JT International School vs Melaka International School
JT International School and Melaka International School are both in Malacca, about 2 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. JT International School also offers British, and Melaka International School also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are MYR 22,000 - 34,200 at JT International School and MYR 11,574 - 33,540 at Melaka International School, which puts JT International School roughly 25% higher. JT International School takes pupils from 3 to 17, and Melaka International School from 4 to 18. Melaka International School is the larger school, with around 280 pupils to JT International School's 60.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
60
Pupils
280
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2023
Opened
1993
Bus service
Bus service
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Bus service
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Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
JT International School is in Taman Pulau Melaka, a peaceful residential estate just off the coast of central Melaka City, Malaysia. It’s connected by road bridges and a short drive from the UNESCO-listed old town, with local shops and parks nearby.
Location
Melaka International School is located in the residential area of Taman Siantan, Kampung Lapan, Melaka Tengah, a two-hour drive south of Kuala Lumpur. The suburb is well connected via the North–South Expressway, and the campus is near local shops, parks, and bus routes, making daily routines convenient.
Stages
Stages
The school offers education in three stages: Early Years (ages 3–5), Primary (Year 1–6), and Secondary (Year 7–11), following the Cambridge Pathway through IGCSE.
Stages
The school is divided into Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary, and Pre‑University (A‑Levels).
School type
School type
JT International School is co‑educational and does not offer boarding facilities.
School type
Melaka International School is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
There is no specific mention of specialist SEN provisions like dedicated resource rooms or therapists on the school's website.
Additional learning support
Melaka International School offers general learning support through its Counselling Services and classroom-based interventions. While it is not a specialist institution for Special Educational Needs (SEN), the school provides assistance for students who may require extra academic help, particularly in language and core subjects.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
JT International School is not officially affiliated with any country.
Country affiliation
There is no formal affiliation with any other country; it follows the British-based Cambridge curriculum within Malaysia’s national regulatory framework.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation and operates on a secular basis.
Religious affiliation
The school is non-denominational, with no religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
Students begin classes at 8:30 AM and finish academic sessions at 3:40 PM. Optional co‑curricular activities run until around 5:00 PM each day.
School day structure
The day structure at Melaka International School is as follows: Kindergarten: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Year 1 - Year 2 : 8:00 AM – 2:15 PM Year 3 - Year 11 : 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Time is allocated for breaks, lunch, and co-curricular activities.
Bus service details
Bus service details
A school transportation service is not listed on the school website.
Bus service details
The school website does not explicitly state that it provides a bus service.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One-Time Entry Fees (New Students Only) Application Fee: RM 200 Registration Fee: Nursery & Reception: RM 800 Year 1–6: RM 1,200 Year 7–11: RM 1,500
Refundable Deposit: Half-term tuition fees. This deposit is waived if the full year’s fees are paid upfront.
Tuition Fees (Per Term) Nursery & Reception: MYR 4,800 Years 1–6: MYR 6,000 Years 7–9: MYR 7,200 Years 10–11: MYR 8,000
Resource Fees (Per Annum) Nursery & Reception: MYR 1,200 Years 1–6: MYR 1,200 Years 7–9: MYR 1,350 Years 10–11: MYR 1,500
Co-Curricular Activities (Per Term) All grades: MYR 1,000
Billing & Payment Terms Payment Deadlines: All fees must be cleared before the start of each term (end of August, December, and March). Payment Methods: Cash, bank transfer (RHB 25407700012506, Pedagogy International Educare Sdn Bhd), and credit card.
Sibling Discount The school offers a sibling discount on tuition fees at 5% for 2nd sibling, 10% for 3rd sibling and 15% for the 4th sibling. Please be informed that all discounts apply to tuition fees only.
12 Months Full Payment Discount A 5% discount is applied to term tuition fees.
Fee details
One-Time Payment Application Fee: MYR 600 (non-refundable, Kindergarten) MYR 800 (non-refundable, Year 1–11), payable upon application submission. Enrollment Fee: MYR 1,500 (non-refundable, Kindergarten) MYR 4,000 (non-refundable, Year 1–11)
Refundable Deposit Equivalent to one term’s tuition fee. Refundable with one month’s written notice (excluding school holidays).
