Malaysia’s International Schools: Student Nationality Percentage and Visa Application Process
by on 02/06/2025 11000
International schools provide a unique platform for students from diverse backgrounds to come together and learn in a multicultural environment. With students hailing from all corners of the world, these schools have become a melting pot of cultures, languages and traditions. However, navigating the visa application process can often be a complicated task for both students and their families. In this article, we take a closer look at the different nationalities of students attending each international school and the visa application processes that are involved.
1. Nexus International School, Putrajaya
2. St. John’s International School, Bukit Nanas
3. Australian International School Malaysia, Seri Kembangan
4. Oasis International School, Bandar Rimbayu
5. Hua Xia International School, Seri Kembangan
6. Pine Hills International School, USJ
7. Acmar International School, Klang
8. Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, Putra Heights
9. Sri KDU International School, Subang Jaya
10. Sri Bestari International School, Bandar Sri Damansara
11. Peninsula International School Australia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam
12. Sunway International Schools, Sunway City, Kuala Lumpur
13. Mutiara International Grammar School, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
14. Templer Park International School, Rawang, Selangor
15. Epsom College in Malaysia, Bandar Enstek, Selangor
16. Cranbridge International School, Kuala Lumpur
17. Rafflesia International School, Puchong
Fig. 1. The graph displays the breakdown of the top nationalities among students enrolled in various international schools across Malaysia. The data reveals that the international schools in Malaysia are indeed a melting pot of cultures, with students hailing from diverse backgrounds.
1. Nexus International School, Putrajaya
|
As a learning focused school, Nexus International School empowers learners through the Nexus Way, which consists of four elements – Relationships, Inclusion, Innovation and Mindsets. It is the foundation and philosophy that reflects in its teachers and learners; a learning environment that is innovative, progressive, and grounded in trust, compassion, and respect. This is the Nexus Way. |
|
|---|---|
|
Curricula |
International Early years Curriculum, International Primary Curriculum, Middle School Programme, IGCSE, IBDP, Alternative Pathway |
|
Most common nationalities |
Malaysian (60%), Chinese (12%), British (8%) & Korean (7%) |
Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application
Submit an application for admissions to Nexus International School. If the application is successful, an offer of place will be made to the student.
Once the child has been successfully enrolled in Nexus International School, the student services department will assist in the application of student pass and guardian pass.
Click here for further enquiries
2. St. John’s International School, Bukit Nanas
|
St. John’s International School (SJIS) presents a new milieu for students from different cultures and backgrounds to be nurtured in education, sports and extra-curricular activities excellence. The school realises that a holistic education is also one that promotes values of respect for all and a sense of responsibility. Good discipline and strong student-faculty relationship are emphasised to create a mutual and respectful learning environment within the school. At SJIS, they envision a great learning experience for its students. The school’s focus on varied exposures and the well-balanced needs of students will set them on a trailblazing path in higher education studies glory and a bright future. |
|
|---|---|
|
Curricula |
British, Cambridge IGCSE, GCE A Level |
|
Most common nationalities |
60% Local (Chinese, Indian & Malay), 40% Expat (Indian, Bangladeshi, Vietnamese, Nigerian, Korean, Japanese, Singaporean, Australian, British, Russian, Bruneian, Filipino, French, Syrian, Uzbekistani, Indonesian) |
Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application
Applicants must submit a completed school application form with copies of the relevant documents and a non-refundable application fee. The successful applicant must meet the requirements set for the enrolment process, and parents will be notified of the application status within one week from the placement test date.
Student Visa
- Student age must be 6 to 12 years old (SJIP) and 11 to 18 years old (SJIS) according to the year.
- Students and parents must have valid passports and visas.
- Parents holding working permits (PLKS) are not eligible to apply.
- A student with an attendance problem will affect their visa not being renewed.
- All documents certified/verified from Embassy/Bank/JPN/Income tax are only valid for six months.
- The immigration officer is entitled to ask for additional documents if necessary.
- Only the completed application will be accepted and processed.
- The duration of the time process once submitted to Immigration Department is 7 working days.
Guardian Visa
- Guardian Visa is only provided to either mother or retired father.
- Guardian visa holders are strictly not allowed to work.
