For more than 10 years, Malaysia has been one of the popular destinations for foreign migrants, and it has recently gained attention as a prime location for children's education.
Malaysia ranks third in English proficiency among Asian countries, just after Singapore and the Philippines. While Malay is the official language, English is widely spoken throughout the country.
As a multi-ethnic country, Malaysia offers the chance to learn not just English but also Chinese and Malay, which are commonly spoken in daily life.
Malaysia’s multi-ethnic population brings together a variety of languages, cultures, religions, and lifestyles. By living in this diverse environment, children can develop a broader perspective and appreciation for different values.
Compared to other countries, Malaysia offers relatively affordable living expenses and tuition fees. This makes it an attractive option for long-term education.
Malaysia provides a welcoming environment for long-term stays. Parents can apply for a guardian visa along with their child’s student visa, a benefit not commonly offered in other countries.
Additionally, there are long-term visas like the "MM2H visa" or "S-MM2H visa," which can be applied for if certain conditions are met. These visas offer another viable option for those considering migration to Malaysia.
For more details on long-term visas, check "Long-term Visas Required to Migrate to Malaysia (7 Types of Migration Models)."
Among low-cost Asian countries, Malaysia is relatively safe. However, as with any foreign country, it's important to remain vigilant.
Malaysia’s compulsory education consists of 6 years of primary education followed by 5 years of secondary education, starting at the age of seven.
In Malaysia, there are public schools, private schools, and international schools.
Public schools in Malaysia are categorized by the medium of instruction—Malay, Chinese, or Indian—and can be either single-gender or co-educational.
Tuition fees for public schools are free.
Both public and private schools in Malaysia follow the national curriculum set by the Malaysian government.
On the other hand, international school curricula are different from each school.
If a foreign student wishes to study in Malaysia, they are generally required to attend an international school.
Here are the main reasons:
In Malaysia, it is common for parents to drive their children to and from school, as walking to school is not part of the local culture.
As a result, drop-offs and pick-ups by parents or guardians are typical, or families opt for school bus services.
Most schools start classes at 7:30 am and dismiss around 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm.
Due to the large number of students in public schools, some schools have introduced staggered schedules. In these schools, upper-grade students attend classes in the morning, while lower-grade students attend in the afternoon.
Public schools operate on a two-semester system, with the school year starting in January.
School holidays typically occur in March, June, August, and December, ranging from one week to about a month.
However, international schools often have different academic calendars, with varying start dates and holiday schedules depending on their curriculum.
It's natural to feel concerned about your child receiving an education with a curriculum different from your home country. However, rest assured that the curricula offered by Malaysian international schools meet global standards. Many international students who attend these schools go on to enter universities and succeed as global citizens. Therefore, the education your child receives here will be applicable and relevant to your home country’s educational system.
In Malaysia, the British curriculum is the most common, but there are also American schools and International Baccalaureate (IB) schools. The choice of curriculum is particularly crucial at the high school level, as it can affect university entrance exams and your child's future career prospects. For younger children in elementary and middle school, the choice of curriculum generally has less impact on their future.
When considering educational migration, it’s essential for parents to determine the best timing for their children. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some key points to consider.
When living abroad, the time spent learning and using your child’s native language will naturally decrease. The younger your child is when they move, the more challenging it can be for them to fully master their native language.
If you plan for your child to eventually return to your home country, it’s crucial to consider the timing of migration, especially in relation to the educational milestones they will face upon their return.
You’ll need to think about your child's proficiency in your native language and their academic abilities. Key turning points, such as entry into elementary school, junior high school, high school, or university, will require careful planning, particularly when considering entrance exams and enrollment.
On the other hand, if you don’t plan for your child to return to your home country, and instead intend for them to continue their education in Malaysia or another English-speaking country, the timing of migration is less critical. This approach depends on your child’s motivation and English language skills.
However, it’s important to note that enrolling in an international school at the high school level can be challenging if your child lacks proficiency in English and sufficient academic skills. In such cases, it is generally not recommended.
Migration Timing | Merit | Demerit |
---|---|---|
Preschool | Easy to learn English and the local language, and adapt to the local environment. | Difficulty in maintaining proficiency in the native language. |
Elementary School (Lower Grades) | Easy to learn English and the local language, and adapt to the local environment. | Struggle to learn the native language and culture. |
Elementary School (Higher Grades) | Strong understanding of the native language and culture, which will likely be retained. | Difficulty understanding English textbooks. |
Middle School | Completion of elementary school provides a solid understanding of the native identity. | Challenging to keep up with all subjects being taught in English. |
High School | More affordable than migrating to the US or European countries. Boarding school options allow students to live independently. | A high level of English proficiency is required; without it, pursuing further studies after high school can be difficult. |
College | More affordable than studying in the US or Europe, with the possibility of earning a double degree through Western systems. | Graduating from a Malaysian university may make it difficult to find a job in your home country. |
After migrating to Malaysia, some families may unexpectedly find themselves needing to return to their home country. To avoid such situations, thorough preparation is key. When considering the educational environment in Malaysia, it’s crucial to gather accurate information, weighing both the pros and cons.
One effective strategy is to arrange a short-term school trial or a school visit before making the final decision to migrate. This will give you a firsthand experience of the school environment and help you make a more informed choice. Additionally, it’s important to plan ahead for your child’s educational path post-migration.
Families who skip these preparatory steps might adapt well if they’re fortunate. However, without proper planning, some may encounter issues that force them to return to their home country.
Given the significant impact that educational migration can have on your child’s development, it’s essential to carefully consider all aspects and make thorough preparations.
For those considering migrating to Malaysia, we offer extensive support for international school enrollment, school tours, and consultations. Obtaining reliable information about local international schools in Malaysia can be challenging from abroad.
We provide guidance on summer school programmes, short-term school trials, and other consulting services in Johor Bahru to help you choose the best educational programme for your child.
School Tour Support | Admission Support (per child, one school school) | |
---|---|---|
Support Content | ★Advice on selecting schools for a visit ★School tour (up to 3 schools per day) ★School tour with city tour (up to 2 schools per day) *Online interviews with schools can be arranged upon request. | ★Support to fill in the admission form |
★Support to prepare the enrollment documentation (medical check-up, reports card, letter of recommendation etc.) | ||
★Liaise with school for the admission (email, phone etc) | ||
★Interpretation & translation support | ||
★School tour arrangement | ★Admission test arrangement | |
★School tour interpretation and pickup support | ★Registration fees, payment support | |
★Provide information & consultation | ★Show around properties for rent (Virtual viewings may be arranged.) | |
Fees | RM1,600 / day | RM4,000 |
We are, so far we have arranged more than 150 cases for school visits, school introduction and enrollment support. We open applications for summer camp, short-term trial, and school enrollment mainly around Johor Bahru and we have a network with the schools. By using our information, network and consultation, you can enrol your child on the international school with peace of mind as we also support lifestyle after the migration and lifestyle in school.
To date, we have successfully facilitated over 150 cases of school visits, introductions, and enrollment support. We offer applications for summer camps, short-term trials, and school enrollments primarily in the Johor Bahru area, leveraging our strong network with local schools.
With our extensive information, network, and consultation services, you can enroll your child in an international school with peace of mind. We also provide ongoing support for your family's lifestyle after migration.