English courses in Malta

Features of studying English in Malta

Enrolling in a course at a Maltese language school is quite simple:

• Select a school and program
• Pay the school registration fee
• Provide your passport details to the language school
• Pay for the course and accommodation
• Submit documents for a student visa

Following payment, the school will provide you with an invitation and confirmation of your accommodation reservation, which are typically required for the visa application.

Most schools admit new students into basic courses like General English, Business English, and English for Work every Monday. However, the start dates for long-term and summer courses may vary depending on the specific school.

Before your classes begin, the language school will conduct an online test to assess your language proficiency. Based on the test results, you'll be placed in a group that corresponds to your skill level. In some cases, the test may be conducted on your first day at the language school.

Teaching style in Malta

Malta was a British colony for over 160 years, with the English teaching approach in the country closely mirroring the traditional British system. Many international English-speaking schools set high academic standards for local language schools.

Language schools often organize a "Welcome Party" on the first day. Students mingle and savor traditional Maltese cuisine, with food bringing people together.

Classes are held in the morning and afternoon, each session lasting around an hour and a half with a 30-minute break in between. If you find that the group you've been placed in doesn’t match your level, most schools offer the opportunity to switch to a more advanced group with a proficiency test.

After completing the course, students receive a certificate of achievement. However, students who miss more than 20% of their classes may not be eligible for this certificate.

Given the warm weather and abundant sunshine in Malta, various courses offer a unique blend of English language practice and recreational activities — English and dancing, English and tennis, and English and diving.

Visa for language courses in Malta

International students planning to visit Malta will require a Schengen visa, which permits a stay of up to 90 days in the country. This visa can be obtained through the Maltese Consulate and Visa Application Centres. The standard processing time for visa documents is around 15 days, excluding any additional time required for passport delivery from regional visa centers to your local Consulate.

Students planning a longer trip should apply for the category "D" national visa. This type allows you to stay in Malta from 90 days to a year. Similar to the Schengen visa, the processing time for a national visa is around 15 days.

Popular English schools in Malta

ESE — European School of English

The European School of English (ESE) is officially recognized by the Malta Ministry of Education for its program effectiveness, as well as accredited organizations such as Trinity College London, EAQUALS, QE, and IALS^[3].

ESE offers over 25 different programs. Students benefit from learning in small groups with a maximum class size of 12, frequently work in pairs, use unique study materials, and have access to an e-learning program for extra practice.

ESE has two campuses: one in St. Paul's Bay, catering to students under 17, and another in St. Julian's for students over 18. Both campuses are conveniently located amidst restaurants, cinemas, and clubs, and are just a 5-10 minute walk from the sea. After classes, students can play tennis, squash, golf, go cycling, and take horse riding lessons. During the summer season, students have access to the ESE Beach Club, a luxurious seaside complex, where they can enjoy water sports or simply relax by one of the pools.

ELA — English Language Academy

English Language Academy Malta (ELA) offers over 10 programs with different levels of commitment: from 20 to 40 hours per week. Teachers use a communicative approach to engage students from the first lesson. Lessons include playing games and staging skits, and a strong focus on communication.

ELA is located in the center of Malta's most popular tourist town, Sliema, just a 10-minute walk from the beach. Study campus of English Language Academy Malta is equipped with spacious classrooms with comfortable chairs, desks and interactive whiteboards, a lounge area for relaxation and a cozy library for self-study.

Another important part of language practice is doing extracurricular activities such as taking city walking tours, diving, and underwater safaris.

EС English Language Centers

EC English Language Centers is an international educational organization with 30 years of experience. Its 24 training centers are located in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Malta and South Africa. In 2017, EC won eight prestigious awards, including winning the "Best Chain Language School" category from an influential Study Travel Magazine.

In class, teachers choose a variety of topics, from politics to everyday issues, to engage students in discussion. This helps expand the students’ vocabulary and teaches them to express themselves more clearly. Every week the school organizes lectures and seminars where students focus on improving the skills of writing, speaking, listening and reading.

The study campuses have spacious classrooms with projectors, whiteboards, audio players and tablets. In the EC library you will find a wide collection of English-language books in many genres and subjects. In their free time, students spend evenings watching films in the original language, having parties and meals together in cafes and restaurants, participating in trivia nights, local holiday events and festivals, and going on river walks.