How to Apply for Government Primary School (Standard One)

by Felicia Yen . on 07/09/2021 58211

The school application process can be confusing. Parents who are not sure where to start, this guide gives you a detailed overview of how to apply for a place in a government primary school (Standard One). For those who wish to enrol your child into a private or international primary school should refer to the selected school’s guidelines and apply through their website.

When to Apply?

Children start primary school at the age of 7. Therefore, parents should register for a place when your child turns 6.

For example:

Children born between 2 January 2014 to 1 January 2015 will have to register for the 2021 intake.
Children born between 2 January 2015 to 1 January 2016 will have to register for the 2022 intake.

However, there is an exception given to children who are 2 weeks shy of 6 years, i.e. born between 2 to 15 January, at the time of registration. They will be required to go through a written test, as well as an oral interview, to prove that they are ready for school.

Click here to find out more about the types of primary schools in Malaysia and how to choose one.

The Application Process

To apply for your child’s primary school place, you will need to:

Access the Ministry of Education’s Online Registration System* (https://public.moe.gov.my/) and apply online**.

* The online registration portal is open from 1 March to 30 April every year.

**Online registration is only applicable for states in Peninsular Malaysia. For Sabah, Sarawak and Federal Territory of Labuan, parents will need to apply manually through the selected school.

image credit: Ministry of Education

You will need to create an account and register as a new user before submitting your application online, as shown below:

Register as new user | image credit: Ministry of Education

Fill in required details | image credit: Ministry of Education

Submit application | image credit: Ministry of Education

You are required to verify your registration at the school. This has to be done within 14 days after your online registration between 1 March to 30 April. Bring along the registration form, as well as the following supporting documents:

Birth certificate of child (original and copy)
I.C. of parent/guardian (original and copy)
Marriage certificate or divorce document (original and copy)
Utility bills (electric/water/assessment bills/rent/Telekom) under parent’s/guardian’s name to verify residential address (original and copy)
Copy of sibling’s birth certificate (if they are studying in the same school)
Doctor’s health report or OKU card (if applicable)
Self-addressed envelope with stamp affixed (subject to individual school requirements)

For further help or assistance, kindly contact your nearest State Education Department (Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri) or District Education Office (Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah).

Visit https://public.moe.gov.my/ to learn about important updates or changes.

To make your child’s transition to primary school as smooth as possible, click here for some simple tips to ease anxiety and be prepared.