Malaysia has a wide choice of international schools, from large Klang Valley campuses to smaller schools in Penang and Johor. Many hold open days on Saturday mornings, which makes it easier for working parents to visit several schools in one month.
Here's how to prepare, followed by the dates confirmed so far.
Which kind of visit is right for you?
- Open day. A welcome talk, a campus tour and time with teachers. Often on a Saturday.
- Open day with a trial class. Your child joins a lesson while you meet staff. A good way to see how teachers work with children.
- Private tour. Most schools offer these on weekdays. Good for a second visit.
- School fair. Several schools in one hall. Useful for comparing fees and curricula quickly.
Before you go
Compare curricula first. Schools in Malaysia follow British (IGCSE and A Level), American, IB, Australian and other programmes. Decide which suits your child's next step before you visit.
Check the total cost. Fees vary widely, and many schools add a registration fee, a refundable deposit and a one-off enrolment or development fee. Ask for the full fee schedule, not only the tuition line.
Plan the journey. Traffic in the Klang Valley can turn a short distance into a long drive. Try the route at school-run time, and ask about school bus coverage.
Bring your child if there's a trial class. Their reaction to a real lesson is worth a lot.
Write your questions down, and pre-register: most schools ask for it.
On the day
- Watch how teachers speak to students outside the main presentation.
- Look at the children's own work on the walls.
- Ask to see an ordinary classroom for your child's age.
- Talk to current parents if you can.
The NovaEd Campus Culture Check gives you eight things to look for and a simple way to rate each one.
Questions worth asking
- Which curriculum does my child follow at each stage, and which exams do they sit?
- How big are classes, and how many adults support each one?
- What support is there for children learning English, and how are Malay and Chinese taught?
- What does the full fee schedule include, and which costs are one-off?
- How long do teachers usually stay?
- What does the admissions process involve, and when are the deadlines for the next intake?
- How do you settle students who join mid-year?
Afterwards
Write down your impressions the same day, and compare schools on the same points, including the full cost over several years. Then ask each school how soon you need to apply for your preferred intake.
Confirmed open days in Malaysia, October to December 2026
| Date | School | Location | Who it's for | How to book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 8 Oct, 8:45 | Prince of Wales Island International School | Penang (Tanjung Bungah) | Prospective families | Sign up on the school website |
| Sat 10 Oct, 10:00–15:00 | Eaton International School | Shah Alam | Prospective families | Register on the school form |
| Sat 24 Oct, 10:00–13:00 | Collinz International School | Shah Alam (Glenmarie) | Nursery to Year 11 | Pre-register on the school website |
| Fri 13 Nov, 8:00–15:00 | Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens | Johor (Iskandar) | Prospective students, with a trial class | Sign up on the school website |
| Sat 14 Nov, 10:00–13:00 | Collinz International School | Shah Alam (Glenmarie) | Nursery to Year 11 | Pre-register on the school website |
| Sat 28 Nov, 10:00–13:00 | Collinz International School | Klang (Bandar Botanic) | Nursery to Year 11 | Pre-register on the school website |
Free NovaEd guides for your visits
- NovaEd School Visit Guide: what to do before, during and after a school visit, with a question list you can print.
- NovaEd Campus Culture Check: eight things to look for on campus, with a simple rating sheet.
- International schools in Malaysia: browse and compare schools on the NovaEd directory.
Dates are as published by each school on 27 September 2026. Schools do change dates and sessions do fill, so please confirm with the school before you go. NovaEd doesn't organise these events.