Malta's Education System: Your Complete Expat Family Guide

Let's be honest – when you're thinking about moving to a new country with children, education is probably keeping you up at night. "Will my kids fit in? Is the standard good enough? How on earth do admissions work?" These are perfectly valid concerns that every expat parent wrestles with.

Here's the good news: Malta offers an education system of exceptional quality, largely based on the British model, with the huge advantage that English is an official language. Whether you're looking for a free state school, a prestigious private institution, or an international school, you'll find the perfect fit on this beautiful Mediterranean island.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about education in Malta, from initial admission procedures to real costs, including testimonials from other expat families who've made the leap. Buckle up – we're telling you everything!

Malta's Education System: The Essentials Every Expat Should Know

A Structure Inspired by the British Model

Malta's education system is like a Mediterranean version of the British system – with sunshine and Mediterranean warmth as a bonus. Malta's Ministry of Education oversees the entire system, which is divided into several well-defined cycles.

Think of Malta's system like a pyramid: at the base, you have free, compulsory education for all children aged 5 to 16. At the top, you'll find higher education, also free for Maltese and European citizens. In between, there's a range of options that adapt to all profiles and budgets.

The Three Pillars of the System

Education in Malta rests on three types of institutions:

State Schools: Free, they welcome about 50% of students. "It's our backbone," explains Maria, a British mum who's been living in Sliema since 2019. "My children found their place there without any problems, and the standard is really good."

Church Schools: Mainly Catholic, they represent 36% of students. Technically free, they ask for an annual "voluntary contribution" from families.

Independent and International Schools: About 14% of students, including prestigious international schools that attract expat families from around the world.

Compulsory Education: What Your Children Will Experience Daily

Ages 5 to 11: Primary School

Picture your 5-year-old, school bag on their back, ready to discover their new Maltese school. Primary school in Malta means six fundamental years where everything is decided. According to official data from Malta's education system, classes never exceed 28 pupils, and this figure drops to a maximum of 24 if there's a child with special needs.

"What struck me from the beginning was the attention given to each child," says Sophie, mother of two boys aged 7 and 9. "The teachers really know their students, their strengths and difficulties."

A Balanced Timetable

Core subjects include:

Maltese and English (5 hours per week each)
Mathematics (5 hours)
Science, history, geography
Arts, music, physical education
Personal, Social and Career Development (PSCD)

The big advantage for expat families? The emphasis on bilingualism. Your children will leave primary school perfectly comfortable in both English AND Maltese – a considerable asset for their future integration.

Ages 11 to 16: Secondary Education in Two Stages

Middle Schools (11-13 years): A Gentle Transition

Since 2014, Malta has introduced "middle schools" – an excellent idea that eases the transition between primary and secondary. It's like a decompression chamber where your children can gradually get used to secondary school demands without feeling overwhelmed.

"My son was a bit anxious about the idea of 'big secondary school'," confides Anthony, a father living in Naxxar. "Middle schools are brilliant: smaller classes, more personalised support. He gained confidence in himself."

Secondary Schools (13-16 years): Towards Independence

From age 13, it's the big leap! Students enter secondary schools proper, where they prepare for their SEC (Secondary Education Certificate), the equivalent of British GCSEs.

Important point: In Year 8 (around 13-14 years), your children will need to choose 2 optional subjects that will follow them until the end of secondary school. This is a crucial moment when they begin to shape their future path.

School Options: Find the One That Suits Your Family

State Schools: Free and Quality

Don't be mistaken: "free" doesn't rhyme with "second-rate" in Malta. Malta's state schools offer a solid level of education, and the cherry on top – EVERYTHING is included:

Free tuition (obviously)
Free school transport
Free books and school supplies
Only uniforms remain at your expense

How Does It Work in Practice?

State schools are organised into 10 college networks distributed geographically. Your child will go to the school in your residential area – no fuss, no selection, just practical common sense.

