Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Malaysia's Sabah state on the island of Borneo, is a growing hub for expatriates and digital nomads, thanks to its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and relatively low cost of living. While it may not boast the sheer number of international schools found in larger cities like Kuala Lumpur, there are still several reputable options for expat families seeking quality education for their children. Among the most popular are Kinabalu International School and Sayfol International School, which offer British-based curricula and cater to a diverse student body.

Kinabalu International School (KIS)

Grades: Preschool through Year 13
Location(s): Bukit Padang
Website: www.kis.edu.my

Kinabalu International School is one of the oldest international schools in East Malaysia, offering the British curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels. With a strong emphasis on holistic education, KIS provides a wide range of extracurricular activities alongside its academic programs. The school boasts excellent facilities, including a swimming pool, sports fields, science labs, and a performing arts centre. KIS is known for its diverse community, with students representing over 40 nationalities.

Sayfol International School

Grades: Kindergarten through Year 11
Location(s): Likas
Website: www.sayfol.edu.my

Sayfol International School offers a curriculum based on the British education system, culminating in IGCSE examinations. The school prides itself on its multicultural environment, with students from various countries. Facilities include computer labs, science labs, a library, and sports areas. Sayfol emphasizes the importance of nurturing students to become global citizens with a strong sense of personal and academic achievement.

International School Kota Kinabalu (ISKK)

Grades: Preschool through Year 13
Location(s): Sembulan
Website: www.iskk.edu.my

International School Kota Kinabalu is a non-profit school that offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and Cambridge IGCSEs for secondary students. ISKK is known for its commitment to academic excellence and its supportive, community-oriented environment. The school's facilities include a swimming pool, sports hall, and dedicated art and music rooms. ISKK's diverse student body creates a vibrant international atmosphere.

Lodge International School

Grades: Preschool through Year 11
Location(s): Luyang

Lodge International School provides a British-based education and follows the Cambridge curriculum. The school is equipped with modern classrooms, science and computer labs, and a library. Lodge International School focuses on fostering a close-knit community and offers a range of extracurricular activities to enhance students' learning experiences.

St. Simon Educational Complex

Grades: Preschool through Secondary
Location(s): Likas

St. Simon Educational Complex is a private institution that offers bilingual education in English and Mandarin. Catering to students from preschool to secondary levels, the school provides a balanced approach to education, emphasizing both academic and personal development. The complex includes modern facilities and a variety of extracurricular options to cater to the diverse interests of its students.

Tunku Abdul Rahman International School (TARIS)

Grades: Preschool through Year 11
Location(s): Tanjung Aru

Tunku Abdul Rahman International School is a relatively new addition to the international school scene in Kota Kinabalu, offering a British curriculum. TARIS focuses on creating a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and socially. The school is equipped with contemporary facilities and encourages students to engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities.