Why learn English in Malta
Language Schools in Malta
By Mike Kudryavtsev, educational consultant, from 1997 onwards in the field of international language education and study abroad. Co-founder of MaltaEng.com
Contents
3 main reasons to prefer Malta for learning English
Both English and Maltese are spoken as native languages in Malta
English language schools in Malta today
List of licensed English schools in Malta
Arguments against learning English in Malta
How to choose a good language school in Malta
3 main reasons to prefer Malta for learning English
Malta is an English-speaking country, English is the native language of the local population.
A Mediterranean culture conducive to communication and language practice.
Malta has world-class English language schools with high academic standards, similar to the best language schools in the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
! Another reason to study English in Malta is that prices are significantly lower than in other English-speaking countries. These factors all combine to make Malta the ideal place to learn English.
Both English and Maltese are spoken as native languages in Malta
In Malta, the English and Maltese languages hold equal official status, influencing the country's traditions, governance, and daily life. Residents fluently engage in both languages, reinforcing Malta's bilingual character. English is deeply integrated into various aspects of Maltese society — from educational institutions and governmental agencies to everyday interactions. The fusion of these languages reflects Malta's historical evolution and its contemporary global ties. Understanding why English is regarded as a native language among the Maltese is crucial for grasping the cultural, educational, and international business landscape of Malta.
According to Maltese legislation, both Maltese and English are recognized as official national languages. Consequently, official documents, government forms, and signage are presented in both languages. The education system emphasizes the importance of learning English from an early age. Students cultivate their skills in both English and Maltese, which opens doors to local and international prospects. Attaining a level of fluency in English comparable to that of a native speaker is a key objective in Maltese education.
Institutions such as the University of Malta predominantly offer courses in English. This focus has turned Malta into an attractive destination for foreign students and has contributed to its reputation as an educational hotspot. Students have the opportunity to pursue various fields, including engineering, medicine, and law, all taught in English. Utilizing English as the primary language of instruction equips students to thrive in English-speaking professional settings around the globe.
Prior to its independence in 1964 Malta had a significant history as a British possession and, as a result, English is an official language in Malta. Government business is carried out in both languages, and most Maltese learn English in school. Secondary and tertiary education is conducted exclusively in English.
— wikipedia.org, Languages of Malta
English language schools in Malta today
Malta is a popular destination for students worldwide, offering esteemed English courses set against a backdrop of rich history and culture. The island's Mediterranean location, pleasant weather, affordable tuition fees, and reputable language institutions contribute to its status as a prominent educational hub.
For many years, Malta has been recognized as an attractive place for language learning. After gaining independence in 1964 and joining the European Union in 2004, the island experienced a significant rise in educational tourism. Both governmental and private efforts have established a robust network of language schools, capitalizing on Malta’s multilingual environment and its historical ties to Britain.
Initially, these schools catered primarily to European students, particularly from Italy, Germany, and France. Over time, the student demographic expanded to include individuals from Asia, South America, and the Middle East, transforming Malta into a truly global study location. The increase in enrollment has been fueled by online marketing strategies and student referrals, further solidifying Malta’s reputation in the international English language teaching (ELT) sector.
By the end of 2024, the Malta ELT Council reports that there are 34 accredited English language institutions on the island, ranging from small boutique centers to larger establishments. These schools provide a variety of programs, including General English, Academic English, Business English, Exam Preparation (such as IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge assessments), English for Teenagers, as well as specialized English courses for different industries like English for Lawyers, English for Tourism and many others.
The student body at English language schools in Malta is diverse, encompassing numerous cultures and nationalities. A significant proportion of students come from Europe, often participating in short-term courses or summer sessions. There is also a growing interest from South America and Asia, with many students arriving from China, South Korea, and Japan for longer or professional courses.
IELS Malta, one of the country's leading English schools, indicates that its top student nationalities for 2024 include Colombia, Brazil, Japan, South Korea and Turkey, followed by Germany, France, Italy and Spain. However, the overall top five for the industry is slightly different. According to the 2024 Marketing Report by StudyTravel Magazine, Italy is the top source country for students in Malta, followed by Germany, France, Austria, and Poland.
Students' ages range from teenagers to adults, with many institutions offering customized programs tailored to specific age groups. This mix of nationalities creates a multicultural atmosphere that promotes intercultural exchange and enriches the language learning experience.
Contemporary language schools in Malta use a variety of teaching methods, with a communicative approach that emphasises practical communication skills. Engaging activities, online resources, and multimedia tools are extensively used to keep students engaged. Furthermore, some institutions have embraced immersive language practices through cultural outings, conversation clubs, and language exchanges to encourage real-life language usage.