- Parents holding Professional Employment Pass must apply for a Dependent pass.
- Parents holding working permits (PLKS) are not eligible to apply.
- The school must submit a Guardian visa application and a student visa application.
- All documents certified/verified from Embassy/Bank/JPN/Income tax are only valid for six months.
- Duration/estimate time process once submitted to Immigration Department 7 working days / 30 working days for China and Nigeria.
3. Australian International School Malaysia, Seri Kembangan
|
With exceptional teaching and an Australian curriculum built on the world-renowned Visible Learning approach, Australian International School Malaysia is the school of choice for your child. From pre-school to pre-university, the school’s approach focuses on academic excellence and student well-being which allows students to make choices about their learning and offers a balanced approach to future-focused learning. |
|
|---|---|
|
Curricula |
Australian, New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC) |
|
Most common nationalities |
Malaysian (47%), Australian (15%), Chinese (13%), Japanese (8%), Korean (4%), Others (13%) |
Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application
Admissions run throughout the year with no application deadlines. However, it is encouraged to apply as early as possible to secure a place for your child. Complete the application form and include the relevant documents required. Upon the offer of enrolment, the school’s Admissions Officer will send you an email with details on what to do next such as uniform purchase, student IDs, bussing, and much more.
AISM can help parents to apply for the Student Pass and Guardian Pass (1 year validity and yearly renewal). After getting an approval from the Ministry of Education, relevant documents will have to be submitted to the immigration for the visa. New Student visa will cost RM900 (renewal RM800) and Guardian visa RM1,500 (renewal RM900).
AISM will guide you and your family throughout the entire process to ensure a smooth start for your child.
Click here for further enquiries
4. Oasis International School, Bandar Rimbayu
|
Oasis International School (OIS) – Kuala Lumpur offers an American educational program for students in Kindergarten to 12th grade that is staffed by U.S. certified teachers, created to be academically challenging, integrated with cutting-edge technology, and centered in developing character in our students. OIS offers a personalized learning experience that integrates a holistic, differentiated approach, based on the United States education model. |
|
|---|---|
|
Curricula |
American |
|
Most common nationalities |
30% Malaysian, 70% Expat (American, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, British, Dutch, Indian, etc.) |
Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application
Oasis International School (OIS) uses an online application system. The first step of the admissions process is to complete the online application and attach supporting documents. Following their review of the application, your child will then be scheduled for an admissions assessment. Admittance of the student will be based on available space, age, academic history, and admissions assessment. Once students are admitted to OIS, the school will apply for approval to study from the Ministry of Education. Once approved, OIS will proceed with obtaining a student visa and guardian visa, as needed. The school has delegated staff members to assist with curating the documents, applications, as well as assisting families to get the official visa sticker. OIS Student visa application is RM1500 while guardian visa application is free of charge.
Click here for further enquiries
5. Hua Xia International School, Seri Kembangan
|
Hua Xia International School (HXIS), Seri Kembangan is nothing short of a strong school profile. The curricular offerings, facilities, academic team, as well as the attention to growing an awareness of global citizenship, are truly a draw for the families who enrol here. At HXIS, they endeavour to provide an inclusive environment for the students who come from near and far to continually challenge themselves to their full potential. |
|
|---|---|
|
Curricula |
British |
|
Most common nationalities |
Malaysian (90%), Middle Eastern (8%), Chinese (2%) |
Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application
A letter of enrolment will be issued officially to the student upon the confirmation of student enrolment and required payment made.
Once students are admitted into HXIS, the school will apply for approval to study from the Ministry of Education. Once approved, HXIS will proceed with obtaining a student visa and guardian visa, as needed. The school will provide assistance where and when necessary.
6. Pine Hills International School, USJ
|
Pine Hills International School (PHIS), USJ Subang Jaya is an inclusive international school committed to celebrating individuality and developing inquisitive learners who will be well equipped for life. PHIS provides British-based education for students aged 3 years and above across their Preschool Programme, Primary Programme, Secondary Programme and A Levels. |
|
|---|---|
|
Curricula |
British |
|
Most common nationalities |
Malaysian (90%), Expat (10%) |
Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application
PHIS will provide assistance where and when necessary for obtaining both student and guardian visas.
