Living
Primary & Secondary Schools
Since many international schools are full and operate waiting lists, you may find your choice of schools in KL very limited. If you’re already living in KL and your child is reaching school age, you’ll have the luxury of visiting the various schools before deciding which to choose, although even at this stage long waiting lists are common. Some schools operate preferential admissions policies based on nationality, language spoken by the child or parents, or the type of school previously attended. It can also help if either parent is a former pupil of the school or if there are siblings already attending. Check the admissions policy with each school, as it can dramatically affect your child’s chances of getting a place.
In all circumstances, it’s best to register with a school or schools as early as possible, before arriving in KL. If you do arrive after the start of the school year and find that there are no places, you may have to home school until a place becomes available. Schools may be willing to offer help and guidance in these circumstances, or even recommend a tutor, but this situation is far from ideal.
The following school systems are available in KL: American, Australian, British, French, German, Indian, Indonesian, International Baccalaureate, International Islamic and Japanese, and each follows the school year of their home country. School fees are not cheap and can add up if you have a large family. Some schools cost up to RM50,000 per child per year, but others can be cheaper. Generally the more expensive schools have expat teachers and better facilities, although not always. Schools don’t offer scholarships or rebates on the fees, so either you or your company will pay.
Schools take advantage of the cultural opportunities offered by their Malaysian setting, celebrating the festivals of the country’s different communities and involving students in the world outside the classroom. Most schools admit pupils from a wide variety of national and cultural backgrounds so even if you stick to the educational system of your home country, your children’s education will have a distinctly international flavour.
Traffic in KL being what it is, most families try to live reasonably close to the school their children attend. Schools have bus services to popular neighbourhoods so if this is an important factor check bus routes first before deciding where to live. Schools tend to start and finish early to avoid the worst of the congestion.
All students over the age of 6 are required to have a valid student’s pass. Your child’s school will help you to apply for this.
In all circumstances, it’s best to register with a school or schools as early as possible, before arriving in KL. If you do arrive after the start of the school year and find that there are no places, you may have to home school until a place becomes available. Schools may be willing to offer help and guidance in these circumstances, or even recommend a tutor, but this situation is far from ideal.
The following school systems are available in KL: American, Australian, British, French, German, Indian, Indonesian, International Baccalaureate, International Islamic and Japanese, and each follows the school year of their home country. School fees are not cheap and can add up if you have a large family. Some schools cost up to RM50,000 per child per year, but others can be cheaper. Generally the more expensive schools have expat teachers and better facilities, although not always. Schools don’t offer scholarships or rebates on the fees, so either you or your company will pay.
Schools take advantage of the cultural opportunities offered by their Malaysian setting, celebrating the festivals of the country’s different communities and involving students in the world outside the classroom. Most schools admit pupils from a wide variety of national and cultural backgrounds so even if you stick to the educational system of your home country, your children’s education will have a distinctly international flavour.
Traffic in KL being what it is, most families try to live reasonably close to the school their children attend. Schools have bus services to popular neighbourhoods so if this is an important factor check bus routes first before deciding where to live. Schools tend to start and finish early to avoid the worst of the congestion.
All students over the age of 6 are required to have a valid student’s pass. Your child’s school will help you to apply for this.
