At a glance
ISKL is one of the oldest and most established international schools in Malaysia. Founded in 1965, it was the first school in the country to offer an American curriculum and is run on a not for profit basis, which means fees are reinvested in the school rather than paid out to owners. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and by the Council of International Schools, and it is Malaysia's longest running IB World School. The school moved to a purpose built campus at Ampang Hilir in 2018. You can place it among international schools in Kuala Lumpur through our city hub.
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | American based curriculum, High School Diploma, IB Diploma and Advanced Placement |
| Stages | Early years to Grade 12 (pre university) |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Council of International Schools (CIS) |
| Fee band | Premium (see the Kuala Lumpur fees guide) |
| Campus area | Ampang Hilir, east of central Kuala Lumpur |
Curriculum and academics
ISKL offers an American based international curriculum leading to a High School Diploma, the qualification recognised by United States universities. In the senior years, students can add the IB Diploma or take Advanced Placement courses, which gives families a choice between the breadth of the American system and the structure of the IB. This combination is unusual in the city and is a major reason families choose ISKL, particularly those moving between the United States and Asia or aiming at competitive universities on either side of the Pacific. As a not for profit and a school with a long history, ISKL has the scale to offer a wide range of subjects, extensive co curricular activities and dedicated college counselling. Teaching staff are largely internationally trained, and the school reports strong outcomes in both the High School Diploma and the IB. Families considering the senior years should ask about the balance between the IB and AP routes, the support for university applications worldwide, and how the school helps students who join partway through high school settle into either pathway.
International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) fees
International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) fees sit in the premium band for the city, among the highest in Kuala Lumpur, reflecting its facilities, accreditation and not for profit reinvestment in the school. As with other schools, the headline tuition is only part of the cost, so budget also for a registration fee, a refundable deposit, a capital or facilities levy and optional bus and meals. Fees change annually and rise with year group, so confirm the current figure for your child's stage directly with the school. Cross check the band against our guide to international school fees in Kuala Lumpur, which sets out the premium tier in context.
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Admissions
ISKL runs an August start academic year in line with the American and international school calendar, with admissions open through the year subject to availability. Families apply directly to the school, providing recent school records, and the school assesses applicants on prior achievement and age appropriate tasks, with English language support considered where relevant. Entry into the senior IB and AP years assumes a suitable academic record. As a long established and sought after school, popular year groups can carry a waiting list, so apply well ahead of your relocation date and confirm the current process on the school website.
Location and who goes there
ISKL is on a campus at Ampang Hilir, in the Ampang area east of central Kuala Lumpur, a district long associated with the diplomatic and expatriate community and home to many embassies and international family residences. The school draws families from across the international community, including North American families and those who want the High School Diploma, IB or AP pathways, alongside Malaysian families seeking a globally recognised American style education. Ampang offers family housing and amenities within easy reach of the campus. For how Ampang compares with Mont Kiara and the rest of the city for schooling, return to the Kuala Lumpur city hub.
Reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish parent reviews only once they are verified, and we never show a star rating without real reviews. Families connected to ISKL are welcome to submit one.
Frequently asked questions
How much are International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) fees?
ISKL fees sit in the premium band for the city, among the highest in Kuala Lumpur. Budget for registration, a refundable deposit, a capital or facilities levy and optional bus on top of tuition billed per year, and confirm the current schedule with the school.
What curriculum does ISKL follow?
ISKL offers an American based international curriculum leading to a High School Diploma, with the IB Diploma and Advanced Placement courses available in the senior years.
Is ISKL accredited?
Yes. ISKL is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and by the Council of International Schools (CIS), and it is Malaysia's longest running IB World School.
Where is ISKL located?
ISKL is on a campus at Ampang Hilir, in the Ampang area east of central Kuala Lumpur, a district long associated with the diplomatic and expatriate community.
