IB Diploma Programme Schools in Malaysia

94 registered schools in Malaysia offer IB Diploma Programme. Browse and compare schools by location and type.

About IB Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a rigorous two-year pre-university programme for students aged 16-19. Students study six subjects across different groups plus the DP Core (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, CAS). The IB Diploma is recognized by top universities worldwide and is known for developing critical thinking, research skills, and international-mindedness. Malaysia hosts over 30 IB World Schools.

IB Diploma Programme Schools and Fees in Malaysia 2026

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered at 94 IB World Schools registered in Malaysia for 2026. The IB Diploma is the two-year pre-university qualification taken at ages 16-19 (Years 12-13), administered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Annual IB Diploma fees in Malaysia range from RM 35,000 to RM 135,000 per year, with the median at approximately RM 75,000. Premium IB World Schools such as the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), Garden International School (GIS), and Mont'Kiara International School (MKIS) sit at the elite end alongside Marlborough College Malaysia.

The IB Diploma is structurally distinct from Cambridge A-Levels. Where A-Levels allow students to specialise in 3-4 subjects, the IB Diploma requires students to study 6 subjects across required subject groups (language and literature, second language, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts), with 3 subjects at Higher Level and 3 at Standard Level. Students also complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an Extended Essay of 4,000 words, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) as compulsory components. The breadth-and-depth balance suits well-rounded students aiming at selective US, European, and global universities.

IB Diploma Fee Tiers in Malaysia

Tier Annual Fees 2026 Example Schools
Mid-tier IB schools RM 35,000 – 60,000 Sri Cempaka International, Fairview, IGB, Sayfol
Premium IB schools RM 60,000 – 90,000 Sri KDU International, Tenby, Asia Pacific International (APIS)
Elite IB schools RM 90,000 – 120,000 Garden International School, Mont'Kiara International, MKIS
Top-tier IB schools RM 120,000 – 135,000+ ISKL, Marlborough College Malaysia, IGB International (Sixth Form)

IB World Schools in Malaysia Compared

School Level Annual Fees 2026 Location
International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) IB Diploma (Grades 11-12) RM 124,490 – 135,070 Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Mont'Kiara International School (MKIS) IB Diploma (Grades 11-12) RM 100,000 – 125,000 (est.) Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Garden International School (GIS) IB Diploma (Years 12-13) RM 95,000 – 115,000 (est.) Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Marlborough College Malaysia IB Diploma (Sixth Form) RM 100,000 – 130,000 (est.) Iskandar Puteri, Johor
IGB International School IB Diploma RM 70,000 – 95,000 (est.) Sierramas, Sungai Buloh, Selangor
Sri KDU International School IB Diploma RM 60,000 – 80,000 (est.) Subang Jaya, Selangor
Fairview International School IB Diploma RM 55,000 – 75,000 (est.) Multiple campuses (KL, Penang, Subang, Johor)
Sri Cempaka International School IB Diploma RM 45,000 – 60,000 (est.) Cheras, Kuala Lumpur

What's Not Included in IB Diploma Tuition

Published IB Diploma annual tuition at Malaysian schools typically excludes:

  • IBO examination fees: Approximately RM 5,000-12,000 spread across the two-year IB Diploma programme, paid via the school to the IBO
  • Capital and enrolment fees: RM 5,000-30,000 one-time at international schools, often higher at IB World Schools than at non-IB schools
  • Deposit: One term's tuition (refundable on withdrawal with notice)
  • Extended Essay supervision: Generally included but may carry additional research expenses (interviews, fieldwork, archival access)
  • CAS programme costs: Travel for international service trips, equipment for creativity activities, and similar (typically RM 2,000-8,000 over two years)
  • SST (6%): Applies to schools with tuition above RM 60,000 per year (almost all elite and top-tier IB schools)
  • Resit fees: If a student needs to retake an IB component

IB Diploma Subject Structure

The IB Diploma requires students to study 6 subjects across required subject groups, with 3 at Higher Level (HL, 240 teaching hours each) and 3 at Standard Level (SL, 150 teaching hours each):

  • Group 1 (Language and Literature): typically English Language and Literature, available in mother-tongue languages including Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia, and other languages
  • Group 2 (Second Language): French, Spanish, Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia, Hindi, or other languages depending on the school
  • Group 3 (Individuals and Societies): History, Geography, Economics, Business Management, Psychology, Global Politics, or Philosophy
  • Group 4 (Sciences): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Design Technology, Environmental Systems and Societies
  • Group 5 (Mathematics): Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, or Mathematics Applications and Interpretation (each at SL or HL)
  • Group 6 (The Arts): Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, or Film (or alternatively a second subject from Groups 1-5)

All IB Diploma students additionally complete the Core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an Extended Essay of 4,000 words, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) over the two-year programme. The total possible score is 45 points (6 subjects × 7 maximum points + up to 3 bonus points from TOK and Extended Essay). 24 points is the minimum for the IB Diploma; 45 is the maximum and very rare globally. The 2025 global average IB Diploma score was 30.32.

