Education Guide

International Schools in Johor Bahru: EduCity & Beyond

Last updated July 2026 — fees and programmes change yearly; always confirm directly with each school before applying.

Johor Bahru has quietly become one of Malaysia's strongest international-school hubs, anchored by the EduCity precinct in Iskandar Puteri. For families relocating from Singapore or overseas, school access is often the deciding factor in where to live — here's an overview of the main options.

EduCity: The Education Precinct

EduCity in Iskandar Puteri is a master-planned education hub hosting several premium international campuses on one precinct, including Marlborough College Malaysia and Raffles American School. Its location within the JS-SEZ flagship zone makes it a short drive from both Johor Bahru city centre and the Second Link to Singapore.

Marlborough College Malaysia

The Southeast Asian campus of the historic English boarding school (founded 1843), opened in 2012 on a 36-hectare site in EduCity. It teaches the British curriculum from Pre-Prep through Sixth Form, with IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme at pre-university level, and offers both day and boarding places.

Raffles American School

Runs the full American curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), with AP courses for university preparation. It serves a substantial expatriate and Singaporean cross-border population.

Fees at a Glance

TierIndicative annual fees
Johor Bahru range overall~RM19,500 to RM130,000+ per year
Premium tier (e.g. Marlborough Sixth Form)Up to ~RM166,800 day; boarding higher
Compared with Kuala LumpurEquivalent programmes typically run 20–30% below KL pricing

Third-party published figures for 2025/26–2026/27; confirm with each school.

Living Near the Schools

Families weighing school runs against a Singapore commute often land in the Johor Bahru city corridor: close enough to JB CIQ and the upcoming RTS Link for the working parent, with EduCity reachable by highway. EXSIM's Causewayz Square, The Celestz, and The Asteriaz sit within this corridor — see our cost of living guide for how the family budget compares across the border.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EduCity in Johor Bahru?
EduCity is a master-planned education precinct in Iskandar Puteri hosting several premium international campuses, including Marlborough College Malaysia and Raffles American School.
What curriculum does Marlborough College Malaysia teach?
The British curriculum from Pre-Prep to Sixth Form, with IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme at pre-university level. Both day and boarding places are offered.
Is there an American-curriculum school in Johor Bahru?
Yes — Raffles American School in Iskandar Puteri runs Pre-K through Grade 12 on the American curriculum with WASC accreditation and AP courses.
How much do international schools in Johor Bahru cost?
Published fees range from about RM19,500 to RM130,000+ per year depending on school and grade, with the premium tier higher. Equivalent programmes typically cost 20-30% less than in Kuala Lumpur.
Can we live near JB CIQ and still reach EduCity schools?
Yes — EduCity in Iskandar Puteri is reachable by highway from the Johor Bahru city corridor, so families can balance a Singapore commute via JB CIQ or the upcoming RTS Link with the school run.

Considering a family move to Johor Bahru?