Imperial International School vs Seri Botani International School
Imperial International School and Seri Botani International School are both in Ipoh, about 10 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes, and Seri Botani International School also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 7,800 - 25,800 for Imperial International School and MYR 9,000 - 23,820 for Seri Botani International School. Imperial International School takes pupils from 5 to 16, and Seri Botani International School from 3 to 17.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
230
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2020
Opened
2020
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Imperial International School Ipoh is situated in Taman Kledang Bestari, near Menglembu at the foothills of Kledang Hill on the western side of Ipoh. The campus is nestled in a suburban enclave.. It is around 15 minutes from Ipoh city centre, with accessible road links to major residential areas.
Location
SBIS is situated at 2 Dataran Botani 1A, Bandar Seri Botani, Ipoh, nestled within a 10-acre purpose-built campus in a quiet, landscaped township between Batu Gajah and Simpang Pulai. The school is easily accessed via Jalan Medan Botani and lies about 15–20 minutes from central Ipoh.
Stages
Stages
The school offers Early Years/Preschool, Primary and Secondary levels.
Stages
The school offers Early Years, Primary School and Secondary School levels.
School type
School type
Imperial is co-educational school offering both day and boarding options.
School type
SBIS is a co-educational day and boarding school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Imperial provides personalised academic assistance through Individualised Learning Plans and structured feedback loops. Teachers monitor student progress closely, especially in core subjects like English, Maths, and Science. Support is embedded within regular lessons, and students receive differentiated tasks based on ability.
Additional learning support
SBIS delivers small class sizes (12–20 students) and adopts personalised mentoring for students, particularly those joining mid-year who receive additional English, Math, and Science support through specialised catch‑up lessons. Their structured academic approach is facilitated by Cambridge-trained teachers who use frequent monitoring and adaptive teaching to meet individual needs.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Imperial is affiliated with the United Kingdom.
Country affiliation
The school is not affilated with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school is secular and does not have any religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.
School day structure
School Start Time (Monday to Friday) Nursery & Reception: 8:00 AM Years 1 to 6: 8:00 AM Years 7 to 11: 8:00 AM
Dismissal Time Monday to Thursday: Nursery to Year 6: 2:40 PM Years 7 to 11: 3:20 PM
Friday: All levels (Nursery to Year 11): 1:20 PM
Break Times (Monday to Friday) Nursery & Reception: 9:20 AM to 10:00 AM Years 1 to 4: 8:40 AM to 9:20 AM Years 5 to 8: 9:20 AM to 10:00 AM Years 9 to 11: 10:00 AM to 10:40 AM
Lunch Times (Monday to Thursday) Nursery & Reception: 12:00 PM to 12:40 PM Years 1 to 4: 11:50 AM to 12:30 PM Years 5 to 8: 12:30 PM to 1:10 PM Years 9 to 11: 1:10 PM to 1:50 PM
Friday: No lunch sessions for all year groups due to early dismissal.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service.
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Tuition Fees (By Year Level) The tuition fees at Imperial are billed on a term basis and compiled annually for convenience. The academic year comprises three terms, except for Year 11, which is charged over two terms only, with exam fees applicable in Term 3.
Nursery and Reception (Ages 3–5) are charged RM 2,600 per term, totalling RM 7,800 per year.
Year 1 and Year 2 (Ages 5–7) are RM 4,300 per term, or RM 12,900 per year.
Year 3 and Year 4 (Ages 7–9) are charged RM 4,750 per term, or RM 14,250 per year.
Year 5 and Year 6 (Ages 9–11) pay RM 5,500 per term, totalling RM 16,500 per year.
Year 7 and Year 8 (Ages 11–13) are RM 6,000 per term, or RM 18,000 per year.
Year 9 (Ages 13–14) increases slightly to RM 6,500 per term, or RM 19,000 annually.
Year 10 and Year 11 (Ages 14–16) are billed at RM 7,500 per term, totalling RM 22,500 per year.
For Year 11, however, fees are collected over only two terms (RM 11,250 per term) and additional IGCSE examination fees apply in Term 3.
Year 12 and Year 13 (Ages 16–18) costs RM 8,600 per term or RM 25,800 annually.
