Education Malta

Enrolling a child in a kindergarten or school in Malta depends on the child's age and type of educational institution.

Kindergartens (nurseries and preschools)

Child's age: Nurseries accept children from 3 months to 3 years, while preschools cater to those aged 3 to 5 years.

Enrollment process

State and church kindergartens: Enrollment depends on the place of residence. To enroll, contact the local education department or the chosen institution directly, providing the following documents:

- Child's birth certificate.

- Parents' passports or ID cards.

- Proof of residence (e.g., a utility bill).

Private kindergartens: Parents can independently select any private institution, contact it, and inquire about the enrollment process and required documents.

Schools (primary and secondary)

Child's age: Compulsory schooling starts at 5 and continues until 16 years of age.

Enrollment process

State and church schools: Enrollment depends on the place of residence. To register, provide:

- Child's birth certificate.

- Parents' passports or ID cards.

- Proof of residence.

- Child's medical record.

Private and international schools: The enrollment process may include entrance exams or interviews. It is recommended to contact the school directly for specific requirements.

Additional recommendations:

It is advisable to apply in advance, especially to popular schools and kindergartens with limited spaces.

For detailed information and assistance in the enrollment process, you can contact local education departments or use the services of educational consultants.

In Malta, kindergartens and schools with instruction in foreign languages are available, providing immigrants the opportunity to choose a suitable educational institution for their children.

Kindergartens

Private kindergartens: Many private kindergartens in Malta offer instruction in English, which is one of the country's official languages. In such institutions, children can learn English from an early age, aiding their integration into the English-speaking environment.

International kindergartens: Some international kindergartens may offer programs in other foreign languages, such as French, German, or Italian. However, their number is limited, and they are usually located in areas with a high concentration of foreign families.

Schools

International schools: Several international schools in Malta offer instruction in foreign languages:

Verdala International School: Instruction is in English based on the International General Certificate of Secondary Education and International Baccalaureate programs.

QSI International School of Malta: Offers an American curriculum with instruction in English.

St. Edward's College Malta: Instruction in English with an International Baccalaureate program.

Private schools with foreign languages: Some private schools in Malta offer instruction in other foreign languages or bilingual programs.

State and church schools

In state and church schools, the primary languages of instruction are Maltese and English. However, some may offer additional courses in other foreign languages, such as French, Italian, or German.

Recommendations for parents

Exploring options: It is recommended to research available schools and kindergartens offering instruction in the language you are interested in and contact them for detailed information about programs and entrance processes.

Early booking: International and private schools in Malta may have limited spots, so it is important to start the enrollment process early.

Considering cultural aspects: When choosing a school or kindergarten, consider the institution's cultural features and values to ensure a comfortable adaptation for your child.

Malta's educational system offers various options for preschool and school education, including state, church, and private institutions.

State Educational Institutions

Preschools: State kindergartens accept children from 2 years and 9 months to 5 years old. Education is free for residents of Malta and is conducted in Maltese, with elements of English. Places are allocated according to the family's place of residence.

Schools: State schools offer free education for citizens and residents. Instruction is conducted in Maltese, with English used in some subjects. The curriculum adheres to national standards, and schools allocate students based on their place of residence.

Church (Catholic) Educational Institutions

Preschools: Church kindergartens are run by the Catholic Church and offer free education, although voluntary donations may be accepted. Education is conducted in Maltese with elements of English. Priority in enrollment is given to children from Catholic families, but children from other denominations are also accepted.

Schools: Church schools provide free education with possible voluntary contributions. Instruction is conducted in Maltese, with elements of English. Admission is competitive, with priority given to children from Catholic families.

Private Educational Institutions

Preschools: Private kindergartens offer education in English and often have more flexible programs. Costs vary depending on the institution and can range from €300 to €1,000 per trimester. Some private kindergartens participate in the government's Free Child Care program, providing free education for residents who meet certain criteria.

Schools: Private schools offer education in English and may follow international programs such as the International Baccalaureate or the British IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) system. Tuition fees depend on the school and the level of education. Some private schools offer additional services such as after-school care, extracurricular activities, and personalized attention to students.

Features and Recommendations

Language of Instruction: In state and church institutions, the primary language is Maltese, with elements of English. In private schools, education is often conducted in English. This can be an important factor for foreign children in choosing a school.

Class Sizes: State schools may have larger classes, which can limit personalized attention. Private schools usually have smaller classes, allowing more attention to be given to each student.

Tuition Fees: State and church schools provide free education for residents. Private schools charge tuition, which can be significant. Parents should take into account additional costs such as school uniforms, educational materials, and extracurricular activities.

