🏫 International Schools of Kuala Lumpur: A Guide for Expat Families
Kuala Lumpur is home to some of the best international schools in Southeast Asia, offering globally recognised curricula and world-class facilities. Whether you're moving to Malaysia with young children or teens preparing for university, the city offers an excellent mix of British, American, IB, and hybrid educational pathways to suit every family's needs and budget.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top international schools in Kuala Lumpur, their tuition fees, curriculum types, and what you need to know before enrolling your child.
🎓 Fee Structure: What to Expect
International school fees in KL vary widely depending on the school’s curriculum, reputation, and facilities. Here's a typical breakdown:
Application Fee (non-refundable): RM 500 – RM 2,000
Enrolment Fee (one-time): RM 3,000 – RM 10,000
Refundable Deposit: RM 2,000 – RM 20,000
Annual Tuition: RM 25,000 – RM 120,000+
Other Costs: Uniforms, meals, school trips, transportation, and tech fees are usually charged separately.
đź’° Annual Tuition Fee Ranges (by Age Group)
Age Group | Annual Tuition (RM)
Preschool/Nursery RM 25,000 – RM 45,000
Primary (Years 1–6) RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
Secondary (Years 7–11) RM 40,000 – RM 80,000
Sixth Form / IB / A-Level RM 50,000 – RM 120,000
🏫 Top International Schools in Kuala Lumpur (2024–2025)
Here's a comparison of some of the most popular international schools for expat families:
School | Curriculum | Ages Annual Tuition (RM) | Highlights Area
Alice Smith School | British (IGCSE, A-Level) | 3–18 | RM 50,000 – RM 110,000 | Oldest British school, non-profit, strong academics | Seri Kembangan & Equine Park
ISKL (International School of KL) American + IB | 3–18 | RM 60,000 – RM 120,000 | Premier IB school, eco-certified campus | Ampang Hilir
Garden International School | British (IGCSE, A-Level) | 3–18 | RM 48,000 – RM 100,000 | Strong academic and arts programmes, large expat community | Mont Kiara
M’KIS (Mont’Kiara International School) | American (AP) | 3–18 | RM 45,000 – RM 90,000 | Popular among North Americans, strong sports & STEM | Mont Kiara
Nexus International School | British + IB | 3–18 | RM 30,000 – RM 85,000 | Tech-forward school with international faculty | Putrajaya
Sayfol International School | British (IGCSE) 2–18 | RM 20,000 – RM 40,000 | Budget-friendly, multicultural environment | U-Thant, Ampang
HELP International School | British (IGCSE, A-Level, IB Diploma) | 3–18 | RM 25,000 – RM 65,000 | Strong values, modern campus, leadership focus | Shah Alam
IGB International School | Full IB Continuum | 3–19 | RM 45,000 – RM 95,000 | IB-only, small class sizes, green campus | Sierramas/Sungai Buloh
BSKL (British International School of KL) | British (IGCSE, A-Level) | 2–18 | RM 55,000 – RM 108,000 | Excellent reputation, top-tier facilities | Petaling Jaya
🧾 Curriculum Deep Dive: Sayfol & HELP
🏫 Sayfol International School
Curriculum: British National Curriculum
Exams: Cambridge IGCSEs
Post-16: Does not offer A-Levels or IB (students may transfer after IGCSE)
Environment: Traditional British-style learning with a multicultural student body
Ideal For: Budget-conscious families seeking British education in central KL
🏫 HELP International School
Curriculum: British (IGCSE), A-Level & IB Diploma
Exams: Cambridge IGCSEs + choice of A-Level or IB for Sixth Form
Focus: Leadership, innovation, and values-based education
Ideal For: Parents looking for a future-ready, tech-integrated school with modern facilities
đź’ˇ Insider Tips for Parents
✅ Sibling Discounts: Many schools offer 5–10% off for second or third children.
âś… Corporate Packages: Some companies have preferred rates or placement agreements.
✅ Fee Increases: Expect annual increments of 3–6%, so budget accordingly.
✅ Visit in Person: Most schools offer private tours and trial classes—take advantage of them!
đź“ŤFinal Thoughts
Kuala Lumpur’s international schools are among the best in the region, offering expat families a wide range of options across curriculum types, fee levels, and locations. Whether you’re looking for academic rigour, a nurturing environment, or cutting-edge learning, you’ll find a school that fits your family’s values and goals.
If you're relocating to KL and need help finding a home near your preferred school—or want a visual one-pager of this school comparison—feel free to reach out, or download here
