The International School of Penang (Uplands)
- IB Diploma
- IB MYP
- IB PYP
- IGCSE
Per yearabout USD 3.2K–9.16K
MYR 13K–37.2K · 2026-27 school year · Source: school website (checked 2026-10-28)
About
The International School of Penang (Uplands) was founded in 1955 as a boarding school on Penang Hill and moved to its current Batu Ferringhi campus in 2006. It is an IB World School, offers the MYP, IGCSE and IB Diploma, and is a member of the Council of International Schools.
Key facts
Source: Read from the school's website
Curriculum
IB Diploma · IB MYP · IB PYP
Ages
Ages 4–18
Language
English
Type
International school
Fee level
- Grades
- Reception – Year 13
- Founded
- 1955
Fees
Source: Read from the school's website
2026-27 school year
Age on the first day of the school year (usually 1 September). Cut-off dates differ by school.
| Grade | Per year |
|---|---|
| Reception | MYR 13,000≈ USD 3.2K |
| 1 | MYR 15,900≈ USD 3.92K |
| 2 | MYR 19,600≈ USD 4.83K |
| 3 | MYR 23,200≈ USD 5.72K |
| 4 | MYR 23,200≈ USD 5.72K |
| 5 | MYR 27,900≈ USD 6.87K |
Show fee charts
| per year | |
|---|---|
| Reception | MYR 13,000 (about USD 3.2K) |
| 1 | MYR 15,900 (about USD 3.92K) |
| 2 | MYR 19,600 (about USD 4.83K) |
| 3 | MYR 23,200 (about USD 5.72K) |
| 4 | MYR 23,200 (about USD 5.72K) |
| 5 | MYR 27,900 (about USD 6.87K) |
| 6 | MYR 27,900 (about USD 6.87K) |
| 7 | MYR 35,700 (about USD 8.8K) |
| 8 | MYR 35,700 (about USD 8.8K) |
| 9 | MYR 35,700 (about USD 8.8K) |
| 10 | MYR 35,700 (about USD 8.8K) |
| 11 | MYR 35,700 (about USD 8.8K) |
| 12 | MYR 37,200 (about USD 9.16K) |
| 13 | MYR 37,200 (about USD 9.16K) |
Source: school website (uplands.org) · checked 2026-10-28 · ECB reference rate (2026-11-06)
| min | max | |
|---|---|---|
| The International School of Penang (Uplands) (this school) | MYR 13,000 (about USD 3.2K) | MYR 37,200 (about USD 9.16K) |
| Dalat International School | MYR 22,000 (about USD 5.42K) | MYR 59,000 (about USD 14.5K) |
| Assumption International Secondary School | MYR 15,000 (about USD 3.7K) | MYR 15,000 (about USD 3.7K) |
| Ideas International Secondary School Penang | MYR 15,600 (about USD 3.84K) | MYR 16,800 (about USD 4.14K) |
| Stonyhurst International School Penang | MYR 16,500 (about USD 4.07K) | MYR 59,850 (about USD 14.7K) |
Source: school website (uplands.org) · checked 2026-10-28 · ECB reference rate (2026-11-06)
As published by the school. Amounts change with the school year and exchange rates; please confirm with the school before applying. Converted amounts use the reference rate of the date shown. ECB reference rate (2026-11-06). Source: school website (checked 2026-10-28)
Admissions
Source: Read from the school's website
- Scholarships
- Yes
- Sibling discount
- 10% on tuition for second child; 20% for third or subsequent child
Curriculum and academics
Source: Read from the school's website
Curricula, explainedIB PYP · IB MYP · IB DP (Diploma) · IGCSE
The IB's four programmes
Schools often run only some of the four. Highlighted boxes are the ones this school offers.
- IB PYPOffered
Early years to primary · Ages 3–12
The IB's primary programme. Children learn through questions and units of inquiry rather than separate subjects.
- IB MYPOffered
Middle years (ages 11–16) · Ages 11–16
The IB's middle-years programme: eight subject groups taught with links between them, ending with a personal project.
- IB DP (Diploma)Offered
Last 2 years of school · Ages 16–19
The IB's university-entrance qualification — what people usually mean by "the IB". Six subjects plus the Extended Essay, TOK and CAS, scored out of 45.
- IB CP (Career-related)Not here
Last 2 years of school · Ages 16–19
The IB's career-related route for the same ages as the DP: at least two DP courses plus a career-related study chosen by the school.
Last two years: DP or CP
IGCSE
Ages 14–16, 2 years · Ages 14–16
A subject-by-subject qualification taken around age 16 in British-style schools — usually 5–10 subjects studied over two years.
Ages are the usual bands; schools can differ.Curriculum basics guide
Strengths
- Academics
- Languages
- Service
Student support
Source: Read from the school's website
- English support (EAL)
- Yes
- School bus
- Yes
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Accreditation and memberships
Source: Read from the school's website
- Accreditations
- CIS, IB
- Memberships
- fobisia, EARCOS
More details
Source: Read from the school's website
The essentials
Bus service
Runs a school bus service booked on a termly basis, for the full term.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Diving deeper
Uniform
Has a uniform outlet with school attire information and an online store.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Food options
Provides catering and lunch, with a menu that is updated regularly.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Governance and ownership
Governed by a Board of Governors set up under the I.S.P. Schools Association constitution, supported by committees including an Executive Committee and an Audit and Risk Committee.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Academics
Curriculum
An IB World School, accredited for the MYP, offering IGCSE and the IB Diploma.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Offers confidential counselling that students can book voluntarily. Safety-related disclosures are the main exception to confidentiality.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Safeguarding
Has a child protection handbook and designated safeguarding leads who receive concerns. Recruitment includes reference and police checks.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Parent experience
History
Founded in 1955 as a boarding school on Penang Hill. Moved to Kelawai in 1977 and to the current Batu Ferringhi campus in 2006.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Community
Runs cultural celebrations, parent coffee mornings and events, and a support network for newly arrived families.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The UPTA, open to all parents, raises funds, organises events, takes part in school decisions, and donates to local schools and NGOs.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Extra-curricular activities
Community and service
Supports student-led charity and community service efforts and offers service opportunities.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Languages
Language provision
Pursues an integrated approach to multilingual learning, with French and Spanish conversation sessions supported through parent groups.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Reputation
Accreditations
Accredited by CIS and authorised by the IB. Works with FOBISIA, EARCOS, AIMS and other associations.
- CIS
- IB
- FOBISIA
- EARCOS
- AIMS
- PASCH
- TASS
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Location
Source: Read from the school's website
Similar schools
- Fairview International School Penang
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IGCSE
MYR 10.3K–37.2K (about USD 2.54K–9.16K)
Straits International School PenangUK EYFS · British · IGCSE
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Sri KDU International School PenangUK EYFS · British · IGCSE
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Schools in the same city with a similar curriculum and fee level. Not a ranking.
More in this city · PenangUpdated 2026-11-06
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