School Guide

6 Best International Schools in Sarawak

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Mar 21, 2022

If you are staying or planning to move to East Malaysia and want to give your child an excellent education experience, read on to know more about the best international schools in Sarawak! 

Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia, known for its unique culture and traditions, with more than 27 ethnic groups and over 45 different dialects spoken, not to mention various cultural practices and artforms. Known as the “Land of the Hornbills'', Sarawak is famous for its rainforest house, thriving wildlife and diverse ecosystem. Fun fact: East Malaysia’s rainforests are twice as old as the Amazon!

Expat parents can also choose to apply for the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme should it benefit them and their dependents. The Minister of Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture announced that 1,306 participants have applied to the S-MM2H programme in the past 14 years. 

To help you make your best decision on where to enrol your child, here is a list of the best international schools in Sarawak! 

Lodge International School

Located in Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, Lodge International School offers the Cambridge International curriculum catered to students from primary to A-Levels. This school was established in 1953 to provide educational needs for the children of British expatriates in the state during that time. 

Lodge International School is also well known for its outstanding track record in the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels Examinations with a 97% pass rate. Moreover, the school has impressive committee members and educators who have been awarded for their stellar performances. 

Lodge International School is also equipped with advanced technology and ICT infrastructure to support the school’s teaching and learning methodologies. The ICT facilities are upgraded from time to time to keep up with the changes of the technological world.

As of 2022, Lodge International School fees range from RM 3,352 to RM 16,000 annually for local students and from RM 4,260 to RM 20,000 annually for non-Malaysian students.

Woodlands International School

Woodlands International School in Sibu offers the Cambridge International Curriculum for its students. As the only accredited international school in Sibu, this school provides Early Years to Secondary school education, which allows students to sit for IGCSE and A-Levels at pre-university. 

The school offers high-quality teaching and learning approaches in a welcoming, friendly, and nurturing atmosphere. Woodlands International School takes learning beyond the classroom with regular excursions as a part of the school’s educational programme. 

Woodlands International School offers a diverse selection of co-curricular activities that allow students to pursue their interest in activities and clubs such as sports, music, culinary, photography and even the performing arts. In addition, the school is complete with top-notch facilities for students and staff. 

As of 2022/23, Woodlands International School fees range from RM 6,000 annually for Kindergarten to RM 19,800 annually for Upper Secondary (Years 10 and 11). 

Borneo International School 

Situated in Tabuan Laru, Kuching, the Borneo International School is established by an educational group with over 15 years of experience. The school follows the Cambridge International Examination Curriculum for both primary and secondary levels, which leads to the Cambridge IGCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11. 

Borneo International School is equipped with the latest innovations in academic technologies and facilities, including the multimedia smart board-equipped classrooms, ICT laboratories, an indoor multipurpose hall, and a Performing Arts and Drama Academy Center, among other facilities. The school also encourages its students to participate in the community services, such as charity works and community events. Their participation is regarded as part of a holistic education. 

The 2022 school fees for Borneo International School ranges from RM 8,000 per annum for Year 1 to RM 18,500 per annum for Year 13. 

Tunku Putra-HELP School  

Tunku Putra-HELP School, located in the Northbank, Kuching, provides the Cambridge curriculum at Primary and Secondary levels leading to IGCSE. In addition, the school offers an A-Level programme assessed by the  Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE). 

Named after Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tunku Putra-HELP School is the first school in Kuching and the 35th school worldwide to utilise the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Additionally, the school also offers a research-led education programme supported by the Faculty of Teaching and Languages and the Faculty of Behavioral Science from HELP University, with its renowned Psychology Department. 

Students can enjoy their time at the school with world-class facilities on a purpose-built campus and in a safe and secure environment, conveniently located near the town centre and airport. 

As of 2022, Tunku Putra-HELP School fees range from RM 19,550 per year for Primary to RM 33,500 per year for Years 12 and 13. 

St. Joseph’s International School, Kuching

St. Joseph’s International School Kuching is a Catholic school located inPadungan, Kuching, offering the Cambridge curriculum at the Secondary level, leading to the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level examinations. Managed by the Marist Brothers of Schools, the school aims at providing a holistic education to enrich students’ lives. 

St. Joseph’s International School Kuching also offers a variety of extracurricular activities to encourage students to develop their soft skills. For example, students can join art clubs such as choir, dance and drama, musical ensemble, and other activities to enhance their creativity. In addition, St. Joseph’s International School Kuching promotes Sarawak’s music, art, and culture through musicals and orchestras to raise funds.

The 2022 school fees for St. Joseph’s International School Kuching range from RM 8,800 to RM 13,600 per year for local students and from RM 10,600 to RM 16,400 per year for international students. 

Knewton Global Schools

Knewton Global Schools, or Knewton, located in Miri, Sarawak, provides the high-quality English Educational System, which begins with the IPC and culminates in Cambridge IGCSE. Designed with a unique blend of tradition and modernity, Knewton cultivates a buzzing and joyful environment within the school’s community.  

Recognised as the oldest international school in Malaysia, Knewton aims to nurture learners to lead successful and fulfilling lives in the future. This international school provides tutor groups and Personal Social Health and Education (PSHE) programmes for its students’ wellbeing. 

The Physical Education curriculum at the school promotes more than just fitness but also leadership skills, commitment, healthy eating habits and teamwork among students. The school offers a variety of sports clubs for students to participate in such as dodgeball, Tumble Tots Gymnastics, tennis, swimming and other sports clubs. The school’s sports team is the Knewton Knight. Students can also visit and relax beneath the shade of wooden pondoks provided by the school.

As of 2022, the school fees for Knewton Global Schools range from RM 23,028 per year for Year 1 to RM 37,575 per year for Year 11.

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