Admission Process: Admission to state schools is based on the place of residence, while church schools have a competitive admission process with priority for Catholic families. Private schools have their own selection criteria, which may include entrance exams or interviews.

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the programs of various schools and kindergartens in advance, visit them, and discuss all details with the administration to ensure the best educational conditions for your child.

Below are some of the most renowned and popular state and private schools:

State Schools

San Ġwann Primary School: Located in San Ġwann; the school is known for its innovative teaching methods and active participation in international educational projects.

St. Paul's Bay Primary School: Located in St. Paul’s Bay, the school is renowned for its attention to individual student needs and diverse extracurricular programs.

Private Schools

Verdala International School: Located in Fort Mosta; this international school offers both the International Baccalaureate and the British IGCSE system. The school is known for its multicultural community and high level of academic preparation.

St. Edward's College: Situated in Cottonera, the college offers education for boys aged 5 to 15. It combines traditional values with modern teaching methods and offers the International Baccalaureate program.

Chiswick House School and St. Martin's College: These affiliated institutions offer continuous education from primary to secondary school. Teaching is conducted in English, and the schools are known for their high academic standards.

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QSI International School of Malta: Located in Mosta, this school is part of the Quality Schools International network and offers education in English following the British IGCSE system and provides an international diploma.

San Andrea School: Situated in the Mġarr area, it offers education in English. The school is known for its attention to the personal development of each student.

San Anton School: Located near San Andrea School, this school offers education in English and prepares students for secondary education exams.

St. Catherine’s High School: A private co-educational school in Pembroke, offering education in English and programs that meet the standards of the local secondary education certificate.

St. Michael Foundation: A bilingual co-educational school with campuses in Pembroke and San Ġwann, offering programs in English and Maltese.

The educational system in Malta aims to provide inclusive education for children with special needs, ensuring equal opportunities for learning and development. Support for these children is provided through various programs and services focused on integrating them into mainstream schools and offering specialized assistance.

Inclusive Education

Malta adheres to a policy of inclusive education, where children with special educational needs are taught alongside their peers in mainstream schools. The following resources are provided to ensure effective learning for these children:

Learning Support Educators: These specialists work with children with special needs on an individual basis or in small groups, helping them grasp the curriculum and participate in school life. Employment of such educators is determined by the needs of the individual student and can be full or part-time.

Specialized Support Services: These include support teams for children with autism spectrum disorders, teachers for the hearing and visually impaired, early intervention services, and psychosocial services. These services provide assessment, consultation, and direct assistance to children and their families.

Resource Centers

For children with more complex special needs requiring a specialized learning environment, Malta has established resource centers:

San Miguel Primary Education Resource Centre: Provides primary education for children with special needs.

Guardian Angel Secondary Education Resource Centre: Offers secondary education and support for teenagers with special needs.

Helen Keller Resource Centre and Dun Manwel Attard Young Adult Education Resource Centre: Focus on the training and development of young people with special needs, assisting them in transitioning to adult life.

A special unit, Sannat Special Unit, operates on the island of Gozo, providing similar services.

Early Diagnosis and Intervention

The identification of children with special educational needs begins at early stages:

Children under 3 years old: Parents may contact the Child Development Assessment Unit for necessary evaluations and recommendations.

Preschool Age: Educational psychologists from the Education Services Directorate conduct assessments on children and develop individual support plans if necessary.

Additional Support Measures

Learning Support Zones and Nurture Groups: Created for children needing additional assistance in grasping educational material and developing social skills.

Multisensory Rooms: Provide a stimulating environment for children with special needs, promoting their sensory development and overall well-being.

Malta, as a bilingual country with English and Maltese as official languages, offers a variety of integration programs and language courses for children of foreign nationals, facilitating their successful adaptation to a new environment.

Integration Programs in State Schools

The Ministry of Education in Malta implements initiatives aimed at supporting children of foreign nationals:

Individual Support: Schools employ educators who specialize in teaching English as a second language, providing individual or group lessons for students needing language support.

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Cultural Adaptation: Events are organized aimed at introducing foreign students to the culture and traditions of Malta, facilitating their integration into the school community.

Private Language Schools and Courses

Malta hosts numerous language schools offering specialized courses for children and teenagers:

Maltalingua: Offers programs for children aged 8 to 17, combining English language learning with cultural and recreational activities.

EF Education First: Provides English language courses for children and teenagers with an emphasis on full immersion in the language environment and a rich extracurricular program.

IELS Malta: Offers summer camps and English courses for children and teenagers, including "Parent + Child" programs.

Summer Language Camps

Summer camps provide children the opportunity to learn English combined with leisure:

EC Malta: Organizes camps for children aged 8 to 17, offering English lessons and various activities.

