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

The three school types

✓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 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.