6 International Schools in Malaysia with Boarding Facilities

Boarding schools provide a structured environment for students where they can live and study on campus, focus on their studies, form lifelong friendships, and gain exposure to different cultures. 

Full boarding, where students live full-time on campus, teaches them to be independent and responsible, as they learn to manage their time, take care of their personal needs, and make decisions—all crucial skills for the future

Weekly boarding, where students stay on campus during the school week, is another popular option. Commuting in Malaysia, especially in large cities, can take up to two hours daily, which may affect the student’s sleep and wellbeing. This form of boarding helps students focus on their schoolwork and activities and allows them time to spend with family over the weekends.

Sending your child to a boarding school is not an easy decision, and you’ll want to look at ones that can provide the best facilities and care. Malaysia is an attractive choice for many international families, considering the relative affordability as well as the well-rounded quality of IGCSE and IB schools here.

Here are six international schools in Malaysia that offer boarding for its students, including options for full or weekly boarding.

Epsom College in Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan 

Located on a sprawling 80-acre site in Bandar Enstek, Epsom College in Malaysia is a K12 co-educational day and boarding school known for its academic rigour and extracurricular excellence. It is the first and only school locally to have been awarded a double Beacon Status by the Council of British International Schools for student welfare and leadership. 

Boarding info

The weekly boarding programme is available exclusively for residents of Malaysia, allowing pupils to focus on their learning during the week and spend quality time with their families during the weekends. A bus service departs on Monday mornings and returns on Friday evenings from a central location in Kuala Lumpur. 

Daily routines are managed by housemasters and housemistresses, who ensure pupils develop a sense of independence and can thrive both in school and beyond. Boarders also form strong bonds across their year groups, with senior pupils monitoring and supporting younger ones. 

Highlights:

• Games rooms offer a range of activities
• TV room with large screen TV and facilities for age-appropriate movie nights and to watch sporting events 
• Monitored wireless internet to support digital learning
• 24-hour health care services on campus, on-call by registered nurses 

Find out more about Epsom College in Malaysia.

Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, Putra Heights

A local school with global standards, Maple Leaf Kingsley International School adheres to a British-based curriculum complemented by an extensive list of extracurricular activities that drive a competitive spirit amongst its pupils. 

Boarding info

Students reside at the Kingsley Residential Hall, in single or double room configurations. This is where they learn to be independent and develop critical and creative thinking skills away from home. Daily routines are meticulously managed by teachers, and students are also afforded opportunities to bond with their peers. 

Highlights:

• Counselling and health services, with access to a dedicated nurse 
• Laundry service and linen change 
• Sport activities and shopping trips
• Meals after school (for weekly boarding) and over the weekends (for full boarding)

Find out more about Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, Putra Heights.

Nexus International School, Putrajaya

Nexus International School, Putrajaya is a learning focused-school that empowers its learners through the Nexus Way, revolving around four key aspects – Relationships, Inclusion, Innovation, and Mindsets. The school has been recognised as the “International School of the Year 2023” for boarding excellence and provision of the English language support by the Australian Boarding Schools Association. 

Boarding info

Student boarders at the Nexus Boarding House enjoy facilities including a stocked kitchenette on each floor, on-site laundry, and full access to school amenities such as a sports hall, library, and swimming pool. There are also recreation areas for music and reading, plus a common room for games equipped with a pool table and a table tennis table. 

All house parents are qualified teachers and nurses and are certified in the highest level of Duty of Care awarded by the Australian Boarding Schools Association. 

Highlights:

• Round the clock Infirmary Service with Registered Nurse in residence 
• 24-hour security system
• Dedicated English support for boarders, including a 1:1 reading programme and small group classes
• Free bus services for learners from convenient locations in the Klang Valley

Find out more about Nexus International School, Putrajaya.

Peninsula International School Australia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam 

The IGCSE and IB are undoubtedly the most popular curricula for international schools in Malaysia – but Peninsula offers an alternative that is fast rising in popularity: the Victorian curriculum. Considered the Gold Standard of all Australian curriculums, it focuses on outdoor and global citizenship education alongside 21st century life skills and academic excellence. 

Boarding info

Located within the school’s campus, the boarding house features a comfortable environment that feels like a home away from home. Rooms come on a twin sharing or quad sharing basis and are fully furnished with all the necessities, including an individual study table, wardrobe, bed, and mattress. House parents are responsible for the safety, welfare, and discipline of their boarders, and closely monitor their study time. 

Highlights:

• CCTVs in common areas 
• 24-hour security with frequent patrolling by security officers 
• Games room 
• Full-time boarders are provided with four meals, seven days a week
• Weekday boarders are provided with four meals from Monday to Thursday,, and breakfast and lunch on Friday

Find out more about Peninsula International School Australia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam.

UCSI International School, Kuala Lumpur

UCSI International School, Kuala Lumpur provides a holistic 21st century learning experience that emphasises creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills. As the first Finnish Experience Flagship School in Malaysia, it presents tech-based modules that inculcate skills such as coding, gamification, robotics, and IT to keep up with the demands of an ever-changing world. 

Boarding info

Boarders at UCSI International School, KL can expect a safe and secure environment, with a well-structured routine that maximises learning and personal development, whilst still allowing for leisure time. Since boarding in itself is seen as an educational experience, students are exposed to values such as sharing, camaraderie, and teamwork, preparing them for future success. 

Highlights:

• Double room with ensuite bathroom, furnished with wardrobe, bed, and bedside table
• 24-hour on-site security with CCTV surveillance
• Recreational lounge 
• Pantry
• Access to sports facilities

Find out more about UCSI International School, Kuala Lumpur.

UCSI International School, Springhill Port Dickson

UCSI International School also has a campus in Port Dickson, which suits parents looking for a tranquil environment where their children can focus on their studies. It is one of the few international schools in Malaysia that offers a full-range International Baccalaureate programme, spanning from Early Years up to Diploma. 

Boarding info

Character development counts just as much as academics throughout the years of schooling, which is why UCSI International School cultivates self-discipline and independent thought throughout the time that is spent on campus. Boarders follow a structured routine closely monitored by house parents, and enjoy time for recreation, fitness, games, and learning together with their peers. 

Highlights:

• 24-hour on-site security with CCTV surveillance 
• Double room with ensuite bathroom, furnished with wardrobe, bed, and bedside table
• Learning lab sessions, night market visits 
• On-campus Wi-Fi
• Live-in nurse caretaker

Find out more about UCSI International School, Springhill Port Dickson.

All information provided is correct at press time. Fees mentioned are subject to change at the school’s discretion. Kindly get in touch with the respective schools for the most up-to-date information on application and enrolment.