English courses in Malta offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance your language skills while enjoying a relaxed environment. This archipelago nation is known for its language schools. Additionally, a remarkable 90% of its population is proficient in English due to the country’s historical ties with the British crown.

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Advantages of English courses in Malta

  • British school branches. In Malta, many language centers are affiliated with well-known British schools, such as EC English Language Centres. Maltese branches follow the same teaching system as their British counterparts, but offer more affordable rates. For instance, a General English course in Malta typically costs around 339 USD, while in England it can reach 530 USD.
  • Low prices. Language course prices in Malta are on average 30% lower than in other English-speaking countries. A week of classes in Malta costs approximately 226 USD, compared to 450 USD in England, 430 USD in the United States, 254 USD in Australia, and 251 USD in Canada.
  • Wide school selection. With over 80 English language schools across different cities, Malta offers a wide variety of courses. They range from university preparation programs to unique options such as Diving&English.
  • Quality vacation. Malta's pleasant climate and pristine air make it an ideal destination for combining language learning with a vacation. The relaxed environment ensures both quality rest and effective learning.

Disadvantages of English courses in Malta

  • Incomplete language immersion. While English is the second official language of the country, Maltese remains the primary language for many locals. Most Maltese residents are fluent in English and will understand you, but the prevalence of Maltese means you may not experience full language immersion.
  • Little focus on education. Malta offers a plethora of recreational and entertainment options, and language schools often provide rich cultural programs that include tours, tastings, and dances. This allows you to enjoy a paradise while studying, but there's a risk of getting tempted and spending nights at beach parties instead of studying. If you are determined to make the most of your English courses, it might be better to choose the fall or spring seasons.
  • Seasonal price variations. Since Malta is a popular tourist destination, prices for English language courses and accommodations fluctuate with the seasons. For example, the English Language Academy charges an additional 56 USD for courses and accommodations from June to September[1]. The increase in prices can reach 20-25% to the original rate during peak tourist seasons.
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Cost of English courses in Malta (2023)

SchoolProgramNumber of weeksMin. tuition /weekCitiesSchool accommodation/weekHomestay/week
European School of English (ESE)General English1+226 USDSt Julian's, St Paul's BayClarify with the schoolClarify with the school
General English 30 for 301-4446 USD
Mini Class1+475 USD
50+ Programme21,090 USD
Closed Groups1+282 USD
Private Tuition1+215 USD/5 lessons
Intensive English1+667 USD
Family Pack Course1-12802 USD
Young Adults 17-22 years1-12593 USD
Teen Club 14-17 years1-12864 USD
Day Programme1-12514 USD
Junior Camp 9-13 years1-12864 USD
Host Family Teen Programme1-12593 USD
Closed Groups for Teens1+282 USD
English & Tennis
14-17 years
1-1251 USD/hour
Diving & English 14+ years1-12424 USD
English for Work1+367 USD
Business English Intensive1+746 USD
Business English1+339 USD
TOEIC4-10333 USD
TOEFL iBT4-6333 USD
IELTS4-10333 USD
Cambridge Exam Prep Course8+333 USD
Academic Year Course12-48333 USD
English Language Academy (ELA)General English1+237 USDGżira229 USD / 380 USD245 USD / 332 USD
Business English1-7373 USD
Private individual lessons1-7441 USD
Exam Preparation1-7373 USD
Total Immersion Intensive Individual Instruction1-72,994 USD
Family Course Package1+633 USD / 814 USD
Junior Summer Programme1-7989 USD
EC English Language CentersGeneral English1-23339 USDSt Julian's220 USD / 350 USD237 USD / 333 USD
Mini Group1-11550 USD
English for Work1-12446 USD
IELTS Exam Preparation4-231,612 USD/4 weeks
Academic Semester / Year24-995,530 USD/24 weeks
Cambridge Exam Preparation10-123,662 USD/12 weeks
Club 50+21,338 USD/2 weeks
Enroll in language courses with UniPage

Malta boasts over 80 language schools with a range of training programs in various cities across the country. But how does one navigate the options and handle the paperwork and accommodation booking?

UniPage cooperates with the best language schools in Malta. Our experts will help you select a language course aligned with your objectives, budget, and preferences. We'll help you determine the ideal city, course intensity, and facilitate the enrollment process. What is more, our partners can secure exclusive discounts and offers that may not be accessible when applying independently.

Types of language courses in Malta

Malta truly lives up to its reputation as a hub for language schools, not only by the number of institutions but also by a diverse range of programs available. There are courses tailored for adults, children, prospective students, and those seeking to improve their English for work purposes.

  • General English. This is a fundamental course designed for adults, allowing you to customize the class intensity and duration. At a minimum, you'll have 20 hours of weekly study.
  • Intensive. A more rigorous version of the general course, where students supplement group lessons with private ones.
  • General English 30+ / 50+. These variants of the basic course are made for students who prefer to study with their peers. The 30+ course incorporates topics related to professional activities for students over 30, while the 50+ course focuses on travel and everyday life. Cultural activities appropriate for the age group are often included in the package.
  • Mini Class / Mini Group. These are basic courses conducted in small groups of up to six people.
  • Closed Groups. These courses cater to groups of students with specific objectives, such as exam preparation or English for work.
  • Family Pack Course. A course designed for families, where parents follow the General English curriculum, and children and teenagers attend classes with students of their age.
  • English for Work / Business English. These courses focus on English for professional purposes, helping students practice the language skills and vocabulary needed in a workplace setting.
  • Exam Preparation Courses. Programs to prepare students for language exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, and TOEIC. After completing the course, students have the opportunity to take the respective exam.

