School Guide

Cheap and Affordable International Schools offering Secondary Education

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Feb 14, 2019
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Are you set on sending your child to an International School but are not too sure about having to fork out a huge sum to do so?

For there are international schools in Malaysia that are more affordable than you might have imagined!

The Malaysian structure for secondary education (pre-tertiary education) starts from Year 7 to Year 11 and from the ages 12+ to 16+ (that is, Form 1 to Form 5). Lower secondary education starts from age 12+ to 14+ (that is, Form 1 to Form 3) and Upper secondary is pursued from ages 15+ to 16+ (that is, Form 4 to Form 5) where students have the following options to choose from either of these options:

  • Academic secondary education
  • Technical secondary education
  • Vocational education
  • Religious secondary education

School Advisor has compiled a list of some of the most affordable international schools that offer secondary level education in Malaysia below in :

1. MAZ International School

Location: Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Description:Maz International School has been able to make giant progress through hard work and dedication. The Secondary School provides classes from Year 7 (Form 1) to Year 11 (Form 5) leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations from the University of Cambridge International Examinations Syndicate and Edexcel. Every term, Secondary students are assessed through internal midterm tests as well as end-of-term examinations. Furthermore, students are given a choice of foreign language to complete the curriculum, such as: Malay, Mandarin, Arabic, Hindi or French. Malaysian students must take Bahasa Malaysia as their language and Islamiyat is also offered to Muslim student.

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 21,000 - RM 30,000

2. Nobel International School

Location: Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Description:Nobel International School’s programmes aim at optimising the learning experience of every child. The school attributes its success to the commitment and dedication of its teachers and their passion for education and has a strong management team that believes in preparing the children of today for tomorrow’s challenges.Nobel International Junior School offers the Cambridge Secondary 1 programme for Key Stage 3. It provides a smooth progression from Cambridge Primary by offering a curriculum framework for educational success. Students are typically 11-14 year old. The Junior School follows the Key Stage 3 progression of the Cambridge School Programme which is also part of the Cambridge Secondary 1 stage.Students from Junior School will automatically to Senior School. At the end of Key Stage 4, students will take the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which is part of the Cambridge Secondary 2 stage.

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 23,000 - RM 26,000

3. Seven Skies International School 

Location: Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Description:Seven Skies International (SSI) provides a holistic curriculum for the comprehensive development of a child. SSI’s unique curriculum is unlike other schools in that it is activity based and involves experiential learning. The child not only learn about  academics but also Islam.The Secondary curriculum are for students between the ages 11 to 16 years old. Teachers are essentially mentors and friends to the students, helping the students connect their skills and strengths to the curriculum and extracurricular pursuits of the school. This unique relationship fosters a stronger bond between teacher and pupil, providing them a friendly caring environment during the challenge of their teenage years. Subjects taught in the Secondary School are a combination of the Cambridge Curriculum and International Islamic modules.

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 25,980 - RM 26,880

4. Sri Kuala Lumpur School

Location: Subang Jaya, Selangor

Description:At Sri Kuala Lumpur Secondary School, students learn to become young ladies and gentlemen who recognise and respect the customs and traditions of the Malaysian society. The school’s IGCSE Programme is provided by the Cambridge International Examinations Syndicate. Secondary School is also a place of self-discovery and independent learning where students are encouraged to express their individuality and develop their academic and co-curricular potential to the fullest degree in a disciplines environment that promotes creative thinking and expression.

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 26,200 - RM 34,100

5. Matrix International School 

Location: Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

Description:Matrix International School 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. In the Secondary School, the Key Stage 3, students experience a wide range of individual  subjects where at the end of it, all students sit for CIE Checkpoint examinations in English, Mathematics and Science. At Key Stage 4, the learning programme becomes a little more specific with regards to student choice, although the school advise its students to maintain a balance across the disciplines.

