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The International School of Penang (Uplands)

Malaysia, Penang

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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 24,800 - 70,800
Ages 4 - 19 years
Pupil numbers 700
Type Co-educational
Opened 1955
Bus Service Yes
Availability Not shared by this school
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages French, German, Malay, Mandarin
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM, Service and Sustainability, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

The International School of Penang (Uplands) is a co-educational, not-for-profit school located in the coastal area of Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia. Established in 1955, it offers a full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs—PYP, MYP, and DP—as well as IGCSEs in the secondary years. The school enrolls students aged 4 to 18 from over 40 countries. The campus features six science labs, two drama studios, music and art rooms, design and technology labs, a multipurpose hall, a dedicated sports centre with a climbing wall, and a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool. One of the school’s distinctive features is its structured Service Learning Program, which is integrated across all year levels and encourages student-led projects that support local communities and NGOs.

www.uplands.org

Jalan Sungai Satu, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia

Vibes and Culture
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The Essentials

The International School of Penang (Uplands) has 700 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
The school is located in Batu Ferringhi, a beachside suburb on the northern coast of Penang Island, Malaysia. It’s approximately 30 minutes by car from George Town. The area is quieter and more residential, popular with expat families.

Stages
Uplands is divided into Primary School (ages 4–11) and Secondary School (ages 11–18). The school follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IGCSEs, and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Students transition through these stages with age-appropriate academic and pastoral structures.

Type
The school is co-educational and welcomes both day and boarding students. Boarding is available for students in Year 7 and above, with weekly and term options. The school operates on a not-for-profit basis.

Additional learning support
The school provides Learning Support Services to students with mild to moderate additional needs. Support may include in-class assistance, small group sessions, or one-to-one intervention, depending on individual assessments. The school collaborates with parents and specialists to develop tailored support plans.

Country affiliation
The school has no formal affiliation with any specific country.

Religious affiliation
Uplands is a secular school with no religious affiliation.

School day structure
The school day typically runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Students have scheduled morning and lunch breaks, with time allocated for academic lessons, specialist subjects, and extracurricular activities. The timetable may vary slightly between Primary and Secondary levels.

Bus service
The school provides a bus service operated by external providers that covers a range of residential areas around Penang Island. Buses are fitted with seatbelts and are supervised by trained personnel. Routes and pickup times are coordinated to accommodate student needs, and the school works closely with providers to ensure safety and punctuality.
Diving Deeper
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Fees

Annual tuition at The International School of Penang (Uplands) ranges from MYR 24,800 to MYR 70,800 for 2026/27.

Application & Enrolment Fees (One-Time)

Application Fee: MYR 800 (non-refundable)
Entrance Fee: MYR 7,000 (non-refundable)
Enrolment Deposit: MYR 5,000 (refundable upon withdrawal, subject to conditions)
ISP School Association Membership Fee: MYR 1,000 (applicable to one parent only)

Annual Tuition Fees (by Year Group)

Reception : MYR 24,800 (MYR 12,400 per semester)
Year 1 : MYR 30,200 (MYR 15,100 per semester)
Year 2 : MYR 37,200 (MYR 18,600 per semester)
Years 3–4 : MYR 44,200 (MYR 22,100 per semester)
Years 5–6 : MYR 53,000 (MYR 26,500 per semester)
Years 7–11 : MYR 68,000 (MYR 34,000 per semester)
Years 12–13 : MYR 70,800 (MYR 35,400 per semester)

Tuition fees are billed in two equal installments per academic year.

Additional Charges

School Development Fund: MYR 2,500 per student, per annum
Personal Accident Insurance: MYR 40 per student, per annum (compulsory)
Public Examination Fees: Applicable for IGCSE and IB examinations in Years 11 and 13; fees vary based on examination boards
Textbooks: Costs for English Literature examination texts (Years 10 & 11) and unreturned IB course textbooks (Years 12 & 13) are billed separately
Uplands Parent Teacher Association Membership: MYR 100 per family, per annum
Library Fines: Charges apply for overdue, lost, or damaged books and resources
Additional Administrative Fees: Applicable for non-routine administrative tasks (e.g., school trips, issuance of certificates)

All fees must be paid in full before a student can attend the school.

Discounts

Sibling Discount:
10% reduction on tuition fees for the second child
20% reduction on tuition fees for the third and subsequent children

Early Payment Discount:
5% discount on tuition fees by the scheduled early dates.

Payment Methods

Accepted Payment Methods:
Cheque (payable to 'THE I.S.P.')
Bank Transfer

Detailed payment instructions are provided upon acceptance.
Academics

The International School of Penang (Uplands) teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 4 to 19.

Curriculum
The International School of Penang (Uplands) offers a continuum of internationally recognized curricula from early years through pre-university. In the Primary School (Reception to Year 6), students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), which focuses on inquiry-based learning across core subjects including English, mathematics, science, social studies, and languages. In Years 7 to 9, the school implements the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes disciplines such as language and literature, individuals and societies, design, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Years 10 and 11 prepare students for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations across a range of subjects including English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and languages. In Years 12 and 13, students undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP), which includes six academic subjects, a 4,000-word Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Language acquisition is integrated across all stages, with French, German, Mandarin, and Malay offered.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing
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Parent Experience
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Facilities
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Extra-Curricular Activities
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Languages
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Reputation
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Admissions

Admissions
1. Schedule a campus visit or open day (if available).
Families are encouraged to visit the school to better understand the environment and facilities. This can include a guided tour and the opportunity to speak with staff. Visits are optional but can help in making an informed decision.

2. Submit an application form.
Applications are submitted online and must include supporting documents such as academic records, passport/ID, and any relevant reports (e.g., EAL or SEN assessments). An application fee of MYR 800 is payable at this stage. Applications can be submitted year-round, but spaces may be limited in certain year groups.

3. Student assessment and review.
Depending on the age group and background, students may be invited to sit an entrance assessment and/or interview with a member of the academic team. English language proficiency and learning support needs are also reviewed to determine the level of support required.

4. Receive an offer.
If the application is successful, the school will issue an offer letter. To secure the place, parents must pay the entrance fee (MYR 7,000) and enrolment deposit (MYR 5,000) within the given deadline.

Scholarships
Uplands offers a limited number of academic scholarships for students entering the IB Diploma Programme (Years 12–13). These are merit-based and awarded through an application process that typically includes previous academic records, teacher recommendations, and an interview. Scholarships may cover a portion of tuition fees and do not apply to boarding or additional fees. Specific scholarship availability and application deadlines are communicated directly by the school on an annual basis.

Waitlist
Uplands may operate a waitlist for year groups that are already at capacity. Applicants placed on the waitlist are notified in writing and may be offered a place if one becomes available. Priority is not guaranteed and may depend on factors such as sibling attendance, date of application, and the applicant’s educational profile. The school does not operate a pooled admissions round; decisions are made on a rolling basis.
School Events
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