Australian International School Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

About Australian International School Malaysia: The Australian International School Malaysia (AISM) is the most experienced Australian Curriculum provider in Malaysia. They offer pre-school to pre-university, with small class sizes and a predominantly expat teaching community.

School Mission: To become a global beacon school for learning and teaching.

School Vision: To cultivate intellectual character, academic excellence and wellbeing so that students thrive in a dynamic world.

Head to the school website for more details and information.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Recommend – Malaysia offers a very family-friendly environment for teachers with families. The package is generous, but it may not suit bigger families. Overall, it appears to be a great school with a family-friendly community.
If you’re comfortable teaching the Australian curriculum (and it suits your kids), it’s definitely recommended.

Overall compensation package rating

Research indicates that the salary is competitive and enough to support a family and save.

Be aware that tax is high for the first year in Malaysia (until you obtain tax residency), which can make it challenging. There are also restrictions on leaving the country in your first year (so it doesn’t impact tax residency status).

Tuition benefits

Up to two kids places are offered tuition-free as part of your teaching package.

Housing

A monthly staff allowance is provided for teachers to help cover costs for renting.

Flights

Based on our research flights are provided at beginning and end of contract, and annually each year after fulfilling your initial term.

Healthcare

A private healthcare scheme is included as part of your teaching package which covers immediate family members.

Adjustment for kids

There is conflicting information about the number of students (ranging from around 400 to 600). But at least 20 different nationalities are represented, with the majority of students from Malaysia.

Families have spoken of the multicultural environment and the ability for kids to adapt easily.

Average class sizes

Class sizes average 20 students across all age levels.

Teaching experience required

To work at the school, you’ll need at least three years teaching experience (no newly qualified teachers will be considered).

You’ll also need to hold formal teaching qualifications.

Curriculum

Australian curriculum

Note: The school year is based on an Australian school calendar – so runs from January to December.

Retirement/pension benefits

Malaysia is known for its generous EPF scheme. You’ll contribute 11% and the school will match this at 12% (though recent government changes have been announced to lower the required amounts into the fund – which may impact this).

School history & stability

The school was originally founded in 2000.

Australian International School Malaysia – Additional Benefits

  • Regular PD
  • Potential for spouse employment
  • Visible Learning training

What Teachers are Saying About Australian International School Malaysia

It’s not perfect, but it is a great school. Management are supportive of staff when there are any issues with student behaviour or parents.

EX TEACHER, AISM

KL is a great place to live, with a pretty low cost of living. You can live an amazing lifestyle and spend as much or as little as you like. Some of my colleagues save lots, while others spend a lot explroing Asia.

EX TEACHER AT AISM

Everyone at the school works hard (most staff are on a full load). You’ll be expected to do 1 CCA per term straight after school.

EX-TEACHER AT NEWTON COLLEGE
  • The iconic Kuala Lumpur skyline with Petronas Towers at twilight
  • Colourful alleyway in Kuala Lumpur filled with lanterns, people & street art - what you can explore if you work at Australian International School Malaysia
  • View of Kuala Lumpur skyline featuring the Petronas Towers - one of the key things to see if you decide to teach in Malaysia

The lifestyle in Kuala Lumpur is great and it’s a beautiful city to live. The food is amazing, travel opportunities are everywhere and you can get everything you need here.

CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, MALAYSIA

AISM is a great environment to work in, with some great colleagues that make coming to school a pleasure.

EX TEACHER, AISM

I loved working at AISM and couldn’t recommend it highly enough to other teachers, especially with families.

EX TEACHER, AISM

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Good – Kuala Lumpur is a very safe city for expat families, with low rates of violent crime. Popular residential areas like Mont Kiara, Bangsar, and Desa ParkCity are known for their security, community feel, and family-friendly amenities.
  • Adaptability: High – With a large and welcoming expat community, most families find it easy to settle. English is widely spoken, which makes daily life easy even without Bahasa Malaysia. The city offers modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and a vibrant food and cultural scene. Just be warned like many cities in Asia, traffic can be heavy.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate – Kuala Lumpur offers a relatively affordable lifestyle compared to many major cities. While housing in expat-favoured areas is more expensive, it’s modern and high quality. Domestic help is widely available and affordable, and local food and fresh produce are inexpensive. Imported goods and international schools are the biggest costs, but many families find they can enjoy a high standard of living at a reasonable cost.

General Overview for Teaching Families

The Australian International School Malaysia (AISM) is a not-for-profit international school that has been delivering the New South Wales (NSW) curriculum since 2000, making it the most established Australian curriculum school in Malaysia. It offers education from preschool through Year 12, preparing students for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) and success at universities in Australia and beyond.

AISM is best known as the world’s first certified Visible Learning school, an evidence-based teaching approach that makes learning measurable, effective, and student-centred. With over 400 students from a mix of local and international backgrounds and small class sizes, the school offers a close-knit, supportive environment. English is the main language of instruction, with additional languages offered, and the school places a strong emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals through academics, co-curricular activities, and leadership opportunities.

The modern campus is located in Seri Kembangan, about 30 minutes from central Kuala Lumpur. It features well-equipped classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive sports facilities. AISM’s emphasis on community means teachers and families often find it easy to settle in at the school.

Teacher benefits include various PD opportunities, including regular training in Visible Learning practices. The school provides relocation and visa support, and teachers contribute to Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF) – a government-managed retirement savings scheme.

Living in Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur, offers families a high quality of life. There is good (modern) infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and amazing food and cultural opportunities.

Are you currently working at AISM? Please get in touch to let us know about your experience or complete our teacher survey to share more insights about the school.

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