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 28,000 - RM 36,000

6. Crescendo-HELP International School

Location: Ulu Tiram, Johor

Description:Students from lower secondary are exposed to a range of subjects which allow their curious minds to explore the various themes and subjects. This is to prepare them for upper secondary where students choose their IGCSE subjects in order to further move them on for tertiary education. The International Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), offers qualifications that are internationally recognised and accepted by colleges and universities around the world.At the end of Key stage 3 (Year 7 to Year 9), students sit for the Cambridge Checkpoint tests. At Key Stage 4 (Year 10 to Year 11), students will have the opportunity to gain at least 7 IGCSE certificates.

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 28,350 - RM 31,500

7. Asia Pacific International School

Location: Bukit Subang, Selangor

Description:APIS focuses on developing young minds and firmly believes that success truly begins with the best education. This certainly starts with the curriculum itself, where the school offers the internationally recognised Cambridge IGCSE. The school puts a strong emphasis on technology as an enabler to support learning.The move from Primary School to Secondary School; Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3; from Year 6, to Year 7, is perhaps the most keenly anticipated educational transition for students at APIS. The aim of the Key Stage 3 programme is to provide students with a wide variety of experiences, to provide an environment where they can learn to become responsible independent learners, and of course to provide them with a solid academic base from which to commence their two-year IGCSE programme in Year 10.Key Stage 4 is an exciting and challenging time for students as they begin the first leg of their journey towards gaining their International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE), which they will complete by the end of Year 11. In Year 10 students will have the opportunity to personalise their educational path with different course options available to choose from. In Key Stage 4 students are encouraged to be responsible, to manage their time well, and to take an active role in carving out their path toward their chosen career. 

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 31,200 - RM 37,380

8. Nilai International School

Location: Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

Description:Nilai International School is equipped with state-of-the art technologies and a rich range of academic resources that allow pupils to achieve the best education. Qualified and quality teachers are hired to deliver the Cambridge International syllabus. Professional development is at the forefront of the school ethos.Key Stage 3 is the term used to categorise the first three years of secondary schooling.Students in Key Stage 3 (Year 7 to Year 9) are usually aged 12 to 14 years old. This Key Stage covers the transition from the more structured environment of Primary Years and prepares students for the more independent study required for their Cambridge International Examinations International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). The key focus in Key Stage 3 is to develop the wide range of skills, knowledge, understanding and personal attitudes needed to prepare students for life and choices beyond school.Key Stage 4 is the term used to categorise Year 10 and Year 11 where students are usually aged between 15 to 16 years old. When students enter Year 10, they embark on a two-year course of study leading to the Cambridge International Examinations' International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). The focus in Key Stage 4 is to build upon knowledge and skills learned in Key Stage 3 and increase students' ability to function more independently.The school emphasises on making its students' progression to A-Level or Pre-University studies a smooth one.

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 33,300 - RM 40,500

9. 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). A typical school day at elc will involve active learning through a wide range of subjects and activities that focus on developing our students into lifelong learners who adapt to their circumstances making them into confident and conscientious global citizens.The Secondary Division covers children from the age of 12 to 16. This is the more serious stage of school life at elc. Learning becomes more enquiry and problem solving based. This increases the opportunities for more independent study, enabling them to make informed choices and decisions on their own.The academic objective of Secondary is to prepare students for the IGCSE examinations for which they will take in Years 10 and 11. The Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16-year olds. The choice of subjects for the IGCSE has to be made before the student’s entry to Year 10. The right selection of subjects is an important determinant of how well the students will do overall and the choice of career options open to them later in life. For this reason, students together with their parents will be given advice on the combination and number of subjects for the IGCSE Examinations. In elc, there is no separation of the students into Science and Arts streams.

