Moving to a new country can be quite an adventure, but when it comes to your children’s education, it can also be a challenging experience. Therefore, making a carefully considered decision is crucial to ensure their educational journey unfolds with success.
In this article, we’ll provide a general overview of what you should know about education in Malta.
What Should You Know about Malta’s School System?
There are four categories of Malta’s school system, and these include:
State Schools
For Malta citizens, other EU nationals and EU Long-Term Residents, all state schools are free.
- Free tuition
- Free transport to and from school
- Free books and other school materials
- Parents are required to purchase their children’s school uniforms.
Here’s everything you should know about state schools and services in Malta.
Church Schools
Church schools affiliated with the Catholic Church are tuition-free establishments. Nevertheless, parents are expected to contribute an annual donation to support the school’s operational costs.
- Free Tuition (Donation required)
- Free transport to and from school
- Parents are required to purchase their children’s books and other school materials.
- Parents are required to purchase their children’s school uniforms.
Independent & International Schools
There are also several high-level international and private schools. (We will list them below, together with age, program and fees.)
- Free transport to and from school is possible under a Government scheme
- Parents are required to purchase their children’s books and other school materials
- Parents are required to purchase their children’s school uniforms.
Specialist Schools for Diverse Needs
- Malta has four special needs resource centres.
- These centres provide specialized instruction and facilitate the integration of students with special needs into mainstream schooling environments.
Here’s an overview of international schools in Malta.
English and Maltese are the Main Languages Spoken
English and Maltese stand as the primary languages spoken across the nation, creating an inclusive learning atmosphere for students of all backgrounds. Both languages are widely spoken both in the classroom and on the playground, making inclusion easier. (Italian is also prevalent in certain contexts.)
Language induction courses are available for children who need additional support in either language so they can easily integrate into classrooms.
Malta Follows the British Curriculum
Malta’s education system is very highly rated. While international schools cater to a variety of curricula, Malta mostly follows the British curriculum: children study a wide range of subjects and have mid-year and final exams.
Religion is Taught in Schools
The Catholic religion is taught in schools but is not obligatory; many non-nationals can choose for their children to attend Ethics class instead, where both the children and the teacher have discussions on values such as honesty, respect, fairness, and responsibility.
Terms and Holidays
The school year is 9 months long, from September to June, giving children a 3-month vacation period. Christmas and Easter holidays are around two weeks long, and midterms are only about two days long. Most people are unaware that there are after-school clubs throughout the school year where children can do their homework in the presence of a teacher (this costs 80 cents per hour), which is the case when both parents work.
Furthermore, there is summer school from 9 am until mid-day, where children enjoy a mix of playtime and revision. Given the holidays are so long, this service is very helpful to both the children and the parents alike.
The University of Malta
In Malta, there is only one public University: the University of Malta, one of the oldest Universities in the Mediterranean. The UOM is part of the Erasmus program, and around 7% of all students attending are international students from more than 70 countries. This university is located in Msida, so all the students from Gozo have to move in to finish their studies.
Full-time and Part-time Degrees
The University of Malta offers full-time and part-time degrees taught primarily in English. For EU nationals and long-term residents, education at the university is free, with additional financial support to ease students’ academic journey.
Except for the public universities, you can also opt out of the international ones. There is a selection between private universities and Higher Education institutions in Malta. Here’s a list of universities in Malta you can check out.
Alternative Educational Pathways Other Than Traditional Universities
Beyond traditional university education, institutions like the Malta College for Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) provide vocational training across various sectors. These institutions collaborate closely with industries to offer practical experience and prepare students for their chosen careers.
Available Educational Programs for Adults
Adult education programs are available for those who want to improve their skills or pursue new interests. From language courses to vocational training, these programs are accessible and often free for EU nationals and long-term residents, promoting continuous personal and professional development.
Jobsplus Malta is an agency that helps people find jobs and improve their skills. They offer free study courses to help you gain new qualifications or enhance your existing skills. These courses cover a wide range of topics, such as IT, business, languages, and more. They are designed to make you more employable and to help you progress in your career.
Conclusion
Whether opting for state schools, specialized institutions, or higher education pathways, Malta’s commitment to inclusive and quality education ensures that every child and adult has the opportunity to succeed in their educational journey.
If you need further assistance, or have questions regarding this topic, feel free to contact us on Expatax.mt.
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