Compare International Schools in Sabah, Malaysia

Charis International School is situated in Tawau, a coastal town in Sabah, East Malaysia. The school occupies four floors within Calvary Crown, a ten-story multipurpose building located in the heart of Tawau. The campus is approximately a 35-minute drive (30 km) from Tawau Airport, offering convenient access for both local and international families.

Charis International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum. The structure includes:
Kindergarten: Ages 4–6
Primary: Years 1–6 (Ages 6–11)
Lower Secondary: Years 7–9 (Ages 12–14)
Upper Secondary: Years 10–11 (Ages 15–16)

Charis International School is a co-educational and provides boarding facilities, known as "Charis Home," for outstation and international students. This boarding option is available to students from Year 7 onwards.

Charis International School does not explicitly mention dedicated programs or facilities for students with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) on its official website.

Charis International School is a private Malaysian institution and is not affiliated with any foreign government or international national system.

Charis International School does not explicitly state any religious affiliation on its official website.

At Charis International School, the school day usually operates from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, specific daily start and end times for classes are not detailed on the official website.

Charis International School does not list a dedicated school bus or coach service on its official website.

The school offers boarding for outstation and international students, with Charis Home available as a home-away-from-home option. A boarding form is required for boarding applicants.

Secondary students are required to wear full formal uniform. After assembly, the blazer and the waistcoat may be removed, but the tie must be worn all day.

The school is governed by a Board of Governors. The Chairman is Radaha Krishnan; the Treasurer is Soon Yee Fun; Board Members are Teh Yung Huat, Tan Kian Chong and Tay Ming Yih. The school is MOE-approved and a Cambridge International Examination Centre offering Cambridge IGCSE.

Charis International School offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Kindergarten through Year 11. In the Kindergarten years (ages 4–6), students engage in foundational learning across communication, literacy, numeracy, science, art, music, and physical development, with exposure to English, Malay, and Chinese. Primary students (Years 1–6) follow the Cambridge Primary Programme, studying English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives, alongside computing, PE, moral/religious education, and additional languages. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) continues with the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme and introduces subjects such as Social Studies, Art, Music, and ICT. In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students prepare for the IGCSE exams and can choose between science or commerce streams, with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Accounting, ICT, and languages. Instruction is in English, and the curriculum is supported by co-curricular activities and project-based learning.

Charis International School emphasizes a nurturing environment, particularly in its Kindergarten program, where children are individually guided through a holistic development program. The school's commitment to a supportive atmosphere is evident in its efforts to provide a "home away from home" for students.

The school does not explicitly mention specialized programs or facilities for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) on its official website.

Charis International School offers English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, particularly at the Lower Secondary level. This provision supports students who are not fluent in English, helping them to develop the necessary language skills to access the broader curriculum effectively.

While the school emphasizes a caring and supportive environment, specific programs or initiatives targeting mental wellbeing are not detailed on the official website.

Charis International School has established rules and disciplinary procedures to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, with immediate parental involvement and formal warnings issued in such cases. These measures underscore the school's commitment to safeguarding and child protection.

Schedule a School Tour or Trial Class (Optional)
Families can book a school tour, admissions test, or trial class by downloading and submitting the enquiry form available on the school's website. This provides an opportunity to experience the school's environment and facilities firsthand.

Complete and Submit the Application Form
Download and fill out the Admissions Form. Along with the form, prepare the following documents:
Four recent passport-sized photos of the student.
A copy of the student's birth certificate, MyKid, or passport.
Copies of parents' MyKads or passports, and visas.
The student's most recent school report.
Boarding applicants must complete the boarding application form.

Pay the Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of MYR 200 is required. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, online transfer, or telegraphic transfer.

Await Application Review and Notification
The admissions team will review the application and send a notification of the outcome via email. If successful, further instructions regarding enrollment and orientation will be provided.

For International Students: Visa Application and Arrival Preparations
Upon receiving an offer, international students should apply for a student visa through the appropriate visa center. After obtaining the visa, arrange travel to Tawau, Malaysia, and prepare for the start of the academic term. International students should note the following steps:
Apply for a student Visa with the Visa Centre
Book a flight ticket and arrive at school
Pay school and misc. fees
Buy and collect your books and uniforms from the school office
Collect the Academic Calendar, timetable, name tag and Club activity form
Download the school2me app

Charis International School offers scholarships to high-achieving students. Top-performing students are encouraged to sit for an assessment exam, and scholarships are awarded based on the results.

