The Growing Choice of AP Courses in Asian Schools
Hello, it’s Saori. The other day, I came across an article in a Vietnamese education media outlet titled “Why Do Many Students at Asian Schools Start AP Courses from 10th Grade?” At the international school in Penang where my children Hikari and Zen attend, more schools are introducing AP (Advanced Placement) courses. Today, I’d like to explore this topic from an on-the-ground perspective.
What Are AP Courses?
AP courses are programs that allow high school students to take college-level classes in advance. In Japan, you might think of it as “high school students earning university credits early.” If students achieve a certain score on the final AP exam, many universities in the U.S. and Canada will grant them credit.
On the other hand, IB (International Baccalaureate) is a two-year program known for “inquiry-based learning.” Both are advantageous for international university admissions, but their approaches differ. IB emphasizes “critical thinking skills,” while AP tends to value “depth of specialized knowledge.”
Why Start in 10th Grade?
According to the article, many Asian schools begin AP courses in 10th grade (equivalent to the first year of high school in Japan). There are three main reasons.
First, to build a “course history” that benefits college applications. U.S. universities look at how challenging the courses a student took in high school were. Starting AP early allows students to take more subjects.
Second, to improve English proficiency. AP courses and exams are entirely in English. Learning specialized subjects in English from an early age sharpens academic English skills.
Third, to broaden future career options. Early exposure helps students discover their strengths and apply them to university choices.
AP and IB at International Schools in Malaysia
More international schools in Malaysia are also adopting AP courses. AP is especially common at American-curriculum schools. Meanwhile, many schools offer IB, with prestigious institutions like Uplands and ISKL focusing heavily on it.
Our Hikari is still in early elementary school. Choosing between AP and IB is a future decision, but it’s an important factor in considering the right educational environment for our children.
Benefits of AP vs. IB
AP’s major strength is “flexibility in subject selection.” Students can focus intensively on subjects they’re interested in. For example, a science-oriented child could take three or four AP courses in physics and chemistry. IB requires a balanced study of six subjects, with no room for leaning toward arts or sciences.
IB’s strength lies in “inquiry-based learning” and “emphasis on extracurricular activities.” Through essay writing and community projects, students develop critical thinking and presentation skills. Top U.S. universities highly value this IB framework.
Insights from Asia’s Education Landscape
What I found interesting in the article was how Asian schools are “strategically” choosing AP. In Vietnam, South Korea, and China, demand for AP courses at international schools is surging.
One reason is that “results are easier to achieve.” Since AP is graded on exam scores, it aligns well with the “memorization and practice” style that Asian students often excel at. IB’s “inquiry-based learning” requires discussion and self-expression, which can be challenging for students from different cultural backgrounds.
From Our Family’s Perspective
Watching Hikari and Zen, both love “deepening their knowledge.” Hikari enjoys reading encyclopedias, while Zen is fascinated by numbers and puzzles. Considering their traits, AP’s “specialized focus” style might suit them.
However, IB’s “critical thinking” skills can’t be overlooked. Especially for thriving in the global community, critical thinking and understanding diversity are essential. Rather than leaning entirely toward one, I want to understand the strengths of both and choose a path that fits each child.
For Those Considering Education Migration
Malaysia has schools offering both AP and IB programs. In Penang, there are AP-focused schools as well as IB-specialized ones like Uplands. In KL, options expand to ISKL (IB), Alice Smith (British), and Garden (British).
The key is to align “your child’s traits” with “future academic paths.” Generally, aiming for U.S. universities favors AP, while considering broader options including Europe and Japan leans toward IB.
The Reality of Exchange Rates and Costs
That said, tuition is a major factor regardless of the program. Annual tuition at international schools in Malaysia ranges from approximately $5,000 to $10,000 in Penang and $7,000 to $17,000 in KL (based on exchange rate of 1 MYR = 39.44 JPY as of June 13, 2026). Despite the yen’s weakness, costs are one-third to half of those in Singapore or Western countries.
Conclusion
The spread of AP courses in Asia is driven by a strategic focus on university admissions. Understanding the differences from IB and choosing based on your child’s traits should lead to a successful education migration.
Our family is still learning. By the time our children reach 10th grade, we’ll decide between AP, IB, or other options. We’ll gather the latest information and choose the best path.
Until next time!
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