List of licensed English schools in Malta
A CLASS ACADEMY OF ENGLISH
STC, Block A, Alamein Road, Pembroke
Tel: (+356) 2137 4588 Email: info@aclassenglish.com
Web: www.aclassenglish.com
ACE ENGLISH MALTA
Bay Street Complex, Level 4, St.George’s Bay, St. Julian’s, STJ 3311
Tel: (+356) 2713 5135 Email: ace@aceenglishmalta.com
Web: www.aceenglishmalta.com
ALPHA SCHOOL OF ENGLISH
Arznell Street, St. Paul’s Bay, SPB 3232
Tel: (+356) 2158 1474/5 Email: support@alphaschoolmalta.com
Web: www.alphaschoolmalta.com
AM LANGUAGE
299, Triq Manwel Dimech, Sliema, SLM 1054
Tel: (+356) 2132 4242 Email: info@amlanguage.com
Web: www.amlanguage.com
ASCENCIA MALTA LTD
23, Vincenzo Dimech Street, Floriana
Tel: (+356) 2034 1784 Email: info@ascencia-bs.mt
Web: www.ascencia-business-school.mt
ATLAS LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Alamein Road, Pembroke
Tel: (+356) 2138 2045 Email: info@atlaslanguageschool.com
Web: www.atlaslanguageschool.com
BELS GOZO
Triq ta’ Doti, Kercem, KCM 1721 Gozo
Tel: (+356) 2156 4333 Email: info@belsmalta.com
Web: www.belsmalta.com
BELS MALTA
550 West, St. Paul’s Street, St. Paul’s Bay
Tel: (+356) 2755 5561 Email: info@belsmalta.com
Web: www.belsmalta.com
BERLITZ (ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACADEMY)
65, Birkirkara Hill, St.Julian’s, STJ 1143
Tel: (+356) (+356) 2577 4000 Email: info@elamalta.com
Web: www.elamalta.com
BSC LEARNERS MALTA (BSC MALTA)
Palazzo Capua, George Borg Olivier Street,Sliema
Tel: (+356) 2704 7408/7759 8259 Email: info@bsceducation.com
Web: https://www.bsceducation.com/ destinations/malta/
GATEWAY SCHOOL OF ENGLISH (GSE)
1, Bosfru Street, San Gwann (St.Julian’s)
Tel: (+356) 2137 5086 Email: info@english-malta.com
Web: www.english-malta.com
GV MALTA ENGLISH CENTRE
St. George’s Street, St. Paul’s Bay, SPB 3476
Tel: (+356) 2157 3417 Email: info@gvmalta.com
Web: www.gvmalta.com
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE MALTA
Triq id-Dragunara, Paceville San Ġiljan STJ3141
Tel: (+356) 2138 4139 Email: info@ihmalta.com
Web: www.ihmalta.com
INLINGUA SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES
92, Tigne Street, Sliema, SLM 3172
Tel: (+356) 2010 2000 Email: info@inlinguamalta.com
Web: www.inlinguamalta.com
INSTITUTE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE STUDIES (IELS)
Mattew Pulis Street, Sliema, SLM 3052
Tel: (+356) 2132 0381 Email: info@iels.com.mt
Web: www.ielsmalta.com
LONDON SCHOOL OF COMMERCE (LSC)
3rd Floor, Europa Centre, St.Anne Street, Floriana, FRN 9020
Tel: (+356) 2122 6200 Email: info@lscmalta.edu.mt
Web: www.lscmalta.edu.mt
MALTA UNIVERSITY LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Campus Hub, Block O, Level 6 University of Malta Tal-Qroqq, Msida
Tel: (+356) 2132 2785 Email: info@universitylanguageschool.com
Web: www.universitylanguageschool.com
MALTALINGUA SCHOOL OF ENGLISH
2, Birkirkara Hill, St. Julian’s, STJ 1141
Tel: (+356) 2742 7570 Email: hello@maltalingua.com
Web: www.maltalingua.com
NSTS ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE
12, Taliana Lane, Gzira, GZR 1723
Tel: (+356) 2558 8500 Email: eli@nsts.org
Web: www.nstsmalta.org
SCHOOL OF ENGLISH MALTA
8, Magazines Street, Floriana, FRN 1119
Tel: (+356) 2122 1371 Email: info@schoolofenglishmalta.com
Web: www.schoolofenglishmalta.com
SEAL MALTA
58, Tower Tinghi Street, Xewkija, Gozo
Tel: (+356) 2156 1909, 9905 7027 Email: info@sealmalta.com
Web: www.sealmalta.com
SMART SCHOOL OF ENGLISH
Villa Menhir, 128, Triq is-Sirk, Is-Swieqi
Tel: (+356) 2124 9400 Email: info@englishsmartschool.com
Web: www.englishsmartschool.com
SPRACHCAFFE LANGUAGES PLUS
6, Alamein Road, Pembroke, PBK 1776
Tel: (+356) 2137 3574/5/6 Email: info@sprachcaffe-malta.com
Web: www.sprachcaffe-malta.com
UNILANG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES
Workers’ Memorial Building, South Street, Valletta
Tel: (+356) 2567 9226 Email: unilang@gwu.org.mt
Web: www.unilangeducation.com
CAVENDISH SCHOOL OF ENGLISH
124, Melita Street, Valletta, VLT1123
Tel: (+356) 2122 0230 Email: info@cavendishschool.com Web: www.cavendishschool.com
CLUBCLASS LANGUAGE SCHOOL
104, Triq is-Sidra, Swieqi, SWQ 3150
Tel: (+356) 2137 0694, 2377 2401 Email: malta@clubclass.com
Web: www.clubclass.com
EASY SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES
21, St. Ursula Street, Valletta, VLT 1230
Tel: (+356) 2122 5505 Email: info@easysl.com
Web: www.easysl.com
EC MALTA
Marguerite Mangion Street, St. Julian’s, STJ 3180
Tel: (+356) 2379 0555 Email: info@ecenglish.com
Web: www.ecenglish.com
EEC-ITIS MALTA TOURISM & LANGUAGES INSTITUTE
9, EEC - ITIS Building, Triq San Pietru, San Gwann, SGN 2310
Tel: (+356) 2137 6868 Email: info@educationmalta.com
Web: www.educationmalta.com
EF INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE CAMPUSES - MALTA
