Malta – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Malta?

Over the past decade, Malta’s education system has undergone notable improvement and is broadly considered a sound offering for a small island nation. The national education strategy covering 2024–2030 outlines planned advances in foundational and green skills, teacher training at both entry and continuing levels, inclusive education and the appeal of vocational pathways. Government education policy is anchored around two guiding principles: equity and quality.

Early school leaving has dropped sharply, declining from 16.7% in 2015 to 9.5% in 2024 — a figure that edges close to the EU target and stands as a meaningful accomplishment for Malta. This reduction ranks among the third-largest improvements recorded across all EU member states, placing Malta alongside certain traditionally strong European systems on this particular measure.

The overall picture is not without its difficulties, however. A pupil’s socio-economic background continues to exert a strong influence over learning outcomes. Among students in the lowest socio-economic quartile, close to half underperform in mathematics and more than half in reading. Even pupils from more advantaged backgrounds face difficulties, with 17.2% underperforming in mathematics compared to an EU average of 10.9%.

The proportion of high achievers has also fallen considerably since 2015: just 7.2% of pupils excel in mathematics (EU average: 7.9%) and 4.6% in science (EU average: 6.9%), with notable variation between school types. These figures derive from PISA assessments and Eurydice data. For the most current international comparisons and rankings, refer directly to the EU Education and Training Monitor and the OECD PISA website.

A pronounced gap exists between institutions: pupils in Church, independent and Gozitan schools achieve considerably better outcomes than those in state schools. This means the choice of school sector in Malta can have a genuine and tangible effect on a child’s results — a factor that families would do well to weigh carefully.

In 2024, 46.3% of young adults aged 25–34 held a tertiary qualification, surpassing the EU average of 44.1% and the EU’s own 2030 target of 45%. This indicates that the system is effectively channelling young people into higher education, even if attainment levels at secondary level remain inconsistent.

At what age is education compulsory in Malta, and how is schooling structured by age?

Under the Education Act, Chapter 605 of the Laws of Malta, schooling is compulsory for any child who has reached the age of five and has not yet turned sixteen, or who has not yet completed the final year of secondary school. This broad scope is comparable to compulsory education requirements across much of the EU and the United Kingdom.

Before the compulsory school age begins, Malta has well-developed early years provision. Early childhood education and care is available for children from the age of three months up to two years and nine months. Since April 2014, families in which both parents are engaged in full-time or part-time work or study are entitled to free childcare. Children between the ages of two years and nine months and five years attend kindergarten classes run by state, Church and independent schools.

Compulsory education spans eleven years, covering ages five to sixteen, and is divided into two cycles: the primary cycle (ages five to eleven) and the secondary cycle (ages eleven to sixteen). The secondary cycle is itself divided into Middle Schools (ages eleven to thirteen) and Secondary Schools (ages thirteen to sixteen).

The full structure is set out below:

Around 94% of three- and four-year-olds attend kindergarten, meaning that despite pre-primary education being non-compulsory, participation is effectively near-universal. The kindergarten years emphasise play-based learning rather than formal instruction.

Within the state school system, the secondary cycle consists of two separate phases: Middle School (Years 7 and 8) and Secondary School (Years 9, 10 and 11), with students changing schools between these phases. This distinguishes the Maltese model from systems where pupils remain in a single secondary school for five or more years — in Malta, a school transition takes place at around age thirteen.

What types of schools are available in Malta?

Schools in Malta fall into three broad categories: state, Church (predominantly Catholic) and independent. Each operates under a different funding arrangement and admissions model, and understanding these distinctions is important before committing to a choice.

State schools represent the largest sector. They are open to all students and can be found across the main towns and villages of both Malta and Gozo. School transport is provided free of charge, as are textbooks and other learning materials, though families are responsible for purchasing the school uniform. Schools have been grouped into College Networks, with ten Colleges in total — nine across Malta and one serving Gozo. Each College is led by a College Principal and encompasses a set of feeder primary schools alongside at least two secondary schools.

