Are there Arabic language schools for children in Malta?

Arabic language classes for children in Malta are primarily offered through community organisations, Islamic centres, and mosque-based schools — not through the state school system. The main mosque in Paola and several Islamic centres offer Quranic education and Arabic language classes at weekends. Private Arabic tutors are also available.

Can my children maintain their Arabic language skills while living in Malta?

Yes, with community and private support. The state school system in Malta teaches Maltese and English, not Arabic. To maintain Arabic, children typically attend weekend Arabic classes at the mosque or community centres, receive private tuition, or attend online Arabic language programmes. Many Arab families also maintain Arabic at home as the primary spoken language.

Are there private Arabic language classes for adults in Malta?

Private Arabic tutors in Malta are available through community referrals and online platforms. Some community centres and cultural organisations offer group Arabic classes. For adults, online Arabic language platforms (including those based in Arab countries) are often more comprehensive than in-person options available in Malta.

Arabic Language Classes & Islamic Schools in Malta 2026

Maintaining Arabic language and Islamic education for children — and improving Arabic proficiency for adults — is a priority for many Arab families in Malta. This guide covers the available options: community-based Quranic schools, Arabic language classes, and private tuition.

Official SourceLast updated 9 June 2026

Community organisations change — verify directly

Community Arabic schools, classes, and schedules are subject to change. Contact the mosque in Paola or ask in local Arabic community groups for current information about weekend classes and Islamic education programmes.

Arabic and Islamic education options in Malta

Type	What is offered	Available for
Mosque-based Quranic school	Quranic recitation, Islamic studies, basic Arabic — primarily at the Paola mosque	Children (weekend classes)
Islamic centre classes	Arabic language, religious education — at community centres in Paola, Marsa, Birkirkara	Children and teenagers
Private Arabic tutors	Flexible Arabic language tuition (Modern Standard or dialect-specific)	Children and adults
Online Arabic programmes	Structured Arabic language curricula from Arab-world providers (e.g., Saudi Ministry of Education online programmes)	All ages
Home education	Parents maintaining Arabic as the home language and providing supplementary learning	Children

Last verified: 2026-06-09. Based on community knowledge.

Mainstream schooling in Malta

Malta's state school system teaches all subjects in Maltese and English. Children of non-Maltese families are entitled to enrol in state schools. The school system is free and compulsory for children aged 5–16.

State schools do not offer Arabic language teaching as part of the curriculum. For Arab children maintaining their native language, supplementary Arabic education (weekend classes or private tuition) is the standard approach.

Private and international schools in Malta may be more flexible and can sometimes accommodate specific language or cultural requirements. International school fees in Malta range from €5,000–€15,000+ per year depending on school and age group. See the schools overview for more detail.

Quranic education at the mosque

The Mariam Al-Batool Mosque in Paola offers Quranic education classes for children, typically held at weekends. These classes cover:

Quranic recitation (Tajweed)
Memorisation of short Surahs
Basic Islamic knowledge (Aqeedah, Fiqh)
Arabic reading and writing at a basic level

Contact the mosque directly for current class schedules, age groups, and registration.

Arabic language for adults

Adults who want to learn or improve their Arabic in Malta have the following practical options:

Private tutors — available through community networks and platforms like Preply or italki. Rates vary (€15–€40/hour). Dialect teaching (Moroccan Darija, Levantine, Egyptian) is available as well as Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha).
Online programmes — Arabic is well-served by online learning: Duolingo (basic), ArabicPod101, and university-level programmes from Arab-world institutions. For formal certification, Arabic language tests (CEFR-based) can be taken through cultural institutes.
Community conversation practice — joining the local Arabic community is itself the most effective way to maintain or improve colloquial Arabic.

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Author and editorial standard

Maintained by MaltaPathway

This guide is written from public official sources and labelled limitations. MaltaPathway is independent, not a law firm or government agency. Founder proof, source policy, correction policy, and monetization disclosure live on the About and trust page.

Sources

Official SourceEquality — Government of MaltaVerified 9 Jun 2026

Official SourceMalta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA)Verified 9 Jun 2026

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MaltaPathway is not a law firm, immigration consultancy, or government agency. The information on this page is based on publicly available official sources and is provided for informational purposes only. Immigration rules change — always verify with the relevant authority before making decisions. If your case is complex, consult a licensed immigration lawyer.