St. Joseph’s International School Kuching vs Tunku Putra-HELP School
St. Joseph’s International School Kuching and Tunku Putra-HELP School are both in Sarawak, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge A Levels and Malaysian programmes, and St. Joseph’s International School Kuching also offers Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS Levels. Published annual fees are MYR 14,800 - 21,400 at St. Joseph’s International School Kuching and MYR 10,060 - 32,410 at Tunku Putra-HELP School, which puts Tunku Putra-HELP School roughly 17% higher. St. Joseph’s International School Kuching takes pupils from 13 to 18, and Tunku Putra-HELP School from 3 to 19. St. Joseph’s International School Kuching is the larger school, with around 1,500 pupils to Tunku Putra-HELP School's 800. Typical class sizes are 25 at St. Joseph’s International School Kuching and 30 at Tunku Putra-HELP School.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Malaysian Curriculum
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels, Malaysian Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
1,500
Pupils
800
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
30
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Malay
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2017
Opened
1996
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
St. Joseph’s International School Kuching is situated at Lot 419, Section 58, KTLD, Jalan Tan Sri Datuk William Tan, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The school occupies the former site of SK St. Teresa in the Padungan area, placing it within the central business district of Kuching. This central location offers convenient access to various parts of the city.
Location
Tunku Putra-HELP School is located at The NorthBank along the Kuching–Samarahan Expressway in Tabuan Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak. It sits in a rapidly developing residential and commercial area and is close to the planned Stutong station on the upcoming Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), which will improve accessibility in the future.
Stages
Stages
St. Joseph’s International School Kuching is divide into Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary and A-Level.
Stages
The school is divided into Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form (A-Level) sections. It offers both Malaysian national and British international curricula from age 3 through Year 13 (A-Level).
School type
School type
The school is a co-educational day school and it does not provide boarding facilities.
School type
TPHS is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not available.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
St. Joseph’s International School Kuching provides several types of learning support to help students beyond the classroom. They offer English language support, extended school hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., giving students time for extra tutorials, homework help, and consultations with teachers. In addition to academics, the school supports students’ personal growth through creative arts activities like music, dance, and drama.
Additional learning support
TPHS provides a dedicated Learning Support programme to assist students with higher learning needs. Support is primarily delivered within the classroom setting, but there is also a designated Learning Support Room (B22.5) for more focused interventions. The school emphasizes stimulating various approaches to enhance brain function for learning.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have a country affiliation.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has a Roman Catholic religious affiliation, as it is managed by the Marist Brothers and operates under the guidance of the Archdiocese of Kuching.
Religious affiliation
TPHS is a secular institution with no religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
School Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
School day structure
The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not offer a bus service
Bus service details
The school does not offer a bus service.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Registration Fees Application Fee (one-time, non-refundable): RM 500 Assessment Test Fee: RM 100 per student
Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable):
For Years 7–9: 1st child: RM 4,000 2nd child: RM 2,000 3rd child: RM 1,000 4th child: Free
Refund Policy For Secondary Students (Years 7–11) Parents must give 1 month’s written notice before withdrawing a student.
If no notice is given, an extra full term's fee will be charged.
Refunds:
Before mid-term: Eligible for 50% refund of that term’s fee. After mid-term: No refund given.
For Pre-University Students If a student does not complete the A-Level programme, the deposit (1 semester fee) will be forfeited.
If the withdrawal happens after the exam registration deadline, exam fees are non-refundable.
For students asked to withdraw by the school, unused deposits may be refunded, but exam fees will not be.
