Seven expatriate schools operate across Selangor, making it the second-largest state for this school category after Kuala Lumpur. The campuses are spread across Shah Alam, Seri Kembangan, Ampang, and Cyberjaya. While KL’s expatriate schools lean European and Middle Eastern, Selangor’s cluster skews East Asian: the Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur (located in Seri Kembangan despite the name), the Chinese Taipei School, and the Korean School all have their campuses here.
Iraqi and Libyan schools also maintain Selangor branches, serving families who live outside the capital but still need home-country education for their children.
Expatriate school curricula in Selangor
Each school follows its home nation’s curriculum. The Japanese school teaches the Monbukagakusho (MEXT) curriculum, the same programme used in schools across Japan, preparing students for re-entry into the Japanese education system. The Chinese Taipei School follows Taiwan’s national curriculum, and the Korean School uses the Korean national framework set by the Ministry of Education in Seoul.
The Iraqi and Libyan schools teach their respective national syllabi, with Arabic as the primary language of instruction. Unlike some of KL’s expatriate schools, none of the Selangor campuses currently offer Cambridge IGCSE or IB Diploma as alternative pathways. Students who want an internationally portable qualification alongside their national curriculum will need to explore supplementary options or transfer to an international school.
Expatriate school fees in Selangor
Fees at Selangor’s expatriate schools are generally moderate. The East Asian schools (Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese) charge between RM 10,000 and RM 30,000 per year, depending on the level. Government-backed schools may receive subsidies that reduce the parent’s share. The Iraqi and Libyan institutions often operate with embassy support, keeping fees accessible for their communities. For broader fee data, check our fees page.
Choosing an expatriate school in Selangor
Nationality and language remain the primary filters. These schools teach in Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, or Arabic, and the social environment is built around a single national community. For families on temporary assignment in Malaysia, an expatriate school ensures their child stays aligned with the home country’s grade levels and exam calendar, making the return transition smoother.
Location within Selangor also matters. Seri Kembangan and Ampang are closer to KL, while Shah Alam and Cyberjaya sit further west. Factor in your daily commute and whether the school offers transport services. If your child will be in Malaysia for more than two or three years, consider whether the expatriate school’s curriculum still meets their long-term needs, or whether a switch to an international school with a globally recognised qualification might serve them better. Our guide to school selection covers these trade-offs in detail.