Registration & Administrative Fees Application Fee: RM 300 (non-refundable, not applicable for Early Years).
Registration Fee: RM 1,500 for Early Years, RM 2,500 for Primary and Secondary levels.
Deposit: RM 2,600 for Early Years; for Primary and Secondary, the deposit is equivalent to one full term’s tuition, with the amount increasing as the student progresses through grade levels.
Additional Annual Charges Learning Resources Fee (from Year 1 onwards): RM 400 per year.
Material Fee (for Early Years only): RM 600 per year.
Uniforms and books are charged separately and available via the school bookstore.
Discounts & Payment Terms A 5% discount is available on the total annual tuition fee for parents who make full payment upfront at the start of the academic year. This offer is only valid for students enrolled in the August intake.
Refund Policy Application and Registration Fees The Application Fee (RM 300) is non-refundable under all circumstances.
The Registration Fee is also non-refundable and non-transferable. This applies to both Early Years (RM 1,500) and Primary/Secondary levels (RM 2,500).
Security Deposit A refundable deposit is required at the time of enrollment:
Early Years: RM 2,600
Primary and Secondary: Equal to one full term's tuition fee, based on year level
The deposit is refundable upon withdrawal, but the refund is conditional:
A full term’s written notice of withdrawal is required.
If this written notice is not submitted before the start of the final term, the deposit will be forfeited.
Deposits must be topped up as the student progresses to higher year levels (since tuition increases with level).
Special Notes For Year 11 students, the annual tuition is split over two terms (Term 1 and Term 2). There is no refund of tuition if a student withdraws mid-year or after exams are scheduled.
Fees for uniforms, books, and IGCSE exams are non-refundable once paid or issued.
Payment Methods Thr school does not have publicly avaialble information on their payment methods.
Fee details
Early Years (Nursery & Reception) Application Fee: RM 500 (non-refundable) Registration Fee: RM 1,500 (non-refundable) Deposit: One term’s tuition fee (refundable and topped up yearly) Tuition Fee: RM 3,000 per term (3 terms per year) Material Fee: RM 300 per term
After School Programme: Category 1 (2:40 PM – 5:00 PM): RM 800 per term Category 2 (School Holidays 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM): RM 600 per term Combined (ASP + Holidays): RM 1,200 per term International Student Fee (one-time): RM 5,000
Additional RM 150/day applies if weekday boarders stay over the weekend.
Refund Policy Deposit Refund: The deposit (equal to one term’s fee) is refundable if:
All outstanding fees are cleared.
One full term’s written notice is provided before withdrawal.
Non-refundable Fees: Application, registration, and international student fees.
Boarding Withdrawal: A one-term written notice is required for deposit refund, else forfeited.
Late Payments: A 5% per annum surcharge applies to fees unpaid by the 15th day of the term.
Payment Methods Accepted Methods: Cash Cheque Online Bank Transfer Credit Card
Terms: Fees are billed three times a year, prior to each school term.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Boarding is available at Imperial International School Ipoh. The Boarding House is overseen by experienced houseparents who live on-site, providing a home-like environment with 24-hour security and CCTV, a sickbay on campus, housekeeping, and self-service laundry. Boarding rooms are furnished with a bed, study table and chair, cupboard, plug points, and air conditioning or ceiling fan. Meals are provided with a schedule: on school days breakfast, tea, and dinner; on non-school days breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner.
Boarding arrangements
The school provides on-campus boarding facilities for Year 7 onward. The SBIS Boarding House is on the campus and accommodates up to 86 boarders. Boys and girls have exclusive wings, with double or single bedrooms, and are cared for by a residential team. The boarding house includes fully furnished bedrooms, an onsite gym, a media/TV room, a study area, a dining hall/cafeteria, a guest corner, Wi‑Fi, a locker room and a laundry area. A 24-hour patrolling surveillance service by the auxiliary police enhances security. Boarding highlights include nightly supervised study, after-school activities, weekend activities focused on culture, sport and teamwork, a structured weekly routine, and emphasis on health, wellbeing and safety.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Well-balanced meals are provided; meals include breakfast, tea, and dinner on school days, and breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner on non-school days.
