School Guide

Cheap and Affordable International Schools offering Primary Education

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Feb 07, 2019

Malaysia comprises of a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultural influences. The country is a federal constitutional monarchy located in Southeast Asia and is a great educational hub in Southeast Asia. After the completion of preschool (age 4 to 6), six years of primary education is compulsory for all students. 

If you have your heart set on an international education for your children, the following is a list of the cheapest and affordable international schools offering Primary education that School Advisor has compiled for you.There are even more choices this year as the restrictions on Malaysian students entering international education were lifted and more international schools are mushrooming around the country.

1. Sri Dashmesh International School

Location: Kuala Lumpur

Description: Sri Dashmesh International School was set up in 2001 as a non-profit- based institution. As such, it has some of the lowest fees among private schools in Malaysia. The school boasts 100% passes in all National exams and has frequently received awards from the Ministry if Education for outstanding rewards. 

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 2,650 - RM 2,950 

2. Melaka International School

Location: Alor Gajah, Melaka

Description: Modelled after the British school system, the Melaka International School was established in 1993 with support from the State Economic Development Corporation and the Melaka Foundation. The curriculum is adapted from the QCA Scheme Framework, the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level syllabi as they approach public examinations.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 3,727 - RM 4,464

3. MAZ International School

Location: Petaling Jaya

Description: Maz International School started out in Petaling Jaya. Students are exposed to culture and language from different parts of the world. Facilities are available for different fields of interest such as academic, performing arts and sports. The Primary School enrolls children between ages of 5 to 11 and is based on the British curriculum where the syllabus is further enhanced with their tested teaching methods and global modules.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 4,750 - RM 9,250

4. St. Christopher International Primary School

Location: Georgetown, Penang

Description:St Christopher's is a Non-profit Making Association, controlled by a board of governors  which represents both the expatriates and Malaysian communities. Children leaving St. Christopher's usually transfer to one of the international secondary schools in Penang at the end of Year 6 or to schools in Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore and many other countries. The children are encouraged to be receptive to new concepts and to evaluate their own progress when dealing with them. They have access to a wide range of information and media and are taught the value of effective communication as a tool for furthering understanding.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 5,800 - RM 9,000

5.  Elc International School

Location: Sungai Buloh, Selangor

Description: At elc International School the children will follow a broad and varied curriculum based on the National Curriculum for England & Wales in conjunction with Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). The National Curriculum of England & Wales for Primary level is divided into 2- Lower Primary (Key Stage 1) and Upper Primary (Key Stage 2). The values and principles towards learning are applied with the sole intention of creating well rounded young adults prepared for life beyond elc with a strong sense of appropriateness.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 5,880 - RM 9,570

6. Asia Pacific International School (APIS)

Location: Bukit Subang, Selangor

Description: Asia Pacific International School (APIS) was developed as a component of the APIIT Education Group. The international school was unveiled in 2012, and aims to deliver quality education based on the vision of a true international school with an emphasis on intellectual, emotional and personal growth.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 6,260 - RM 9,860

7. Taylor’s international School

Location: Kuala Lumpur

Description: The focus of TIS primary school curriculum is to build on literacy and numeracy skills. In addition to the core subjects, thematic approaches are used to introduce Humanities, Science and the Expressive Arts. 

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 6,500 - RM 10,040

8. Seven Skies International School

Location: Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Description:Seven Skies International (SSI) is a unique concept that provides a holistic curriculum for the comprehensive development of a child. SSI unique curriculum is unlike other schools in that it is activity based and involves experiential learning.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 6,660 - RM 7,660

9. Matrix International School

Location: Seremban, Negri Sembilan

Description:Matrix International School (MIS) provides a learning experience which brings together aspects from the National Curriculum for England, and material from the Cambridge programmes (Checkpoint and IGCSE). Both are appropriately modified to give a unique Matrix education, which guides and engages students through an innovative learning programme. The teachers are appointed because they believe in the importance of learning and developing each individual student. 

