Malacca Expatriate School vs Melaka International School

	M Malacca Expatriate School Malacca, Malaysia	M Melaka International School Malacca, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 16,500 - 35,400	Fees / year MYR 11,574 - 33,540
Age range	Age range 5 - 16 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 200	Pupils 280
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1980	Opened 1993
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Malacca Expatriate School (MES) is situated in the residential neighbourhood of Taman Permatang Pasir Perdana, about 15 minutes by car from Malacca city centre. It's close to public bus routes and offers easy access to local shops, eateries, and recreational spaces.	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 Malacca Expatriate School is divided into Primary (Foundation–Year 6) and Secondary (Years 7–11). Post–Year 11 progression options include AS/A‑Levels or the International Baccalaureate for further study.	Stages The school is divided into Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary, and Pre‑University (A‑Levels).
School type	School type MES is a co-educational, day school and does not provide boarding facilities. It caters to both expatriate and local families.	School type Melaka International School is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support MES does not have specialist staff or facilities for students with identified additional learning needs.	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 MES is not formally affiliated with a particular country beyond curriculum standards.	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 MES is non-denominational and operates without any religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school is non-denominational, with no religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure The school day at Malacca Expatriate School runs from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday. This schedule applies to both Primary and Secondary students.	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 There is no explicit mention of a school bus or coach service on the MES 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 Payment Application/Assessment Fee: MYR 600 (non-refundable, payable with the application). Registration fee: MYR 2,500 (non-refundable) Deposit: A deposit equal to one term’s tuition must be maintained at all times and is refunded if written notice is given at least one month before the next term starts. Annual Tuition Fees Reception: MYR 16,500 Years 1–6: MYR 18,900 Year 7: MYR 24,300 Year 8: MYR 25,350 Year 9: MYR 26,400 Year 10: MYR 30,600 Year 11: MYR 35,400 Note: the total annual fee includes an Annual Resource fee of MYR 2,400 for all levels. Uniforms, Textbooks, and Other Costs* Uniforms and textbooks are not included and must be purchased separately. Discounts & Provisions Students joining after Week 6 of a term pay half the term fee. Reception students leaving at 12:30 PM receive MYR 500 discount on the term fee. Sibling discount: 10% off the younger sibling’s term fee. mes.edu.my Billing & Payment Terms Fees are billed per term and must be paid before the start of the term. For Year 11, fees are costed on an entire year basis. Payment via bank transfer, cheque or other means as detailed in the offer letter. Refund Policy The term-fee deposit is refundable if notice is given in writing at least one month before the next term. Additional Notes MES reserves the right to increase fees by up to 10% each academic year.	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 —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for students.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Lunch orders are available as an optional lunch program.	Food options —
House system	House system —	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 The school is operated by Expatriate School (Malacca) Berhad.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a CEO/Director. Shamsunnisa Ishak serves as CEO/Director.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Malacca Expatriate School offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Reception to Year 11. The Primary section (Reception to Year 6) follows the Cambridge Primary Programme, covering subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and ICT. In Years 7 to 9, students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum and prepare for the Checkpoint assessments. Years 10 and 11 focus on the Cambridge IGCSE, with subject options including English, Mathematics, Combined Science, Business Studies, Accounting, History, and ICT. Malay and Mandarin are also taught as language subjects. The curriculum is structured to align with Cambridge’s international academic progression.	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.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	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) MES does not describe specific SEN provisions or specialist staff on their website. It’s not a recognized specialist SEN institution.	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 There’s no mention on MES’s website of an EAL program or support tailored for students whose first language is not English.	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 The school website does not reference any mental wellbeing initiatives, dedicated counselling staff, wellness workshops, or similar supports.	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 The MES Bullying Policy outlines a duty to report suspected bullying among students, including cyberbullying and incidents occurring off-campus. Staff are expected to inform the relevant principal, and parents are encouraged to report issues promptly. While this suggests some safeguarding awareness, there is no published safeguarding policy detailing designated staff, reporting procedures, or child protection training.	Safeguarding The school website does not provide a clearly detailed safeguarding or child protection policy.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Malacca Expatriate School (MES) is a fully registered international school in Melaka, established in 1980. It provides a British, co-educational international curriculum to expatriate and local communities. MES is a Cambridge International Examinations Centre and follows Cambridge curricula for both primary and secondary education. The library facilities support independent and group learning, and a computer laboratory is fully equipped with modern hardware and software. The school emphasizes active, enquiry-based learning with field trips, excursions, family days, school concerts and drama productions, within a warm, close-knit community and a low student-to-teacher ratio that enables individual attention.