Education & Schools

In Malta, children can be educated in private international schools, local state schools, church schools or independent schools.

The local system is based on the British model and provides an excellent standard of education. Education is compulsory from the ages of 5 to 16. Pre-school kindergarten is available free of charge or privately from the age of 3 to 5.

Around 30% of children attend non-state schools. These are mainly catholic and are subsidised by the government and thus free. Local private schools include: de la Salle College, St Aloysius College, Sacred Heart and St. Dorothy’s. In Private and Church schools, the teaching language is English.

Local primary schools are for ages 5 to 11, with national exams at the age of 11.
There are 3 types of secondary schools: Junior Lyceums (similar to Grammar Schools) which take around 50% of students with the remainder at either Area Secondary Schools and Opportunity Schools. There is a primary school in almost every village in Malta.

For those who wish, Malta also hosts international schools such as the Verdala International School for both boys and girls who study for their International Baccalaureate or IGCSE.

Although small, Malta has its own well-regarded university and specialist colleges such as arts and technology college MCAST (Malta College of Art, Science and Technology).

Ministry of Education:
http://www.education.gov.mt/edu/schools.htm

University of Malta:
http://www.um.edu.mt/

MCAST:
www.mcast.edu.mt