Annual Tuition Fees Kindergarten: MYR 11,574 Year 1–3: MYR 14,532 Year 4–6: MYR 17,406 Year 7–8: MYR 18,798 Year 9–10: MYR 26,835 Year 11: MYR 33,540
*Note: A 5% discount is available if the full year’s tuition is paid in advance. Sibling discounts of 5% per child are available for the second and subsequent siblings.*
Other Fees Miscellaneous Fee: MYR 1,200 per year (non-refundable) Student Insurance: MYR 20 per year (non-refundable)
Additional Charges (not included in tuition) Uniforms, textbooks, meals, excursions, co-curricular activities (CCAs), exam fees, and transportation (if applicable) are billed separately.
Payment Methods Payment can be made via cash, cheque, credit card, or online transfer.
Bank Details Beneficiary: Longterm Focus Sdn. Bhd. Name of Bank: Public Bank Melaka Account Number: 3813195128 Bank Address: No. 60-68, Jalan Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka. Swift Code: PBBEMYKL
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
The school promotes healthy eating through a balanced lunch program and nutrition education, ensuring students have the energy and focus to thrive.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
The school has a house system. Ruby House is one of the houses and participates in house-based activities and competitions, including MIS Sports Day.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The school is governed by a CEO/Director. Shamsunnisa Ishak serves as CEO/Director.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Early Years (ages 3–5): Based on Cambridge Early Years, the curriculum emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy, social-emotional learning, and exploration through play-based activities.
Primary (Year 1–6): Students study literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, Malay, Mandarin, music, art & design, ICT, and P.E., with an emphasis on inquiry, creativity, and digital skills.
Lower Secondary (Year 7–9): The program continues with Cambridge Lower Secondary standards across English, maths, sciences, humanities, languages, ICT, arts, and physical education.
Upper Secondary (Year 10–11): Students prepare for Cambridge IGCSE exams, choosing from a wide range of subjects, including core sciences, mathematics (including Additional Maths), English, Malay, Mandarin, ICT, accounting, business, economics, art & design, global perspectives, and physical education.
Curriculum details
Melaka International School follows the Cambridge curriculum from Kindergarten through A‑Levels. Kindergarten (ages 4–6) uses an Early Years thematic curriculum focusing on communication, numeracy, social skills, creative development, and early science via play, phonics, drama, music, and field trips.
In Primary (ages 6–11), students study the Cambridge Primary Programme and International Primary Curriculum framed by the UK National Curriculum, including English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, ICT, PE, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia
Secondary (ages 12–16) follows Cambridge Lower Secondary through Key Stage 3 and IGCSE in Year 11, with choices in sciences, maths, English, ICT, humanities, business, economy, and languages; exams are CAIE‑administered.
A‑Level (ages 17–18) offers Cambridge International A‑Levels, with subject options like Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Accounting, Business, and History; IELTS preparation is also provided.
Social and emotional development is built into the daily experience of students at JT International School, especially during the early years. The school also promotes interpersonal development through its pastoral and guidance systems.
Social & emotional learning
The school’s Counselling Services support SEL through daily guidance on academic, personal, and social issues, along with intervention and mediation when conflicts arise. Trained counsellors help facilitate peer discussions, teach emotional resilience during exam periods, and collaborate with teachers for ongoing student check-ins.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
JT International School is not a specialist SEN institution and does not publish dedicated provision for students with special educational needs.
Special educational needs (SEN)
While not a specialist SEN institution, the school provides internal support for students with mild to moderate needs (e.g., learning difficulties) via the Counselling Services team.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school does not offer a formal EAL programme.
English as an additional language
The school supports non-native English speakers through small-group EAL classes designed to build language confidence. EAL-trained staff conduct placement assessments and monitor progress via termly reviews. Classroom teachers align group instruction with mainstream subjects, ensuring language learners can participate fully. MIS also provides a complimentary International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tuition.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Student wellbeing is supported through access to a guidance and counselling team, who offer academic and personal support as part of the school’s wider pastoral care. No specific mental health programmes or services are listed.
Mental wellbeing
Counselling Services include individual and group sessions focusing on academic and personal stress management. Staff facilitate peer support and lunchtime wellbeing activities, while counsellors coordinate with families and teachers to monitor changes in student emotional health.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
While the school states that student wellbeing is a key priority, there is no publicly available safeguarding or child protection policy on the website.