Maltalingua Junior Camp: Designed for children aged 8 to 17, combining learning with cultural events.

Family Programs

Some schools offer programs that allow parents and children to learn English together:

Maltalingua: Offers family courses where parents and children can study simultaneously but in different groups according to their level.

IELS Malta: Provides "Parent + Child" programs, allowing families to participate together in educational and entertainment activities.

Recommendations for Parents

Contact school representatives for detailed information about the programs, teaching methods, and accommodation conditions.

Extended Day Groups

Many schools in Malta offer extended day groups, providing supervision for children after the completion of regular classes. Within these programs, children can:

- Complete homework under the guidance of teachers.

- Participate in educational and recreational activities.

- Engage in sports and creative activities.

Extended day groups contribute to the development of social skills and provide a safe environment for children whose parents are busy at work.

Clubs and Societies

Schools and specialized centers in Malta offer a wide range of clubs and societies based on interests:

Sports Sections: Football, basketball, swimming, tennis, and other sports.

Creative Circles: Music, art, theater, dance.

Scientific Clubs: Robotics, programming, natural sciences.

Language Courses: Learning foreign languages, including English, French, Italian, and others.

Summer Camps

During the summer, various camps for children are organized in Malta:

Language Camps: Combine learning English with cultural and recreational activities.

Sports Camps: Focused on particular sports, such as football, swimming, or tennis.

Creative Camps: Offer classes in art, music, theater, and other creative directions.

Recommendations for Parents

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the available extracurricular programs in advance, attend open days, and communicate with program leaders.

The educational system of Malta combines elements of British and European models, which is reflected in its grading system both in schools and universities.

School Grading System

In Malta, school education is divided into two main stages: primary (5–11 years old) and secondary (11–18 years old). Students' knowledge is assessed using a letter grading scale similar to the British system:

A – excellent

B – very good

C – good

D – satisfactory

E – sufficient

F – unsatisfactory (fail)

At the end of compulsory secondary education (usually at age 16), students take exams to obtain the Malta Certificate of Education. These exams are graded using the above scale, and the results influence students' further educational opportunities.

For entry into sixth form (the last two years of secondary education) and subsequent admission to universities, students take exams to obtain the Matriculation Certificate. This qualification is equivalent to the British A-Level and includes taking six subjects: two at advanced level, three at intermediate level, and a compulsory "Systems of Knowledge" subject. Grades are assigned according to the following system:

Advanced level:

A: 30 points

B: 24 points

C: 18 points

D: 12 points

E: 6 points

Intermediate level:

A: 10 points

B: 8 points

C: 6 points

D: 4 points

E: 2 points

To successfully obtain the Matriculation Certificate, a student must score a minimum of 44 points and have passing grades in subjects from certain groups.

University Grading System

In Maltese universities, such as the University of Malta, a grading system corresponding to the European ECTS system is used. Grades are assigned according to the following scale:

A – excellent

B – very good

C – good

D – satisfactory

E – sufficient

F – fail

Each grade corresponds to a certain number of ECTS credits required to complete a course or program. To obtain a bachelor's degree, students usually need to earn 180–240 ECTS, depending on the program.

Thus, the grading system in Malta provides an objective assessment of the knowledge of pupils and students, promoting their academic development and preparation for further professional activities.

International students wishing to enroll in Maltese universities must meet certain academic and language requirements.

Academic requirements

Undergraduate programs:

Submission of a secondary education certificate or its equivalent, confirming successful completion of school education.

In some cases, a Foundation Studies preparatory program may be required, especially if the applicant's country's educational system differs from the Maltese system.

Postgraduate programs:

A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, confirmed by a diploma and a transcript of grades.

Some programs may require relevant professional experience or additional qualifications.

Language requirements

Since most university education in Malta is conducted in English, applicants must demonstrate language proficiency through internationally recognized tests:

IELTS:

For undergraduate programs: a minimum overall score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each section, and for the writing part — at least 6.0.

For postgraduate programs: a minimum overall score of 6.5, with a result of not less than 6.0 in each section.

TOEFL:

For undergraduate programs: a minimum score of 80, with not less than 20 in the writing part.

For postgraduate programs: requirements may vary, it is recommended to check on the specific university's website.

Certificates must be obtained no earlier than two years before the anticipated start of studies.

Additional documents

- A motivation letter explaining the reasons for choosing the program and the university.

- A resume (CV), especially for postgraduate programs, reflecting academic and professional experience.

- Recommendation letters from teachers or employers.

Application process

Applications are submitted online through the official websites of universities.

A registration fee must be paid, the amount of which depends on the applicant's citizenship. For instance, at the University of Malta, the fee is €23 for EU citizens and €95 for others.

