FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions SJIS
When does your enrollment begin?
Our academic year begins in January. This enrollment is for each year’s group. Parents are encouraged to register early, as soon as they are certain, as spaces are often limited depending on the year group.
How do I enroll my child for the program?
You will need to prepare application documents according to the checklist and sit for the placement test. For more info, please refer to the admissions procedure.
Where is SJIP and SJIS located?
Both SJIP and SJIS are strategically located in Jalan Bukit Nanas, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city centre, just a five-minute walk from the Masjid Jamek LRT Station.
What is the background of the teaching staff at SJIP and SJIS?
The teaching and academic staff at SJIP and SJIS are qualified and experienced educators, primarily from Malaysia. All teachers hold the necessary qualifications and are required to obtain teaching permits issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE), in compliance with national policies and procedures.
What is the process for applying for a student visa at SJIP and SJIS?
To apply for a student visa at SJIP and SJIS, students must first complete the application form and sit for a placement test. Once accepted, parents must submit all required documents, including the School Leaving Certificate (SLC), passport copy, academic records, and photos. SJIS will issue an Offer Letter and submit it, along with key documents, to the Ministry of Education (MOE). MOE processing takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks. After MOE approval, the application is sent to the Malaysian Immigration Department for the Visa Approval Letter (VAL), which takes an additional 7 to 14 working days if all documents are complete. For more info, please refer to the International Student Guidelines.
Important: Approval is not guaranteed. The final decision lies solely with the Ministry of Education and the Immigration Department of Malaysia. SJIS submits the application on behalf of parents and is not liable for any visa rejections.
Can a parent apply for a guardian visa through SJIP and SJIS?
Yes, SJIP and SJIS assists parents with guardian visa applications, which are submitted together with the student visa application. The Immigration Department generally processes guardian visas within seven working days, though it can take up to 30 working days for applicants from certain countries.
Are there any document requirements or restrictions for visa applications?
Yes. All documents submitted for student and guardian visas must be certified or verified by relevant authorities and must be valid for at least six months from the submission date.
Important: Guardian visa holders are not permitted to work in Malaysia.
What are the security measures taken at SJIP and SJIS?
At SJIP and SJIS, your child’s security is of utmost priority. We have 24-hour security guards and CCTV surveillance. Access to the school is strictly limited to authorized personnel and guests.
Do you provide transportation for students?
How many students are in each class?
We limit the size of a class to a maximum of 25 students to ensure a healthy and balanced teacher-student ratio.
Is lunch provided at SJIP and SJIS?
Lunch is not provided by SJIP and SJIS. However, students are welcome to bring their own meals or purchase food from the school canteen. The canteen is located on Level 8 for Secondary students and Level G for Primary students. The menu will be shared with parents once the student is registered.
What are the schooling hours?
| Preschool | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday: 8.15am – 1.15pm | Monday-Friday: 8.15am – 3.15pm | Monday-Friday: 8.00am – 3.30pm |
What is the school’s approach towards student discipline?
All students are required to adhere to the student handbook, which reflects our values of being respectful of each other. At the same time, the school management will ensure that disciplinary matters are handled with sensitivity and respect for the children, based on the case.
What is the student demographic at St. John’s International Secondary School?
We have approximately 1,000 students enrolled. About 75% are Malaysian students, while the remaining 25% are international students, representing a diverse range of nationalities.
What is the minimum number of subjects that a student must sign up for in the IGCSE examinations?
The minimum number of subjects for IGCSE is at least 6-8 subjects. (May vary according to the school’s requirements)
What is the educational path taken by your students after they finish their IGCSE?
Students can proceed to do their pre-University course in any of the local colleges or can go overseas as the IGCSE is internationally recognized.
Do SJIP and SJIS offer support services for students with special needs or learning differences?
We do not provide support services for students with special needs or learning differences. All students are assessed to ensure that we can effectively cater to their needs before they are accepted into SJIP and SJIS. We request that parents of prospective students openly declare all necessary information about their child during the application process so that we can provide appropriate guidance.
Are there any hidden costs apart from tuition fees and miscellaneous fees?
No. All fees are included in our fee structure except for field trips. Field trips are charged separately depending on the location, and they are mostly one-day trips. Our CCAs (Co- Curricular Activities) are included in the tuition fees.
When is the break (recess) and how long is it?
Are the IGCSE Cambridge certificates accepted by local universities?
Yes, IGCSE Cambridge certificates are generally accepted by local universities, but specific entry requirements may vary depending on the university and the chosen programme.
Alumni FAQ
Who is considered an alumnus/alumna of St. John’s International School?
Anyone who has ever attended or graduated from St. John’s International School, whether Primary or Secondary, regardless of duration, is proudly recognised as part of our alumni community.
How do I join the official Alumni Network?
Joining is easy! Simply fill out the Alumni Registration Form on our school website or contact our Marketing Team to submit your details.
What are the benefits of being part of the Alumni Network?
As a member, you’ll gain access to:
- Invitations to alumni events and reunions
- Networking opportunities with fellow graduates
- Updates on school news and milestones
- Opportunities to mentor students and share your experiences
- Alumni-only newsletters and job opportunities
How can I stay connected with fellow alumni?
Stay in touch through:
- Our official alumni mailing list
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Telegram, Instagram)
- Attending alumni events and reunions
Can alumni visit the school?
Absolutely! We love welcoming alumni back. To schedule a visit or guided tour, please contact the school in advance.
How can I get involved with current students or school activities?
There are several ways to give back and stay involved:
- Deliver career talks or share your experiences
- Offer internships or job shadowing opportunities
- Volunteer at school events
- Join mentorship programs
Interested? Reach out to our Marketing Team for more details.
Are alumni reunions held regularly?
How do I update my contact or professional information?
Who should I contact with alumni-related questions?
Feel free to reach out to our Marketing Office:
📧 Email: info@sjis.edu.my
📞 Phone: 03-2022 4881 / 03-2034 1288