International Schools with EAL Support in Malaysia
71schools to compare
EAL (English as an Additional Language) is structured in-school support for students whose first language is not English. Schools deliver it as pull-out classes (small-group English that replaces part of the regular timetable), in-class support, or intensive English programmes — placement is set by an entry assessment against the CEFR. In Malaysia, IGB, Mont Kiara, Alice Smith, and Nexus run dedicated EAL departments; Garden, Tenby, and other mid-sized schools also maintain active EAL programmes. Families arriving from non-English-speaking countries should confirm EAL availability, duration, and any additional fee before enrolling.
107
UIUCSI International School - Kuala Lumpur
Kuala LumpurBritishInternational
23,250〜46,950 MYR/year
110
UIUCSI International School - Springhill
Negeri SembilanInternational Baccalaureate
29,100〜55,899 MYR/year
FAQ
- Q. What's the difference between EAL and ESL?
- A. They are essentially the same. EAL (English as an Additional Language) is more common at British and IB schools; ESL (English as a Second Language) is more common at American schools. Both describe language support for students whose first language isn't English.
- Q. Does EAL support cost extra?
- A. It depends. Some schools (e.g., Alice Smith) include EAL in tuition; others (e.g., IGB, Mont Kiara) charge an additional 5,000–20,000 MYR per year. Always confirm fee and content together before enrollment.
- Q. How long does EAL support last?
- A. Typically 1–3 years. Most schools graduate students out of EAL once they reach CEFR B1–B2 and merge them into mainstream classes; duration depends on the student's level at entry.
- Q. Can a student attend a school without EAL?
- A. Yes if the student passes the school's entry English assessment. Some schools (e.g., ELC) explicitly state English proficiency is a prerequisite and offer no EAL, so weaker-English applicants may be deferred or rejected.