Academic courses

Academic Year Course is a long term program usually separated into three streams based on the study objectives: higher education and admissions, work, or personal development. These programs offer intensive lessons covering fundamental aspects of language learning, including writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. They also include project presentations and mentoring support.

Courses for children and teenagers

Courses for children and teenagers are typically available from mid-spring to late autumn, with summer programs being the most common. These programs generally accept teenagers aged 13 to 17 years old. While some schools do offer courses for younger children, typically ranging from 9 to 13 years old, these options are less common.

In contrast to adult programs, courses for young learners almost always include accommodation with a host family or within a school dormitory. The price also covers various sports and cultural events — bowling, quizzes, discos, beach volleyball, and guided excursions to explore the cities of Malta. Some schools even provide opportunities to combine English language classes with sports training in disciplines such as tennis, diving, and more.

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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.

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Accommodation options

Housing prices in Malta can vary, with rates being higher during the tourist season. Students may pay up to 113 USD per week for their accommodation. This price often covers essential amenities and services such as water and electricity, access to a washing machine, air conditioning or heating, regular cleaning, bed linen changes, and Wi-Fi.

Fees do not include the State Environmental Tax, which amounts to 1 USD per night[2]. It must be paid separately through the online VAT payment portal.

Housing typeMealsNumber of people
per room
Min. cost per weekAvg. cost per week
Host family2-3 times per day1-3237 USD333 USD
School accommodationProvided by student1-3220 USD339 USD
ApartmentsProvided by student1282 USD531 USD

Additional expenses

ExpenseAverage cost
Registration fee40 USD
Housing reservation34 USD
Environmental taxUSD/day
Student insurance11 USD/week
Study materials28 USD
Airport transfer34 USD
Private bathroom fee56 USD
Housing deposit113 USD

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.

Documents required for a student visa
  • Filled out visa application form
  • Passport and passport copy
  • One 3.5 x 4.5 cm photograph
  • Letter of invitation from a language school
  • Proof of residence or evidence of sufficient funds to cover accommodation costs
  • Proof of financial resources amounting to 54 USD per day
  • Round trip airfare booking
  • Insurance with a minimum coverage of 33,900 USD
  • Consent to the processing of personal data

The prices are for informational purposes only. Check the relevant prices in official sources.

Work while taking language courses in Malta

A long-term visa allows you to work, but no more than 20 hours per week. Given that Malta is a very small country with much lower incomes than countries such as France and Germany, the earning potential is very limited. Students on a short-term visa are not allowed to work at all.

Official employment involves securing a special work permit and applying for a residence permit through the Immigration Department. However, finding an official job on the island can be challenging due to an already abundant labor force. Malta is both the smallest and most densely populated country in the European Union, with approximately 1713 people per square kilometer. The unemployment rate is around 5%, with the workforce primarily composed of local Maltese citizens.

Foreigners looking for job opportunities in Malta will succeed if their skills are in high demand on the island.

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.

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Best cities in Malta to learn English

Malta is a very small country with just over half a million people. Cities of Malta are quite small: Valletta, the capital of Malta, is only a kilometer long and half a kilometer wide. Moving between cities is easy; the journey takes less or about an hour by public transport. In a week, you can visit all cities of the country. Wherever you study, you will be able to travel and get to know Malta and its people.

The most popular cities of Malta are Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian's.

Valletta

Population6794
Monthly living expenses2,379 USD
LandmarksFort Saint Elmo, Saint John's Cathedral, Auberge de Castille, Palace of the Grand Master, Casa Rossa Piccola

Valletta is the capital of Malta and its administrative and commercial center. This is an ancient town on a hill with grid-like streets and buildings from the 16th century. The city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its historical and cultural value.

The spirit of the past still lives in Valletta. Here, you can find many palaces still keeping the traces of the exciting lives of royal knights: the Palace of the Grand Master and Casa Rossa Piccola. Now, the palaces are used by the parliament and the President of the Republic of Malta.

Every February, Valletta becomes the center of the Malta Carnival, which used to be thrown by knights in the week before Lent. Today, the Maltese dress up, dance in the streets and prepare local biscuit sweets with nuts and candied fruits.

Великая Гавань, Валетта, Мальта
Grand Harbour, Valletta

Sliema

Population11318
Monthly living expenses924 USD
LandmarksChurch of Our Lady of the Star of the Sea, Fortizza Sliema, Watchtower of St. Julian, Fort Tigne, Cape Draguta, beaches and designer boutiques

Sliema is a resort town located on the north-eastern coast of Malta, 5 minutes by ferry from Valletta. Previously, Silema was a fishing village, but now it is a center for tourism and recreation. Modern hotels coexist with old mansions and cozy shops with designer boutiques. Sliema sits on a flat, rocky coastline, and its beaches are a form of art.

Слима, Мальта
View of Sliema

St Julian's

Population6800
Monthly living expenses547 USD
LandmarksSpinola Bay, Portomaso Tower, Spinola Palace, Old Parish Church, Fuego Salsa Bar

St. Julian's is an unspoken leader when it comes to style and nightlife.

The city boasts numerous hotels, restaurants, casinos and clubs. St. Julian's is home to the 98-meter Portomaso Tower, Malta's only blue glass high-rise building. On the top floor of the skyscraper is the most sophisticated restaurant in St. Julian's, which after 12 turns into a nightclub.

St. Julian's is divided into several districts. Paceville is a disco area. It surrounds a long, loud street with bars and clubs along it to suit every taste and budget. St George's Bay is known for its sandy beach, while Pembroke has a rocky beach that is popular with locals.

In the end of July and August, St. Julian's hosts "Festas," religious holidays famous for colorful fireworks.

Церковь Пресвятой Девы Марии Маунт Кармел, Сент-Джулианс, Мальта
Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

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