Education in Malta is organised into four stages: pre-primary education for children aged 3 to 5, primary education for those aged 5 to 11, secondary education for ages 11 to 18, and tertiary education. School attendance is mandatory until the age of 16.
Read the article to find out the features of Maltese education and what opportunities it provides.
There are numerous educational institutions in Malta that follow high international standards and conduct lessons in English. They are accessible to Malta residents and citizens.
Free education in Malta is available to children of foreigners who have obtained both a temporary or permanent residence permit and a work permit in the country. If parents do not have work permits, children can only be enrolled in private educational institutions. Annual expenses for schooling start at approximately €4,000 in a private kindergarten or at €8,000 in a school.
Diplomas from Maltese educational institutions are recognised in the EU countries and other states.
The preschool education system in Malta comprises nurseries and kindergartens.
Nurseries, or childcare centres, accept children younger than 3 years old. It is free of charge. To enrol a child in a nursery, parents must be Malta residents with a registered address.
The number of places in child care centres is limited. Priority is given to families where both parents are employed or unable to work.
Kindergartens accept children aged between two years and nine months and five years old. There are state, Catholic, and private kindergartens, each differing in their enrolment methods and educational programmes.
Most children in Malta attend state kindergartens, which are located in the same neighbourhood as their place of residence. The educational programme in state kindergartens is designed to gradually prepare children for primary school.
Catholic kindergartens accept children regardless of their family's faith, as indirectly confirmed by the method of place allocation: children gain entry to Catholic kindergartens through a lottery conducted among applicants to state kindergartens.
Both Catholic and state preschool institutions are free of charge.
Private kindergartens accept children regardless of their place of residence in Malta. Parents can choose the district, a suitable educational programme, and the language of communication with children, such as Maltese, English, or others.
The average fee at a private kindergarten ranges between €330 and €350 per month.
Operating hours. Most kindergartens operate on a similar schedule. Children can stay there from Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Peculiarities. The academic year in state and Catholic kindergartens begins in early October; entry is possible in October and February. An application for a place in the group must be submitted six months in advance, in May. Only children who will be three years old by the end of December of the current year can be enrolled in the new intake.
It is easier to secure a place in a private kindergarten as enrolment is not tied to a specific date.
Application. Parents apply for a place in a state kindergarten online on the website of the Maltese government. To apply, parents will need their ID card and utility bills for water or electricity to confirm residence at a specific address.
In Malta, 93% of the population attends school, which is one of the highest rates in the world. The school system consists of two stages:
Schools in Malta can be state, church, or independent.
State schools. Children of Maltese nationals and residents are entitled to free education in secondary schools based on their locality. They receive textbooks and stationery at no cost, and transportation is organised for them. The only expense for parents is the school uniform.
Classes in state schools in Malta are primarily conducted in Maltese and less frequently in English. It might be challenging for children from other countries to adapt if they have not attended kindergarten in Malta and do not know the language.
Church schools. Children from families that adhere to the Catholic faith enrol in Catholic schools. In these schools, classes are often segregated by gender: boys and girls study separately.
Independent schools. Malta hosts a considerable number of independent schools that cater to both local and foreign families. Parents enrolling their children in these institutions are responsible for covering tuition fees as well as additional costs, including school supplies, uniforms, and transportation.
The tuition at a private Maltese school varies depending on the educational programme, grade level, and demand, with fees ranging between €8,000 and €18,000 per annum.
Unlike state schools, private schools generally do not impose geographical restrictions. Yet, admission to private schools can be competitive and often requires entrance exams or interviews.
Private schools in Malta commonly use English as the primary medium of instruction, but many also offer bilingual programmes or instruction in other languages. These schools typically boast superior facilities, such as modern classrooms, extensive sports amenities, and art spaces. They offer a robust selection of extracurricular activities that may not be available in public schools.
International schools. Some independent schools follow international curricula, such as the British GCSE and A-Level programmes, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or the American educational system.
Tuition fees in such schools are different. On average, one year of studying in an international primary school in Malta will cost €8,400. It is recommended to contact a specific school directly to inquire about admission requirements and tuition fees.
Special educational needs. There are four educational institutions in Malta designed for children with special needs, called resource centres. They have specialist teachers as well as equipment and other resources for children with learning difficulties.
State schools in Malta offer inclusive education and help integrate children of all ages with special needs into mainstream schooling.