The Mayfair Business Centre, Lower St. Augustine Street,St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s, STJ 3312
Tel: (+356) 2033 2000 Email: ils.malta@ef.com
Web: www.ef.com
ENGLISH DOMAIN
Domain Building, 102/104, Constitution Street, Mosta, MST 9055
Tel: (+356) 2143 3688 Email: info@domaingroup.com.mt
Web: www.englishdomain.eu
ENGLISH PATH MALTA
West Block, Level 5/6, Marguerite Mangion Street, St, Julian’s
Tel: (+356) 2743 2278 Email: alofaro@englishpath.com
Web: www.englishpath.com
EUROPEAN SCHOOL OF ENGLISH (ESE)
ESE Building, Paceville Avenue, St. Julian’s, STJ 3103
Tel: (+356) 2137 3789 Email: study@ese-edu.com
Web: www.ese-edu.com
EXECUTIVE TRAINING INSTITUTE (ETI MALTA)
ESE Building, Paceville Avenue, St. Julian’s, STJ 3103
Tel: (+356) 2379 6321 Email: info@etimalta.com
Web: www.etimalta.com
There are currently 34 licensed English Schools in Malta and Gozo. Malta can boast that both its ELT profession and sector are well structured and closely monitored, being the first and practically only language-learning destination in the world with legislation that assures that every licensed school maintains a national quality standard. All this has resulted in rapid growth for the sector.
Arguments against learning English in Malta
1. Malta isn't an English-speaking country: this is a complete misconception. Locals in Malta grow up bilingual, with both English and Maltese being official languages. Like Ireland, Malta maintains its cultural identity while being fluent in two languages.
It's also important to note that education at secondary and post-secondary levels in Malta is delivered in English. Maltese nationals say that they are bilingual and consider English to be their native language.
2. There is a strong accent in Malta: that's not quite right. Malta, like any other English-speaking country or even a particular region, has its own cultural peculiarities, which can certainly be reflected in the language, speech and pronunciation. But the local peculiarities of the English language do not in any way prevent you from developing your practical language skills. Furthermore, at Malta's top language schools, you will learn proper modern English using textbooks from leading British publishers like OUP and CUP, taught by teachers with British qualifications and teaching to British standards.
It's worth noting that in every English-speaking country, there are some people who speak English with such a strong accent that you can hardly understand them. However, this does not reflect the whole population. It totally depends on the speaker; however, Received Pronunciation remains standard among high-socioeconomic Maltese individuals.
3. Malta is better suited to leisure than serious study: it's up to you more than anyone else! Choose a school that is known for its high academic standards and excellent student results. Pay attention to the testimonials — it's important that students write about their achievements in learning English rather than just beaches and parties. If you're a serious student, make sure the school provides high-quality teaching.
How to choose an academically strong language school in Malta
What distinguishes a good language school from an average language school is a systematic approach to ensuring the quality and performance of the school. Therefore, when choosing a language school, it is important to make sure that the school provides all the necessary conditions in a comprehensive way. Only then can good student results be guaranteed.
The main features that distinguish a good language school are:
A strong academic and business reputation — see what independent professionals say.
Teaching staff with prestigious qualifications such as the Cambridge CELTA, Trinity TESOL or equivalent — ask the school about this.
An experienced and highly qualified Director of Studies with an excellent professional reputation. Do your own research.
Look for positive reviews and testimonials from students indicating real achievements in developing practical language skills.
Ensure the school has accreditations and licences from official bodies and associations, such as ELT Council, FELTOM and ALTO.
! The key to achieving excellent results when studying English in Malta is to choose a language school with a strong academic reputation. IELS Malta is a top-tier language school with worldwide recognition. MaltaEng offers unbeatable discounts on IELS Malta programmes.
I have been involved in global language education since 2005, working with some of Malta's most renowned language schools. In my opinion, IELS provides the best experience for English learners.
— Natalia Kudryavtseva (MA in Language Teaching with Honours; CELTA “B”), co-founder of MaltaEng.com
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