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 33,480 - RM 44,370

10. Taylor’s International School

Location: Kuala Lumpur

Description:Taylor’s Education centre has a strong academic heritage of over six decades and has been at the forefront of the Malaysian education. Taylor's International School (TIS) follows an International Curriculum based on the highly valued National Curriculum of England, that culminates in IGCSE examinations and qualifications. Combined with a holistic approach in education, TIS's curriculum values the development of your child throughout their learning process. Although emphasis is given to global perspectives, the International Curriculum embraces Asian values and literacy in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. The programme offers four key stages of learning, from Early Years, Primary to Secondary.Key Stage 3 marks the beginning of Secondary education from Years 7 to 9. This next three years of learning will extend the knowledge and skills in subjects taught during Key Stage 2. The programme follows the National Curriculum for England, enhanced by international themes and languages in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. All subjects at this stage are taught by specialist teachers in dedicated classrooms.Key Stage 4 covers Years 10 and 11. This stage offers a two-year IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) course that culminates in examinations administered by the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 37,380 - RM 43,110

11. GEMS International School- Tropicana Metropark

Location: Subang Jaya, Selangor

Description:GEMS International School uses the British Curriculum which encompasses a student’s whole school experience from the age of 3 to 18 years. This progression begins first with their Little Gems Early Years’ Foundation programme and goes right through to the Primary, Secondary and Advanced curriculum levels.The Secondary curriculum at GEMS International School, guides students from Cambridge Primary to Cambridge Secondary 1 (at Key Stage 3) in a seamless manner, while building a strong foundation in the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. At this level, students are coached to develop skills and knowledge across a range of subjects to prepare them to take on the challenges of IGCSE courses.The Key Stage 4 (Years 10 to 11), student pursue the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. This level is where GEMS students will get to choose from a range of Elective Subjects based on their strengths and interests. With guidance by experienced teachers, students will delve into greater depth in the Core as well as Elective Subjects, forging a path that culminates in the IGCSE public examinations. 

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 37,810 - RM 42,850

12. Eaton International School

Location: Kajang, Selangor

Description:Eaton International School aspires to be the international benchmark for "schools of the future" in the Asia Pacific. Adopting the English National Curriculum with an awareness of the international and local contexts, the core curriculum is delivered by certified and experienced expat teachers within a school environment which subscribes to a vibrant international school ethos. The new intuitively designed school campus boasts of formal and informal learning spaces as well as social interaction spaces catering to the interests and needs of the students.The Secondary transition to a fully timetabled curriculum taught by specialist teachers begins in Year 7 and continues to Year 9. Classes for the key Cambridge subjects of English Mathematics and Science are taught in academic groupings, allowing students to access the curriculum at their level of development as well as receive extension and support at all times. The school's aim in these years is to provide students with a variety of experiences leading to progression into the IGCSE programme. From early on, teachers who coordinate Key Stage 4 will be involved in this stage of development, working alongside tutors and mentors to steer students in the best possible direction. Personal responsibility, community service, health and well being and an education in personal relationships augment the programme to help these young adults grow.Students who complete the IGCSE at Eaton will be well prepared to move onto their next level of education, be it Cambridge A levels, Australian, Canadian or American senior curriculum choices.

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 42,850 - RM 47,875

13. Fairview International School- Kuala Lumpur

Location: Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur

Description:Fairview International School Kuala Lumpur (FISKL) is the premier International school in Malaysia that offers the whole suite of IB curriculum. The school's highly qualified teachers, predominantly internationally trained and experienced teachers deliver quality education to students from pre-school to Year 13, culminating to the widely recognised IB Diploma. At FISKL, students are encouraged to explore and discover in a learning environment that embraces individual abilities.Secondary Education is referred to as Middle Year Programme. The IB Middle Years Programme, for students aged 11 to 16, provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflective thinkers.Regarding the Curriculum, students are taught to embrace and understand connections between traditional subjects and the real world so that they become critical and reflective thinkers. Eight subject groups are integrated with five areas of interaction, creating a framework for learning within and across these subjects.