Charis International School does not explicitly mention the operation of a waitlist or pool system on its official website. Admissions are processed on a rolling basis, subject to availability.

Jesselton International School is situated at Lot 1, Jalan Kemajuan, Karamunsing, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The school is located in a central area of Kota Kinabalu, providing convenient access to various parts of the city. This location offers ease of transportation for families residing in and around the city.

Jesselton International School follows the British curriculum, preparing students for IGCSE and A-Level examinations and is structured as follows:
Kindergarten: Ages 4–6
Primary School: Years 1–6
Secondary School: Years 7–11
A-Level Programme: Years 12–13

Jesselton International School is a co-educational day school. It does not offer boarding facilities.

The school provides support for students with additional learning needs, including those requiring special educational assistance.

Jesselton International School does not have a formal affiliation with any country.

The school is non-denominational and does not have any religious affiliation.

Specific details about the daily schedule, including start and end times, as well as break and lunch periods, are not publicly provided.

Jesselton International School does not publicly specify the provision of a school bus or transportation service.

The school has a house system with three houses named Titan, Spartan and Trojan. Regular house days are held and involve social, academic, creative, and sporting events to foster a sense of belonging among students.

The school is owned by Golden Bornoe Hope Sdn. Bhd. (Company registration number 1279130-K).

Jesselton International School offers a British-based curriculum from Early Years through to A Levels. In the Kindergarten stage (ages 4–6), the school follows a play-based learning approach aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The Primary School curriculum (Years 1–6) includes English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Art, Music, PE, and Languages (Malay and Mandarin). At the Secondary level (Years 7–11), students follow the Cambridge curriculum, preparing for IGCSE examinations in a range of core and elective subjects. In Years 12 and 13, students pursue Cambridge International A Levels, selecting from academic subjects in sciences, humanities, and mathematics. English is the medium of instruction, with additional support for non-native speakers.

JIS emphasizes the development of students' social and emotional competencies through its educational practices. Teachers are encouraged to consider each child's individual needs, fostering deeper understanding and problem-solving skills.

While JIS is not a specialist SEN institution, it strives to support students with diverse learning needs.

JIS recognizes the importance of supporting students for whom English is an additional language. The school's teaching staff employs strategies to assist EAL students in developing their English proficiency, enabling them to access the curriculum effectively and participate fully in school life.

The school acknowledges the significance of mental health and wellbeing in the educational journey. JIS fosters a caring community where teachers are dedicated to the holistic development of students, including their emotional wellbeing.

JIS is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students. The school implements safeguarding measures aligned with best practices to protect students' welfare. Staff members are trained to recognize and respond to child protection concerns, ensuring that the wellbeing of students remains a top priority.

Schedule a School Visit or Attend an Open House
Parents are encouraged to visit the campus to meet with staff and understand the school's environment.

Complete the Application Form
Students must submit a registration form and ensure that all the required documents, such as previous school reports and identification, are included.

Assessment and Interview
Depending on the year group, students may be required to undergo assessments or interviews to determine appropriate placement and support needs.

Offer and Acceptance
Successful applicants will receive an offer letter. To secure the place, parents must confirm acceptance and pay the enrolment fee of MYR 6500 and a deposit of MYR 2000 due at registration.

Orientation and Commencement
Before the academic year begins, new students may attend orientation sessions to familiarize themselves with the school community and routines.

As of the current information available, Jesselton International School does not publicly advertise any scholarship programs.

Jesselton International School does not publicly specify the use of a waitlist or pool system. Admissions are processed on a rolling basis, and placements are subject to availability in the desired year group.

Imperium International Secondary School is situated at No. 1, Lorong Wisma Dixon, Jalan Tuaran, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The school is located near the Likas area, providing convenient access to various parts of the city. Its central location ensures accessibility for families residing in and around Kota Kinabalu.

The school's curriculum is structured into Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) and Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), culminating in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.

Imperium International Secondary School is a co-educational day school and does not offer boarding facilities.

The school provides counselling services and pastoral care to support students' mental and emotional wellbeing. However, there is no specific information available regarding support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Imperium International Secondary School is a Malaysian institution and does not have an affiliation with any other country.

The school is secular and does not have any religious affiliation.

The school operates from Monday to Friday, with classes commencing at 8:00 AM and concluding at 3:30 PM. This schedule includes designated breaks and lunchtime within the school day.