Many private schools in Malta are equipped to offer strong support structures for students with special education needs. This support can include specialised staff, tailored resources, and individualised education plans.
Tutors in Malta. Tutoring is a popular option for students seeking extra help outside their regular school curriculum, especially during critical exam periods such as O-levels and A-levels. Private tutors and tutor centres both operate online and in person.
The particular focus is on core subjects like Maltese, English, Mathematics, Science, and History. Many also offer tutoring in other languages, ICT, and business studies. Prices can range between €10 and €40 per hour.
The academic year in Maltese schools runs from October to June and consists of three terms. Pupils enjoy a long summer holiday from July to September,
School admission. To enrol a child in a state school, it is necessary to submit an application in person. The following documents should be attached to the application:
No additional exams are required for admission to a public school.
As for independent schools, they often accept online applications. It is advisable to check with the recommendations of a particular school. They may also require a language test.
After finishing school, graduates can pursue vocational education: secondary level at a college and higher education at a university. The duration of study depends on the institution, the speciality, and the chosen programme.
The rate of access to higher education in Malta is significantly above average, with 79% of youth being enrolled in universities. In comparison, the global average is 43%.
Three universities in Malta are considered the best in the country: the University of Malta, the Malta College of Art, Science and Technology (MCAST), and the Institute of Tourism.
The University of Malta is the country’s main university, hosting approximately 11,000 students each year. About 5 to 7% are international students who either selected this university intentionally or arrived through exchange programmes.
The University of Malta comprises 14 faculties offering a range of academic programmes for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Applicants who need to improve their English language skills can take a four-week Foundation Course. To enhance knowledge in specialised subjects and English, one can enrol in a year-long preparatory programme.
Studying is free for Maltese citizens. However, free education in Malta is not available for international students; they must pay tuition fees depending on the course.
The Malta College of Art, Science and Technology (MCAST) offers students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree or an academic degree in Applied and Social Sciences, Art and Design, or Information Technology.
The academic year begins in October. Malta citizens submit their documents for admission up until September. Foreigners who will be obtaining a student residence permit must do so by the end of June.
Every foreigner must demonstrate their financial stability or provide a sponsorship letter if they are not paying for their education themselves.
Institute of Tourism Malta (ITS) offers students both short-term and long-term educational programmes in hospitality and tourism. Here, one can learn to manage hotels and restaurants and even earn a bachelor's degree in diving.
At the Institute of Tourism Malta, most programmes are offered free of charge to Maltese citizens, while international students are required to pay tuition fees for all programmes. The exact sum depends on the program.
Admission. To apply to the university, applicants must provide a high school diploma or certificate. Generally, there are no entrance exams, but individual universities or faculties may have specific additional requirements.
Typically, the list of documents include:
International applicants must also provide proof of English language proficiency. The requirements vary depending on the programme. Entry to a bachelor’s degree usually requires an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or 80 points on the TOEFL. For master's programmes, it is normally 6.5 on the IELTS or 95 on the TOEFL.
International students also must pay for the first year upfront.
| University | Annual fee for a bachelor’s degree | Annual fee for a master’s degree |
| University of Malta | €8,500—10,800 | €10,800—13,400 |
| The Malta College of Art, Science and Technology | €6,500 | €7,500 |
| Institute of Tourism Malta | €7,900—9,200 | €8,500—12,500 |
English is the second official language in Malta, and people from all over the world come to the country to study it. Malta is home to more than 30 language schools that cater to international students, offering courses ranging from general language skills to intensive and specialised training. The instructors are often native speakers.
The warm climate of the island allows students to combine learning with outdoor activities like sunbathing, yachting, or diving.
Some of the well-regarded language schools include:
Compared to other English-speaking countries, the education is low-cost. For example, a two-week English course for adults will cost approximately
International students can study in Malta on a Schengen tourist visa if their study or language course does not exceed 90 days.
It is necessary to obtain a residence permit, if the duration of study is longer than three months. To do so, non-EU and EEA citizens must first secure a D-type national visa.
To obtain a D-type visa, a student must provide a list of documents:
A visa fee depends on the country and starts at €100. Most applications are reviewed within 7 to 15 business days.
Students receive their residence permit upon arrival in the country at the start of the academic year. A D-type visa serves as grounds for obtaining a permit in Malta.
The permit is issued for a year or for the duration of the studies. If necessary, students can renew their permits at the Central Visa Unit of Malta or through the Expatriates Unit of Identity Malta Agency. The educational institution assists with the renewal.
