Malaysia's International Schools: Student Nationality Percentage and Visa Application Process

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.

Click here for visa appplication guidelines and here for further enquiries

 

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.

Click here for visa application checklist and here for further enquiries

 

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.

Click here for visa application guidelines and here for further enquiries

 

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.

Click here for admission guidelines and here for further enquiries

 

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.

Click here for visa application checklist and here for further enquiries

9. Sri KDU International School, Subang Jaya

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.

10. Sri Bestari International School, Bandar Sri Damansara

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.

11. Peninsula International School Australia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam

Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application

PISA Non-Malaysian students who are 4 years old and above and had been offered an admission to study at PISA can proceed to apply for a Student Visa.

Upon being granted a Student Visa, either one of the parents (preferably the mother of the applicant) can proceed with applying for a Guardian Visa.

If the Student Visa’s holder has younger siblings who are below the age of 6 years old, they can apply for a Younger Sibling Visa after the parents have been granted the Guardian Visa.

12. Sunway International Schools, Sunway City, Kuala Lumpur

Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application

Here are the essential steps to guide you through the registration and visa application process:

Registration Process:

• Complete Preliminary Review Form

• Complete Application Form

• Prepare Certified true copies of the past 3 years’ academic results/final report card

• Student’s Passport/IC/Birth Certificate

• Student’s & Parents’ Passport-sized photograph

• Partial registration fee for Readiness Assessment (Grade 4 onwards; Interview for

  case-to-case basis)

• Await Offer Letter

Student Visa Application Process: (After receiving the offer letter)

1) Application of MOE Supporting Letter:

• School will begin the submission of getting MOE supporting letter upon receiving the Acceptance of Offer and Enrolment Fee from parents.
• Students' passport will need to be valid for at least 1.5 years and has a sufficient page for visa endorsement.
• The duration of granting the supporting letter will take up to approximately 8 – 10 weeks.

2) Submission of Visa Application to Immigration:

• The school will submit the student’s passport and completed documents of student visa application to immigration upon receiving the MOE supporting letter.
• Students will be given a Visa Acknowledgement Receipt while their passport is being processed.
• The duration of granting the student visa sticker will take up to approximately 8 weeks.

3) Collection of Passport:

• School will notify parents when the student’s passport is ready for collection.
• The Visa Acknowledgement Receipt must be returned to collect the passport at the Admin Office.

13. Mutiara International Grammar School, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application

Here are the essential steps to guide you through the registration and visa application process:

A student pass under the School is not required by the Malaysian Authorities for foreign students who have obtained a visa under MM2H or are under a dependent visa before he/she is allowed to continue their education in Malaysia (specifically at Mutiara).

Other foreign students who do not fall under these two categories will require a valid student pass and Mutiara will assist in the application for the pass. The correct information must be furnished to the school during the application. The school shall bear no responsibility for unsuccessful applications due to incorrect information. The entire cost of the application shall be borne by the parents/guardians.

The process is as follows:

• Confirmation letter from the School stating they have a place.

• Letter from the Ministry of Education confirming their status.

• Approval from the Immigration Department.

14. Templer Park International School, Rawang, Selangor

Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application

Here are the essential steps to guide you through the registration and visa application process:

The school will submit necessary documentation for MOE approval then submit it to the Immigration Department.

15. Epsom College in Malaysia, Bandar Enstek, Selangor

Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application

Here are the essential steps to guide you through the registration and visa application process:

International students are required to submit a copy of their passports when they come to the school for an assessment test. All passports MUST have a validity of TWO years and above.

Immigration Malaysia only issues Multiple Entry Student Pass to students aged 7 years and above. For applicants below 7 years old, a dependent pass is required (via parent with Employment Pass or MM2H).

International students studying at Epsom College in Malaysia will need a Dependent Pass [with relevant stamp] or an International Student Pass from the Immigration Department of Malaysia. The following information will guide interested international families through the necessary steps to obtain the approvals needed to enrol their child in the College.

Student Visa & Student Pass Processing Fee Notice:

• A Student Pass Processing fee of RM 2000 is payable upon acceptance of the placement offer for international students who would require a student pass to study with Epsom College in Malaysia.

• The fee covers processing costs for the application of the international student’s endorsement documents and the pass with the Malaysian Ministry of Education and Immigration Department of Malaysia.

• All international student pass applications will only be processed if they are accompanied by:

• All necessary documents listed in the International Student Application checklist form together with any other document(s) required by the Admissions Office & International Office of Epsom College in Malaysia.

• The payment of the above can be made in cash, cheque made payable to Epsom College Malaysia Sdn Bhd or a bank transfer (account details available on request).

• The international student pass fee is non-refundable.

• The international student pass fee is applied only once for each successful applicant. The fee is applicable and payable at the same rate should the first application be rejected for whatever reasons and a second application is requested.

• Extension of a student pass on expiry is charged at RM 1,000.00 per year and is non-refundable if the application is rejected for whatever reasons.

STUDENTS WITH A DEPENDANT PASS

• Students with a Dependent Pass can be enrolled directly into Epsom College in Malaysia and no International Student Pass is needed. This is usually in the case of children of expatriate parents working in Malaysia with a valid work permit. Students with a dependant pass are required to submit their passport to Epsom College in Malaysia to obtain the permission to study stamp

16. Cranbridge International School, Kuala Lumpur

Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application

Here are the essential steps to guide you through the registration and visa application process:

The admission steps for international students are the same. The school will only start the Visa Application process once received all payments and deposits. In the event that the student or guardian is unable to obtain a visa from the Malaysian Authorities (and strictly and solely for this reason alone), the parent may apply to the school for refund of prorated Tuition Fees and Security Deposit paid. Application Fee and Registration Fee are Non-Refundable. The visa process can take up to 8 weeks. We recommend that you start the visa process before entering Malaysia or as soon as you enter Malaysia.

Student Visa:

• Students must be aged 4 to 18 years old

• Students & parents must have valid passports and visas

• Student visa holders are strictly not allowed to work

• Parents holding working permits (PLKS) are not eligible to apply

Guardian Visa:

• The Malaysian Immigration will only provide a guardian visa to one parent, usually the mother or retired father.

• Guardian visa holders are not allowed to work

• Parents holding working permits (PLKS) are not eligible to apply

17. Rafflesia International School, Puchong

Expatriate Applicant – Student Visa Application

Expatriate parents may apply to enrol their child at Rafflesia International School by completing the application for admission form accompanied by all the relevant documents, such as the student’s academic reports and credentials, the valid visas granted by the Malaysian Immigration Department and such other documents as may be required by the school.

*Prices mentioned in this article are subject to change.