"At first, I was a bit disappointed not to be able to 'choose' the school," admits Celine, a mum in Birkirkara. "In the end, it's perfect: the school is 10 minutes from home, the friends live in the neighbourhood, it creates a real community life."

Enrollment in State Schools: How-To Guide

For European citizens: it's a piece of cake! Contact your local primary school directly. For secondary, approach the college network director.

For non-European nationals: head to Malta's Ministry of Education with your complete file. Allow about a week for processing your application.

Church Schools: The Smart Compromise

Church schools are a bit like the best of both worlds: the (almost) free aspect of state schools with smaller numbers and often a reputation for excellence.

"Our daughter has been in a church school for 3 years," testifies Laurent, an expat in Valletta. "Officially it's free, but we give €400 per year as a 'voluntary contribution'. For the quality we get, it's a bargain!"

The small hitch? These schools are in high demand. You sometimes need to register on a waiting list, and some even proceed by lottery. Registration is done directly with the chosen school.

Private and International Schools: Excellence Has Its Price

If your budget allows and you're looking for premium education, Malta is full of excellent private and international options.

The Stars of the Sector

Verdala International School: The Rolls-Royce of the sector! IB (International Baccalaureate) programme, magnificent campus, 51 nationalities represented. "It's Harvard Mediterranean-style," jokes Mark, a British father.

QSI International School of Malta: Over 225 students from 40 different nationalities. The American system in an exceptional setting. "My daughter thrives there completely, the teaching approach is wonderful," says Jennifer, an American mum.

St. Edward's College: Over a century of excellence, British curriculum, impeccable reputation. "It's Malta's Eton," summarises Thomas, a French dad whose son has been studying there for 2 years.

Chiswick House School & St Martin's College: 120 years of history, modern educational approach based on the "8 Cs" (Communication, Collaboration, Creativity...). "The perfect balance between tradition and innovation," according to Elena, an Italian mum.

Budget-wise

Let's be clear: excellence comes at a price. Count between €6,000 and €15,000 per year depending on the school and level. But remember you often save on other items (cheaper housing than Paris or London, no transport costs...).

Languages and Integration: Will Your Children Manage?

The Language Challenge

This is probably your biggest worry: "What if my child doesn't keep up because of language?" Don't worry, Malta has thought of everything!

In state and church schools: Teaching is mainly done in Maltese, with English classes. This might seem intimidating at first glance.

In private and international schools: English dominates largely, often with Maltese classes as a subject.

Induction Programmes: Your Lifeline

Malta offers one-year language induction programmes for non-Maltese children. The International Learners Directorate provides personalised support in Maltese and English, with a CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) approach.

"My son only spoke French when he arrived," remembers Patricia, settled in Gozo. "After a year of induction, he was bilingual English-Maltese! It's amazing how quickly children adapt."

Immersion: Easier Than You Think

The beauty of Malta is that English is everywhere: TV, radio, Internet, shops... Your children naturally bathe in an English-speaking environment.

"My 8-year-old daughter was already watching cartoons in English before we arrived," confides Alexandra. "In 6 months, she was perfectly comfortable. Now she corrects our accent!"

Higher Education: What About After A-Levels?

A First-Class University System

Your children are growing up, and you're already wondering: "What about higher education?" Good news: Malta offers exceptional options!

The University of Malta: 450 Years of Excellence

Founded in 1592, it's one of Europe's oldest universities. Free for Maltese and Europeans, it welcomes 11,000 students including 650 internationals from 77 countries. "My son studies engineering there," says Michael, a British expat. "The standard is excellent, the atmosphere international, and it costs us nothing!"

MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology): The Practical Alternative

More professionally oriented, MCAST offers 170 full-time courses and 300 part-time, from certificate to master's. Perfect for students who prefer a more practical approach.

The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS): Capitalising on the Tourism Asset

In a country where tourism represents 30% of GDP, ITS trains future industry professionals. "My daughter is studying hotel management," explains Roberto, an Italian settled in Mdina. "With the international experience she's gaining here, the world opens up for her!"

Real Costs: What You'll Actually Spend

State Schools: Really Free?

For EU citizens: Yes, completely free! Only uniforms (around €100-150 per child) and a few school trips remain at your expense.

For non-EU: Also free, provided at least one parent has a Maltese work permit.

Private Schools: The Investment That's Worth It

Local Private Schools

Average cost: €3,000 to €6,000 per year
Generally includes: Tuition, but not necessarily books, uniforms, transport

Premium International Schools

QSI Malta: €8,000 to €12,000 per year depending on age
Verdala International School: €10,000 to €15,000 per year
St. Edward's College: €7,000 to €10,000 per year

"It's expensive, that's for sure," admits Patricia, mother of two children at QSI. "But when I compare with what we paid in Switzerland, and especially when I see my children's development, I don't regret anything."

Additional Services

School transport:

State: Free
Private: €500 to €800 per year depending on distance

School meals:

Most schools work with lunch boxes
Some private schools offer canteens: €1,000 to €1,500 per year

Extra-curricular activities:

State: Limited but often free
Private: Wide choice, €200 to €500 per activity per term

The Enrollment Process: Your Step-by-Step Roadmap

1. File Preparation

Gather your essential documents:

Children's birth certificates (translated into English)
School reports from the last 2 years
Up-to-date vaccination certificates
Proof of residence in Malta
Passports for the whole family
Parents' marriage certificate

"The most time-consuming part is having all documents translated," warns Sophie. "Allow 2-3 weeks to get everything in order."

2. Procedures According to School Type

For State Schools

Identify your college network according to your address
Contact the school directly for primary
Approach the College Principal for secondary
Response time: 5 to 10 working days

For Private/International

Online application on the school's website
Interview (often via video for expats)
Level tests sometimes required
Response time: 2 to 6 weeks depending on the school

3. Timing to Respect

Applications open: Generally from January to June for September start Deadline: 15 January for state, variable for private Confirmations: March-April generally

"Don't wait until the last moment!" strongly advises Emma, mother of three children. "The best schools fill up quickly, especially for expats."

Testimonials: What Expat Families Really Experience

Sarah and Peter, British in St. Julian's (3 children)

"We arrived from London in 2021. At first, we were terrified about the school change for our three children (6, 10 and 14 years old). We opted for state schools for budget reasons. Result? Our children are thriving, perfectly bilingual, and have developed incredible open-mindedness. The youngest tells us he wants to become a 'citizen of the world' – mission accomplished!"

Marco and Elena, Italians in Valletta (2 children)

"Verdala International School for our two daughters. Yes, it's an investment (€25,000 per year for both), but what a result! The eldest was accepted to Cambridge, the younger excels in three languages. The multicultural environment made them so tolerant and curious. That's priceless."

Ahmed and Fatima, Moroccans in Birkirkara (1 child)

"Our son was in state middle school. Frankly, we expected the worst regarding integration... What a surprise! The teachers were wonderful, his classmates adopted him immediately. Now he speaks Maltese better than us! Malta is truly a welcoming society."

James and Lucy, Americans in Mellieha (4 children)

"Four children in Maltese private schools (St. Edward's for the older ones, Chiswick for the younger). The academic standard is excellent, the supervision caring. Our children keep their American roots while opening up to Mediterranean culture. They've become real little Maltese at heart!"

Challenges and Solutions: The Real Questions You're Asking

"What if My Child Doesn't Adapt?"

This is THE fear of every expat parent. Here are the warning signs to watch for and solutions that work:

Concerning signals:

Persistent refusal to go to school after 2-3 months
Withdrawal, loss of appetite
Notable drops in academic results
Complete absence of local friends after 6 months

Solutions that have proven themselves:

Give time: 6 months minimum for real adaptation
Stay in close contact with teachers
Encourage extra-curricular activities: sport, music, theatre
Organise playdates with classmates
Keep the link with home country without clinging to it

"My son struggled for the first 4 months," confides Nathalie. "Then he joined the school football team. Everything changed! Now he doesn't want to go back to France."

"Will the Standard Be Sufficient?"

Legitimate question! Compared to other systems, Malta's system:

Strengths:

Focus on creativity and critical thinking
Natural bilingualism English-Maltese
Exceptional international openness
Smaller classes = personalised attention

Points to watch:

Sometimes less academic approach than some countries
Mathematics potentially less advanced
Science programme varies by school

"At first, I was afraid the standard would be insufficient," admits Christine, mother of two teens. "In the end, my children gained autonomy, confidence, English skills... They might be less 'formatted' than in some systems, but so much more fulfilled!"

"How to Handle the Language Barrier?"

Maltese can be scary at first sight. Some practical tips:

To facilitate learning:

Enroll in Maltese classes for adults - set an example!
Watch Maltese TV as a family
Attend local events: festas, markets, festivals
Encourage local friendships for your children

"We took Maltese classes as a family on Saturday mornings," recounts Vincent. "It became our weekly 'Malta moment'. Six months later, the whole family was managing!"

Support Services: You're Not Alone!

Official Support

The International Learners Directorate: Your first point of contact. Free orientation services, induction programmes, personalised follow-up.

Guidance Counsellors: Present in each school college, they help you navigate the system.

Psycho-Educational Service: Free in state schools, it supports children with adaptation difficulties.

Expat Networks

Malta Expat Community: Very active Facebook groups with experience feedback International Women's Association Malta: Particularly useful for mothers British Expats Malta: For maintaining UK connections

"These Facebook groups are gold!" enthuses Marie-Claire. "Practical questions, good deals, school recommendations... You find everything there!"

Specialised Services

English-speaking speech therapists: If your child has learning difficulties School psychologists: Free in state schools, they facilitate adaptation Private tutoring: Numerous, reasonable rates (€20-30/hour)

Extra-curricular Activities: Life School

In State Schools: Limited but Free

State schools offer some basic activities:

Sports: Football, basketball, volleyball
Arts: Theatre, choir, visual arts
Clubs: Chess, debates, environment

"Not Buckingham Palace choice, but my children do theatre and football for free," summarises Paul, dad of two boys. "For us, it's perfect!"

In Private Schools: Spoilt for Choice

Private schools shine through their rich offerings:

Sports: Tennis, swimming, rugby, cricket, sailing
Arts: Piano, violin, dance, photography
Academic: Robotics, programming, languages
Leadership: Model UN, student council, journalism

"At QSI, my daughter does robotics, tennis and guitar," lists Jennifer. "She's discovering her talents, it's wonderful!"

External Clubs

Malta is full of sports and cultural clubs open to children:

Malta Football Association: Clubs in every town
Tennis Malta: Public courts and private clubs
Sailing: Numerous nautical clubs, national sport!
Martial arts: Karate, judo, taekwondo very popular

School Transport System: How It Works

In State Schools: Free and Efficient

State school transport is a marvel of organisation:

Totally free for all students living more than 1km from school
Comfortable and secure minibuses
Neighbourhood pickup - not door-to-door but very practical
Maltese punctuality - generally reliable!

"The school bus is a real plus," testifies Sylvie, a mum in Naxxar. "My son meets his friends in the morning, it starts the day well. And I don't have the stress of traffic!"

In Private Schools: Paid but Premium

Private schools generally offer their own services:

Air-conditioned coaches with supervisors
Direct school-home routes
Time flexibility for extra-curricular activities
Cost: €500 to €1,000 per year depending on distance

The Family Alternative

Many expat families organise "car pools":

Rotation between parents for journeys
Conviviality and links between families
Flexibility according to timetables
Substantial savings for private schools

School Uniform: Tradition and Practicality

A Respected Institution

In Malta, uniform isn't experienced as a constraint but as a respected tradition. Each school has its colours, style, and dress personality.