Food options
The campus has a cafeteria. Boarding meals are included for boarders; weekend overnight stays may incur additional charges for meals.
House system
House system
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House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The Imperial International School Ipoh is operated by Imperial Education Group Sdn. Bhd.
Governance and ownership
SBIS is associated with the Taiko Group of Companies.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Imperial International School Ipoh offers the Cambridge International Curriculum starting from Nursery through to Year 11, covering Early Years, Primary, and Secondary education. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based and skill-driven learning, preparing students for the IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives, with co-curricular activities that promote leadership and creativity.
Curriculum details
SBIS follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, which is developed in the UK and used worldwide. Students begin with Cambridge Primary (Years 1–6), continue through Cambridge Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), and then prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams in Years 10 and 11. The curriculum includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, along with ICT, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Physical Education. The teaching style is structured and subject-based, and assessments are typically conducted through exams, assignments, and coursework.
The school promotes emotional intelligence through PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) education and regular teacher-student engagement. Activities such as charity bazaars, family events, and student-led projects help develop empathy, leadership, and social awareness.
Social & emotional learning
The school does not have publicly available information on their SEL.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not have any specialized SEN program.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not have any specialized SEN program.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school does not have publicly available information on their EAL.
English as an additional language
SBIS offers English as a Second Language (ESL) support, which functions similarly to EAL. This is especially targeted at international students or those who join the school mid-academic year. The school provides catch-up English lessons as part of its student support services to help learners adjust to the Cambridge English-medium environment. This support is delivered through smaller group sessions and mentoring, particularly in the Early Years and Primary stages, and continues through Secondary if needed.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Imperial supports student wellbeing through a calm environment that encourages open communication. Outdoor trips, such as the Gopeng expedition, and co-curricular activities help students build confidence and manage stress. Pastoral care is embedded in the school culture through consistent teacher support and values-based education.
Mental wellbeing
The school prioritize student wellbeing through a mentorship-style pastoral system. Boarding students benefit from well-structured residential routines that support emotional stability and belonging.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding
The school does not have publicly available infromation about their safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The Imperial International School has a campus designed for student-centered learning in a welcoming environment. Facilities include a Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH), a Music and Performing Arts Studio, and Science Laboratories. The Library with a Common Room supports study and collaboration, while Counselling Rooms and a Student Prefect/Council Hub support student well-being and leadership. An Art Room, Indoor Sports Hall, Cooking Studios, an ICT Suite, and a Student Cafeteria support a broad range of academic and daily-life activities. On-site health care is provided by a Medical Room and a pastoral care team supports student welfare.
Facilities overview
The campus is purpose-built and located in Bandar Seri Botani with safety-controlled and guarded entry and exit. It houses spacious classrooms, science laboratories, a multi-media center, and dedicated music and art rooms. A cafeteria and prayer rooms support daily student life, and a fully furnished boarding facility serves out-of-state students. An outdoor field, a covered basketball court, futsal courts, a swimming pool, and ample green space provide sporting and recreational opportunities.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The campus provides an Indoor Sports Hall for physical education and indoor activities. A Multi-Purpose Hall supports PE, events and other activities. The school also offers co-curricular sports programs including badminton, basketball and softball, as well as table tennis and taekwondo.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities include an outdoor field, a covered basketball court, futsal courts, and a swimming pool. These spaces support a range of physical education activities and team sports. The campus provides safe, well-maintained areas for practice and competition. The facilities enable regular PE and sporting events for student engagement.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Science Laboratories support practical experiments and in-depth scientific learning. The Library with a Common Room provides quiet study space and collaborative learning. An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Suite supports digital learning across subjects. An Art Room and dedicated classrooms for specialist subjects enable focused teaching and creative work.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities include spacious classrooms, science laboratories, language laboratories, and a multi-media center to support teaching and learning. These spaces enable ICT-enabled instruction and opportunities for independent research.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
CCA and ECA include Art Attack, Badminton, Basketball, Books Movie Club, Chemistry Club, Home Economics and Art Craft, Japanese Language, Little Chef 1 and 2, Mind Challenge, National Geography Kids, Softball, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tamil Language, and Ukulele.