7. Acmar International School, Klang
|
Established in mid-2018 and strategically located at Bandar Baru Klang, Acmar International School (AIS) has earned a reputation of being the top in its category owing to its wholesome holistic approach in guiding its students to emerge as creative and critical thinkers with indispensable 21st century skills. These inevitably equal to owning top-notch facilities that are conducive for students to hone knowledge and timely skills on droning, robotics, coding and more. |
|
|---|---|
|
Curricula |
British |
|
Most common nationalities |
80% Malaysian (Chinese, Indian & Malay), 20% Expat (Chinese, Indian, Bangladeshi, Vietnamese, Burmese & Japanese) |
Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application
After an offer is made, parents are required to respond to the Offer Letter within 7 days by completing the enrolment procedure. Key information for the student visa application is highlighted below:
- Students age must be 4 to 6 years old (Early Years), 6 to 11 years old (Primary) and 12 to 16 years old (Secondary) according to the year.
- Students and parents must have valid passports and visas.
- Parents holding working permits (PLKS) are not eligible to apply.
- The immigration officer is entitled to ask for additional documents if necessary.
- Only the completed application will be accepted and processed.
8. Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, Putra Heights
|
Maple Leaf Kingsley International School (MLKIS) started school operation in September 2011, setting the momentum for the establishment of the Kingsley Education Group. The new campus is strategically situated at Kingsley Hills and commenced operation in September 2015. Surrounded by lush green and offering a breath-taking sight of the city skyline of Kuala Lumpur, it also offers a healthy and clean studying environment with its location far from industrial and city areas. The main mission of MLKIS is to inspire curiosity and enrich its students with real-world experiences. The school believes resilience, self-discipline and the ability to relate to others are vital achievements to supplement a child’s IQ. MLKIS motivates its students to see the importance of living purposefully and fearlessly in life. |
|
|---|---|
|
Curricula |
British |
|
Most common nationalities |
Malaysian (60%), Expat (40%) |
Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application
MLKIS has a delegated department to assist families in obtaining both student and guardian (one parent only) visas. Visa application can only be done after your arrival in Malaysia with the relevant documents available and a valid travel visa. The actual application process may vary from time to time according to immigration requirements.
9. Sri KDU International School, Subang Jaya
|
Sri KDU International School, Subang Jaya offers a British-style education to its diverse and international community celebrating all our cultures, whilst working toward internationally accepted and accredited UK-standard qualifications. The school empowers students to positively impact the world through education. Its approach focuses on building a community of safe, happy and successful learners. |
|
|---|---|
|
Curricula |
British |
|
Most common nationalities |
Malaysian (60%), Indian (6%), Korean (5%), Chinese (3%), Japanese (3%), Maldivian (3%), Others (20%) |
Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application
Once the student has been successfully enrolled in Sri KDU International School, Subang Jaya the Admissions Department and its Appointed Agent will assist in the application of the student visa.
Click here for further enquiries
10. Sri Bestari International School, Bandar Sri Damansara
|
Developed on 15-acres of land, Sri Bestari International School (SBIS) is home to over 50 spacious and airy classrooms, 8 studios covering Music and Performing Arts, and indoor and outdoor playground, 10 fully equipped labs for the Sciences, ICT and Culinary labs, a football field, basketball field, tennis court, a 25-meter swimming pool, an indoor multipurpose and sports hall as well as an auditorium with a capacity of up to 450pax. SBIS believes that by inspiring the children towards a growth mindset will prepare the children for a rapidly changing environment and the many challenges that lie ahead. The changing global landscape makes it imperative for a collective breadth of skills across ages and breadth of learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. |
|
|---|---|
|
Curricula |
IEYC and UK National Curriculum |
|
Most common nationalities |
Malaysian (85%), Korean (3%), Chinese (2.5%), Hong Kong (1.6%), Pakistani (1.6%), Indian (1.6%), Others |
Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application
Once the student has been successfully enrolled in Sri Bestari International School, the Admissions Department and an external visa agent will assist in the application of the student pass.
No. 1 Malaysia Early Childhood Directory. We help parents to find preschools, enrichment programs, and more!
© 2025 Kiddy123.com