their children. Generally speaking, non-Malaysian children may not enrol in government schools. Fees at international schools are quite high, so research your needs in advance, and factor the cost into any salary negotiations. International schools can have long waiting lists too; if you arrive in KL in the middle of an academic year you may find it impossible to get a place in the school of your choice, so register as far in advance as you can. As people come and go all the time, you may not have to wait long for a place but the experience can be stressful. Some families prefer to wait until the start of the new school year before joining the working parent in KL.
The Malaysian school year follows the calendar year, and runs from January to November. Children start primary school at the age of 6 or 7, and before this most will go to a private nursery school or kindergarten. Education isn’t compulsory, so there’s no minimum leaving age; secondary education finishes at 18. The school week runs from Monday to Friday, and some schools hold extra classes or activities on Saturdays.
International schools usually follow the school year of the national curriculum they teach, but take Malaysian public holidays. Many international schools have an ‘early years’ department, taking children from age 3, and some stop at 16 but most go up to 18. Fees range from RM8,000 to more than RM50,000, depending on the school and age of the child, and there are usually extra charges such as enrolment fees. Class sizes are generally kept quite small; around 18 to 22 children is the norm. Many schools offer clubs and activities after school, but don’t provide wrap-around care so working parents will have to make their own childcare arrangements.
When you’re ready to enrol your child, bring their school reports, transcripts, records and certificates if they’re older and have already started school, as the admissions department will want to see them. Some schools may also ask to see vaccination records or ask for a medical. You may need to show proof of your (or your child’s) nationality at some schools.
Many Malaysians choose to go overseas to pursue post-secondary studies, with Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US being popular choices. This trend has resulted in several international universities setting up campuses in KL to capture a bigger share of this lucrative market. In addition there are many colleges offering external degrees from overseas universities, as well as Malaysia’s own universities and colleges. Most expats tend to pursue post-secondary education outside Malaysia, usually in their country of origin.
KL has become a popular centre for English language learning, attracting students from across Asia and the Middle East. International students can also be found in Malaysia’s universities and colleges.
Evening classes and further learning opportunities for adults are fairly thin on the ground. Studying a language is a popular option, as is learning to teach English as a foreign language. Internationally recognised Montessori nursery teaching courses are available at a few colleges. You may also be able to pursue a distance learning qualification from an overseas institution.
The Malaysian school year follows the calendar year, and runs from January to November. Children start primary school at the age of 6 or 7, and before this most will go to a private nursery school or kindergarten. Education isn’t compulsory, so there’s no minimum leaving age; secondary education finishes at 18. The school week runs from Monday to Friday, and some schools hold extra classes or activities on Saturdays.
International schools usually follow the school year of the national curriculum they teach, but take Malaysian public holidays. Many international schools have an ‘early years’ department, taking children from age 3, and some stop at 16 but most go up to 18. Fees range from RM8,000 to more than RM50,000, depending on the school and age of the child, and there are usually extra charges such as enrolment fees. Class sizes are generally kept quite small; around 18 to 22 children is the norm. Many schools offer clubs and activities after school, but don’t provide wrap-around care so working parents will have to make their own childcare arrangements.
When you’re ready to enrol your child, bring their school reports, transcripts, records and certificates if they’re older and have already started school, as the admissions department will want to see them. Some schools may also ask to see vaccination records or ask for a medical. You may need to show proof of your (or your child’s) nationality at some schools.
Many Malaysians choose to go overseas to pursue post-secondary studies, with Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US being popular choices. This trend has resulted in several international universities setting up campuses in KL to capture a bigger share of this lucrative market. In addition there are many colleges offering external degrees from overseas universities, as well as Malaysia’s own universities and colleges. Most expats tend to pursue post-secondary education outside Malaysia, usually in their country of origin.
KL has become a popular centre for English language learning, attracting students from across Asia and the Middle East. International students can also be found in Malaysia’s universities and colleges.
Evening classes and further learning opportunities for adults are fairly thin on the ground. Studying a language is a popular option, as is learning to teach English as a foreign language. Internationally recognised Montessori nursery teaching courses are available at a few colleges. You may also be able to pursue a distance learning qualification from an overseas institution.
