Sabah is home to just five registered international schools, making it one of the smaller markets in Malaysia for English-medium private education. Three of these schools operate in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital, while the remaining two are based in Tawau, a port city near the Indonesian border. For families relocating to Sabah, the options are limited but well established.
Kinabalu International School and Jesselton International School are the two most recognised names in the state capital. Both have built steady reputations over the years, drawing students from the local business community as well as expatriate households tied to Sabah’s oil and gas, palm oil, and tourism sectors. In Tawau, the schools tend to serve a tighter community of cross-border families and local professionals who want an English-medium alternative to government schools.
International school curricula in Sabah
All five international schools in Sabah offer the Cambridge IGCSE pathway, making it the default qualification for secondary students in the state. This is typical of East Malaysian international schools, where Cambridge programmes have long been the practical choice due to established exam centre networks and teacher availability. Unlike Kuala Lumpur or Penang, no school in Sabah currently offers the IB Diploma or A-Levels as a standalone track. Students who want those options will need to look at boarding schools on the peninsula.
International school fees in Sabah
Tuition at Sabah’s international schools generally sits below the national average. The cost of living in Kota Kinabalu is lower than in KL or Penang, and that carries over into school pricing. Parents can expect annual fees that are more accessible than what premium schools in the Klang Valley charge. For a detailed breakdown, see our fees guide.
Choosing an international school in Sabah
With only five schools across two cities, the decision often comes down to location and practical factors: proximity to home, class sizes, and whether the school’s culture fits your family. Visit campuses in person if you can. Kota Kinabalu schools are easy to reach, but Tawau requires a domestic flight or a long drive. For broader context on Sabah’s private education scene, including private primary and secondary options, check our state directory.