Day school

Imperium International Secondary School is part of the Edumaax Group under the umbrella of MAA Group Bhd. It is linked to St. John's International School in Kuala Lumpur and Imperium International School. It is registered with the Education Ministry of Malaysia (MOE) and approved by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) to deliver the IGCSE syllabus.

Imperium International Secondary School offers a curriculum based on the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) framework, catering to students from Year 7 to Year 11. It follows the national school calendar.

In the Lower Secondary stage (Years 7–9), students study subjects including English as a First Language, Malay as a First Language, Mathematics, Science, ICT, History and Geography of Asia, Global Perspectives, and Physical Education. This stage is designed to build foundational knowledge and skills across a broad range of disciplines.

For Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. Up to 14 subjects are offered at this level, including English as a First Language, Malay as a First Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics or ICT, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Accounting, Economics, and Business Studies. The IGCSE program at IISS caters to different levels of ability, offering both core and extended papers in many subjects, allowing students to choose the level that best suits their academic strengths.

This structured progression from Lower to Upper Secondary ensures that students are well-prepared for further education and equipped with the necessary skills for academic success.

IISS supports students’ social and emotional growth through special classes on character and values development. These sessions are designed to help students build resilience, empathy, and responsibility in a structured setting. Additionally, the school offers up to four parent–teacher meetings annually, facilitating open communication about students’ social and emotional progress. This is complemented by real-time lesson updates for parents via the EMS system, fostering stronger school-home collaboration.

The school's website does not provide specific information regarding support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

IISS offers English as a First Language as part of its curriculum, indicating that English is the primary medium of instruction. It also offers an English Language Mastery Programme, which suggests structured language development support for students. However, the website does not detail specific programs or support structures for students who are non-native English speakers.

IISS provides access to counselling services and pastoral care to support students’ mental and emotional health. These services are designed to help students navigate academic pressures, interpersonal challenges, and personal growth. Activities such as leadership camps and character development classes are integrated into the school experience to promote self-awareness, resilience, and confidence.

IISS's website does not provide explicit information regarding safeguarding policies or child protection measures.

Submit the Application Form and Required Documents
Complete the school's application form and provide the necessary documents, including academic records and identification. A non-refundable application fee is required at this stage. This step initiates the formal application process.

Attend the Placement Test
The admissions team will schedule a placement test to assess the student's suitability for the school's programs. The test evaluates academic readiness and helps determine the appropriate grade level. Parents will be notified of the test date and time via email.

Placement Test Outcome
The school will communicate the outcome of the placement test within one week. If the student meets the requirements and there is availability, an offer of admission will be extended. If the desired grade level is full, the student may be placed on a waiting list.

Registration and Payment
Upon acceptance, parents are required to pay the registration fee, one semester's tuition fee, insurance, and a security deposit. After payment, the school will provide a Student Handbook and Registration Checklist. Orientation details will also be shared to help new students integrate smoothly.

The school's website mentions the availability of scholarships; however, specific details regarding scholarship types, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines are not provided.

Imperium International Secondary School operates a waitlist system for grade levels that have reached full capacity. If a student's application is successful but no immediate placement is available, their name will be added to the waiting list.

Kinabalu International School is located in Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on the island of Borneo in East Malaysia. The school sits in a quiet, leafy suburb approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre. It is accessible by car and taxi, and located near local amenities and residential neighbourhoods. The surrounding area offers a calm environment for families while remaining close to urban conveniences.

Kinabalu International School is structured into Early Years, Primary School (Years 1–6), Secondary School (Years 7–13), and A Levels in Year 13.

Kinabalu International School is a co-educational, non-boarding day school. It welcomes both Malaysian and international students and operates on a not-for-profit model governed by a Board of Governors elected by the parents.

The school offers support for students with mild to moderate additional learning needs. Provision is coordinated through its Learning Support Team, who work in partnership with teachers and families. Support may include differentiated instruction, classroom assistance, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as required.

KIS does not have a formal affiliation with any one country.

Kinabalu International School is secular and has no religious affiliation.

The school day typically begins at 7:45 AM and ends at 2:00 PM for Early Years and Primary, and 3:00 PM for Secondary classes. There are designated morning breaks and a lunch period. After-school clubs and extracurricular activities run on selected afternoons until around 3:00 PM for Primary and 4:00 PM for Secondary students.

The school does not run a transport service.

Uniform is required for all students. Pupils are assigned to a School House (Gaya, Sulug, or Sapi). Shoes must be black or white with white ankle socks; no coloured shoe laces. Jewellery is limited to a single pair of stud earrings for girls; nail polish and makeup are not permitted; hair colouring must be natural. Most uniform items can be purchased from the KIS Shop in the School Hall, with online orders via shop.kis.edu.my.