Payment Methods JomPAY (Online Bill Payment) Credit or Debit Card Payable in person at the school office. Cheque
Fee details
Kindergarten (Kindy 1 to 3) Annual Fee: RM 10,060 Per Instalment (3 terms): RM 3,353
International Primary School Malaysian Students: Primary 1–3 Published Rate: RM 20,530/year or RM 6,844 per term Bursary Rate: RM 17,450/year or RM 5,817 per term
Primary 4–6 Published Rate: RM 22,530/year or RM 7,510 per term Bursary Rate: RM 19,150/year or RM 6,384 per term
Non-Malaysian Students: Primary 1–3 Published Rate: RM 20,530/year or RM 6,844 per term Bursary Rate: RM 18,475/year or RM 6,159 per term
Primary 4–6 Published Rate: RM 22,530/year or RM 7,510 per term Bursary Rate: RM 20,275/year or RM 6,759 per term
International Secondary School (Year 7–11) Malaysian Students: Published Rate: RM 32,410/year or RM 10,804 per term Bursary Rate: RM 27,550/year or RM 9,184 per term
Non-Malaysian Students: Published Rate: RM 32,410/year or RM 10,804 per term Bursary Rate: RM 29,170/year or RM 9,724 per term
The school does not have publicly available information on their Refund Policy and Payment Methods.
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
The school requires a uniform and it is not included in tuition.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
The school has a large cafeteria and provides well-balanced meals with pre-ordered healthy meal plans as an option.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is a Catholic institution managed by the Board of Directors, St. Joseph's Private School Management Berhad (Company No. 981967-X). It follows the Cambridge syllabus leading to Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, with books sourced from the United Kingdom; English is the medium of instruction and Malaysian citizens study Bahasa Melayu, Pendidikan Moral or Pendidikan Islam (Muslim only). The school operates as a single-session, co-educational campus with classes from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and welcomes both foreign and local students, with special English classes available.
Governance and ownership
The school is part of the HELP Group of Schools.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
St. Joseph’s International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum at both secondary and pre-university levels. Students typically enter at Year 7 and progress through to Year 11, preparing for the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations. The IGCSE curriculum covers core academic subjects such as English, Mathematics, the Sciences, and Humanities, along with options like Art and ICT. Malaysian students are also required to take Bahasa Melayu and Moral or Islamic Studies, in line with national regulations.
At the pre-university level, students can choose between two academic tracks: the Cambridge A-Level programme or the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT). The A-Level is an 18-month programme split into Year 12 (12 months) and Year 13 (6 months), typically involving three to four subjects in the Sciences, Mathematics, or Humanities. The AUSMAT programme, delivered over 12 months, is assessed continuously through coursework and final exams and is based on standards set by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority of Western Australia. Both qualifications are widely accepted by universities in Malaysia and abroad.
Curriculum details
Tunku Putra-HELP School offers a dual-track curriculum comprising the Malaysian National Curriculum and the British-based International Curriculum. At the Kindergarten level, the school blends the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with elements from the Malaysian curriculum, emphasizing early literacy, numeracy, and social development through play-based learning.
In the National Primary section (Standard 1–6), students follow the Malaysian KSSR syllabus, enhanced by British and Singaporean resources in Mathematics and Science. Subjects include Bahasa Malaysia, English, Science, Mathematics, Mandarin, History, ICT, Music, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Moral Studies, and Islamic Studies where applicable.
The International Primary stream (Years 1–6) follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), a theme-based program designed to foster global perspectives, creativity, and inquiry-based learning. This curriculum is complemented by the English National Curriculum for literacy and numeracy.
At the secondary level, students in the National stream (Form 1–5) follow the KSSM syllabus, leading up to the national SPM examination. The curriculum is supported by additional content from Singaporean and British syllabi for Mathematics and Science.
For the International Secondary stream (Years 7–11), students pursue the Cambridge curriculum, leading to the IGCSE examinations. TPHS also offers Cambridge International A-Levels (Years 12–13) for students in pre-university, enabling them to specialize in their preferred academic disciplines and preparing them for higher education globally.
St. Joseph’s supports social and emotional learning mainly through activities that encourage group interaction and personal expression. For example, students regularly take part in drama, music, and dance activities, where they work together in rehearsals, performances, and presentations. These situations help students develop communication skills, manage anxiety (e.g., stage fright), and learn how to cooperate with others. Additionally, students are expected to participate in clubs and sports, where teamwork and self-discipline are built through group projects and competitions.
Social & emotional learning
The school does not have publicly available information about their social and emotional learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not have any specialized support for students with special educational needs.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school employs a Head of Inclusion who oversees the development and implementation of strategies to accommodate students with special educational needs. This includes personalized support plans and collaboration with teachers to ensure that all students can thrive academically and socially.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
St. Joseph’s International School provides special English classes for students who require assistance in improving their English proficiency. This support is designed to help students integrate into the English-medium curriculum effectively.