Extra curricular facilities
Exceptional Performing Arts Programme provides vocal, dance, theatre, and instrumental training. On-campus boarding includes after-school activities and weekend programs focusing on culture, sport, and teamwork. Comprehensive student support and wellbeing are part of the school program. Extracurricular offerings support holistic development beyond academics.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Imperial International School was founded by HCK Capital Group and opened in January 2020. It is part of the Imperial Education Group, founded by Tan Sri Clement Hii. The Ipoh campus is the inaugural site of the group. The school held its first information day in November 2019 and is privately owned.
History
Seri Botani International School was officially established in 2020 by the Taiko Group, one of Malaysia’s oldest and most diversified business entities. The school was founded to offer affordable international education to both local and expatriate communities in Ipoh, Perak, following the Cambridge International Curriculum. SBIS opened its doors with 85 students and 17 teachers, operating from a newly constructed 10-acre campus designed to support long-term academic and residential growth. It is one of the few international schools in Ipoh offering full-day education and boarding in a modern setting, with continued investment by its parent company to expand programs and student capacity.
Community
Community
The school community participates in events like Ipoh Car-Free Day, International Open Day, and holiday camps involving students from both private and national schools. These activities focus on cultural exchange, social engagement, and skills development. The school also collaborates with local organizations, including animal shelters, to support community service initiatives.
Community
SBIS serves both local and expatriate families, fostering a tight-knit campus community with approximately 230 students. It supports cultural diversity through structured language programmes like Mandarin HSK, and hosts events such as STEM fairs and community expeditions to encourage interaction among families.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
Imperial International School does not publicly list a formal Parent Teacher Association on its official website
Parent teacher association
The school does not have an official PTA.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Imperial International School Ipoh uses the Cambridge International Curriculum for students aged 5 to 16, leading to Cambridge IGCSE examinations. The Early Years Programme blends the Cambridge framework with Finnish pedagogy, delivered in collaboration with HEI Schools Finland. Cambridge Primary is implemented in Key Stages 1 and 2, with subjects including English, Malay, Mandarin, Mathematics, and Global Perspectives, and Cambridge Checkpoint assessments at the end of Year 6. Key Stage 3 follows Cambridge CAIE, enhanced by the Malaysian National Curriculum with language elements such as Malay and Mandarin, and Key Stage 4 offers a two‑year IGCSE with electives including Accounting, Business Studies, and English Literature.
Academic & intellectual
Seri Botani International School follows the Cambridge Curriculum from Early Years through IGCSE, providing a seamless international pathway. The Learning Pathway runs EY (ages 3–5), Primary (ages 5–11), Lower Secondary (years 7–9, ages 11–14), and Upper Secondary (years 10–11, ages 14–16). Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint and Cambridge IGCSE assessments guide progress and preparation for upper secondary study. The school is located in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Campus facilities include a Music and Performing Art Studio and an Art Room to support creative work. The co‑curricular programme features arts‑oriented clubs such as Art Attack, Ukulele, and Home Economics and Art Craft, along with Books Movie Club. The School's CCA/ECA timetable runs after school from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm, Monday to Thursday, for both primary and secondary students.
Arts & creative
The school offers an Exceptional Performing Arts Programme with vocal, dance, theatre, and instrumental training. The programme supports creativity and confidence as part of the student experience. Campus facilities include dedicated spaces for arts, including arts studios and music rooms.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Malay and Mandarin are core language offerings within the Cambridge Curriculum across primary and secondary, with English as the main language of instruction. The curriculum includes Malay (Foreign Language) and Mandarin (First/Foreign/Second Language) at Key Stage 4, and Malay and Mandarin are taught across earlier stages as well. Language clubs in CCAs include Japanese Language and Tamil Language. Global Mobility and Cultural Exchange programs provide international and cross‑cultural experience.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
The CCA/ECA program offers a broad mix of activities, including Art Attack, Badminton, Basketball, SoftBall, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, and Mind Challenge, along with clubs such as Books Movie Club, Chemistry Club, Detective Newton, and Ukulele. There are more than 20 clubs and activities available to students. The CCA/ECA schedule runs after school, 3:00 pm–4:30 pm, Monday through Thursday for both primary and secondary.
