Education and Schools in Malaysia

Education in Malaysia is of a high standard, and you’ll have little trouble finding a school for your child. Malaysia’s diverse educational environment offers many options for expats. That said, due to the language barrier in the largely Malay-speaking public schools, many expats prefer to place their children in English-speaking international schools.

Preschool begins at age 4, but schooling only becomes compulsory from ages 6 to 15.

Public schools in Malaysia

There are plenty of public schools in Malaysia, and the quality of education is generally adequate. If you're here for the long haul, attending a public school in Malaysia can be an ideal way for your child to integrate with the local community and learn to speak Malay. Nevertheless, for some children, the language and cultural differences can be too steep a hill to climb. 

Facilities at Malaysian public schools are decent, with the basic items needed for education available, but student-to-teacher ratios can be quite high compared to other schooling options.

Locals aren’t required to pay school fees, but as an expat, you’ll need to pay tuition fees for public school attendance. These are still much lower than those at private and international schools. In addition, your child must have a foreign student pass to attend public schools, which involves a fair bit of paperwork, including proof of enrolment and financial capability. It can be a bit of a headache.

Many public schools in Malaysia offer language support programmes aimed at helping expat children get to grips with Malay instruction. These programmes can make a world of difference for your child, although their availability varies depending on the school and the region.

Useful links

• Ministry of Education Malaysia

Private schools in Malaysia

There are several good private schools in Malaysia, but they are more expensive than public schools. The extra cost is justified by advantages such as better resources and lower student-to-teacher ratios.

The main language of instruction in private schools is usually Malay, but maths and science classes are generally taught in a combination of Malay and English. Many private schools also offer additional language programmes to help expat children learn Malay and adapt to the local culture more comfortably.

Private schools must have certification from the Ministry of Home Affairs to admit foreign students, but your child won’t need any special documentation to attend. You can expect a good quality of education at private schools, with many offering a good middle ground between public schools and international schools when balancing costs and educational quality.

As an expat, your child is less likely to struggle with the culture shock they may experience at a public school. The teachers tend to be well trained and have experience communicating effectively and handling students from different cultures and backgrounds.

International schools in Malaysia

If you wish to have your child educated in the curriculum of your home country or a country other than Malaysia, you should consider an international school. Most international schools in Malaysia are based in Kuala Lumpur.

These schools usually maintain the culture, language, teaching methodologies, and curriculum of their country of origin. The English National Curriculum, including the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels, is most commonly offered, with many schools also offering the International Baccalaureate programme.

Your child will likely adjust easily at an international school, thanks to the familiar teaching methods, content, and language. International schools also give your children (and you) a chance to meet other expat families, which can be a great support network. Outside of Kuala Lumpur, international schools such as Penang International School and Iskandar International School in Johor Bahru are well regarded and specifically cater to expat communities.

Best International Schools in Kuala Lumpur

Special-needs education in Malaysia

Children with special needs are either educated under tailored programmes at mainstream schools – known as the Special Education Integrated Programme (SEIP) – or at dedicated special schools.

Public schools offering the SEIP are fairly easy to find, with the programme being offered in over 200 schools nationwide. There are very few dedicated public special schools, and those that do exist mostly cater to hearing and visual disabilities.

You may find more options in private education, which often offers more specialised support and therapy for children with disabilities. Some private and international schools also provide inclusive programmes, giving your child access to the broader school community while receiving the tailored support they require.

Useful links

• Ministry of Education Malaysia: Special Education
• National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM)

Tutors in Malaysia

Whether your child requires a little extra help with maths or is struggling to adapt to a new curriculum, tutors can be an extremely helpful resource for expats in Malaysia. Language tutors can be particularly useful for children taught in a new language, such as Malay, and for maintaining fluency in your family’s mother tongue.

Recommended tutoring companies in Malaysia include TeacherOn, ChampionTutor, and MyPrivateTutor. Many tutoring services now also offer online sessions, making it easier for your child to access a range of subjects and maintain continuity, especially if you are a family that travels a lot. This flexibility is particularly helpful for maintaining a mother tongue or keeping up with specific curricula from your home country.

Useful links

• TeacherOn
• ChampionTutor Malaysia
• MyPrivateTutor