IB Diploma vs A-Levels in Malaysia

Cambridge A-Levels and the IB Diploma are the two principal pre-university pathways at Malaysian international schools. Both are widely accepted by Malaysian and international universities, but they suit different student profiles:

  • IB Diploma: 6 subjects across required groups + Core (TOK, EE, CAS). Suits well-rounded students who enjoy breadth. Preferred for US selective universities. Around 94 IB World Schools in Malaysia.
  • A-Levels: 3-4 subjects studied in depth. Suits students with clear subject preferences. Preferred for UK, Singapore, Hong Kong universities. Larger network of A-Level providers in Malaysia (international schools + sixth form colleges).

Fee comparison: at premium Malaysian international schools, IB Diploma and A-Level fees run at roughly the same level (RM 90,000-130,000 per year). The choice usually comes down to academic preference and target university destination, not cost. Some Malaysian international schools offer both pathways and let students choose at the end of Year 11 (post-IGCSE).

IB Diploma University Recognition

The IB Diploma is accepted by over 5,000 universities in more than 150 countries. In Malaysia, the IB Diploma is recognised by all public and private universities, with admission requirements typically expressed in IB total points or specific HL grades. Common Malaysian university IB requirements:

  • Universiti Malaya (UM) Medicine: 38+ IB total with 7,7,6 in HL Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics
  • Public university general entry: 28-32 IB total typically sufficient for most undergraduate programmes
  • Taylor's, Sunway, Monash Malaysia: Programme-specific requirements typically 28-36 IB total
  • UK Russell Group universities: 32-38 IB total with specific HL grades; Oxbridge typically 38-42
  • US Ivy League and top-30 universities: No fixed IB requirement; competitive applicants typically score 38+ with strong HL grades

The IB Diploma's emphasis on Extended Essay research, TOK critical thinking, and CAS community engagement is particularly well-regarded by US selective universities, which value the holistic preparation. Universities in the UK and Australia treat the IB Diploma on par with A-Levels for admission, with conversion tables linking IB total scores to UCAS tariff points or ATAR equivalents.

All IB Diploma Programme Schools

94 schools offering IB Diploma Programme across Malaysia.

INTERNATIONAL · Skudai, Johor

100 Lambs International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels · Est. 2007

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Muar, Johor

Destiny International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels · Est. 2010

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Pasir Gudang, Johor

Fairview International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels · Est. 1978

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Iskandar Puteri, Johor

Idrissi International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Skudai, Johor

Luca International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Iskandar Puteri, Johor

Marlborough College

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
EXPATRIATE · Masai, Johor

Sekolah Jepun Johor

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 40,000 – RM 80,000
INTERNATIONAL · Alor Setar, Kedah

AIU International School

A-Levels, Cambridge IGCSE

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Sungai Petani, Kedah

Regent International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
PRIMARY · Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan

Sekolah Rendah Matrix, Seremban

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 8,000 – RM 15,000
SECONDARY · Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan

Sekolah Menengah Matrix, Seremban

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 10,000 – RM 20,000
INTERNATIONAL · Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan

Adcote Matrix International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Fees RM 27,177 - RM 68,250/year (Malaysian rates)
INTERNATIONAL · Mantin, Negeri Sembilan

Kolej Tuanku Jaafar

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Fees Day students EY RM15,600; boarding up to RM89,400/yr; 6% SST on secondary fees from Jan 2026
INTERNATIONAL · Kuantan, Pahang

International Islamic School Malaysia, Kuantan

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Kuantan, Pahang

International School of Kuantan

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels · Est. 1996

Fees RM 19,515 - RM 48,720/year
INTERNATIONAL · Kuantan, Pahang

Regent International School, Kuantan, Pahang

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Bukit Mertajam, Penang

Assumption International Secondary School

IGCSE Cambridge, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Tanjung Bungah, Penang

Dalat International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Bayan Lepas, Penang

Fairview International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels · Est. 1978

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Gelugor, Penang

Ideas International Secondary School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Simpang Ampat, Penang

SRI KDU International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Batu Ferringhi, Penang

The International School of Penang(Uplands)

IB PYP, IB MYP

Fees Reception RM24,800 to Year 13 (IB) RM70,800/yr; 10% sibling discount; Dev Fund RM2,500/yr
SECONDARY · Ipoh, Perak

Sekolah Methodist Wesley Ipoh

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 10,000 – RM 20,000
INTERNATIONAL · Ipoh, Perak