Safeguarding
The school website does not provide a clearly detailed safeguarding or child protection policy.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school sits on a campus in Pulau Melaka, Melaka, away from the city bustle and surrounded by greenery, providing a tranquil environment for learning. On campus, facilities include a music room, a library, well-equipped classrooms, a playground for younger students, and a dance room. The campus supports student well-being with guidance and counselling services and an after-school activities program. The school offers a lunch program that supports healthy eating as part of its holistic approach.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The primary on-campus sports facility is a large outdoor court for physical education and outdoor activities. The campus supports movement programs with a dedicated dance room for dance classes and rehearsals. Outdoor spaces are designed to accommodate ball games and fitness activities as part of the PE program. These spaces support a holistic approach to physical education.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The school delivers the Cambridge curriculum across Pre-School to Year 11. Primary Year 1–6 study English, Mathematics, Science, Malay, Malaysian History, Music, Mandarin, Global Perspectives, Islamiyat, Physical Education, Computing, and Art & Design. The Secondary program (Year 7–11) builds on Cambridge IGCSE and includes a broad range of subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Malay, Mandarin, Global Perspectives, Islamiyat, Physical Education, Financial Literacy, and Art & Design. The Pre-School program provides Nursery and Reception with a holistic focus on early literacy, numeracy, and social development. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based and project-based learning.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Guidance and counselling services support academic achievement and social-emotional well-being. After-school activities and clubs cover a range of interests to foster teamwork and leadership. A healthy lunch program and nutrition education are part of the school's approach to student well-being. The campus offers a variety of clubs and programs beyond academics to support holistic development.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
JT International School originated in 2008 as a small learning centre focused on academic support and examination preparation. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged international school, formally reopening in 2023 with a broader academic offering and a new campus on Pulau Melaka. The school is privately owned and directed by JT International School originated in 2008 as a small learning centre focused on academic support and examination preparation. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged international school, formally reopening in 2023 with a broader academic offering and a new campus on Pulau Melaka. The school is privately owned and directed by Leow Zi Liang, who transitioned the centre into a full Cambridge-accredited institution. , who transitioned the centre into a full Cambridge-accredited institution.
History
Melaka International School was established in 1993 by the late Dr Mohamed Ishak Syed Ahmed and his wife, Mrs Shamsunnisa Ishak, supported by the State Economic Development Corporation and The Melaka Foundation. It was designed based on the British school system, with students aged 4–18, and became Malaysia’s first international school in Melaka. Initially focused on early years education, MIS has since expanded its academic offerings and moved to its current Taman Siantan campus in 2008, operating under Longterm Focus Sdn. Bhd. as a licensed private school.
Community
Community
The school community includes students, teachers, and families who regularly participate in campus-wide events. Celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Year-End Festivities, Children's Day, and Science Fairs provide shared cultural and academic experiences. These events are designed to build connections among families and reflect the diversity of the student body.
Community
The school hosts a range of community events throughout the year, including cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Hari Raya, and Christmas, along with academic competitions and sports tournaments. Annual events like the MIS Carnival welcome families and the public, featuring games, food stalls, science demos, and performance booths, often tied to the school’s anniversary
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
JT International School maintains an active Parent-Teacher Association that collaborates closely with the school’s leadership and teaching staff. The PTA is involved in organising key events such as the annual Year-End Celebration, Lunar New Year festivities, and student-led Science and Chess competitions. Parents also help facilitate logistics during community events and provide feedback during termly academic review sessions.
