The English Language in Malaysia

We help students get into the right school and college for their needs – whether that is UK college courses, or American university degrees. We work with students to make sure they have the best chance for the course they have chosen, and help them to settle into their new country. We want to give you an idea of what to expect from an  international school in malaysia  education in Malaysia, so you can make the right decision for your children's future.

The Best in Class

We work with schools throughout Malaysia to get the best teaching quality, and with your help we can continue to grow the program and provide the best possible experience to our students. In 2018 alone, we looked at over 200 schools in Malaysia and around Southeast Asia, comparing them on key performance indicators like GCSE pass rates, A-Level pass rates and international bachelors awarded. The data we gathered will help you decide where your child will get the best teaching and experience for their particular course.

International Baccalaureate

One of the world's leading qualifications, the International Baccalaureate offers a challenging International Certificate that students can study towards in lieu of A-Levels. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) is now available for children in kindergarten to year 13, offering them a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable life skills like teamwork and independence while also gaining academic qualifications. The IBDP is an academically rigorous course with a lot of content that is both stimulating and relevant to today's world, and it is the perfect complement to any modern curriculum.

Career Opportunities

Malaysia is a popular choice for investment with numerous businesses setting up shop, especially in the property and retail sectors. The country now has a lot of job opportunities for graduates, particularly in the property and construction industries, and even in senior management positions. Many top tier UK universities actively recruit students from Malaysia, especially those studying construction and real estate. With its favorable living conditions and economic development, Malaysia is certainly a country to watch for those entering the job market.

Affordable

One of the main appeals of an international school education is the ability to study in a country with more affordable costs. It is well known that tuition fees and living expenses in Malaysia are low, which makes it an attractive proposition for students. In fact, the entire country is somewhat affordable, when compared to some of the more affluent countries in the region like Singapore or Thailand. While the cost of living in Malaysia is low, there are still considerable savings to be made through targeted budgeting. When comparing the cost of living in Malaysia to that in Singapore, for example, it would be wise for parents to consider the considerable annual travel costs that can eat into a child's education budget.

At the other end of the affordability scale are countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, where the cost of living is considerably high, and where the dollar is weak. For those students who can benefit from the cheaper rates in Malaysia, but still want to pursue an educational experience abroad, Indonesia and the Philippines are worth considering. After all, a cheaper cost of living doesn't always mean less academic achievement.

Sporting Opportunities

There are many opportunities for students to participate in sport in Malaysia, with international schools offering excellent resources to develop athletic skillsets. In the country, football, badminton and tennis are popular sports for children, while golf, horse riding and car racing are popular with adults. The national teams in Malaysia are improving each year, and recently gained automatic entry into the 2019 Asian Cup, which they are due to contest. The country is also bidding to host the 2023 FIFA World Cup, and with such a large population, there will be plenty of supporters to get behind their teams.

English Language

The English language is widely spoken in Malaysia, with approximately 66% of the population able to converse in English. This is a higher percentage than the global average, which indicates a greater willingness on the part of the locals to engage with those from outside the country. This will undoubtedly make the language more accessible to those from outside the region, as well as allowing them to better integrate with the local population. If you are looking to study or teach in Malaysia, the English language will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable.

The Largest Minority

One of the most interesting aspects of Malaysia is its multicultural population. The majority of the population are of Chinese descent, with many others being of Indian or Indonesian descent. With such a large number of people from different backgrounds, Malaysia is truly wonderful place to live, with lots of opportunity for students to learn about different cultures and lifestyles. In 2018, the country's English language learning environment was rated the 14th best in the world, based on the number of international students who achieved high scores in PISA, the Programme for International Student Assessment.

Overall Experience

The best schools in Malaysia consistently achieve high scores across all categories in The Malaysian Education Report, produced annually by New Century Scholas (NECSA). Students enjoy excellent teaching and a high level of engagement, particularly in science and mathematics, with 75% and 84% of students in those subjects scoring 4 or 5 on a 5 point scale. Across all subjects, 63% of students score 4 or 5 on a 5 point scale, which indicates an excellent level of teaching and learning. The overall teaching environment in Malaysia is rated the 4th best in the region. In terms of overall student experience in Malaysia, students enjoy high levels of safety and security, with only 1 in 100 reported crimes against students.

Those who have visited or lived in Malaysia comment on its unique culture and people, as well as the quality of its food. It is a popular place for tourists, with many beaches, rainforest areas and mountains to explore. Kuala Lumpur is the country's capital city and is rich in history. The architecture in the city is spectacular, with a large number of skyscrapers, and the city's nightlife is legendary. The waterfront promenade is a great place for families to walk and socialize, particularly on a hot summer's evening.

Those interested in an international school education in Malaysia should note that the process can be a little complex. The main question to ask is, does Malaysian government funding help with fees and living costs? In some cases, it may not, so students must carefully consider whether they will be able to make up the difference. When comparing the cost of living in Malaysia to that in Thailand or the Philippines, where it does, it is clearly advantageous to study in the former country. Malaysia provides an excellent opportunity for students, but there are still considerable costs involved that must be considered.