How to Apply to Study in Malaysia: Most Important Steps

Odaia Ranido
Feb 6, 2023
Learning, School

Education in Malaysia is generally considered to be of good quality. Malaysia has made significant progress in education in recent years and has invested heavily in education at all levels, including pre-school, primary, secondary, post-secondary, and tertiary education.

The Malaysian government has also introduced various initiatives and reforms to improve the quality of education in the country. These include the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025, which focuses on improving access, equity, and quality of education, and the Malaysia Education Development Plan 2015-2025, which aims to transform Malaysia into a high-performing education system.

Besides having good public schools, International Schools in Malaysia are known for their high-quality education, often with smaller class sizes and a more personalised approach to learning. These schools attract students from all over the world, providing a multicultural and diverse environment that exposes students to different cultures, languages, and ideas.

If you are planning to migrate to Malaysia with your family this year, your first step would be to apply for school admissions 2023 for your children. Now here are 7 most important steps that you must consider when applying for admissions in Malaysian school:

 

Research And Choose Your Preferred School And Course

By researching schools in Malaysia, you can assess the quality of education they can offer your child. This is important as the quality of education can have a significant impact on your child’s future career prospects. Also, Different schools in Malaysia have varying tuition fees and other associated costs. 

Researching schools will help you identify the ones that fit your budget. Besides researching schools, parents should also identify the curriculum that best fits their child’s needs, interests, and goals. Most common curricula found at international schools in Malaysia are – International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, British curriculum, American Curriculum, and etc.

Check Eligibility And Intake Dates

Checking the eligibility and intake dates for schools in Malaysia is important for several reasons:

1. Age requirements: Different schools in Malaysia may have different age requirements for admission. Checking the age requirements will help you determine if your child is eligible to apply for the school.

2. Academic qualifications: Some schools in Malaysia may have specific academic requirements for admission. Checking the academic qualifications required will help you determine if your child meets the requirements.

3. Language proficiency: Some schools in Malaysia may require students to be proficient in a particular language, such as English or Mandarin. Checking the language proficiency requirements will help you determine if your child meets the requirements.

4. Application deadlines: Schools in Malaysia may have different application deadlines for admission. Checking the application deadlines will help you ensure that you submit your child's application on time.

5. Availability of seats: Some schools in Malaysia may have limited seats available for admission. Checking the availability of seats will help you determine if the school is currently accepting applications for admission.

6. Intake dates: Different schools in Malaysia may have different intake dates. Checking the intake dates will help you determine when your child can start attending school.

Checking the eligibility and intake dates for schools in Malaysia is important to ensure that your child meets the requirements for admission and that you can submit your child's application on time. It can also help you plan ahead and make informed decisions about your child's education.

Gather Required Documents And Prepare Your Application

 schools in Malaysia may require specific documents when applying for admission. By gathering all required documents and preparing a complete application, you can ensure that you meet all school requirements and increase your child’s chances of being admitted. Here are some documents that are commonly asked by schools:

1. Application form: Most schools in Malaysia require an application form to be completed when applying for admission. This form will typically include basic information about your child, such as their name, date of birth, and previous educational history.

2. Passport-sized photos: You will usually need to provide several passport-sized photos of your child when applying for admission. These are usually used for the purposes of identification.

3. Proof of age: You may be required to provide proof of your child's age, such as a birth certificate or passport.

4. Academic records: Schools in Malaysia may require academic records, such as transcripts or report cards, from your child's previous school. These records will help the school determine your child's academic level and make appropriate placement decisions.

5. Language proficiency test scores: Some schools in Malaysia may require language proficiency test scores, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, if your child is not a native speaker of the language of instruction.

6. Medical certificate: You may be required to provide a medical certificate that confirms that your child is in good health and able to attend school.

7. Immunisation records: Some schools in Malaysia may require proof of your child's immunisation records.

8. Parent/guardian identification: You may be required to provide identification documents for yourself as a parent or guardian.

It's important to check with the specific school you are applying to for a complete list of required documents. Additionally, schools may have different requirements for different programs or levels of education, so it's important to be aware of the requirements for your child's specific situation

Apply online: Online applying for admission in Malaysian school is more convenient than applying in person or by mail. Online applications can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection, and parents can submit their applications at any time of the day. Online applications are usually processed faster than paper applications, which can result in a quicker response from the school regarding admission decisions.

Lastly, applying online also allows parents to easily access information about the school, such as program offerings, admission requirements, and application deadlines. This can help parents make informed decisions about the schools they are considering.

Pay application fees: After Applying for school admissions 2023, parents should promptly pay the application fees because it shows the school that you are committed to the admission process and are serious about enrolling your child in their school. It can also demonstrate that you are willing to invest in your child's education. Some schools in Malaysia have limited spaces available, especially in popular programs or at certain grade levels. Paying an application fee can demonstrate your child's strong interest in attending the school, which can increase their chances of being accepted if space is limited.

Wait for acceptance: The length of time it takes to receive an acceptance letter from schools in Malaysia can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the specific school, the program your child is applying for, and the number of applications the school is processing. However, on average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to receive an acceptance letter.

Some schools may have specific application deadlines, and they will provide a timeline for when applicants can expect to receive a response. For example, some schools may provide a response within a few weeks of the application deadline, while others may take several months.

It's important to note that when applying for admission to Malaysian school, some schools may require additional steps in the admission process, such as interviews or entrance exams, which can add to the overall processing time. Additionally, if there are any issues with your child's application or if additional information is required, this can also delay the acceptance letter.

If you haven't heard back from a school within a reasonable amount of time, it's always a good idea to follow up with the school to inquire about the status of your child's application.

Accept the offer, and get ready to go: Once you receive the acceptance letter for your child, its time to plan your travel. Before moving to Malaysia, you'll need to obtain the necessary visas and permits for you and your children. This may include a work visa, a student visa to study in Malaysia, or a dependent pass. Be sure to research the specific requirements and application processes for each type of visa or permit. Also, you may need to find housing for you and your children before you arrive in Malaysia. Research neighbourhoods and housing options, and consider factors such as proximity to schools, transportation, and amenities.

Conclusion

Malaysia is known for being a safe and welcoming country, and schools in Malaysia provide a safe and secure learning environment for students. This can give parents peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe and supportive environment. Overall, parents choose schools in Malaysia for their high-quality education, multicultural environment, English-language instruction, affordable tuition, safe and welcoming environment, and access to extracurricular activities.

Lastly, applying to school admission 2023 study in Malaysia for international students involves research, meeting the admission requirements, preparing necessary documents, applying online, paying the application fee, waiting for the admission decision, and accepting the offer. Parents should ensure to carefully follow the instructions provided by the schools to follow a smooth application process.

FAQs

What Five Things Are Most Important To You When Choosing A Curriculum?

1. Student-centred approach: Parents should choose a curriculum that focuses on the needs, interests, and strengths of their child.

2. Academic rigour: A good curriculum should challenge students academically and prepare them for success in higher education and their future careers. Parents should look for a curriculum that is challenging, but also achievable for their child.

3. Integration of technology: In today's digital age, it is important for a curriculum to integrate technology effectively to enhance learning. Parents should look for a curriculum that incorporates technology in a meaningful way and provides opportunities for students to develop digital literacy skills.

4. Assessment and feedback: Parents should choose a curriculum that has a strong assessment and feedback system in place. This allows parents to track their child's progress and identify areas where their child may need additional support.

5. Accreditation and recognition: It is important to choose a curriculum that is accredited by the relevant educational bodies and recognized by reputable institutions. This ensures that the curriculum meets the required standards and provides a valuable education for students. Top of Form

How Much Will It Cost To Study In Malaysia?

Cost of school education in Malaysia varies from one school to another. However average fees of Malaysian schools is from RM 15000 to RM 25000

What Exams Are Required To Study In Malaysia?

The exams required to get admission in schools in Malaysia may vary depending on the type of school and the level of education. Here are some of the common exams that students may need to take to get admission in schools in Malaysia:

1. Entrance exams: Some private schools in Malaysia may require students to take entrance exams as part of the admission process. These exams may test students' proficiency in subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English.

2. Placement tests: International students who are seeking admission to public schools in Malaysia may need to take placement tests to determine their proficiency in English and other subjects.

3. Language proficiency tests: Students who are seeking admission to schools in Malaysia where the medium of instruction is not their first language may need to take language proficiency tests.

4. Interview: Some schools in Malaysia may also require students to attend an interview as part of the admission process. The interview may be conducted by the school principal or other school officials to assess students' academic abilities, interests, and overall suitability for the school.

Which Subject Is Best To Study In Malaysia?

The best subject to study in Malaysian schools depends on the student's interests, abilities, and career aspirations. It is important to choose a combination of subjects such as Maths, science, English, history that will provide a well-rounded education and prepare the student for their future goals.

Odaia Ranido

Ms. Ranido is the PYP coordinator and the GMP coordinator for GIIS East Coast Campus.  She has over 20 years of teaching experience in different international and bilingual schools in Southeast Asia.  She spent the last 11 years leading the implementation of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) as a coordinator and teacher. She completed her Masters of Arts in Education from Sheffield Hallam University, UK in 2015.  Ms. Ranido joined the Global Indian International School, EC Campus in July, 2019.

Related Topics

More from same author

Enquire Now

Featured Blogs

Top Scholarships

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Global Skills Scholarship

Eligibility:

Talent Based - Technology

Learn More

Tunku Abdul Rahman Universal Values merit cum means scholarship

Eligibility:

Gross Family Income RM 120K to RM 250K

Learn More

Global FUTURE-READY Merit Scholarship

Eligibility:

91% Above or A and Above

Learn More

Global Citizen Scholarship

Eligibility:

93% and Above or A*

Learn More

9GEMS Holistic Development Scholarship

Eligibility:

Talent Based - 9 GEMS

Learn More
Podcast
ENQUIRE NOWBOOK A TOUR