Document submission deadlines usually begin in the fall of the year prior to the start of studies and end in July. The exact dates should be checked on the chosen universities' websites.

Visa requirements

After receiving the admission letter, international students must apply for a student visa.

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the Maltese consulate in your country in advance.

Therefore, for successful admission to Maltese universities, international students need to meet academic and language requirements, prepare necessary documents, and adhere to the established application deadlines.

Below is a list of the most popular universities in Malta:

University of Malta

The oldest and largest university in Malta, founded in 1769. One of the leading educational institutions in Europe with a rich history. Focused on research and interdisciplinary education.

Popular programs:

Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, business management, information technology, and arts.

Programs in international law, environmental studies, and marine sciences are particularly popular among foreign students.

Campus: The main campus is located in Msida, near the capital city of Valletta.

 

Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology

Public institution specializing in applied education and vocational training. Offers a wide range of career-oriented programs.

Popular programs:

Engineering, information technology, art and design, hospitality, patient care.

Professional certificates, diplomas, and undergraduate degrees.

Campuses: Main campus in Paola, as well as branches throughout Malta.

 

Institute of Tourism Studies

Specializes in training in tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts. Suitable for those planning a career in the tourism industry.

Popular programs:

Hotel management, event organization, culinary arts.

Courses and certificates for professional growth.

Campus: Main campus in Luqa, near Malta's airport.

 

Global College Malta

Private college offering accredited British degrees. Programs focus on business, management, and finance.

Popular programs:

Bachelor’s and master’s in business management (MBA), project management, marketing.

Campus: SmartCity Malta, Kalkara.

 

American University of Malta

Private university founded in 2016, providing an American model of education. Offers small classes and a personalized approach.

Popular programs:

Business administration, engineering, game and interactive technologies, graphic design.

Campus: Cospicua.

 

London School of Commerce Malta

Private institute affiliated with the London School of Commerce. Focused on obtaining British degrees.

Popular programs:

Business administration, finance, marketing.

Campus: Floriana, near Valletta.

For foreign students planning to enroll in Maltese universities, it's necessary to verify their diplomas and certificates to ensure their recognition and compliance with the requirements of the chosen educational institution.

1. Legalization of educational documents:

Legalization confirms the legal validity of foreign documents in Malta. Malta is a participant of the 1961 Hague Convention, so for document legalization, an apostille is required.

Placing an apostille: An apostille is placed on the original education documents by the competent authorities of the country issuing the document.

2. Translating documents into English:

After legalization, the documents must be translated into English. The translation should be performed by a certified translator and notarized to confirm its accuracy and correspondence to the original.

3. Recognition (nostrification) of educational documents:

Recognition of educational documents confirms their equivalency to Maltese educational standards. In Malta, the recognition of foreign qualifications is managed by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE).

Recognition procedure:

Submit an application to NCFHE with legalized and translated educational documents.

NCFHE evaluates the submitted documents and issues a recognition certificate, confirming the foreign qualification's compliance with Maltese standards.

4. Submitting documents to the university:

After obtaining the recognition certificate, documents must be submitted directly to the chosen university. The required document package usually includes:

- A completed admission application.

- Legalized and translated educational documents with the recognition certificate.

- Certificate proving English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL).

- Motivation letter.

- Recommendation letters.

- Copy of passport.

Recommendations for foreign students:

Consultation with the university: Contact the admission office of the chosen university for clarification of specific document requirements and procedures.

Language Courses

English: Thanks to English being one of the official languages, Malta is a popular destination for studying English among adults. Numerous language schools offer a variety of programs:

General English: Courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced, with a focus on developing conversational skills.

Intensive English: Increased hours per week for rapid progress.

Business English: Specialized courses aimed at enhancing business communication skills.

Exam Preparation: Preparation programs for international exams such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Other Languages: Some educational centers also offer courses in other languages, considering the growing interest in multilingual education.

Professional Courses

Business and Management: Courses in project management, leadership, marketing, and entrepreneurship

Information Technology: Programs in programming, web design, cybersecurity, and other IT fields.

Tourism and Hospitality: Training in hotel management, restaurant business, and tourism services

Art and Design: Courses in graphic design, photography, fine arts, and other creative fields.

Continuing Education Programs

The University of Malta and other educational institutions offer continuing education programs for adults looking to expand their knowledge or acquire new skills. These programs cover a wide range of disciplines and are often held in the evenings or on weekends to be accessible for working professionals.

Online Courses

With the advancement of technology, many Maltese educational institutions offer online courses, allowing adults to learn remotely. This is especially convenient for those who are unable to attend classes in person.

Thus, Malta provides a variety of opportunities for adults seeking both language and professional development, offering programs tailored to various needs and goals.