Church schools form a substantial part of the non-state sector. Almost all are Roman Catholic and receive significant government subsidy, meaning no tuition fees are charged. Parents are, however, generally asked to contribute an annual voluntary donation towards school operating costs. Church primary schools tend to be single-sex, which may be a consideration depending on your family’s preferences.

Independent (private) schools are established by individuals or non-profit parent foundations and charge tuition fees. As of 2023/24, Church schools educate approximately 33% and independent schools approximately 12% of Malta’s secondary-age students. The government subsidises Church schools and offers tax rebates to parents whose children are enrolled in independent schools.

International schools sit within the independent sector and are addressed separately below. There is a reasonable selection of both independent and international schools catering to families from overseas.

Malta also provides for children with additional educational needs. Four special needs resource centres operate across the island, staffed by specialist teachers and equipped with appropriate resources for children with learning difficulties; these centres also support the integration of children with additional needs into mainstream settings. Home education was formally recognised as a legal option in 2021 and is overseen by the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education (DQSE), which must approve all home education arrangements and confirm that the arrangement genuinely serves the child’s best interests.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Malta follow?

Malta’s curriculum draws broadly from British educational traditions, with students covering a broad range of subjects and sitting both mid-year and end-of-year assessments. This will feel relatively familiar to families from countries with British-influenced schooling systems, though the Maltese system has its own national character and qualifications framework.

Since October 2017, all education provision during the compulsory school years has been guided by the learning outcomes defined in the Learning Outcomes Framework (LOF), which itself grew out of the National Curriculum Framework of 2012. This framework shapes teaching and assessment across all school types.

At secondary level, core subject areas include Maltese, English, a second foreign language of the student’s choice (with state schools offering French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic or Chinese), mathematics, ICT, a science subject, Religious Knowledge or Ethics, Physical Education, Personal Social and Career Development, and History, Geography and Social Studies.

The principal qualifications students work towards are:

• Secondary Education Certificate (SEC): SEC examinations are taken at age 16 and are broadly equivalent to O-levels or GCSEs as used in England and Wales. The proportion of 16-year-olds sitting SEC exams has risen steadily, reaching 91.1% in 2024.
• Secondary School Qualification and Profile (SSQ&P): Previously known as the Secondary School Certification and Profile, this was officially relaunched as the Secondary School Qualification and Profile (SSQ&P) from scholastic year 2024/25. It formally acknowledges students’ formal, non-formal and informal learning experiences across the compulsory years.
• Matriculation Certificate: The Matriculation Certificate covers the Advanced and Intermediate-level examinations taken at around age 18, and serves as the primary pathway to the University of Malta, MCAST and other national and international institutions. In terms of its role as a university entrance qualification, it is functionally comparable to the French Baccalauréat or the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

The Junior College provides a dedicated two-year course for students heading towards university, culminating in the Matriculation Certificate. Students are required to sit two subjects at Advanced Level, three at Intermediate Level, and also take Systems of Knowledge.

For families seeking internationally transferable qualifications, several international and private schools in Malta offer the globally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB). The IB Diploma Programme is accepted by universities worldwide, making it an attractive option for families who anticipate relocating again after Malta.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Malta?

The Maltese scholastic year runs from September through to June, with the academic year typically commencing towards the end of September. Schools operate on a five-day week, Monday to Friday, with a morning session followed by a break and then an afternoon session.

School hours differ between institutions, but primary schools generally run from around 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Secondary schools may operate over slightly extended hours. Children are expected to bring a packed lunch and water to school for consumption during break time. Schools implement a healthy eating policy, and foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt are not permitted. Unlike systems where a hot canteen meal is the norm, most Maltese schools depend on pupils bringing food from home.

Homework demands can be considerable. Senior school pupils may face between one and two hours of homework each evening. Families accustomed to lighter homework expectations elsewhere may need time to adjust to this aspect of the Maltese school routine.