English as an additional language
The school does not have publicly available information on EAL.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Students participate in creative arts such as music, drama, and dance, which provide avenues for emotional expression and stress relief. Additionally, the school emphasizes the development of interpersonal skills and leadership qualities through co-curricular activities, fostering a supportive environment that contributes to students' overall well-being.
Mental wellbeing
TPHS recognizes the importance of mental wellbeing and incorporates it into their educational approach. The school has organized webinars focusing on nurturing and developing resilient and mentally healthy children, indicating a proactive stance on mental health education and support.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not have their safeguarding policy publicly available.
Safeguarding
The school is committed to upholding the highest standards in safeguarding and child protection, in line with both Malaysian laws and international practices. This commitment is reflected in their policies, which clearly state that all concerns regarding the welfare of children whether suspicions, allegations, or disclosures must be taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Staff members are required to remain vigilant and responsible when it comes to the safety of students. They are expected to follow clear procedures in reporting any potential harm or risk to a child. This includes documenting concerns appropriately and ensuring they are escalated to the relevant safeguarding personnel. The school acknowledges that early intervention is key, and therefore empowers teachers and staff through clear protocols and guidance.
Training and awareness are integral parts of the school’s safeguarding framework. Staff undergo regular training to ensure they understand their obligations and are equipped to act decisively when needed. The school also fosters a culture where students feel safe to speak up and seek help.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school has a laboratory, an examination hall, a reading room/library, a computer laboratory, and a basketball court.
Facilities overview
The school sits on a purpose-built campus designed for holistic learning. It features air-conditioned classrooms with Apple TVs, a large library, and Design and Technology facilities including a Cookery Lab, Textile Lab, and Resistant Materials Lab. Six science labs, an art studio, music rooms, a dance studio, and a 200-seat Performing Arts Theatre support learning across disciplines. Outdoor spaces include a half-Olympic-sized swimming pool, a large school field, a mini amphitheatre, and a spacious cafeteria with on-site health services.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The school has a basketball court.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities include a large School Field for outdoor activities, a half-Olympic-sized Swimming Pool with six lanes, and a Fitness Suite for cardio workouts. A Multi-Purpose Hall adds indoor space for activities.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The Cambridge syllabus leads to IGCSE and A-level examinations. All subjects are taught in English. Books are sourced from the United Kingdom. Malaysian citizens study Bahasa Melayu and Moral Education, or Islamic Education for Muslim students. The school is a single-session, co-educational day school with lessons from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Special English classes are available for students who need help.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities include air-conditioned classrooms with Apple TVs, The Laila Taib Library, and Computer Labs. Design and Technology facilities comprise a Cookery Lab, Textile Lab, and Resistant Materials Lab. Six state-of-the-art Science Labs support Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The campus also houses Music Rooms, Art Studios, and a Performing Arts Theatre, and an on-site Clinic.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Soft skills development includes creative arts such as music, drama and dance. Leadership development is emphasized as part of the holistic education.
Extra curricular facilities
Dance Studio With Full-Length Mirrors supports rehearsals, dance practice, yoga, taekwondo and Zumba. The Performing Arts Theatre hosts drama classes and performances. Art Studios and Music Rooms support visual and musical arts. The Mini Amphitheatre and Fitness Suite provide spaces for gatherings and fitness activities.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
St. Joseph’s International School Kuching was established in 2017 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching. It is part of the St. Joseph’s Private Schools network, which includes primary and secondary schools. The international school operates from the former SK St. Teresa campus in Padungan and is managed by the Marist Brothers. It offers the Cambridge curriculum, providing education from lower secondary up to A-Level and AUSMAT programmes.
The origins of St. Joseph’s educational institutions in Kuching date back to 1882, when the Mill Hill Fathers established the first Catholic missionary school in Sarawak. Over the years, the school underwent several transformations, including administration by the La Salle Brothers from 1950. In the 1960s, the school became part of the Malaysian government-aided school system. Recognizing the need for holistic education, the Archdiocese initiated the establishment of private schools in 2012, leading to the formation of the current St. Joseph’s Private Schools network.
