Frequently Asked Questions

Education in Malta

Primary, Middle and Secondary State Schools are grouped into Colleges. More information can be found
here.

Schooling

Education in Malta is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 years. Kindergarten caters for the age group from 3 to 4 years, primary schooling from 5 to 10 years, while middle and secondary schooling spans the ages of 11 to 16 years.

The principal dates of the school calendar are as follows:

26th September - Beginning of Scholastic Year for Students

5th October - Beginning of Scholastic Year for Students in Induction

1st, 2nd, 3rd November - Mid-Term Holidays

23rd December – 6th January - Christmas Holidays

27th, 28th February - Carnival Holidays

12th – 19th April - Easter Holidays

1st June - Beginning of half days

28th June - End of Scholastic Year for Students

For Primary Schools :
Winter schedule: 08:30 – 14:30
Summer Schedule: 08:30 – 12:15

For Secondary Schools :
You will be given this information by your school upon request.

You will need to confirm the time schedule with your individual school.

All primary state schools in Malta are mixed gender. Mixed gender classes are now being introduced in the middle and secondary state schooling system. All post secondary institutions in Malta are mixed.​

Clicking Here​ for information which you will need to contact the College Principal.

Your town of residence will be the principal criterion for the choice of Primary schooling for your child.

In the event of ​alternative location the College Principal may be in a position to endorse the request.

In the case of Secondary schooling, students normally attend the corresponding school within the same College.​

Registration

ENTRY INTO KINDERGARTEN in all State Schools in Malta is possible in October and February. For more specific information about the closing dates for admission you are kindly requested to contact the office of the College Principal of your locality.

In the case of Primary Schooling , registration for EU citizens is done directly at the Primary School of the town of residence.

In the case of Secondary Schooling , it may be advisable to go to the Office of the College Principal who will direct you to the Middle School or the Senior School of the College. Click on the following link to see the list of college principals: colleges.aspx​

Non-EU citizens may carry out entry formalities for all levels of schooling as indicated in the Registration section of the webpage.

The pre - registration form in PDF is available by email from the Registration section of the webpage.

​Your presence is required in Malta for presentation and verification of documents.

​The following documents are required:

Birth certificate with English translation
Identity Malta certification
Residential property agreement
Marriage certificate
Care and custody document
Vaccination record with English translation
Any other required information

The school may request education records of your child.​

Medical history and pertinent health information are also necessary.

What do I need to know as a parent/ guardian

​​EU citizens, citizens from EEA countries and citizens from Switzerland are automatically entitled to free education for their children in Maltese State Schools up to compulsory schooling age (16).

Non-EU citizens in possession of a single work permit issued in Malta are entitled to free education for their children in Maltese State Schools up to the age of 16.

One can apply for exemption from payment of fees, the decision being taken upon the residential status of the applicant.

The exemption form which will need to be completed at the Ministry for Education and Employment in Malta can be accessed by clicking here​.

​The list is provided at the beginning of the scholastic year.​

Textbooks are handed to students on gratis basis and returned to School Authorities on completion of the scholastic year.

The school uniform, bag and material including stationery such as pencils, sharpeners, as well as copybooks are provided by parents/guardians.

A small charge for educational outings is usualy levied.

Schools follow a specific language policy. The website of the school may be consulted for further insight.

No students are exempt from learning Maltese and English in Maltese State Schools, irrespective of the length of their stay in Malta.​

​Textbooks may be in Maltese or English depending on the subject.

School authorities tend to organise orientation meetings at the initial phase of the scholastic year to allow for encounters with teachers and other educational providers.

The syllabi and curriculum are available online for all levels. Click Here

Parents and Guardians are invited to engage in the structures of the School Council.

Participation in school activities is encouraged.​

Any child may be admitted to an induction program from mainstream. The induction programme usually extends for a scholastic year and prepares the student for a better understanding of English and Maltese.

The programme is on the basic primary school curriculum for Mathematics, Art, Crafts, Maltese and English. The emphasis in languages is sustained throughout the year.​

​There is ongoing assessment and relevant information is relayed during special days and upon request.

At the end of the induction period, a decision will be taken by professional educational staff concerning the transition of the child into mainstream education.​

​You will need to discuss the situation with the Head of School. He/she will guide you.​

​Students attending state schools in Malta wear a uniform and each school (or group of schools, called a College) has its own code.

There are also Health and Safety regulations in place regarding hairstyles, schoolbags, the wearing of jewellery and other accessories.​

First aid in schools is administered by trained personnel. Contact information is requested on registration for application in case of an emergency.​

​A healthy eating policy is implemented and children are not allowed to bring food and drink with high fat, sugar and salt content.

Any food allergies should be communicated prior to the commencement of the academic year and freshly-made lunch together with potable water for consumption at break time is encouraged.

The Constitution of Malta recognises Catholicism as State Religion and sustains the principle of religious freedom. Catholicism is learned in classes and Ethics may be offered in lieu of religion classes.

Other Services

​Free childcare is a scheme whereby Government provides the service to working parents/guardians or to those who are pursuing educational goals.

