Planning ahead for your child’s education expenses? This series explores the fees incurred for your children’s schooling. Welcome to Part 1 – about early education costs in Malaysia. 

Education is important. By teaching youngsters an organized syllabus in a structured environment, we provide them with knowledge that can prepare them to make better choices in the future, for their future. Independence, growth, security, stability, are among the many benefits of a formal education.

In this series of financial costs of education in Malaysia, we begin with early education which covers kindergarten, preschool, and nursery. There can be some distinction between the different names but for the purpose of this article, we will use the term kindergarten to encompass them all.

Young children soak up knowledge like dry sponges so early education is a wonderful time for them to learn the basics of behavior, attitudes, and literacy. There are schooling options to fit a variety of budgets. As education costs locally and internationally skyrocket, it is important to plan prudently for your children’s education. Knowing the range of current costs is a good way for you to plan ahead.

#1. What Does Kindergarten Involve?

Essentially, kindergarten provides basic education such as reading, writing, counting, singing (hopefully, you can find the next Siti Nurhaliza here), and other basic skills. Most importantly, it is the first place where your child can develop social skills.

Kindergartens typically provide meals for lunch and tea time. Some private kindergartens also provide daycare services at additional costs.

#2. Government-run Kindergartens

The Malaysian federal government does offer different kindergarten programs which are each under different ministries. These are open to Malaysian citizens.

A. Prasekolah

Prasekolah is managed by the Ministry of Education. This early childhood education program is run in the same premises as select government primary schools. It is open to children from ages 4 to 6.

Fees: RM0.00! Completely free!

However, mind you that competition is stiff.

B. Tabika KEMAS

Tabika KEMAS is managed by the Ministry of Rural Development and provides early childhood education. It has two main programs:

  1. Children’s Nursery (TASKA): Children 2 – 4 years old
  2. Children’s Kindergarten (TABIKA): Children 4 – 6 years old

Here are the applicable fees:

  • Registration: RM10 (one-time)
  • Insurance: RM10 (one-time)
  • Fees: Free to RM100 per month, depending on household income
  • Uniform: RM30 (optional)
  • Sports Shirt: RM30 (optional)

C. Tabika Perpaduan

Tabika Perpaduan is managed by the Ministry of National Unity. The program is well-established and has been running since 1976. It also has two main prorams:

  1. Taska Genius Perpaduan: Children below age 4
  2. Tabika Perpaduan: Children 4 – 6 years old

There is not much formal information we could find about the fees but unconfirmed sources quote the following:

  • Annual registration: RM200
  • Half-day fees: RM50 per month
  • Full-day fees: RM320 per month

It is best to confirm the fee structure with your local Tabika Perpaduan.

D. Options Specific by State or by Religion

Meanwhile, there are Islamic school options for Muslims and options that are particular to states. Here are some notable examples.

The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) Tadika and preschools are under Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS). Fees range from RM20 to RM30 per month and also include an annual fee of RM10.

Tadika Agama Johor is available across Johor for children ages 5 and 6. Fees vary between schools.

#3. Private Kindergartens

Private kindergartens are an option for parents who are seeking something different. It could be a more customized approach to learning, special religious instruction, daycare options, or maybe just the convenience of being closer to home.

The quality is said to be better and there is less competition. Private kindergartens are often (though not necessarily) more costly.

Typically, cost RM500 to RM1,000 per month. Costs vary by education program, location, and other factors.

#4. Tax Relief and Government Assistance

The government introduced tax relief of up to RM3,000 in total for all your children if the fees are paid to kindergarten or any childcare services.

Meanwhile, if you are a government employee, you are entitled to some government assistance. If you (and your spouse combined if you’re married) are earning a monthly income of RM7,000 and below, you are eligible for a government subsidy of RM180 per month. This applies to children aged 4 and below.

#5. Hidden Costs to Look Out For

Aside from tuition fees, there are always hidden costs to consider.

Obvious monetary hidden costs that might not be mentioned outright include:

  • Registration fees, administrative fees
  • Deposit
  • Uniforms
  • Insurance
  • Books and stationery
  • Fees for special events, outings, activities

Less obvious costs to consider include:

  • Transportation
  • Meals, if not provided
  • Daycare plans, if not provided
  • Extra classes if desired but not provided (e.g. language, religious studies)
  • Attire, if no uniforms

#5.  The Estimated Total Cost

You could be looking at RM740 to RM39,140 for 4 years

Tuition fees of RM0 (if you managed to get the free government kindergarten option) per year to RM9,600 (private kindergarten, assume RM800 per month) per year. This translates to a total of RM0 and RM38,400 over 4 years of Kindergarten.

However, we need to add the costs of uniforms, insurance, and registration also. That could come up to about RM740 in total for 4 years:

  • One-time: RM10 registration fee, RM10 insurance
  • Yearly: RM60 for both uniform and sports shirts (3 pairs at least). Total of RM740 for four years.

Do bear in mind these are just estimates that can vary depending on your location and your choices.

Conclusion

Education options for young children come in a variety of options. There is no perfect or ideal one choice that everyone must go for. Consider the factors and pick something that best matches your family’s budget and other wants or needs. If time is on your side, you can also start using the numbers to form a plan to make a suitably sufficient education fund for your kids.

 

How much will you probably be spending for your child and why?

 

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