The main holiday periods in Malta typically include:

• Summer holidays: Late June to late September (approximately 12–13 weeks)
• Christmas break: Approximately two weeks in late December and early January
• Easter break: Approximately one to two weeks
• Half-term breaks: Shorter breaks tied to national and public holidays, including certain feast days

For the official school calendar each academic year, consult the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR) website, since exact dates vary from year to year and between school types. International schools may follow a somewhat different calendar.

How do you enrol a child in school in Malta?

The process of enrolling a child in a Maltese school differs depending on whether you opt for a state, Church or independent school. It is sensible to plan ahead, as popular schools — particularly in the Church and independent sectors — can be heavily oversubscribed.

1. Determine eligibility and school type: All children between ages 4 and 16 have the right to free education in all state schools. Children of foreigners taking up residence in Malta are governed by the Education Act (Cap 327). Consider whether state, Church, independent or international schooling is the right fit for your family’s circumstances.
2. Contact the relevant authority: For state school enrolment, reach out to the Directorate for Educational Services (DES) under the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR). For Church or independent schools, contact each school directly. The government has also developed a MyChild portal — a centralised digital platform linking to government services for children aged 0 to 18, including education-related matters.
3. Gather documentation: You will typically be asked to provide: a birth certificate; proof of address in Malta (such as a rental agreement or utility bill); a valid residence permit or identity document; vaccination records; and previous school reports or academic records. Requirements can differ between institutions, so confirm the precise list with the school or the DES.
4. Submit your application: State schools allocate places based on the College Network catchment area corresponding to your home address. Ten Colleges exist — nine covering Malta and one for Gozo — each composed of feeder primary schools and at least two secondary schools. Applications to Church or independent schools are submitted directly to the school and may involve a formal admissions procedure.
5. Language assessment: No child is exempt from studying Maltese and English in state schools, regardless of how long they intend to stay in Malta. Children who have recently arrived may be assessed to determine what level of language support would benefit them most.
6. Confirm uniform and materials: Textbooks are lent to children in compulsory schooling free of charge for the duration of the scholastic year. Parents are responsible for purchasing the school uniform, school bag and stationery. Schools typically provide a list of required materials at the start of the year or at the point of registration.

Always verify current enrolment procedures and required documents directly with the school or the Ministry for Education. Requirements can change, and the official MEYR website is the most reliable source for up-to-date guidance.

What international schools are available in Malta?

Malta’s international school sector is modest in size but well established, with most institutions concentrated in the northern parts of the island — particularly around St Julian’s, Pembroke and the broader Sliema area — where the bulk of the expatriate population tends to settle.

Among the most long-standing is Verdala International School. Located in Pembroke, Verdala International School was founded in 1976 as a day school primarily serving expatriate children living in Malta and now has more than 500 students enrolled. Its curriculum encompasses the International Primary Curriculum for ages 3 to Grade 5, the IB Middle Years Programme for Grades 6 to 8, the IGCSE (Cambridge) for Grades 9 and 10, and both the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career-related Programme for Grades 11 and 12. The IB Diploma is recognised by universities across the globe, making it especially well suited to families who may move internationally again in the future.

QSI International School of Malta is another available option, following an American-based curriculum. Other international schools operating in Malta include International Vocational College Malta. Each school has its own admissions process, academic calendar and fee structure.

On the matter of fees: expenditure at the majority of private schools amounts to around €3,700 per year, with fees generally lower at primary level and increasing as pupils move into secondary and upper-secondary stages. Dedicated international schools offering full IB programmes typically charge considerably more. Fees can range from approximately €8,000 to €20,000 or more per year depending on the school and year group — always confirm current fees directly with the school, as figures are subject to annual revision (as of 2025).

To find accredited international schools, consult the Council of International Schools (CIS) directory and the International Schools Consultancy (ISC) database, both of which maintain listings of accredited institutions worldwide, including those in Malta. The Council of International Schools (CoIS) is a non-profit community of international schools and upper-secondary educational organisations offering educational accreditation, teacher recruitment support and access to higher education networks.

