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Kinabalu International School

Malaysia, Sabah

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees MYR 16,041 - 56,250
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 432
Type Co-educational
Opened 1973
Bus Service No
Availability Not shared by this school
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, French, Malay, Mandarin
Typical class size 17
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Kinabalu International School (KIS), established in 1973, is located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The school offers the British National Curriculum, culminating in Cambridge IGCSE and A Level examinations, catering to students aged 3 to 18. The campus features modern facilities, including science laboratories, art studios, and sports amenities. With a small class size, students receive personalized attention to support their learning journey. KIS is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA). The school emphasizes global citizenship, encouraging students to engage in community service and environmental initiatives. Notably, KIS is recognized as a Green Flag Eco-School, highlighting its dedication to sustainability and environmental education. The diverse student body and experienced faculty create a vibrant learning community that prepares students for success in a global context.

www.kis.edu.my

Off Jalan Khidmat, Bukit Padang, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Vibes and Culture
The school has not added this information
The Essentials

Kinabalu International School has 432 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English.

Location
Kinabalu International School is located in Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on the island of Borneo in East Malaysia. The school sits in a quiet, leafy suburb approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre. It is accessible by car and taxi, and located near local amenities and residential neighbourhoods. The surrounding area offers a calm environment for families while remaining close to urban conveniences.

Stages
Kinabalu International School is structured into Early Years, Primary School (Years 1–6), Secondary School (Years 7–13), and A Levels in Year 13.

Type
Kinabalu International School is a co-educational, non-boarding day school. It welcomes both Malaysian and international students and operates on a not-for-profit model governed by a Board of Governors elected by the parents.

Additional learning support
The school offers support for students with mild to moderate additional learning needs. Provision is coordinated through its Learning Support Team, who work in partnership with teachers and families. Support may include differentiated instruction, classroom assistance, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as required.

Country affiliation
KIS does not have a formal affiliation with any one country.

Religious affiliation
Kinabalu International School is secular and has no religious affiliation.

School day structure
The school day typically begins at 7:45 AM and ends at 2:00 PM for Early Years and Primary, and 3:00 PM for Secondary classes. There are designated morning breaks and a lunch period. After-school clubs and extracurricular activities run on selected afternoons until around 3:00 PM for Primary and 4:00 PM for Secondary students.

Bus service
The school does not run a transport service.
Diving Deeper
The school has not added this information
Fees

Annual tuition at Kinabalu International School ranges from MYR 16,041 to MYR 56,250 for 2026/27.

One Time Only Fees
Application Fee: A non-refundable MYR 800 is payable upon application.
Registration Fee: Upon acceptance, a MYR 2,500 non-refundable registration fee is charged.
Capital Fee (Reception - Foundation 2): a non-refundable MYR 2,000 to be paid before the student is enrolled in the school. Transferable upon entry to Year 1.
Capital Fee (Year 1 - Year 13): a non-refundable MYR 8,000 to be paid before the student is enrolled in the school.
Refundable Deposit: A deposit equal to MYR 2,500 is payable and refundable with written notice of withdrawal. Six school weeks notice is required.

Annual Tuition Fees
Reception & Foundation 1 (1) Finish at 11.20 AM: MYR 16,041
Reception & Foundation 1 (2) Finish at 2 PM: MYR 22,239
Foundation 2: MYR 26,109
Years 1 - 2: MYR 33,474
Years 3 - 5: MYR 35,352
Year 6: MYR 37,209
Years 7 - 8: MYR 42,750
Year 9: MYR 44,589
Year 10: MYR 54,315
Year 11: MYR 45,612
Year 12: MYR 56,250
Year 13: MYR 47,225

Individual Needs Fee (per term)
English as an Additional Language or Special Educational Needs: MYR 1,860
Both English as an Additional Language and Special Educational Needs: MYR 2,790

Additional Fees
Annual Student Accident Insurance: a non-refundable insurance fee of MYR 32 payable before the date of admission or annually before the first day of the academic year.
Public Exams Fees: IGCSE and A Level exam fees are set each year by the Exam Boards. Fees will depend on the subjects taken.
Field / Residential / Social / Class Trips: Fees are charged on an individual basis, based on quoted costs incurred for the trip concerned.
Catered Lunches: Additional costs apply.
School Uniforms: Additional costs apply.

Payment of Fees
Tuition fees are billed termly in advance. There are 3 terms per academic year. You may choose to pay it:
- In monthly instalments ( premium applies)
- On a termly basis
- A full year’s fee in advance

Refund Policy
Tuition fees are non-refundable unless a withdrawal notice is submitted in writing in accordance with school policy. The refundable deposit is returned when the notice conditions are met.
Academics

Kinabalu International School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Kinabalu International School follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years to Secondary. In Early Years (ages 3–5), the focus is on structured play, communication, and foundational skills across seven areas of learning. The Primary School (Years 1–6) builds core competencies in English (including Drama), Mathematics, Science, Computing, Humanities, and the Arts (Music and Design Technology), along with weekly lessons in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, French and PE. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), students continue with a broad curriculum including ICT, Personal, Social, Economic and Health Education. At Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), students work toward the Cambridge IGCSE, selecting subjects alongside core requirements in English, Language, Mathematics, and Sciences. Post-16 students (Years 12–13) follow the Cambridge A Level programme, typically choosing 3–4 subjects based on their university goals.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing
The school has not added this information
Parent Experience
The school has not added this information
Facilities
The school has not added this information
Extra-Curricular Activities
The school has not added this information
Languages
The school has not added this information
Reputation
The school has not added this information
Admissions

Admissions
1. Application
To submit an application to the school, you will need to complete the Application Form and pay a non-refundable application fee of RM 800 per child.
Application may be made online/ via email, or physically submitted.
Please note that this is not a commitment from you to accept a place, nor does it confirm that your child will be offered a place.

2. Assessment
Assessments are conducted in school (by appointment), based on age and year group. For families based overseas, it is possible for the assessment to be taken in your country of residence.

3. Placement Offer
Following the assessment stage, the Heads of School and the Principal review the assessment results and confirm their recommendation regarding a place at the school. This process typically takes between 7 to 14 school days. A verbal confirmation is provided as soon as a decision is made. Additionally, a written confirmation follows, detailing the offer of a place, class placement, and admission date.

4. Acceptance of a Place
A confirmation of acceptance is required within 7 days of the placement offer letter being issued. Upon receipt of the signed acceptance, the school will finalise the student’s class placement, raise the invoice for fees, and provide all relevant information for the start of school.
If a student does not begin attending within two weeks of the agreed start date, their name will be removed from the admissions list, and the application fee will be forfeited.

Scholarships
Kinabalu International School offers a Scholarship Programme for Year 12 students entering the A-Level programme. Scholarships are merit-based and awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance along with active involvement in extracurricular or community service activities.

The scholarship applies to the two-year A-Level programme and may cover a portion of the tuition fees. Applicants must complete a scholarship application form, submit academic records, and participate in an interview and assessment process.

Scholarships are limited and subject to annual availability and funding decisions by the school’s Board.

Waitlist
Parents will be informed if a class is full. If they still wish to continue with the application procedure, they will be advised that the student will be placed on a waiting list in the appropriate pool. The pools are as follows:
- Pool A - Students who have a parent employed by the school. - Pool B - Students whose siblings are studying at KIS.
- Pool C- Students for whom English is their first language.
- Pool D - Students with English as an additional language but who are fluent in English.
- Pool E - Students with English as an additional language who are not fluent in English.
School Events
The school has not added events
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