Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, and for families relocating or living in Malaysia, Sayfol International School offers an excellent international curriculum with a structured and transparent fee system. Whether you are a local or expatriate parent, understanding the intake process, fees, and visa requirements is crucial for a smooth admission experience. This blog covers everything you need to know about Sayfol International School, from the application process to tuition fees, visa fees, and much more.

1. Intake Period

Sayfol International School operates on a three-term academic calendar, offering multiple intakes throughout the year to accommodate both local and international students. The primary intake periods are as follows:

• Term 1: Starting in August
• Term 2: Beginning in January
• Term 3: Commencing in April

Each intake offers a fresh opportunity for students to join the school and engage in their academic journey. It is recommended that parents apply for admission well in advance, particularly for the August intake, which marks the beginning of the academic year.

2. Admission Process

The admission process at Sayfol International School is streamlined to assess a student’s eligibility and readiness for its rigorous academic programs. It involves several steps:

• Step 1: Submit the Application
  Parents need to fill out the application form, providing essential documents such as the child’s birth certificate, recent passport-sized photographs, academic reports, and a copy of the student’s passport or identity card (for Malaysian students).
• Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
  An application fee is required to begin the process. For Kindergarten, this fee is RM 3,000, and for students in Year 1 to Year 11, it is RM 1,000. This fee is non-refundable.
• Step 3: Placement Test and Interview
  For students entering Year 1 and above, a placement test is conducted to evaluate their academic level. Following this, the school may schedule an interview with the parents and the child to ensure the family understands the school’s expectations and culture.
• Step 4: Receive the Admission Offer
  Once the placement test and interview are successfully completed, the school will issue an admission offer. To secure the spot, parents must pay the required registration fee and security deposit.
• Step 5: Complete the Registration Process
  After the offer has been accepted, parents must complete the registration process by submitting all required documents and paying the necessary fees, including the non-refundable registration fee of RM 5,000 and a refundable security deposit.

3. Admission Fee

The admission fees at Sayfol International School are structured as follows:

• Application Fee:
  • RM 3,000 for Kindergarten (non-refundable)
  • RM 1,000 for Year 1 to Year 11 (non-refundable)
• Registration Fee: RM 5,000, a one-time non-refundable fee that confirms the student’s place in the school.
• Security Deposit: A refundable deposit is required, typically RM 2,000 for Kindergarten and increasing with higher grades. This is refundable when the student leaves the school, provided one full-term notice is given.

4. Tuition Fees and Class-wise Fee Structure

Sayfol International School offers a transparent and structured tuition fee system. The annual fees are divided into three terms for Kindergarten to Year 10, and by semester for Year 11. The fees are as follows:

• Kindergarten: RM 14,850 to RM 16,050 per year
• Primary School (Year 1-6): RM 16,590 to RM 22,080 per year
• Secondary School (Year 7-10): RM 24,810 to RM 31,020 per year
• Year 11: RM 15,720 per semester (total RM 31,440 annually)

These fees include the tuition cost, technology fee, and activity fee, which cover the resources and extracurricular activities offered by the school. However, additional costs such as uniforms, textbooks, external exam fees, and school trips are not included.

5. EMGS and Visa Fees

For international students, visa processing is a crucial part of studying in Malaysia. The Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) handles the student visa process for international students enrolling at Sayfol International School. This service ensures that students meet the necessary legal requirements to live and study in Malaysia. The key fees related to the EMGS and visa are:

• EMGS Fee: Typically ranging from RM 1,500 to RM 2,000, this fee covers the processing of the student’s visa and insurance.
• Visa Fee: A student visa fee is required, which is generally between RM 500 and RM 1,000, depending on the student’s nationality and the length of stay in Malaysia.

Parents should begin the visa application process as soon as the school issues an admission offer, as processing times can vary. The school’s admissions office assists in guiding parents through the EMGS application and visa process.

6. Dependent Visa Process and Fees

For expatriate families moving to Malaysia, dependent visas are available for spouses and children of the primary visa holder (i.e., the student’s parent). The dependent visa process follows these general steps:

• Step 1: Document Submission
  The dependent visa application requires the submission of essential documents, including the student’s offer letter from Sayfol, the parent’s employment contract, proof of financial stability, and family relationship documentation (such as birth or marriage certificates).
• Step 2: EMGS Submission
  The EMGS system processes both student and dependent visa applications. This streamlines the process for expatriate families looking to relocate with their children.
• Dependent Visa Fees: The fees for dependent visas range between RM 1,500 and RM 2,500, depending on the applicant's nationality and visa duration.

7. Additional Fees

Sayfol International School also offers several optional services and programs that come with additional fees:

• After-School Care Program: For Kindergarten to Year 2 students, the after-school care program is available from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM on weekdays (and until 12:30 PM on Fridays). The fee ranges from RM 750 to RM 2,100 per term.
• Re-entry Fee: If a student leaves the school for more than one year and later wishes to return, a re-entry fee of RM 2,000 is payable.

8. Discounts and Promotions

Sayfol offers several discount schemes to help ease the financial burden on families:

• Sibling Discount: Families with more than two children enrolled at Sayfol are eligible for a 5% tuition fee discount starting with the third child.
• High Achievers Discount: Students who perform exceptionally well academically are eligible for discounts ranging from 15% to 30%, based on their results.

9. Conclusion

Sayfol International School offers a premier international education experience in Kuala Lumpur, backed by a well-organized admissions process and transparent fee structure. Whether you’re an expatriate parent or a local family seeking quality education for your child, Sayfol ensures that the application and registration process is straightforward and efficient. With detailed support for international students through EMGS and visa applications, Sayfol provides a seamless transition for students relocating to Malaysia.

Parents are encouraged to plan their application well in advance of the intake dates, particularly for the August start, to secure a spot in this sought-after institution. From comprehensive academic programs to engaging extracurricular activities, Sayfol International School remains a top choice for families seeking the best in international education.