Education in Malta
Malta, an EU island nation in the Mediterranean and a former British colony, runs a bilingual education system in Maltese and English (both official). Public education is free, English is widely used (making Malta a popular place to learn English), and higher education at the University of Malta is free for Maltese and EU students, who even receive a maintenance stipend.
Structure & stages
The system follows a British-influenced structure:
- Primary (6 years)Ages ~5–11
- Secondary (5 years)Ages ~11–16, leading to the SEC examinations
- Post-secondarySixth form / MCAST (vocational) leading to Matriculation and university
Compulsory education & enrolment
Education is compulsory and free from age 5 to 16. The school year runs roughly September to June. Both Maltese and English are used across schooling.
Public schools
Most students attend free state schools, alongside significant Church schools (largely state-funded, reflecting Malta's Catholic tradition) and independent schools. Instruction blends Maltese and English.
Private & international schools
Malta has Church and independent (private) schools, plus international schools and a large sector of English-language schools (ELT) that attract students from around the world to learn English.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers Maltese, English, mathematics, the sciences, and other subjects, taught bilingually, geared toward the MATSEC examinations.
Exams & qualifications
Secondary certification is run by the MATSEC board: the SEC (Secondary Education Certificate) at the end of secondary school (≈ O-Levels/GCSE), followed by Matriculation (Advanced and Intermediate levels) for university entry.
Higher education
Higher education centers on the University of Malta (with roots to 1592, one of the oldest in the Commonwealth), which teaches in English, along with the vocational MCAST. University is free for Maltese and EU students, who also receive a maintenance stipend.
Studying in Malta from abroad
Malta is an English-friendly study destination in the EU:
- English learningMalta is a major destination for English-language courses, drawing students worldwide
- UniversityThe University of Malta teaches in English and enrolls international students (who pay tuition; EU students study free)
- VisaEU students enjoy free movement; non-EU students need a student visa/residence permit
Special education & support
Malta supports inclusive education, integrating students with additional needs into mainstream schools with learning support educators, alongside resource centers.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is uncommon and regulated in Malta; most children attend state, Church, or independent schools.
Costs & funding
State education is free, and Church schools are largely free; independent and international schools charge tuition. University is free for Maltese/EU students (with a stipend); non-EU students pay fees. Malta uses the Euro (EUR).
Key facts for families
- LanguagesMaltese and English (both used in instruction)
- StructurePrimary (6) + Secondary (5) + post-secondary
- CompulsoryAges 5–16, free
- University entryVia MATSEC (SEC then Matriculation)
- Higher edUniversity of Malta (English-medium, free for Maltese/EU + stipend)
- School yearSeptember to June
Accreditation & quality assurance in Malta
Every country oversees its own schools and universities through its education ministry or a national quality-assurance agency. To confirm that a specific Malta institution is recognized — and to understand how a Malta qualification is recognized in the U.S. and worldwide — start with the resources below.
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current details: