Discover the top 12 international schools in Penang, Malaysia. Explore curriculum, age range, locations, fees, reviews, and FAQ to help you make an informed choice.
Introduction
Penang is one of Malaysia’s most sought-after destinations for families seeking high-quality international education. With a literacy rate of 99.5% and 13 international and expatriate schools on the island, Penang offers a rich array of choices across British, American, IB, and Cambridge curricula. Whether you’re relocating or researching today, here’s a trusted guide to the top Penang international schools — including key factors such as curriculum, age range, annual fees, and what makes each stand out in 2025.
1. Dalat International School (Tanjung Bungah)
- Curriculum: American, college-preparatory; AP options in upper grades.
- Age Range: Preschool–Grade 12
- Type: Private boarding & day school; co-ed Christian.
- Fees (2025/26): RM21,400–RM57,600
- Highlights: Founded in 1929, approximately 700 students representing 28+ countries. Accredited by WASC & ACSI; strong academics, boarding option, modern labs, and sports facilities.
2. The International School of Penang (Uplands) (Batu Ferringhi)
- Curriculum: IB Continuum (PYP–DP), British IGCSE
- Age Range: Reception–Year 13
- Type: Non-profit co-ed day & boarding, IB World School accredited by CIS.
- Fees: RM27,300–RM73,300 (2025/26).
- Highlights: Rich campus with labs, arts, sports facilities; strong IB results and global community.
3. Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS) (Balik Pulau)
- Curriculum: British (IGCSE & A-Level).
- Age Range: 3–18
- Type: Primary, Secondary, Boarding Options.
- Fees: RM17,040–RM62,970.
- Highlights: Member of COBIS; modern sports & arts facilities, secure safeguarding practices.
4. Stonyhurst International School Penang (George Town)
- Curriculum: British & International (IGCSE/A‑Level alternatives).
- Fees: RM16,500–RM57,498.
- Highlights: Jesuit pedagogy (“cura personalis”), a diverse student body, and top-tier facilities, including a theatre, pool, and fields.
5. Fairview International School (Bayan Lepas)
- Curriculum: British & IB (PYP–DP)
- Age Range: 4–16 (Penang campus); IB DP to 18
- Fees: Not publicly listed.
- Highlights: Part of a 4-campus IB network; 3,000+ students, 55+ nationalities; emphasizes socially and emotionally well-rounded growth.
6. Tenby Schools Penang (George Town & Tanjung Bungah)
- Curriculum: British International & Malaysian national; Cambridge IGCSE & A‑Levels
- Age Range: 3–16
- Fees: RM13,275–RM53,995.
- Highlights: Trilingual environment (English, Mandarin, Malay), STEAM‑specialist, 75+ co-curricular options, global partnerships.
7. Straits International School Penang (Bayan Lepas)
- Curriculum: British (IGCSE)
- Age Range: 3–16
- Fees: RM18,400–RM46,060
- Highlights: Member of ISP network (81 schools globally), holistic British curriculum, modern facilities.
8. Wesley Methodist School Penang (George Town)
- Curriculum: Methodist values + British curriculum
- Age Range: 3–18
- Fees: Not publicly listed
- Highlights: Christian ethos, holistic “whole person” development, local mission heritage.
9. BXCL International School Penang (Simpang Ampat)
- Curriculum: British
- Age Range: 3–18
- Fees: RM18,900–RM50,000
- Highlights: Emphasizing personalized learning, excellence, courage, and community engagement.
10. St Christopher’s International Primary School (George Town)
- Curriculum: British; expanding beyond primary
- Age Range: 3–13
- Fees: RM15,000–RM37,200
- Highlights: Edu feedback from Reddit: “St Christopher’s is a great International School for elementary students… amazing and close-knit school.”
11. Pelita International School (Tanjung Bungah)
- Curriculum: British (Cambridge)
- Age Range: 3–16
- Fees: RM9,360–RM33,810
- Highlights: Focus on EQ, multiple intelligences; affordable among Penang international schools.
12. GEMS International School (Pearl City) (Simpang Ampat)
- Curriculum: British (Cambridge)
- Age Range: 3–18
- Fees: Not listed publicly
- Highlights: Part of GEMS Education global network (90 schools in 13 countries), long-established since 1959.
Comparison Table
| School Name | Curriculum | Age Range | Fees (Annual RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalat | American, AP | 3–18 | 21,400–57,600 |
| Uplands | IB, IGCSE | 4–18 | 27,300–73,300 |
| POWIIS | British | 3–18 | 17,040–62,970 |
| Stonyhurst | British | 3–18 | 16,500–57,498 |
| Fairview | IB/British | 4–16 | — |
| Tenby | British/IGCSE | 3–16 | 13,275–53,995 |
| Straits | British | 3–16 | 18,400–46,060 |
| Wesley Methodist | British | 3–18 | — |
| BXCL | British | 3–18 | 18,900–50,000 |
| St Christopher’s | British | 3–13 | 15,000–37,200 |
| Pelita | British | 3–16 | 9,360–33,810 |
| GEMS International | British | 3–18 | — |
Why These Schools Rank Highly in 2025
Diversified Curricula
Schools offer American, British, IB, and Cambridge programs, catering to varied learning styles and global university pathways.
Campus & Community
Most campuses feature modern labs, sports complexes, and arts facilities, with boarding at Dalat, POWIIS, and Uplands.
Accreditation & Networks
Missional oversight from bodies such as IB, WASC, ACSI, COBIS, CIS, ISP, and GEMS elevates trust and educational quality.
International Recognition
These schools cater to a truly global student body, international staff, and connections, regularly producing strong IGCSE/IB outcomes and university placements.
5 FAQs
1. Which Penang International School is most affordable?
Pelita International offers the lowest fee (~RM9,360), followed by St Christopher’s (~ RM15,000). Premium options, such as Uplands (~ RM73,000) and POWIIS (~ RM62,000), are at the top.
2. Which schools provide boarding options?
Dalat (boarding and day), POWIIS (boarding), and Uplands (day with boarding available) provide residential facilities for full immersion.
3. Are there IB schools in Penang?
Yes—Uplands offers a full IB continuum, Fairview offers IB PYP–DP, and Stonyhurst offers A‑Levels but is expanding international pathways.
4. Good elementary schools with a community feel?
St. Christopher’s is renowned for its close-knit elementary school experience. Tenby also emphasizes personalized learning.
5. What curricula help with university admission abroad?
IB Diploma (Uplands, Fairview) and British IGCSE/A‑Levels (POWIIS, Stonyhurst, Tenby) are globally recognized by universities.
Choosing the right international school in Penang largely depends on your child’s age, desired curriculum, budget, and boarding needs. This comprehensive list and comparison should help narrow down your options and guide your applications.
Conclusion
Penang is home to diverse, reputable, and internationally accredited schools that cater to a wide range of educational preferences and budgets. By considering curriculum, facilities, and community feel, you can select one that aligns best with your family’s priorities and your child’s needs.