The government gives priority to education in Malaysia, with a strong emphasis on providing quality education for all citizens. The education system in Malaysia is divided into three main categories: national, private, and international. Here you’ll learn the main differences between private and international schools in Malaysia.
Private vs International Schools
Private schools in Malaysia are not funded by the government but are run by private organizations or individuals. These schools can set their own curriculum, tuition fees, and admission requirements. They are also not subject to the same regulations as national schools.
And international schools in Malaysia offer an international curriculum and often follow a foreign education system. International schools in Kuala Lumpur are primarily for expatriate students and are not restricted by the Ministry of Education’s regulations.
Let’s take a closer look at the main differences between private and international schools in Malaysia based on six attributes: education, curriculum, acceptance, exams, fees, and facilities.
- Education: Private schools in Malaysia offer a mix of both national and international curriculums. They often follow the Malaysian National Curriculum but offer additional programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). On the other hand, international schools in Malaysia primarily provide an international curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British curriculum.
- Curriculum: Private schools in Malaysia are free to set their curriculum. They follow the national curriculum of Malaysia. International schools in Malaysia primarily follow an international curriculum such as the IB or British curriculum.
- Acceptance: Private preschools in Malaysia have more flexibility in their admission requirements. They may have entrance exams or interviews but tend to have more lenient admission policies. On the other hand, international schools in Malaysia tend to have more rigorous admission requirements. As a result, they often require entrance exams or interviews and may have limited spots available.
- Exams: Private schools in Malaysia may offer a mix of both national and international exams. They may provide the national UPSR, PMR, and SPM exams and international exams such as the IB or CIE. International schools in Malaysia primarily offer international exams such as the IB or British exams.
- Fees: Private schools in Malaysia generally have higher tuition fees than national ones. International schools in Malaysia tend to have even higher tuition fees as they offer an international curriculum.
- Facilities: Private schools in Malaysia often have better facilities compared to national schools. They may have more modern buildings, well-equipped laboratories, and sports facilities. International schools in Malaysia also have better facilities and may have additional amenities such as swimming pools and libraries.
- Student body: Private schools in Malaysia tend to have a diverse student body, with a mix of students from different backgrounds and cultures. On the other hand, international schools in Kuala Lumpur tend to have a more homogeneous student body, with a majority of expatriate students.
- Language of instruction: Private schools in Malaysia may offer a mix of English and Malay instruction, depending on their curriculum. International schools in Malaysia, however, primarily use English as the language of instruction. It may be beneficial for expatriate students who are not fluent in Malay but may be a challenge for local students who need to be more proficient in English.
In conclusion, private and international schools in Malaysia offer different educational experiences. Private schools tend to have more flexibility in their curriculum and admission requirements, while international schools offer an international curriculum and have more rigorous admission requirements. Both private and international schools tend to have better facilities and higher tuition fees than national schools. Parents should consider their child’s needs and preferences when choosing between a private or international school in Malaysia.