When does the application window open?

Typically between March and May for online or paper submissions. Exact dates vary by channel and state and are updated annually on official portals.

What documents are required?

Common items: child’s Birth Certificate/MyKid, parents’ MyKad, proof of address, child’s passport photos, immunisation/health record, and household income proof.

Can I apply to multiple channels at the same time?

Yes. Submit applications separately, then confirm only one offer if admitted, and withdraw others to free up seats.

Malaysia Government Kindergarten Application Guide (2025/2026)

Malaysia Public Kindergarten Application Guide (2025/2026)

Q: Can non-citizens apply?

KPM preschool accepts Malaysian citizens only. KEMAS allows a child who is a citizen or whose father or mother is a Malaysian citizen. Perpaduan (JPNIN) follows state/centre guidelines—check with your nearest centre.

Q: How are KPM preschool seats allocated?

Selection usually considers age (priority weighting), per-capita household income, distance from school, and siblings already enrolled (subject to annual guidelines).

By HiParents • Last updated: Aug 10, 2025

1) Overview of the three public preschool channels

Prasekolah KPM (Ministry of Education)

Preschool classes hosted in government or government-aided primary schools. Citizens only. Online application + offline document submission. Selection by merit.

Open ePrasekolah See steps

Tabika KEMAS

Under KEMAS (Community Development Dept). Eligible if the child is a citizen or if father/mother is a Malaysian citizen. Paper-based application; placement by local availability.

KEMAS Portal See steps

Tabika Perpaduan (JPNIN)

Under the National Unity Ministry (JPNIN). Mostly paper-based; state and centre practices may vary. Check with your nearest centre.

JPNIN Portal See steps

2) Application timelines & portals (updated yearly)

Heads-up: Official windows are published annually. As a rule of thumb, expect March–May for online opening or paper acceptance (varies by channel and state).

Channel	Typical window	Portal / How to apply
KPM Preschool	Online ~ Mar 1–Jun 30; offline hand-in till ~ Jun 31 (example)	ePrasekolah portal
KEMAS	As per annual circular (often May–Aug for the following academic year)	Official notice / paper forms via local Tabika or KEMAS office
Perpaduan	Commonly Mar–Jul; subject to state/centre announcements	Paper forms via nearest centre / state unit

3) Eligibility & age

Channel	Citizenship / identity	Age on 1 Jan of intake year	Selection highlights
KPM Preschool	Malaysian citizens only	5–6 years eligible to apply	Merit factors: age, per-capita income, home-to-school distance, sibling enrolled, etc.
KEMAS	Child is a citizen, or father/mother is a citizen	5–6 years	Local catchment and seat availability
Perpaduan	Per state/centre rules (JPNIN)	5–6 years	Centre-specific practices and seat availability

4) Required documents (prepare once, apply smoothly)

Child’s Birth Certificate / MyKid (original + copy)
Parents’ MyKad (copies)
Proof of address (utility bill / tenancy, etc.)
Child’s passport photos (quantity per centre)
Immunisation / health record (if applicable)
Household income proof (for merit and assistance assessment)

5) Step-by-step by channel

KPM Preschool (online + offline)

Register on ePrasekolah: Create and verify a parent account.
Complete & upload: Fill child/household details and upload clear scans.
Submit & print: Submit online, then download/print the application form.
Hand in to school: Before the offline deadline, deliver the printed form plus supporting documents to the intended school.
Track results: Check according to official timelines; if not offered, submit an appeal within the window.

Go to ePrasekolah

KEMAS (paper-based)

Obtain paper forms from the KEMAS portal or your nearest Tabika/KEMAS office.
Fill in accurately and prepare all supporting documents.
Submit within the official window and keep the receipt/acknowledgement.
Wait for contact and follow up to complete registration and any small fees (if applicable).

Open KEMAS Portal

Perpaduan (JPNIN, paper-based)

Contact your nearest Tabika Perpaduan / state unit to obtain the paper form.
Prepare documents and submit within the announced window.
Watch for the result notification; if not offered, try nearby centres.

Open JPNIN Portal

6) Fees & financial support (at a glance)

KPM Preschool: Government provides preschool grants and meal assistance; student group accident coverage is arranged centrally each year. Schools may collect small charges for uniforms, books, or activity materials (amounts vary by school).
KEMAS / Perpaduan: Publicly funded systems; typically only nominal registration/activity fees. Exact practices differ by centre—always follow the official receipt/notice.

7) Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-citizens apply?

KPM preschools are for Malaysian citizens only. KEMAS accepts applications where the child is a citizen or one parent is a citizen. Perpaduan follows the state/centre’s rules.

When should I start preparing?

Ideally in January–February of the year before intake: gather documents early, then monitor official announcements from March to June and submit promptly.

What does KPM “merit selection” look at?

Typically age (largest weight), per-capita household income, distance from school, and siblings already enrolled—subject to the year’s official guideline.

Is it okay to apply to more than one channel?

Yes. Submit separately. Once you accept one offer, withdraw other applications to free up seats.

8) Pre-submission checklist

Confirm child’s age eligibility on 1 January of the intake year.
Prepare: Birth Certificate/MyKid, parents’ MyKad, address & income proof, child photos, immunisation/health record.
KPM: Complete online → print form → hand in to school before the offline deadline.
KEMAS: Submit paper form + documents within the annual window.
Perpaduan: Follow state/centre’s paper submission notice.
Keep your online receipt/acknowledgement slip for tracking or appeals.

Aug 10,2025