What higher education options are available in Malta?

Higher education in Malta is limited in scale but internationally minded. The University of Malta (UoM) is an autonomous institution providing tertiary general education from certificate and undergraduate level through to doctoral programmes. One of the oldest universities in the Mediterranean, the UoM is situated centrally in Msida, and English serves as its primary language of instruction.

Around 11,000 students are enrolled at the University, of whom approximately 650 are international students drawn from 77 countries. The University participates in the Erasmus+ exchange programme, enabling students to undertake study periods at institutions in other participating countries.

For vocational and technical higher education, MCAST is a vocational education and training institution established in 2001, now comprising 10 institutes spread across Malta and Gozo, offering programmes spanning agribusiness, applied science, engineering, maritime studies and more. The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), based in Ħal Luqa with a branch in Gozo, trains students aged 16 and above across a range of tourism and hospitality disciplines.

The American University of Malta also operates on the island, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as a private institution.

Regarding fees: EU/EEA students at the University of Malta are not charged tuition fees for most academic programmes, with certain exceptions in areas such as Business and Culinary Arts. Free education from early childhood through to tertiary level in state institutions applies across the board, except for students from non-EU/EEA countries. For non-EU/EEA students, fees differ substantially by course and level — always check the University of Malta fees and funding page for current figures. For doctoral studies, non-EU/EEA full-time doctoral students pay annual fees of €11,000, while EU/EEA full-time students pay €600 (as of 2025). Since January 2021, UK nationals have been classified as non-EU nationals for tuition fee purposes, though exemptions may apply for UK residents in Malta under specific residency legislation.

Degrees in Malta are conferred on the basis of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), the standard credit framework used across the European Union, meaning Maltese qualifications are broadly transferable across EU member states.

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Malta?

For families relocating to Malta with school-age children, language is one of the most practically significant considerations. Malta is officially bilingual — Maltese and English both hold official status — and this shapes the classroom experience in important ways.

While both Maltese and English are used in schools in principle, different institutions tend to lean towards one language. In state schools, Maltese is the predominant language of instruction, with English reserved primarily for English-language lessons. A child arriving without Maltese will therefore face a genuine linguistic challenge in the state sector, particularly during the settling-in period. That said, the widespread everyday use of English across Malta considerably eases the social dimension of integration.

Textbooks and teaching materials may be in either Maltese or English. No child is exempt from studying both languages in state schools, regardless of the length of their stay in Malta. Even children attending state school for a relatively short time will be expected to engage with Maltese language learning.

For families whose children do not speak Maltese, the practical choices are to enrol in a state school and actively support Maltese language acquisition at home, or to opt for an independent or international school where instruction is conducted primarily or entirely in English. Given that Malta is a bilingual country, both languages feature in the classroom and in the playground. The fact that many children in Malta speak at least two languages — and a significant number also speak Italian — can make it easier for newcomers to find common ground socially.

Children in international schools are generally taught wholly in English and are not required to study Maltese, though some schools offer it as an elective. Families intending to remain in Malta over the long term and integrate into local community life may find that the bilingual exposure offered by a state school becomes a genuine asset for their children over time.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Malta?

Malta’s approach to education financing is notably generous by the standards of most countries. State education is provided free of charge from the pre-primary stage right through to tertiary level, meaning that a family with legal residence in Malta can access a complete educational journey — from kindergarten to university — without paying tuition fees at state institutions.

For children within the compulsory school age range attending state schools, textbooks and school transport are provided at no cost. The government, through the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR), arranges free transport for students in compulsory schooling and kindergarten attending state, Church and independent schools alike.

Church schools are subsidised by the state and do not charge tuition fees, while parents whose children attend independent schools may benefit from tax rebates offered by the government. The precise level of relief available should be confirmed with the Maltese tax authority (the Commissioner for Revenue), as rates are subject to change.

At the post-secondary and higher education levels, full-time students attending upper secondary, post-secondary or university programmes receive a maintenance grant. Available support mechanisms include the Students’ Maintenance Grant, the Get Qualified scheme, the Tax Credit on Higher Educational Qualifications scheme and various scholarship arrangements. These can substantially offset the cost of further study for eligible students.

Free childcare has been available since April 2014 for families in which both parents are in full-time or part-time employment or enrolled in education. This covers children from birth to approximately age three and represents one of the more comprehensive early-years subsidy arrangements within the EU.

Eligibility for free state education and related benefits generally depends on a family’s residency status. All children between ages 4 and 16 have the right to free education in state schools. For accurate and current information on entitlements specific to your situation, contact the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR) or the Migrant Learners Unit directly.

Frequently asked questions about education in Malta

Will my child have to learn Maltese at school?

No child is exempt from learning Maltese and English in state schools, regardless of how long they are in Malta. Should your child attend a state or Church school, Maltese will be a compulsory subject. In international schools, Maltese is generally not required, though some schools offer it as an elective. Children typically acquire conversational Maltese fairly quickly given its constant presence in the classroom and playground.

Can my child attend a state school without speaking Maltese or English?

Yes. The Migrant Learners Unit assists newly arrived children in state schools, facilitating access to language support and helping them settle into the school environment. The government upholds a commitment to inclusive education throughout the entire educational cycle, with children who have additional needs integrated into mainstream settings wherever possible. Language support provision differs between schools, so it is worth asking the school directly about what arrangements are in place.

Are there waiting lists for Church schools and international schools?

Church schools are highly sought-after and frequently oversubscribed, particularly at primary level. It is not uncommon for families to submit applications long before their child is of school age — sometimes before the child is even born — especially for well-regarded Church schools in central Malta. International schools generally have more places available but can also fill up at certain year groups. It is advisable to make contact with schools as early as possible once your move to Malta has been confirmed.

Will qualifications gained in Malta be recognised in other countries?

Achievement in the SSQ&P, SEC and SEAC qualifications is recognised at Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the Malta Qualifications Framework. SEC examinations are comparable to O-levels and GCSEs and are widely accepted internationally. The Matriculation Certificate is recognised for university admission in Malta and throughout much of Europe. Since degrees in Malta are conferred using the ECTS credit system — the standard across the EU — Maltese university qualifications carry broad portability within EU member states. For recognition in countries outside the EU, it is advisable to check with the relevant national qualifications authority.

Can adults pursue education or qualifications in Malta?

Yes. JobsPlus runs courses for adults in Malta covering areas such as business writing, basic plumbing, entrepreneurship skills, foundational literacy and specific vocational training. Courses are available during both daytime and evening hours, and there is a Night Institute for Further Education providing vocational programmes for adult learners. The University of Malta also offers part-time degree options and continuing education courses tailored to those already in the workforce.

Is childcare free in Malta for working expat families?

Since April 2014, families in which both parents are engaged in full-time or part-time employment or education have been entitled to free childcare. This provision covers children from birth to approximately age three, on the condition that both parents are employed or in education. Registration with the government is required to access the service. Check current eligibility criteria with the MEYR, as conditions and entitlements may be updated from time to time.

Does the University of Malta accept international students?

Yes. Of the approximately 11,000 students enrolled at the University of Malta, around 650 are international students representing 77 countries. The University actively welcomes applications from abroad and conducts its teaching primarily in English. EU/EEA students are not charged tuition fees for most academic programmes, while fees for non-EU/EEA students vary according to the course. Consult the University of Malta fees page for the most current information (as of 2025).

What after-school care options exist for working parents?

An after-school care programme called Klabb 3-16 is provided for school-age children whose parents are in employment. The service is open to children between the ages of 3 and 16 who attend state, Church or independent schools. This government-supported scheme offers a structured and supervised setting for children outside of school hours, making it a valuable resource for families in which both parents work full-time.