The option is either made available through Government sources or registered childcare centres.

Download the leaflet ​​.

The Breakfast Club Service is open for primary school students whose parents are studying or in employment. The Primary State School service gives the opportunity of a healthy breakfast for pupils before school commences. Those availing themselves of the service may interact with other pupils through play and organised activities.


The Breakfast Club operates on a daily basis during school days. Applications to make use of the service during the scholastic year open in the first week of September and remain open throughout the scholastic year.

​Klabb 3-16 is an after-school hours care service for school - age children. The service is available to children between the ages of 3 and 16, who attend State, Church or Independent Schools. It is also offered during school holidays.



Click Here​​. for application form

At the end of Year 8, students are asked to choose two (2) optional subjects on which they wish to specialise in the senior school.

There are various optional subjects which are offered amongst which one may include the following: Art, Biology, Business Studies, Computer Studies, Chemistry, Design and Technology, Engineering Technology, European Studies, Geography, Graphical Communications, Health and Social Care, History, Home Economics, Physical Education, Textile Studies, and a foreign language.


In some secondary schools, Ethics is also offered to those students who did not follow Religion lessons at Year 7 and Year 8.


In Years 9 - 11, besides two (2) of the above chosen optional subjects, students are taught a number of subjects, as follows: Maltese, English, English Literature, Maths, Religious Education, Social Studies, History, Geography, Physical Education, Physics, ICT, Personal and Social Development and a foreign language which was chosen at Year 7.

Vocational subjects have also been introduced in secondary schools. These subjects are directly related to the work place. Students will be assessed on the theory and even on the practical skills that they learn during the course. The vocational subjects offered by SEC in Malta are: Agribusiness, Health & Social Care, Engineering Technology, Hospitality and Information Technology.​

Further Education

Secondary schools prepare students of ages 12 to 16 to sit for the SEC examinations (commonly known as O Levels), which will enable students to continue to advance their studies at a higher level after the age of 16. Students who acquire passes in at least English, Maltese, Mathematics, and two other subjects can enrol various post secondary institutions after secondary school. These include Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School, the Junior College, and various private and church post secondary institutions. At GCHSS students are also given the possibility to sit again for SEC subjects alongside their study programme.

​GEM16+ Education Programme

This programme is intended for those students who, in September 2016, possess a limited number of SEC subjects between Grades 1 and 5 or possess SEC subjects at Grades 6 or 7.

Students need to have finished their Secondary Education in June 2015 or June 2016.

Students at GEM 16+ study Maltese, English, Mathematics, Physics or ECDL and sit for SEC (May 2017) following a course in small groups. They also receive lessons in PE and PSCD. The Programme is recognised by MCAST and ITS. Students receive a stipend and a grant.

Courses are held at GEM16+ Education Programme Centre at Gzira.

Applications are received online on :

education.gov.mt/gem16plus

or directly at the Programme Centre at Gzira.


Contact info GEM 16+:​

Tel: (+356) 21322159, 21334076

E-mail: gem16plus@ilearn.edu.mt

Post Secondary Education

At Junior College, Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary, and other such institutions students are prepared to sit for the Advanced Level (A Level) and Intermediate Level exams. These exams will provide students with the necessary qualifications and certificates to enter university. Students who want to sit for SEC exams again are given the opportunity to study for these at GCHSS.




At Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School persons who are 18 or over can also enrol in an individual study programme that gives one the opportunity to choose whatever subjects one needs at any level as long as the prerequisites for studying the subject are met.



University of Malta


The University of Malta is the highest teaching institution in Malta. The main campus is situated in Msida. There are two other campuses, one in Valletta and one in Gozo, where part-time evening degree and diploma courses are offered.

For more information, contact the University’s International Admissions Office:

Address:

Room 103, International Admission Office Administration Building,

University of Malta Msida

Tel: (+356) 2340 2225

http://www.um.edu.mt/int-eu/international

Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC)
Foreign qualifications need to be assessed to determine their equivalency to the European Qualifications Framework as well as the Malta Qualifications Framework. This process is carried out by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) through the MQRIC.

MQRIC is the official national body which deals with the recognition and comparability of both academic and vocational qualifications.

Tel: (+356) 2381 0000

Address: National Commission for Further and Higher Education

Sir Temi Zammit Buildings, Malta Life Sciences Centre Ltd, Malta Life Sciences Park, San Gwann, SGN 3000

E-mail: qric.malta@gov.mt

Website: http://www.ncfhe.gov.mt​​

Vocational Education and Training Include formal and informal learning. Malta offers a wide range of options for those interested in pursuing learning. The most relevant programmes are offered by the following institutions:

The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is the country's leading vocational education and training institution. Through its Foundation, Technical and University Colleges, together with its six institutes in Malta and Gozo, MCAST offers 170 full-time and over 300 part-time vocational courses ranging from certificates to Masters degrees (MQF Level 1 to Level 7). Students are prepared for careers in different sectors of the economy or for further education. One of the advantages of studying at MCAST is that most of the courses include both theory and practice; therefore, students are equipped with the required skills and experience necessary for the workplace.

