International schools in Penang
Penang's international-school scene is smaller than KL's but genuinely strong — and often more affordable. Here are the established options, by curriculum and area.
Figures verified June 2026 · School websites + 2026 fee guides; ranges are indicative and vary by year level — confirm with each school
Penang offers a tight but high-quality set of international schools, several clustered on the north coast near the expat areas of Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi, with more affordable options in George Town and on the mainland. The island's compact size means most schools are within a reasonable commute of the popular residential areas — but the most sought-after places (especially at IB and A-Level) can have waitlists, so apply early.
Selected schools
Established international schools in Penang
The International School of Penang (Uplands)
Batu Ferringhi · est. 1955
- Indicative fees / yr
- RM 25,000–71,000
- Ages
- 3–18
Penang's longest-established international school; full IB continuum plus IGCSE in the secondary years.
Areas to live nearby
Batu Ferringhi (~25 min) · Tanjung Bungah (~12 min)
Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS)
Balik Pulau
- Indicative fees / yr
- RM 9,000–63,000 (day; boarding extra)
- Ages
- 3–19
British-style curriculum through to Sixth Form; primary campus in Tanjung Bungah, senior/boarding campus in Balik Pulau.
Areas to live nearby
Dalat International School
Tanjung Bungah
- Indicative fees / yr
- RM 21,000–95,000
- Ages
- 4–18
American curriculum with boarding capacity — one of the few boarding options on the island.
Areas to live nearby
Tenby International School Penang
Setia Pearl Island
- Indicative fees / yr
- RM 24,000–77,000
- Ages
- 3–18
British curriculum; English-as-an-additional-language support is built in.
Visit school website →Straits International School Penang
Tanjung Bungah / Bukit Mertajam
- Indicative fees / yr
- RM 25,000–55,000
- Ages
- 3–18
Mid-fee Cambridge pathway with island and mainland campuses.
Areas to live nearby
St. Christopher's International School
George Town
- Indicative fees / yr
- RM 25,000–55,000
- Ages
- 3–18
Centrally located in George Town; a more affordable Cambridge option.
Areas to live nearby
Georgetown (~10 min)
Fairview International School Penang
Bayan Lepas (Bukit Jambul)
- Indicative fees / yr
- RM 15,000–35,000
- Ages
- 3–16
IB-focused and relatively affordable; part of the Fairview group, in the Bayan Lepas area.
Visit school website →Pelita International School
Tanjung Bungah
- Indicative fees / yr
- RM 11,000–29,000
- Ages
- 4–17
One of the most affordable Cambridge pathways on the island, in the expat-friendly Tanjung Bungah area.
Areas to live nearby
Please read
Fees shown are indicative annual ranges that vary by year level and are reviewed by schools every year — they also exclude one-off costs (application, deposit, building/capital fund) and extras like transport and exams. School details, curricula and admissions policies can change at any time. This page is general guidance, not advice; ExpatMove is not affiliated with, paid by, or an agent for these schools, and does not rank or endorse them. Always confirm current fees, availability and requirements directly with the school before making any decision.
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