Unexpected advantages:

Social equality: No more clothing competition
Identification: Pride in belonging to the school
Practicality: No more thinking in the morning!
Savings: Clothing budget considerably reduced

Uniform Budget

State: €80 to €120 per child (trousers/skirt, shirt, jumper, shoes) Private: €150 to €300 depending on school standing

"At first, uniform annoyed me," admits Laura. "Now I love it! No more 'mum, I have nothing to wear' in the morning. And less washing!"

Where to Buy?

Approved shops by each school
Department stores for basics (M&S, Next)
Second-hand: Dedicated Facebook groups, great deal!

School Calendar: Rhythms and Holidays

The Maltese School Year

Start: End of September (generally 4th Monday) End of year: End of June, half-days in June Duration: About 36 weeks

Strategic Holidays

November: 3 days off (mid-term break) Christmas-New Year: Generally 15 days (23 Dec - 6 Jan) Carnival: 2 days in February/March Easter: 1 week in April Summer: 13 weeks - from end of June to end of September

"The rhythm is less intense than some countries," observes Catherine. "Children are less tired, holidays well distributed. You adapt quickly!"

Reconciling with Home Country Holidays

Challenge for expat families! Some tips:

Prioritise July for returns home
Negotiate a few days in October or February
Take advantage of long weekends to explore Europe

Special Educational Needs: Malta, a Model of Inclusion

A Truly Inclusive Approach

Malta is a European model for school inclusion. The philosophy? Every child has their place in an ordinary classroom, with necessary support.

Systems in place:

Learning Support Educators (LSE): Specialised assistants
Individual Education Plans (IEP): Personalised plans for each child
Resource Centers: Specialised centres for the most severe cases
Continuous training for teachers in inclusion

Inspiring Testimony

"Our son has Asperger's autism," confides Brigitte, a French mum. "In France, we constantly fought to get help. Here, the school took charge naturally, with a dedicated LSE, a personalised plan... He's thriving completely. Malta changed our family life."

Free Services Available

In state schools:

Free consultation with school psychologists
Speech therapy covered
Adaptive equipment provided by school
Parent training in support methods

In private schools:

Generally faster access services
Smaller classes facilitating inclusion
Partnerships with external specialists

After Secondary: Post-16 Pathways

The Crucial Choice at 16

At the end of compulsory secondary education, your teens face an important crossroads:

Option 1: Sixth Forms (Academic)

Junior College: The royal road to university, 2 years of intensive preparation Higher Secondary Schools: State alternative to Junior College Private Sixth Forms: In private schools, often excellent success rates

Option 2: Vocational Training

MCAST: 170 courses from certificate to master's ITS: Specialised in tourism and hospitality Apprenticeships: In partnership with local companies

Success Story

"Our daughter wanted to do medicine," recounts Philip, an expat in Gozo. "Junior College then University of Malta. Today she's in 5th year, it cost us nothing! In the UK, she'd be in debt for 10 years."

School Life Costs: Realistic Budget

State Schools: The Real Free

Zero cost:

Tuition, books, supplies
School transport
Psycho-educational consultations
Basic activities

Your only expenses:

Uniforms: €100/year/child
School trips: €50/year/child
Personal materials: €30/year/child

Annual total: €180 per child. Unbeatable!

Local Private: The Reasonable Investment

Average budget per child/year:

Tuition: €4,000 to €6,000
Uniform: €200
Transport: €600
Meals: €1,200
Extra-curricular: €500
Total: €6,500 to €8,500

International Premium: Excellence Has Its Price

Average budget per child/year:

Tuition: €10,000 to €15,000
Uniform: €300
Transport: €800
Meals: €1,500
Extra-curricular: €1,000
Total: €13,600 to €18,600

"Yes, it's a budget," acknowledges Thomas, father of 2 children at Verdala. "But compared to London or Zurich, we save on housing, taxes... In the end, our purchasing power has increased."