History
The school was established in 1997 in Kuching, Sarawak. It was founded through a collaboration between the HELP Education Group and local stakeholders, with the aim of offering both national and international curricula in a single institution. The school has since evolved into a modern campus providing education from early years through secondary level.
Community
Community
St. Joseph’s International School Kuching fosters a community that celebrates Malaysia's rich cultural diversity. The school's Cultural Club exposes students to traditional dances from various Malaysian ethnic groups, such as Chinese New Year and Gawai Dayak celebrations, promoting cultural appreciation and unity among students. Additionally, the school organizes events like the production "A Story of Ours: Us & Them," which encourages students to explore themes of identity and belonging through the arts.
Community
The school hosts a diverse student body, welcoming learners from various cultural backgrounds. It fosters a vibrant school culture through events such as Hari Merdeka, Chinese New Year celebrations, and international days. These activities reflect Malaysia’s multicultural identity while helping students build cross-cultural understanding and school spirit.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school does not have PTA.
Parent teacher association
The school does not have a Parent Teacher Association.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Cambridge syllabus leads to Cambridge O-Levels and A-Levels. Books are sourced from the United Kingdom. AUSMAT is planned to be offered. All subjects are taught in English; Malaysian citizens study Bahasa Melayu, Pendidikan Islam or Pendidikan Moral, and Sejarah Malaysia.
Academic & intellectual
International Primary combines the Cambridge Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) to build knowledge, skills, and international mindedness. The IPC is inquiry-based and emphasizes real-world themes, collaboration, and the eight Personal Learning Goals (resilient, thinkers, ethical, empathetic, collaborators, communicators, adaptable, respectful). IPC accreditation highlights the school's international approach, and the school is ranked among the top 20 worldwide as the first and only IPC-accredited school in Borneo.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Development of soft skills through the creative arts—music, drama and dance—is part of the holistic education. Dance & Drama and Musical Ensemble & Vocal are offered as ECAs, with Audio-Visual Production also available. The ECA program includes additional clubs and societies that support arts and media.
Arts & creative
Music and Drama are part of the curriculum, with Art offered as a subject across year groups. The Secondary curriculum includes Performing Arts: Drama and Music. IPC covers Art and Technology, and the A Level programme also includes Art as a subject.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
All subjects are taught in English. Malaysian citizens study Bahasa Melayu, Pendidikan Islam or Pendidikan Moral, and Sejarah Malaysia. The school offers a Language Club as part of ECAs and welcomes both foreign and local students.
Cultural & language
Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia are core language offerings. Islamic Studies is available for Muslim students. IPC Learning Goals promote international-mindedness and cross-cultural awareness through Geography, History, ICT, Art, Technology, and Society.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Uniform groups and sports form part of the activity program, including Student leaders & monitors, Fire Cadet, St John Ambulance, Taekwondo, and Wushu, plus Futsal, Badminton, Basketball, Netball, Table Tennis, and Chess. Clubs & societies include A Level Club, Audio-Visual Production, Business & Career Club, Creative & Innovative Club, Dance & Drama, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Drone & Photography Club, Environment Club, Interact Club, Language Club, Librarian Club, ISCF, Legion of Mary, Confirmation Class, Musical Ensemble & Vocal, STEM, and Young Christian Students.
Social & hobbies
Upper secondary students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, which supports fitness, adventure, volunteering, and leadership. The IGCSE curriculum also includes Leadership & Enterprise options such as entrepreneurship and media studies. Physical Education includes swimming, and Personal, Social and Health Education is part of the curriculum.
Community & service
Community & service
Interacts Club; St John Ambulance; Environment Club; Duke of Edinburgh Award; Legion of Mary; ISCF; Young Christian Students; Confirmation Class.
Community & service
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award emphasizes volunteering and community service as part of its activities. Leadership & Enterprise options and Careers-related enrichment provide opportunities to serve and develop community impact.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Student leaders and monitors participate in uniform groups. The school offers clubs such as A Level Club and Duke of Edinburgh Award to support leadership and career development. Interact Club and Language Club provide further leadership opportunities.
