Sarawak has 10 registered international schools, the largest count in East Malaysia. Six are in Kuching, two in Miri, and two in Sibu. That distribution mirrors the state’s population and economic centres: Kuching as the capital and administrative hub, Miri as the oil-and-gas gateway, and Sibu as the commercial town on the Rajang River.
For families posted to Borneo, these 10 schools represent essentially all the English-medium private options available. The market is small enough that each school occupies a distinct niche, whether by curriculum, price point, or target community. Competition is limited, which means families have fewer choices but also find that schools are eager to accommodate individual needs.
International school curricula in Sarawak
Cambridge IGCSE is the dominant pathway, offered at 6 of the 10 schools. This is consistent with East Malaysia’s general pattern, where the Cambridge system is the default for international education. A-Levels and IB options are fewer here than in Peninsular Malaysia. Families who want the IB Diploma will find it only at select Kuching campuses.
Borneo International School in Kuching is one of the better-known names, alongside schools supported by the Yayasan Sarawak foundation. Some schools run a blended model, combining Cambridge IGCSE with elements of the Malaysian National curriculum for students who may transfer back to government schools.
Miri’s two schools serve the expatriate community linked to the petroleum industry. These tend to be smaller, with mixed-age classes in some year groups. If your posting is temporary (two to three years), confirm that the school can support your child’s grade level before committing.
International school fees in Sarawak
Fees in Sarawak are among the lowest for international schools in Malaysia. Budget options start below RM10,000, and even well-equipped Kuching campuses rarely exceed RM35,000. The cost of living in Kuching and Miri is lower than the Klang Valley by a wide margin, so the total family spend on education and housing combined can be very manageable.
Check whether fees include or exclude exam registration, textbooks, and technology. Some Sarawak schools bundle these into tuition; others charge separately. Our fees overview can help you compare across states.
Choosing an international school in Sarawak
In Kuching, the choice is relatively straightforward. Visit the six schools, compare curricula and fee structures, and pick the one that matches your child’s learning style. Class sizes tend to be small (15 to 20 students), which suits some children better than the larger cohorts common in KL or Selangor.
In Miri and Sibu, your options are limited to two schools each. If neither fits, some families opt for boarding schools in Peninsular Malaysia or use the Kuching schools with weekly boarding where available.
Consider the social dimension. Sarawak’s international school communities are tight-knit. Your child will likely know every student in their year group by name within the first term. For some families that closeness is exactly what they want; for others, it can feel limiting by secondary school. Think about what your child needs socially, not just academically. See the full Sarawak directory for all registered schools.