Parent teacher association
The Parent-Teacher Association organizes initiatives such as Tea Time with Teachers, offering informal Q&A sessions and discussions about programs and student progress. Parents are regularly invited to attend Parent-Teacher Meetings and the Family Carnival, collaborating with teachers and students on planning and running activities for MIS’s public events. The PTA also supports seasonal and cultural events like Hari Raya and Chinese New Year, with coordination between school, families, and student leaders to create shared celebrations for the school community.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
JT International School Melaka delivers a Cambridge curriculum across Pre-School, Primary (Year 1–6), and Secondary (Year 7–11). The Pre-School comprises Nursery and Reception (Foundation Stages 1 and 2) with a focus on early English, mathematics, phonics, science, and motor skills. The Primary curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Science, Malay, Mandarin, Malaysian History, Music, Global Perspectives, Islamiyat, Physical Education, Computing, and Art & Design. In Secondary, a broad range of Cambridge IGCSE subjects is offered, including English, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Sciences, Malay as a Foreign Language, Mandarin, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, and Art & Design; the school emphasises enquiry-based and project-based learning with personalised guidance to nurture deep understanding and a love of learning.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Music and Art & Design are part of the curriculum, supported by on-campus facilities such as a Music Room and a Dance Room. Art & Design and Music appear as subjects across Primary and Secondary. The curriculum encourages creativity through hands-on, project-based learning and other creative explorations.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Languages taught include English, Malay, and Mandarin. Malay as a Foreign Language is offered in Year 10–11.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
The school offers after-school activities and clubs across a range of interests to foster teamwork and self-discovery. Guidance and counselling are available to support academic achievement and social-emotional well-being. Clubs and activities are designed to develop leadership and personal growth.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
The school is committed to a community-centred, holistic approach to education.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Guidance and counselling support academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and career exploration. After-school activities and clubs foster leadership development and practical skills.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Facilities include an Outdoor Court, Music Room, Dance Room, Library, and well-equipped classrooms to support sports and the arts. A lunch program and nutrition education support students' health and well-being. Physical Education is a listed subject, and the campus is described as a serene, green environment conducive to learning.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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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
There are no awards publicly mentioned on the school’s website.
Awards
There is no information publicly available on the awards won by Melaka International School.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) JTIS is authorised to offer the full Cambridge Pathway (Early Years, Lower Secondary, IGCSE). The Cambridge accreditation confirms that the school meets the standards required to deliver Cambridge programmes and assessments.
Accreditations
Cambridge International Examination Centre The school is authorised to administer Cambridge qualifications (Checkpoint, IGCSE, A‑Level), signifying compliance with Cambridge standards
Licensed by Malaysia’s Ministry of Education (MOE) It is recognised as an authorised educational institution for handling domestic and international students.
Star rating under SKIPS (Private Education Quality Standard) The school received a four-star rating in the government’s Standard Kualiti Institusi Pendidikan Swasta, affirming institutional quality.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Schedule a Meeting Once you hear back, you'll arrange a visit either online or in person to discuss your child’s needs and learn more about school life.
Complete the Application Form and Checklist Submit the official application form, along with documents like identity, birth certificate, recent school reports, vaccination records, and photos. International applicants also include passport and visa pages as per the school’s checklist.
Payment of Fees Attach the required application/enrolment payment (including application fee) and any additional charges. The school will confirm receipt and reservation of your child’s place.
Await Admission Outcome The school will notify you of the decision once your documents and payment are reviewed. This includes confirmation of enrolment, academic year placement, and start date arrangements.
Admissions
Complete the application form You'll need the student’s health record, birth certificate/passport, parent IDs, recent school reports, passport-sized photos, and a non-refundable application fee (MYR 600–800). For international students, certified documents (like a bank statement) and a letter from the Malaysian Ministry of Education are required.
Attend the entrance assessment For Primary and Secondary, this includes English and Math tests and an informal chat with the Head of Primary or Secondary. It takes about 2 hours and happens on campus.
Receive the Letter of Offer Admissions staff, subject heads, and school leadership review results together before confirming successful applicants. Parents receive the offer by email along with the invoice and next steps.
Complete government approvals (for international students) The school applies for Ministry of Education approval (MYR 185) and a Student Pass or Dependant Pass from Immigration (MYR 250), plus a performance bond (handled on your behalf).
Confirm admission and make payments To confirm the spot, settle the deposit, registration fee, term fees, insurance, and miscellaneous costs by the deadline. International students require government approvals before final placement.
Scholarships
Scholarships
There is no mention of scholarships on the school’s website.
Scholarships
Melaka International School offers two scholarships to enrolled full-time students: Dr. Ishak’s Outstanding Academic Scholarship Eligibility: Students entering Year 7 with 80% or higher in Maths, Science, and English from Year 6. Students must pass the school's scholarship exam with 80% or higher. Awards a 30% tuition fee waiver (not a cash award). Open to Malaysian and international students.
Ms. Shamsunnisa’s Outstanding Sports Scholarship Eligibility: Malaysian students who have represented at district, state, or national level (MSSD, MSSM, SUKMA, etc.), with supporting documentation. Awards a 30% tuition fee waiver, reviewed annually.
Waitlist
Waitlist
JT International School does not appear to operate a waitlist or admissions pool system.
Waitlist
The school does not operate a formal waitlist or admissions pool. Offers are based on space availability and assessment results.