Catered lunches are available from the on-site Colour Meal canteen, and students may also bring their own lunches. Lunches can be pre-ordered on a weekly basis; payments are made to Colour Meals and orders must be submitted by Friday 3pm for the following week.

Pupils are placed in a School House: Gaya, Sulug or Sapi.

KIS is a not-for-profit school owned and operated by parents. Governance is through a Board of Governors elected annually by parents. The school is accredited by the Council International Schools (CIS) and is a founding member of FOBISIA.

Kinabalu International School follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years to Secondary. In Early Years (ages 3–5), the focus is on structured play, communication, and foundational skills across seven areas of learning. The Primary School (Years 1–6) builds core competencies in English (including Drama), Mathematics, Science, Computing, Humanities, and the Arts (Music and Design Technology), along with weekly lessons in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, French and PE. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), students continue with a broad curriculum including ICT, Personal, Social, Economic and Health Education. At Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), students work toward the Cambridge IGCSE, selecting subjects alongside core requirements in English, Language, Mathematics, and Sciences. Post-16 students (Years 12–13) follow the Cambridge A Level programme, typically choosing 3–4 subjects based on their university goals.

Kinabalu International School integrates social and emotional development into its curriculum through a Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) programme. This programme equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage their lives and thrive as individuals and community members. In Early Years and Primary, the school emphasizes social skills such as turn-taking, sharing, and independence, fostering trust and mutual respect.

Kinabalu International School is an inclusive school that supports students with mild to moderate learning and behavioural needs. The school employs specialized staff, including SEN and learning support teachers, who provide assistance both within and outside the classroom. However, due to physical limitations of the school site, KIS is unable to accommodate students requiring specialist physical provisions, such as wheelchair access.

For students whose first language is not English, KIS offers EAL support through dedicated teachers who work alongside classroom teachers. Support is provided within mainstream classes and may include additional sessions as needed. An Individual Needs Support Fee applies for students assessed as requiring EAL assistance, which is reviewed each term.

Kinabalu International School prioritizes students' mental wellbeing by providing access to a full-time school counsellor who offers guidance and emotional support. The counsellor collaborates closely with the Safeguarding Team to ensure a supportive environment.

Kinabalu International School maintains safeguarding and child protection policies in line with international standards. All staff members undergo annual safeguarding training to uphold these standards. The school has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Ms. Roberta Young, who can be contacted for any safeguarding concerns.

1. Application
To submit an application to the school, you will need to complete the Application Form and pay a non-refundable application fee of RM 800 per child.
Application may be made online/ via email, or physically submitted.
Please note that this is not a commitment from you to accept a place, nor does it confirm that your child will be offered a place.

2. Assessment
Assessments are conducted in school (by appointment), based on age and year group. For families based overseas, it is possible for the assessment to be taken in your country of residence.

3. Placement Offer
Following the assessment stage, the Heads of School and the Principal review the assessment results and confirm their recommendation regarding a place at the school. This process typically takes between 7 to 14 school days. A verbal confirmation is provided as soon as a decision is made. Additionally, a written confirmation follows, detailing the offer of a place, class placement, and admission date.

4. Acceptance of a Place
A confirmation of acceptance is required within 7 days of the placement offer letter being issued. Upon receipt of the signed acceptance, the school will finalise the student’s class placement, raise the invoice for fees, and provide all relevant information for the start of school.
If a student does not begin attending within two weeks of the agreed start date, their name will be removed from the admissions list, and the application fee will be forfeited.

Kinabalu International School offers a Scholarship Programme for Year 12 students entering the A-Level programme. Scholarships are merit-based and awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance along with active involvement in extracurricular or community service activities.

The scholarship applies to the two-year A-Level programme and may cover a portion of the tuition fees. Applicants must complete a scholarship application form, submit academic records, and participate in an interview and assessment process.

Scholarships are limited and subject to annual availability and funding decisions by the school’s Board.

Parents will be informed if a class is full. If they still wish to continue with the application procedure, they will be advised that the student will be placed on a waiting list in the appropriate pool. The pools are as follows:
- Pool A - Students who have a parent employed by the school. - Pool B - Students whose siblings are studying at KIS.
- Pool C- Students for whom English is their first language.
- Pool D - Students with English as an additional language but who are fluent in English.
- Pool E - Students with English as an additional language who are not fluent in English.