Asia

Malaysia: schools and universities

Malaysia, and Kuala Lumpur in particular, has many international schools, often at lower fees than in Singapore or Hong Kong. Several foreign universities also run branch campuses that award their home degrees.

Quick facts
School year (international schools)Mostly August or September; some start in January
Where international schools areMainly Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor
Common curriculaEnglish National Curriculum, IB, American, Australian
UniversitiesPublic and private universities and foreign branch campuses
Student passesHandled for international students by Education Malaysia Global Services

Schools

Many international schools in Kuala Lumpur follow the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and A levels, while others offer the IB, American or Australian programmes. A number of British boarding schools have campuses in Malaysia. Fees vary more than in neighbouring cities, from mid-range schools to expensive campuses with full boarding.

The government school calendar has changed in recent years, so families comparing international and national schools should check the current term dates.

Universities

Malaysia has public universities, private universities and university colleges, and branch campuses of universities from the UK, Australia and elsewhere. A degree from a branch campus is normally awarded by the home university, which some students choose as a lower-cost route to a foreign degree. International students apply to the university, which then arranges the student pass through Education Malaysia Global Services.

Before you apply

  • Ask a branch campus whether your degree certificate will be identical to one issued at the home campus.
  • Check which school curriculum your child will need if you expect to move again.
  • Traffic in the Klang Valley is heavy. Compare journey times, not distances.

Directory entry, checked October 2026. Entries describe the education system in general terms and link to country listings.