Social & hobbies
Boarding life includes after-school activities and weekend activities focused on culture, sport, and teamwork. Boarding highlights include nightly supervised study, structured routines, and a range of after-school and weekend activities that support social development. These activities complement school life and foster community among students.
Community & service
Community & service
The school supports community‑and service oriented activities, including the Interact Club as a newer addition referenced in the CCA/ECA Fair 2025. Pastoral Care is provided by a dedicated team, and the campus includes a Medical Bay with a registered nurse to support student health and welfare. Counselling rooms, health services, and wellbeing supports are available as part of the pastoral care framework.
Community & service
The school emphasizes service learning and global citizenship as core elements of its mission. Pastoral care and wellbeing are prioritized to support every student's development. Leadership and community engagement are encouraged through school programs and activities.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The school operates a leadership‑centric curriculum with leadership opportunities, mentorship programmes, and a philosophy that ‘Every Child Gets To Lead.' The Cambridge‑aligned curriculum emphasizes student‑centred learning and leadership development, supplemented by global mobility and leadership experiences through Imperial's Global Mobility offerings.
Leadership & professional
The school's leadership team includes an Acting School Principal, Academic Director, Head of Secondary, and Head of Primary. The Acting Principal is Andrew Hamilton; the Academic Director is Anushia Senthevadivel; the Head of Secondary is Rajan A/L Supramaniam; the Head of Primary (Early Years & Primary) is Natasha Velkumar.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Pastoral care and student wellbeing are supported by a dedicated pastoral team and a Medical Bay staffed by a registered nurse. Counselling rooms are available for student support. Sports and fitness are integrated through numerous after‑school activities such as Badminton, Basketball, Table Tennis, SoftBall, and Taekwondo, complemented by other recreational clubs and programs.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Seri Botani International School provides Comprehensive Student Support & Wellbeing across the student body. The Boarding House offers an on-campus environment with up to 86 boarders from Year 7 onward, featuring a safe, structured, and supportive community with 24-hour security and pastoral care. The boarding program includes after-school activities, weekend culture/sport events, and a focus on health and wellbeing.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The school teaches English as a First Language and offers English as a Second Language / English as an Additional Language. It teaches Malay as a Foreign Language and Mandarin with First Language, Foreign Language, and Second Language options. The Cambridge International Curriculum is provided for ages 5 to 16, leading to the IGCSE examinations administered by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).
Language provision
English is the language of instruction across the Cambridge curriculum from Early Years through Upper Secondary. The school also offers a Mandarin language program as part of a Chinese curriculum across Early Years through Upper Secondary.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Awards
The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Cambridge International School (offering curriculum from Early Years to IGCSE)
Operates under Imperial Education Group, affiliated with Peninsula Grammar School, Australia
Accreditations
Accredited to deliver the Cambridge International Curriculum, offering Cambridge Primary and Secondary programmes leading to IGCSE exams
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Submit application & fees. Complete student application form and pay RM 300 application fee.
2. Assessment . Primary has individual assessments; older students sit CAT4 and English tests, followed by interview.
3. Offer received. Offers are made by the Principal, with RM 300 rebate on application fee.
4. Fill Student Application Form. Once offer accepted, submit form and official documents.
5. Payment of deposits & fees. Pay registration fee (RM 2,500), deposit (one term’s tuition), and first term fees.
6. Prepare & start. School sends term dates, academic calendar, and orientation details.
Admissions
Complete Application Form .Parents or guardians must fill in, sign, and submit the SBIS application form along with supporting documents (e.g., ID/birth certificates, school reports, immunisation records, photos). Malaysian and international requirements differ slightly. Applications can be submitted in person, via email, or by post.
Assessment & Interview.Pay the non‑refundable application fee and, if a place is available, the student undergoes an age-appropriate Cambridge-style placement test. An interview with the Principal is required.
Application Review.The Principal and admissions team review the completed application, test results, and interview notes. Parents are notified of the outcome within 7 working days.
Offer & Deposit. If accepted, a Letter of Offer is issued. Parents secure the place by paying the non‑refundable registration fee, the refundable term deposit, and tuition fees before the commencement of term. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed within 10 working days and may reapply later.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school has an Imperial International School Scholarship for high-performing academic and sports students, awarded based on holistic excellence.
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.