MIS Primary is divided into two key stages, notably Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6). Students experience learning through play and project based activities which cover a wide range of subject areas, as well as discrete lessons in English Language, Physical Education, Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia, Mathematics and Science.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 6,666 - RM 9,333

10. Crescendo- HELP International School

Location:  Ulu Tiram, Johor

Description: 

Crescendo-HELP International School is an independent international school, established to provide high quality, internationally-directed learning opportunities to families in Johor Bahru and the wider Johor community. The School is located in a quiet, residential area of Desa Cemerlang, on a site adjacent to Crescendo International College, with excellent access to all areas of Johor Bahru and beyond. While academia underpins all that the school does, above all else; it's warm, inclusive, family atmosphere which sets the school apart. The staff are enthusiastic and dedicated and pupils will be motivated to achieve their very best in all aspects of school life. The school strongly believe that developing pupils into well-rounded individuals is key, to which end the school provides a wealth of opportunities in sports, music, drama, arts and a wide variety of other pursuits across the whole age range within the curriculum and as part of our co-curricular programme.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 6,720 - RM 7,224

11. Sri Kuala Lumpur School

Location: Subang Jaya, Selangor

Description: Sri Kuala Lumpur School (SRIKL) takes a non-elitist approach to education, the school has come a long way. The school runs both an international curriculum and the Malaysian national curriculum. Students are exposed to a more international approach to education, with best practices taken from all over the world, the school also adds a local flavour to the international curriculum by placing an emphasis on students acquiring.

 Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 9,050 - RM 10,500

12. Dwi Emas International School

Location: Shah Alam, Selangor

Description:Dwi Emas International School offers the best of both worlds by combining an international education with entrepreneurship from an early age. Students are groomed to be the next GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERS. 

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM9,333 - RM 10,000

13. Vikas International School

Location: Kuala Lumpur

Description: At Vikas International School (VIS), the students are stimulated to develop a more universal approach wherein they are put at ease by interacting with people of varying lifestyles, cultures and nationalities. 

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 10,600 (Paid once a year)

14. HELP International School

Location: Shah Alam, Selangor

Description: HELP International School (HIS) is one of the fastest growing international schools in Malaysia. HIS adopts the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) which ensures rigourous and participative learning usine a comprehensive and thematic approach. Learning with IPC  takes a global approach, embedded with a clear process of learning which covers 3 main goals- academic, personal and international- mindedness.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 11,188 - RM 12,431

15. UCSI International School

Location: Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

Description:The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for students aged 4 to 11. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is a framework guided by six interdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subjects areas, as well as interdisciplinary skills, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry. The PYP is flexible enough to accommodate the demands of most national or local curriculums and provides the best preparation for students to engage in the IB Middle Years Programme.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 11,767 - RM 23,100

16. Fairview International School- Kuala Lumpur

Location: Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur

Description:Fairview International School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools, that looks beyond the intellectual development of students but also nurture their physical, social and emotional well-being. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The PYP is for students aged 3 to 12.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 12,000 - RM 17,500

17. Australian International School Malaysia

Location: Seri Kembangan, Selangor

Description: Australian International School Malaysia) AISM was founded to deliver an Australian education and is a member of Taylor’s Education Group. AISM is the only international institution in Malaysia that offers classes based entirely on the Australian Curriculum. Students are exposed to a syllabus that emphasises on communication, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills to help them become successful learners and quality graduates.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 12,063 - RM 15,475

18. Sunway International School- Sunway Iskandar

Location: Nusajaya, Johor

Description: At SIS Sunway Iskandar, the curriculum is based on the internationally renowned Ontario (Canada) Curriculum. It focuses on students’ individual learning and development as well as building character by acknowledging each individual’s unique personal strengths. Elementary programming stresses on strong literacy and numeracy skills and gradually incorporates academic content from other disciplines in an age appropriate manner.

Estimation of the Annual Total Fees Range per Term: RM 13,300 - RM 19,500

There has always been the belief by Malaysian parents that an international education- UK, American or Australian curriculum is predominant . Moreover, this would aid to make a plain sailing transition for students who plans to advance their education in either International Schools at secondary level or in universities overseas. Additionally, probable reasons could be due to the lower student and teacher ratio, contributing with preferable facilities in the campus.