Photo credit: Sunway International Schools
International schools in Malaysia have been in growing demand, increasingly attracting the attention of foreign and local families thanks to the relatively inexpensive school fees and high academic standards. Since 2019, tuition fees in Kuala Lumpur international schools have been about 30 percent cheaper than Seoul. The appeal to families is unmistakable: quality education at a more reasonable price than in most countries.
International school enrollment in Malaysia has increased almost 11% over the last five years, reaching 111,185 enrolled students as of July 2024. According to the British company ISC Research, this is indicative that this sector of education is increasingly popular among expatriates and students from countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, and India. The number of schools has similarly increased by 11%, with 348 schools currently operating, of which many offer boarding options.
Malaysia's economic growth, increased foreign investment, and the government's efforts to position the country as an education hub have combined to fuel this trend. The relative affordability of Malaysia's schools compared with Singapore and China is another key driver of demand, according to the Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS). AIMS Vice Chairman Sam Gipson said the surge from China, Korea, and Japan was even more pronounced immediately after the pandemic. He added that competition between students and teachers for a spot in international schools in countries such as Singapore is 'fierce.’
Parents seem to be pleased that some of the already-established Malaysian schools have international affiliations and accreditation, such as Marlborough College in Johor and Epsom College in Negeri Sembilan. Many institutions offer internationally recognized curricula, including the prestigious International Baccalaureate and Cambridge programs.
In particular, Chinese nationals have shown fast-increasing interest in Malaysian schools. The welcoming change in visa policies for Chinese people since December 2023 added much fuel to the increasing enrollment. An increase in Chinese families transferring to Malaysia due to exorbitant fees related to international schooling in China has been observed. This is because in mainland China, international school tuition can go up to 150,000 RMB (29,000,000 KRW) but in Malaysia it goes from 50,000 RMB (9,683,000 KRW) to 70,000 RMB (13,600,000 KRW).
Expatriates are not the only ones driving demand for international education; local students are just as eager to be included. Local students’ enrollment in international schools jumped 34% between 2019 and 2024, and today Malaysian students make up 67% of total international school enrollment.
The move towards international schools also reflects a growing dissatisfaction with Malaysia's public schools, where education policy often changes with a shift in political leadership. The language of instruction in government schools is Malay, which contrasts strongly with the emphasis on English in international schools. This has been a vital deciding factor for parents who want to send their children abroad for higher education.
Many Malaysian parents favor international schools because the English-language curriculum is consistent, believing it will serve their children's interests when studying abroad. There also seems to be a persistent notion that if their children study a Western curriculum, such as taking AP classes or the full IB Diploma, will have an easier time with college admissions.
With competitive fees, globally recognized curricula, and a growing number of institutions, Malaysia is positioning itself as a key education hub in the region. As demand continues to rise, Malaysia's international school industry is set to expand further, offering families an attractive alternative to more costly options in neighboring countries.
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