Are schools in Malta in English?

State schools teach in both Maltese and English from an early age. English is a core subject and medium of instruction for many subjects. Church schools follow a similar bilingual model. International schools teach entirely in English (or another international language), with curricula like the IB, British GCSE/A-Level, or American diploma.

How much do schools cost in Malta?

State schools are free for legal residents (EU and non-EU). Church schools charge a small annual fee (typically €500–€2,000 per year). International schools charge tuition comparable to private schools in Northern Europe — typically €8,000–€25,000+ per year depending on school and age group.

Can expat children attend state schools in Malta?

Yes. Children of legal residents (with valid permit) can attend state schools free of charge. There is no nationality restriction for state school access. The language of instruction is Maltese and English. Children who do not speak Maltese will receive some language support, but full immersion from day one is typical.

How do I enrol my child in school in Malta?

For state schools, contact the Directorate for Educational Services (DES) at the Ministry of Education. For church schools, apply directly to the school. For international schools, apply directly to the school — most have their own admissions process and waiting lists. Apply well ahead of the school year start in September.

A quiet residential street in a Maltese town at golden hour

Moving to Malta

Schools in Malta for Expat Families: State, Church, and International 2026

Malta offers three school types: free state schools teaching in Maltese and English, subsidised church schools, and fee-paying international schools with English-only curriculum. This guide helps expat families understand the options.

Official SourceLast updated 9 June 2026

AI illustration · MaltaPathway

The three school types

School type	Language	Annual fees	Who can attend
State (government) schools	Maltese + English	Free	Legal residents
Church schools	Maltese + English	€500–€2,000/yr	Legal residents (application required)
International schools	English only (usually)	€8,000–€25,000+/yr	All (fees apply to everyone)

Malta Ministry of EducationFee ranges illustrative. Verify current fees with individual schools. Last verified: 2026-06-09.

State schools

Malta’s state school system covers pre-primary (3–5), primary (5–11), middle (11–16), and post-secondary (16+) education. Teaching is in both Maltese and English from primary school.

For expat children who arrive without Maltese, the adjustment period varies. English is strong throughout the system, and children typically adapt well in 6–12 months. The social environment is diverse in many schools, particularly in the more urban areas.

To enrol, contact the Directorate for Educational Services (DES) at the Maltese Ministry for Education.

Church schools

Church schools in Malta are run primarily by the Catholic Church and are heavily subsidised by the state. They follow a similar curriculum to state schools but often have a stronger academic tradition and smaller class sizes. Annual fees are low (€500–€2,000). Competition for places is high at popular church schools — apply as early as possible.

International school fees add significantly to family costs

International school fees in Malta range from approximately €8,000 to over €25,000 per child per year. For a family of 4 with two school-age children, this adds €16,000–€50,000 per year to your budget. See the family of 4 budget for the full picture.

International schools

Malta has a small number of international schools offering English-medium education with internationally recognised curricula:

International schools typically offer IB (International Baccalaureate), British GCSE/A-Level, or American diploma programmes.
They are suitable for families who are relocating frequently (no language barrier) or who want an international qualification for university applications abroad.
Class sizes are usually smaller than state schools.
Most have their own bus service covering the main expat areas.

For deep-dive school reviews, see the Malta school system guide.

University and further education

The University of Malta in Msida is the main public university. It teaches in English and is open to international students. For international student admissions, see the University of Malta international students page.

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About this guide

Maintained by MaltaPathway

This guide is written from public sources and kept up to date where possible. MaltaPathway is an independent visitor guide and is not affiliated with any official body. Source policy, correction policy, and monetization disclosure live on the About and trust page.

Sources

Official SourceStudent Visa — Central Visa UnitVerified 9 Jun 2026

Official SourceInternational Students — University of MaltaVerified 9 Jun 2026

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