Scholarships and Aid: Overlooked Opportunities

Maltese Government Scholarships

Malta Government Scholarship Scheme: Open to deserving students for higher education Sports Scholarships: For promising young athletes Arts Scholarships: Music, theatre, visual arts

European and International Scholarships

Erasmus+: For university exchanges Excellence scholarships: Many opportunities in European universities Private foundations: Several Maltese foundations support education

Reductions and Facilities

Large families: Reductions in most private schools Instalment payments: Generally accepted without fees Merit scholarships: Offered by most international schools

Pre-departure Preparation: Your Checklist

6 Months Before

Research and contact target schools
Have all school documents translated
Assess children's English level
Start learning Maltese basics
Make contact with expat families

3 Months Before

Finalise school applications
Organise interviews (in person or video)
Prepare medical file (vaccinations, allergies...)
Research housing based on chosen schools
Plan a reconnaissance visit to Malta

1 Month Before

Confirm school enrollments
Order uniforms (often 2-3 weeks delivery)
Organise school transport if necessary
Psychologically prepare children for change
Plan activities for first weeks

D-Day

Personally accompany first day of school
Make contact with other parents
Note coordinates of main teachers
Plan check-ins at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months
Celebrate this important step as a family!

Mistakes to Avoid: Pitfalls of Early Days

Mistake #1: Wanting to Control Everything

"I called the school every day the first week," admits Sandra. "Mistake! Children need us to trust them. Now I check in once a week, no more."

Mistake #2: Constantly Comparing with Home

"My children kept saying 'at home we did it like this'," recounts Michael. "I realised we needed to turn the page and embrace the Maltese system. Since then, everything's better!"

"We focused on academics and forgot social integration," regrets Valerie. "Result: good grades but isolated children. Now we prioritise extra-curricular activities."

Mistake #4: Underestimating Adaptation

"We thought in 2 months it would be sorted," remembers Laurent. "In reality, you need 6 months minimum for real adaptation. You have to be patient and kind."

Mistake #5: Staying in Your Bubble

"At first, we only hung out with people from our home country," confides Celine. "Big mistake! It's by opening up to other nationalities that we really discovered Malta's richness."

Successful Integration: Keys to Success

For Parents

Set the example: Learn some Maltese words, take interest in local culture Be patient: Adaptation takes time, don't panic at first obstacles Stay positive: Your children feel your emotions, show confidence Build connections: With other parents, teachers, local community Keep an open mind: Every system has advantages, discover Malta's

For Children

Encourage curiosity: Ask questions about Malta, its history, traditions Value bilingualism: It's an incredible wealth they're acquiring! Favour local friendships: Invite Maltese classmates home Participate in events: Festas, school celebrations, community activities Be proud of your origins: While opening up to the Maltese world

Final Word: Your New Adventure Begins!

There you have it – you now have all the keys to navigate Malta's education system with confidence. Yes, it's a big change. Yes, there will be challenges. But look at the big picture: your children will grow up bilingual in a safe and caring environment, open to other cultures, develop an international mindset... What more could you ask for?

Malta is that Mediterranean pearl where educational excellence meets quality of life. Where your children can study in the morning and go sailing in the afternoon. Where they'll discover they can be simultaneously from their home country, Maltese, European, and citizens of the world.

Education in Malta isn't just about school – it's a human adventure that will transform your entire family. So, ready to take the leap? The island of a thousand colours awaits you, and so do its schools!

Useful Contacts to Get Started

Malta Ministry of Education Address: Great Siege Road, Floriana VLT 2000 Tel: +356 2598 2200 Email: info.meyr@gov.mt Website: https://education.gov.mt/

International Learners Directorate Address: 86, Mile End Road, Hamrun HMR 1716 Tel: +356 2598 1594 Email: ild.meyr@gov.mt Website: https://ild.gov.mt/

University of Malta Campus: Msida MSD 2080 Tel: +356 2340 2340 Email: international@um.edu.mt Website: https://www.um.edu.mt/

Welcome to your educational journey in Malta! 🇲🇹📚

Essential guides for expat families:

Where to live in Malta - Choose the right neighborhood for your family
Getting your Malta residence card - Essential for school enrollment
Healthcare in Malta - Medical care for your family
Personal banking in Malta - Setting up your finances