A student residence permit allows its holder to both study and work in Malta. The work hours with this permit are limited to 20 hours per week.
To ensure their children’s access to high-quality European education, foreigners may get an official status in Malta. There are three of them: a residence permit, permanent residency, and citizenship. All three are available to investors or wealthy individuals.
1. Malta residence permit. The Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP) was initiated in 2013. It targets non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss investors seeking residency in Malta. The first residence permit in Malta under the GRP is valid for a year; then, it is renewed every 2 years. An investor and their family obtain permits within 3—4 weeks.
An investor buys or rents a home in Malta. For the former, the property should cost at least €220,000 in the south of Malta or Gozo or €275,000 in other regions. If an investor rents housing, the annual rentals must be at least €8,750 or €9,600, depending on the property location. The administrative fee is €5,500—6,000. It is also necessary to pay the local taxes: a minimum of €15,000 per annum.
2. Malta permanent residency. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) allows third-country nationals, non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss, to secure permanent residency in Malta by investment in the local economy. The granted permanent residency status is lifelong. It is possible to add family members to the application.
Investors purchase or rent real estate, pay government fees, and contribute to charitable organisations. In return, they get Malta PR cards in several months instead of five years, as other applicants do. The minimal expenses are around €187,000 in the case of rental and €483,000 in the case of property purchase.
3. Malta citizenship. Citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment grants its holders opportunities to:
Investors obtain a Maltese passport by naturalisation. They can apply for Malta citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment to get a residence permit and apply for a passport.
Applicants pass a strict Due Diligence check and fulfil several investment conditions. A non-refundable investment of €600,000 allows an applicant to apply for citizenship after 3 years. If the investment increases to €750,000, the required residency period shortens to one year. Other stipulations include making a charitable donation and renting or owning a property in Malta for 5 years.
There is no investment-based path to Malta citizenship. Maltese nationality legislation provides for the possibility of naturalisation in cases of exceptional merit.
The statutory framework recognises exceptional contributions across various areas, such as entrepreneurship, job creation, innovation, science, education, culture, or philanthropy.
Foreigners who wish to study English in Malta require a visa; the type of visa depends on the course length. For courses under three months, a tourist Schengen visa is sufficient. For longer courses, a residence permit is required, for which students must first obtain a D-type visa.
Private kindergartens in Malta have fees starting at €330 per month for each child. The cost can vary based on factors such as the kindergarten’s location, the educational programme offered, and the language used for communication.
Public kindergartens in Malta are accessible to foreigners who have obtained either a residence permit or permanent residency. They are available through investment programmes.
For residents, these public kindergartens are free of charge.
Foreigners must pay tuition fees to receive tertiary education in Malta. The cost depends on the level of studies, the course duration, and the institution. Popular universities in Malta include the University of Malta, the Malta College of Art, Science and Technology, and the Institute of Tourism.
Normally, an annual fee starts at €6,500. The cost for EU and EEA citizens is reduced, and for Malta citizens, higher education is free.
A residence permit in Malta offers numerous benefits. One of the primary advantages is the ability to travel within the Schengen Area visa-free. Residents also benefit from tax exemptions.
Malta residents can attend local schools on the same terms as Maltese citizens, often at reduced fees or for free. Employment opportunities are also enhanced, as residents can work in the EU or start a business there.
Yes, the education system in Malta is good. The country is part of the Bologna process, which means diplomas from Maltese institutions are recognised in the EU countries and other states.
Various independent schools in Malta offer curricula according to international standards, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). The University of Malta consistently ranks among the best higher education institutions in the world.
The education system in Malta is highly regarded. Certificates and diplomas from Maltese institutions are recognised across the EU and other countries.
Malta hosts a variety of independent schools adhering to international standards, such as the International Baccalaureate programme. Additionally, the University of Malta is consistently recognised as one of the top universities globally.
The Maltese educational system is structured into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Classes are typically taught in both Maltese and English, reflecting the country’s bilingual status. Education covers various subjects and prepares students for ‘O’ level exams, similar to the UK’s GCSEs.
The country hosts various types of schools, including state, church, and independent schools. State schools are free, while church schools are popular for their discipline and academic standards, and independent schools often offer international curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Yes, school education is free in Malta. The state provides free education in public schools. This includes free textbooks, school materials, and transportation to and from school. Conversely, private and church schools have different policies regarding fees.