MCAST offers full-time and short courses. Applications for full-time courses should be submitted by July for courses that start in September. Applications for short courses are to be submitted in February or September. More information can be obtained from MCAST’s website and in their prospectus which one can collect from MCAST.

Address : MCAST main campus,

Triq Kordin, Paola PLA 9032

Tel: (+356) 2398 7100

Website:
www.mcast.edu.mt

E-mail: information@mcast.edu.mt

Lifelong Learning

The Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Early School Leavers offers a range of courses in different subjects including basic skills courses, language courses, computer courses and preparation courses for SEC and MATSEC Levels. Lifelong Learning courses are carried out over 32 weeks. Courses are against payment at the same rate as Maltese citizens but can be free on a case-by-case basis.

For a list of lifelong courses available please visit their website:

www.lifelonglearning.gov.mt

Applications open in July for courses starting in October and in November/December for courses starting in February. Applications can be obtained and handed in at local councils, at the Ministry for Education and Employment,Great Siege road, Floriana, or online.

Address:

Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Early School Leavers

Ministry of Education and Employment,

Great Siege Road, Floriana, Malta

Tel: (+356) 2598 2291/92.

Email: lifelonglearning@gov.mt



Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)

ITS is Malta’s main tourism and hospitality training college. The school year starts in September; however there may be shorter courses throughout the year. Exemptions of fees can be applied for through the Ministry of Education.

For more information on courses, go to ITS’ campus or visit their website.

Address : ITS campus,Main Campus,

St George’s Bay, St Julian’s)

Telephone: (+356) 2379 3100

E-mail: registrar.its@gov.mt

Website:
www.its.edu.mt


Jobsplus

Jobsplus offers a number of courses that are free of charge. These include trade courses, IT related, office related, Accounting and others.

These courses are available to refugees, persons with subsidiary or temporary humanitarian protection, asylum seekers and persons with a rejected status.

The list of courses can be found on Jobsplus’ website:
www.jobsplus.gov.mt/courses



Reggie Miller Foundation


The Reggie Miller Foundation of the General Workers Union offers courses in languages, tailoring, IT, mathematics, physics, customer care and others. Courses are against payment.

Applications can be found on their website, www.gwu.org.mt. Tel: (+356) 25679226.

Email: pbalzan@gwu.org.mt



Youth.Inc

Youth.inc is an inclusive education programme, based on applied learning, for young people between the age of 16 and 21. The aim of the programme is to help young people to improve their standard of education and gain more knowledge, values and skills to enter the labour market or to gain qualifications to continue in further education and training. Courses include languages, food handling, music, sports and others.

Entry requirements are a school leaving certificate and an ID card, however, for refugees, persons with subsidiary protection, asylum seekers and persons with a rejected status, these requirements may be removed.

Address: Agenzija Żgħażagħ, St Joseph High Road, St Venera

Tel: (+356) 2258 6700

E-mail: agenzija.zghazagh@gov.mt

​​Learning to communicate in English is important to succeed in Malta. Furthermore, one has to learn English before being able to enrol in other educational programmes; in fact most educational and practical courses are in English.

There are many opportunities to learn English, among them:

Integra Foundation

Free lessons in English and Maltese are offered on a weekly basis. For more information send an email to kkonnect.integra@gmail.com or call on 9990 0580

Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Early School Leavers (Ministry for Education and Employment)

Courses in English and Maltese offered by the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Early School Leavers are against payment at the same rate as Maltese citizens but may be offered free on a case-by-case basis.

Tel: (+356) 2598 2291/92

Email: lifelonglearning@gov.mt

Website:
https://lifelonglearning.gov.mt/l

St Andrew’s Scots Church, Valletta

Mondays and Thursdays. Lessons are free but you need to register. The church is located at the corner of South Street and Old Bakery Street, Valletta.

Address: 212 Old Bakery Street, Valletta.

Tel: (+356) 2141 5465.

Youth.lnc

Free lessons in English for persons between 16 and 21 years. Address: St Joseph High Road, St Venera,

Tel: (+356) 2258 6700,

E-mail: agenzija.zghazagh@gov.mt

Unilang International School of Languages
Lessons are offered from Monday to Friday at the General Workers Union building, South Street, Valletta. These lessons are given against payment. Registration can be effected at the GWU building. You will be requested to show your ID card.

Tel: (+356) 25679226.

Email: unilang@gwu.org.mt

Jobsplus

Jobsplus offer free English courses for foreigners. To apply one should be over 16 years of age. Applicants have the possibility of sitting for a pre-assessment to determine their level of knowledge in the subject.

Address: Training Services,

Jobsplus Training Complex, Hal Far.

Email: training.jobsplus@gov.mt (when sending an email one has to state ID card/Police number, attach copies of qualifications and a copy of the CV). ​

You can either:

a) Send an email to the following address: mlu.mede@gov.mt

or

b) Call on 2598 2712