Leadership & professional
Enrichment programmes in the A Level pathway include Careers and Personal Projects, alongside the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. Leadership and Enterprise options in IGCSE foster entrepreneurial and financial-literacy skills. The school supports pathways to scholarships through its network with HELP Education Group.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
St. Joseph's International School runs a single-session day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sports include Futsal, Badminton, Basketball, Netball, Table Tennis and Chess. The program focuses on interpersonal skills and leadership as part of holistic education.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Physical Education (including swimming) supports fitness and wellbeing as part of the core curriculum. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award promotes physical activity, exploration, and volunteering as wellbeing-enhancing experiences. Personal, Social and Health Education contributes to students' wellbeing and life-skills development.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the medium of instruction for all subjects. Malaysian citizens are required to study Bahasa Melayu, Pendidikan Moral or Pendidikan Islam (Muslim only). The school also offers special English classes for students who needs help.
Language provision
The Kindergarten Language and Literacy program includes English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. In the International Primary program, English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia are listed as subjects, and the IPC component covers Geography, History, ICT, Art, Technology, Society and International Mindedness. In the International Secondary program, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia are offered as subjects, with English also taught and IGCSE options available in Year 10–11. The A Level program lists English among its subjects.
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
CollectivED Silver Award (2024–2027) Recognized for excellence in coaching, mentoring, and professional learning, highlighting the school's commitment to collaborative educator development.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Licensed by the Malaysian Ministry of Education to offer the Cambridge International curriculum, including IGCSE and A-Level programmes.
Accreditations
International Primary Curriculum (IPC) Tunku Putra-HELP is the first school in Kuching and the 35th globally to receive IPC accreditation, reflecting its commitment to a thematic and creative learning approach.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award The school offers this globally recognized program, promoting personal development through service, skills, and physical activities.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Download and complete the relevant registration form from the school's website. Submit the completed form along with the required documents, which include: Two copies of the student's most recent academic report A copy of the student's birth certificate A copy of the student's MyKad or passport Two recent passport-sized photographs A copy of the parent's MyKad or passport
2. Prospective students may be required to sit for an entrance assessment to determine their suitability for the school's curriculum.
3. An interview with the student and parents may be conducted to discuss the student's educational background and expectations.
4. Successful applicants will receive an offer letter. Acceptance of the offer requires payment of the necessary fees.
5. Upon acceptance, the student will be officially enrolled, and further details regarding orientation and class placement will be provided.
Admissions
1. Submit Application Form and Documents Complete the application form and submit it along with the following documents:
Medical and Health Record form Two recent passport-sized photographs of the child, parents, and guardian (if applicable) Copies of the child's birth certificate, passport, identity card (Malaysian), and visa (non-Malaysian) Copies of both parents' passports, identity cards (Malaysian), and visas (non-Malaysian) Most recent school report and a testimonial regarding character and ability from the principal or class teacher If the child is staying with a guardian, provide the guardian's recent photo, passport, identity card (Malaysian), visa (non-Malaysian), and a letter confirming the appointment as a guardian
2. Assessment Once the complete application is received, the applicant will be scheduled for an assessment. The assessment varies depending on the year group and includes a meeting with the coordinator of the relevant section.
3. Application Review The school reviews the assessed applications, considering factors such as assessment results, school reports, subject options at IGCSE, English language ability, the child's behavior, and availability of places.
4. Offer of Place If the application is successful, an offer of place will be made. Placement is at the school's discretion, considering the student's age, academic ability, and level of achievement. Acceptance of the offer requires payment of the applicable fees by the stipulated date. If fees are paid by an employer, a Letter of Financial Guarantee must be provided.
5. Admission Upon receiving payment or a Letter of Financial Guarantee, the school will communicate the child's start date and provide support with purchasing the school uniform and textbooks. The Admissions Officer or Coordinator will provide details for the first day at school.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on scholarships.
Scholarships
TPHS offers bursaries and special rebates on tuition fees. For instance, the 2025 fee structure indicates that Malaysian students in Years 7 to 11 can receive a bursary. Non-Malaysian students may also be eligible for bursaries.