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Cambridge Primary education programme for ages 5-11 is followed, including English, English as a Second Language, Mathematics and Science, developed by Cambridge International Examinations. Cambridge Primary forms the foundation before progressing through Cambridge Secondary stages, culminating in Cambridge IGCSE examinations. In the secondary curriculum, Cambridge Secondary 1 (Years 7–9) and Cambridge Secondary 2 (Years 10–11) lead to the Cambridge IGCSE qualification. Subjects offered in IGCSE include English First Language, English Literature, Geography, History, ICT, Mathematics and Additional Mathematics, as well as foreign languages such as Malay and Mandarin. The school operates as a Cambridge International Examinations Centre, aligning teaching and assessment with Cambridge standards.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities MES offers a range of extracurricular activities including school excursions, a family day, school concerts and drama productions, which support cooperation, teamwork and broader learning beyond the classroom.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Malacca Expatriate School began on 9 June 1980, when Mr A. G. Leon, a retired educationist, was invited to open a school for expatriate children in Malacca. It started in a borrowed room at Bukit Cina Primary School with fewer than 10 students, one head, and one teacher. After sixteen years, the school relocated to Tanjong Kling to accommodate growth. On 23 February 2011, it became a Cambridge Primary member, and by 20 October 2011, it received government approval to open the secondary school, becoming a centre for Cambridge Checkpoint and IGCSE exams.	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 MES hosts a range of community and cultural events, including school concerts, inter-house sports days, drama productions, and public art exhibitions like the Heart of Melaka at the Balai Seni Lukis Malacca Gallery. These activities bring together students, parents, and local organisations to celebrate creativity, culture, and student learning in shared, inclusive settings.	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 The school does not mention a formal Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) on its website. Instead, family engagement is fostered through Family Day events, parent-teacher conferences each term, and joint participation in community activities like organizing school concerts and public exhibitions.	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 MES follows the Cambridge International Curriculum and is a Cambridge International Examinations Centre. The Cambridge IGCSE programme runs through four stages: Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary 1, Cambridge Secondary 2 and Cambridge Advanced; students may join at any stage. In Primary, Cambridge Primary covers English, English as a Second Language, Mathematics and Science, with Cambridge Primary developed by Cambridge International Examinations; Mathematics includes adaptations from the Singapore curriculum. In Secondary, the programme progresses to Cambridge Secondary 1 and 2, leading to Cambridge IGCSE; Upper Secondary (Years 10–11) prepares students for AS and A Level or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Assessments include internal term tests and Cambridge Checkpoint at the ends of Year 6 and Year 9, with IGCSE assessments at the end of Year 11. The academic year runs from September to the end of July.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Malay is taught as a foreign language to Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) and leads to Cambridge IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language in Upper Secondary. Mandarin is taught as a foreign language to Lower Secondary and leads to Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin as a Foreign Language in Upper Secondary.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school follows the Cambridge Primary curriculum for ages 5–11, covering English, English as a Second Language, Mathematics and Science. In Secondary, the Cambridge IGCSE programme is used, with English – First Language and English Literature at IGCSE. Malay is taught as a foreign language in Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) and Cambridge IGCSE Malay is compulsory for Malaysian citizens in Upper Secondary. Mandarin is taught as a foreign language in Lower Secondary, and Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese (Foreign Language) is offered in Upper Secondary.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school has not listed any formal institutional awards on its official website.	Awards There is no information publicly available on the awards won by Melaka International School.
Accreditations	Accreditations Cambridge International Examinations Centre MES is recognised as an official examination centre for Cambridge Checkpoint (Years 6 & 9) and IGCSE (Year 11), meaning it is authorised to conduct and administer these internationally recognised assessments. Cambridge Primary Membership This membership affirms the school’s commitment to the Cambridge Primary Programme, ensuring regular monitoring and access to updated educational resources	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 Book a School Visit (optional) Families are welcome to schedule an appointment to tour the campus and speak with staff before submitting an application. Submit Application Complete the application form and provide required documents, including: previous school report, school leaving certificate, student birth certificate, immunisation record, passport-sized photos, copies of parents' ID/passports, and a copy of parents' marriage certificate. A non-refundable assessment fee of MYR 600 must be paid by cash or cheque to complete the application. Submission does not guarantee a place. Complete the student assessment Students will be scheduled for age-appropriate assessments once there is a potential vacancy. Assessment content is confidential and not shared with parents. Applicants with known learning needs must inform the school, as the school does not have Special Needs teachers. Receive and Respond to Offer Letter Successful applicants will receive a formal Offer Letter outlining fees, terms, and start date. Enrolment is contingent on assessment results, availability of space, and a valid Student Pass issued by Malaysian Immigration (for expatriates). Confirm Acceptance and Enrolment Parents must confirm the offer and pay the required fees before the child begins school. Once accepted, the school will share further details on class timetables, extracurricular activities, uniforms, and book requirements.	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 Malacca Expatriate School does not offer scholarships.	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 Yes, MES operates a waitlist system. If a class is full, the student’s application remains active, and they may be placed on a waitlist until a vacancy becomes available. Assessments are only scheduled when a place might be open. Applications are processed in order of submission with complete documentation and payment.	Waitlist The school does not operate a formal waitlist or admissions pool. Offers are based on space availability and assessment results.
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