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 54,000 - RM 60,000

14. The International School at Parkcity

Location: Desa ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur 

Description:The International School at ParkCity (ISP) is a place where internationally-minded and culturally aware students are encouraged to pursue both academic excellence and personal development. The school offers an extensive programme of study for children aged from 3 to 18 years old, where their robust academic programme is supported by a strong pastoral system.The Secondary School programme is a natural progression from the Primary School and is broadly based on the English National Curriculum. The programme starts at Key Stage 3  (Year 7, 8 and 9) from ages 11 to 14 years. The English National Curriculum has been developed to enable schools in and out of the English to raise education standards and to help their learners. However, students are not restricted to the curriculum's limitations. The curriculum at Key Stage 3 provides this excellent foundation for further study through well-planned, informative, innovative and creative lessons set in an international and local context. Laying a strong foundation of skills, knowledge and habits is crucial to success in Key Stage 4 and beyond. Learning is enhanced by the inclusion of up to date technology in lessons. All students have an iPad and internet access throughout the school. Technology is incorporated across all subjects to help prepare students for life in the digital world in which we live.The Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) for students aged between 14 to 16 years old. At ISP the essence of the Key Stage 4 curriculum is the balance between a curriculum that offers breadth and that of student choice. They firmly believe in encouraging all to follow their passions and that enjoyment of a subject fosters success. To ensure academic breadth, there is a requirement to study at least one modern foreign language to IGCSE.Students are examined either by final external examination, coursework or a combination of the two. We currently use Cambridge International examinations and the AQA examinations board to direct the delivery of our IGCSE curriculum.

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 65,400 - RM 70,650

15. Nexus International School Malaysia

Location: Putrajaya

Description:

Nexus International School Malaysia is an internationally minded community which focuses on nurturing learners to become globally responsible and educated citizens. Our method is the Nexus Way where we provide a learning environment that is innovative, progressive, and grounded in trust, compassion, and respect.The Nexus Middle School Programme (NMSP) was developed to bridge the gap between the IPC and IGCSE to ensure continuity and a seamless learning journey from Primary to upper Secondary.The NMSP curriculum is taught around ‘Big Ideas’ or concepts, designed to challenge learners to make connections, think independently and critically, and apply knowledge to real life situations. Learners progress in this curriculum to become self-motivated and enquiring learners, ready for the IGCSE examinations.The Middle School Curriculum has been designed specifically to create a seamless learning journey from Primary to upper Secondary. It further develops the educational philosophy established in their Primary School, with a more specialised learning programme based on specialised subject disciplines.  As learners progress through Years 7 to 9, they become self-motivated and enquiring learners, ready to take on the challenges of the IGCSE examination courses and subsequently, the IB Diploma.The IGCSE programme at Nexus is designed to prepare learners for the transition to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 68,250 - RM 76,896

16. British International School of Kuala Lumpur

Location: Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Description:The British International School of Kuala Lumpur (BSKL) offers a high quality British international education from Early Years through to Sixth Form. The curriculum is forward looking and in constant evolution. It is reviewed frequently and new methods often come into practice, whilst keeping the softer traditions and customs.The Key Stage 3 programme runs from Year 7 to Year 9. The academic programme is based on the English National Curriculum but is not bound by its constraints. Instead, the school thrives at applying the most appropriate elements and enhance the curriculum where necessary to provide an innovative, challenging and creative programme that is crucial in laying the foundation of core knowledge, skills and understanding required to embark on the Key Stage 4 IGCSE programme. Lessons and materials are adapted to international and local context.The key Stage 4 In Years 10 and 11 students at BSKL work towards obtaining IGCSE qualifications offered by the Cambridge and Edexcel examination boards. The two-year IGCSE programme is academically rigorous and recognised to be amongst the best in the world for this age range of students. Many of the subjects have specific international elements and content developed by subject specialists to make the topics relevant to students worldwide. 

Estimated Yearly Fees Range: RM 79,910 - RM 94,470

Appropriate prerequisite academic grades are required for students who wish to pursue higher education after secondary level. These school leavers after secondary education have the option to obtain a pre-university qualification (such as the sixth form, matriculation programmes and GCE ‘A’ levels) or study for a certificate or diploma at higher educational institutions.

See also: Cheap and Affordable International Schools Offering Primary Education