Edquest International School, Menglembu Perak

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Ipoh, Perak

Fairview International School Ipoh

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels · Est. 1978

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Ipoh, Perak

Wesley Methodist Ipoh International

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
PRIMARY · Cyberjaya, Selangor

Sekolah Rendah Abedeen

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 8,000 – RM 15,000
PRIMARY · Cheras, Selangor

Sekolah Rendah SRI Cempaka

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 8,000 – RM 15,000
PRIMARY · Klang, Selangor

Sekolah Rendah SRI Lethia

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 8,000 – RM 15,000
PRIMARY · Cheras, Selangor

Sekolah Rendah SRI Murni

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 8,000 – RM 15,000
SECONDARY · Klang, Selangor

Sekolah Methodist Wesley Klang

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 10,000 – RM 20,000
SECONDARY · Cyberjaya, Selangor

Sekolah Menengah Abedeen

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 10,000 – RM 20,000
SECONDARY · Cheras, Selangor

Sekolah Menengah SRI Cempaka Cheras

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 10,000 – RM 20,000
SECONDARY · Klang, Selangor

Sekolah SRI Acmar(Menengah)

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 10,000 – RM 20,000
SECONDARY · Klang, Selangor

Sekolah SRI Lethia(Menengah)

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 10,000 – RM 20,000
SECONDARY · Cheras, Selangor

Sekolah SRI Murni(Menengah)

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 10,000 – RM 20,000
INTERNATIONAL · Cyberjaya, Selangor

Abedeen International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Klang, Selangor

Acmar International School, Klang

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Al-Hamra International Primary School, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Seri Kembangan, Selangor

Australian International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Beaconhouse SRI Inai International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Petaling Jaya, Selangor

British International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Shah Alam, Selangor

DWI Emas International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Seri Kembangan, Selangor

Eaton International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Sungai Buloh, Selangor

ELC International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels · Est. 1987

Fees Early Years RM18,000 to Year 11/A-Level RM51,000/yr; 5% sibling discount; 6% SST above RM60K
INTERNATIONAL · Subang Jaya, Selangor

Fairview International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels · Est. 1978

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor

Good International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Shah Alam, Selangor

GOTS International Secondary School

Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education, IB Diploma

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Klang, Selangor

Harvest International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Heritage International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Subang Jaya, Selangor

His International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Shah Alam, Selangor

Idrissi International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Sungai Buloh, Selangor

IGB International School

IB PYP, IB MYP

Fees EY1-2 RM43,900–61,600; Primary RM74,500; Secondary RM88,500–102,100 (IB Diploma)
INTERNATIONAL · Gombak, Selangor

International Islamic School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Seri Kembangan, Selangor

Kingsgate International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Batu Caves, Selangor

Kingsway International Secondary School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels · Est. 2012

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Seri Kembangan, Selangor

Marifah International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Semenyih, Selangor

Maverick International Primary School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Semenyih, Selangor

Maverick International Secondary School, Selangor

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Maz International School Petaling Jaya

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Shah Alam, Selangor

Maz International School Shah Alam

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Shah Alam, Selangor

Mindrich International Secondary School, Shah Alam, Selangor

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Ampang, Selangor

Mutiara International Grammar School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Rawang, Selangor

Reed International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Klang, Selangor

Regent International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Klang, Selangor

Regent International Secondary School, Klang Selangor

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Klang, Selangor

Sanctus International School

Cambridge IGCSE, IB Diploma

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Cyberjaya, Selangor

Sekolah Antarabangsa ELC Cyberjaya

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels · Est. 1987

Fees Early Years RM18,000 to Year 11/A-Level RM51,000/yr; 5% sibling discount; 6% SST above RM60K
INTERNATIONAL · Cheras, Selangor

SRI Cempaka International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Fees RM 18,000 – RM 53,100
INTERNATIONAL · Seri Kembangan, Selangor

The Alice Smith School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
EXPATRIATE · Shah Alam, Selangor

The Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 40,000 – RM 80,000
SECONDARY · Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Maktab Nasional

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Fees RM 4,960 – RM 6,340
INTERNATIONAL · Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Kinabalu International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Kuching, Sarawak

Borneo International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur

AIS International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur

Alice Smith School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur

Aspiration International Secondary School, Kuala Lumpur

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur

Cempaka International School, Damansara Heights

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur

Charterhouse International Secondary School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur

Fairview International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels · Est. 1978

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur

Fairview School Kuala Lumpur

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels · Est. 1978

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur

Frontier International Secondary School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur

Garden International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

Global Indian International School, Kuala Lumpur

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Kepong, Kuala Lumpur

Hibiscus International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur

The International School of Kuala Lumpur

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur

The International School@parkcity

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
EXPATRIATE · Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur

Lycee Francais de Kuala Lumpur

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Fees RM 29,800 - RM 63,000/year
EXPATRIATE · Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur

Lycee Francais de Kuala Lumpur Hevea, Kuala Lumpur

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Fees RM 29,800 - RM 63,000/year
PRIMARY · Labuan, Labuan

Sekolah Rendah SRI Labuan

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 8,000 – RM 15,000
SECONDARY · Labuan, Labuan

Sekolah Menengah SRI Labuan

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 10,000 – RM 20,000
INTERNATIONAL · Labuan, Labuan

Labuan International School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Putrajaya, Putrajaya

Nexus International School

IB (International Baccalaureate)

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000
INTERNATIONAL · Putrajaya, Putrajaya

The International Modern Arabic School

Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels

Typical fees RM 30,000 – RM 60,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How many schools in Malaysia offer IB Diploma Programme?

There are currently 94 registered private schools in Malaysia offering IB Diploma Programme. These schools are spread across multiple states, with the highest concentrations in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang. Browse the full list on this page to find IB Diploma Programme schools by location.

What are the entry requirements for IB Diploma Programme schools?

Entry requirements vary by school and year level. Most IB Diploma Programme schools conduct admissions assessments in English and Mathematics. Some schools require previous academic transcripts and references. For international students, proof of English language proficiency may be needed. Contact individual schools directly for their specific admission criteria and available places.

Is IB Diploma Programme recognized by Malaysian universities?

IB Diploma Programme qualifications are widely recognized by both Malaysian and international universities. Students graduating from IB Diploma Programme programmes can apply to public and private universities in Malaysia, as well as universities abroad. Specific recognition may vary, so check with your target university's admissions office for their accepted qualifications and any additional requirements.

How much does IB Diploma cost in Malaysia in 2026?

IB Diploma annual fees in Malaysia range from RM 35,000 to RM 135,000 per year for 2026. Mid-tier IB schools (Sri Cempaka, Fairview, IGB) charge RM 35,000-60,000. Premium IB schools (Sri KDU, Tenby) charge RM 60,000-90,000. Elite IB schools (GIS, MKIS) charge RM 90,000-120,000. Top-tier IB schools (ISKL, Marlborough College Malaysia) charge RM 120,000-135,000+ per year for the IB Diploma Programme.

How many IB Diploma schools are there in Malaysia?

There are 94 registered IB World Schools in Malaysia for 2026, offering the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-19. Many of these schools also offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3-12 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16, providing a continuous IB pathway from preschool through to pre-university. The largest concentration of IB World Schools is in the Klang Valley (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor), with additional clusters in Penang and Johor.

Is IB Diploma harder than A-Levels?

Neither qualification is objectively harder; they test different skills. The IB Diploma requires 6 subjects across required subject groups plus Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), which is broader and more time-intensive. Cambridge A-Levels allow deeper specialisation in 3-4 subjects with more flexibility in subject choice. The IB suits students who enjoy breadth and structured learning across disciplines; A-Levels suit students with clear subject preferences who want to specialise early. Globally, the average IB Diploma score in 2025 was 30.32 out of 45, with around 80 percent of candidates passing.

Are IB exam fees included in tuition?

No. IBO examination fees are charged separately from annual tuition. The total IB Diploma examination cost across the two-year programme is approximately RM 5,000-12,000 per student, paid by the student via the school directly to the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). This covers entry into all 6 subject examinations plus Extended Essay submission. Schools typically itemise this in their fee schedule under 'External Examination Fees' or similar, payable in the second year of the IB Diploma.

Which Malaysian university programmes accept IB Diploma?

All Malaysian public and private universities accept the IB Diploma for undergraduate admission. Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) admit IB Diploma holders via the standard UPU application route. Private universities including Taylor's, Sunway, Monash Malaysia, Heriot-Watt Malaysia, and Nottingham Malaysia typically require 28-36 IB total points depending on the programme. Medical programmes are most demanding, typically requiring 36-38 IB total with 7,7,6 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) recognises the IB Diploma as equivalent to STPM or Matriculation for university entry.

Can I switch from IGCSE to IB Diploma in Malaysia?

Yes. The Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma are commonly paired in Malaysian international schools. Many schools offer IGCSE in Years 10-11 followed by IB Diploma in Years 12-13, providing a continuous Cambridge-to-IB pathway. Students can also switch to IB Diploma after completing the IGCSE at any other Cambridge school. The transition is generally smooth because both qualifications use English as the medium of instruction and overlap significantly in subject content. Some Malaysian international schools (Sri KDU, Tenby, Sayfol) offer the IB Diploma alongside Cambridge A-Levels, allowing students to choose between the two pathways at the end of Year 11.