Learning English in Malta: A Good Idea or a False Promise?

Malta is a small island nation, with only 563,433 inhabitants, located at the heart of the Mediterranean. The archipelago is known for its warm climate, its dynamism, and its historical heritage. Here are the main reasons that explain Malta’s success among students who wish to learn English:

Malta was a British colony until 1964. Consequently, English has remained one of the official languages of the country. English is widely used in daily life, in business, and in education, allowing you to practice the language in a real and diverse environment.

With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Malta offers an ideal environment to combine learning English with outdoor activities and sightseeing excursions. There are many things to do in Malta: water sports, cultural outings, or nightlife – the archipelago has something to satisfy every desire and taste.

Compared to other English-speaking destinations, English programs in Malta tend to be much more economical, without sacrificing the quality of instruction. Language teachers adhere to the same standards (in reputable schools) as those in Ireland and England, with courses generally 30 to 50% cheaper.

Malta is located only a few hours by plane from the major European cities, making it a convenient destination for students from Europe and the Mediterranean region. The Malta Airport is an international airport with over twenty airlines operating. This ease of access and the variety of carriers make it possible to find many affordable flights and plan a stay with greater flexibility.

English is the everyday language in Malta. Maltese, although spoken by 75% of the population, is mainly used within Maltese families. Thus, English is an integral part of daily life, but it is natural to wonder whether the Maltese environment remains as conducive to learning compared to other so-called traditional destinations such as England or Ireland.

English is the primary language in almost all contexts in Malta, especially in tourism, business, and education. Although it is theoretically the country’s second language, in practice it is the language used by all the inhabitants.

Malta’s demographics have changed significantly in recent years: currently, the population of Malta consists of 25% residents of foreign origin who do not speak Maltese. Added to that are the millions of short- or long-term travelers and students who visit Malta throughout the year. The common language in Malta is therefore English.

English in Malta is an international form of English, in the sense that many speakers do not have English as their native language. This presents both advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantage is that English in Malta is more accessible: the accent is less pronounced, the vocabulary somewhat less rich, and it is therefore easier to understand. For beginners and students, this is ideal, as it greatly facilitates everyday comprehension and expression. The very cosmopolitan environment and varied proficiency levels also help lower the barriers associated with the fear of speaking or being judged.

The disadvantage, however, lies in the fact that the overall level is somewhat lower and the vocabulary used is less sophisticated than in other English-speaking countries. There are many foreigners and many students; therefore, not everyone is bilingual. This can be a limiting factor for those who already possess an advanced level of English and are looking for a highly developed, even literary, vocabulary.

The English schools in Malta mostly employ native English-speaking teachers (originating from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa). The teaching of English and the educational experience are comparable to those in other English-speaking countries. The teaching methods in both English and Maltese schools are quite similar, especially since many schools in Malta are part of groups that have centers and exchanges with the United Kingdom.

More than thirty English schools have emerged in Malta and Gozo over the past twenty years. Currently, there are 34 officially recognized by the Maltese government. Each year, nearly 56,000 students travel to Malta to take English courses. This sector now represents an important part of the tourism industry and island life.

Schools in Malta offer a wide variety of English courses tailored to different needs and all levels. Among the main courses available are general English, intensive English, Business English, and exam preparation courses. Although all schools offer more or less the same course formats, there are significant disparities in the academic level from one institution to another. For effective learning, it is essential to choose a reputable school, though this sometimes turns into a real obstacle course given the number of institutions available in the archipelago.

All the schools fiercely compete to attract students, claiming to be “the best English school in Malta” or to offer the most enriching experience. This intense competition, fueled by aggressive marketing strategies, can be confusing for those trying to make the right choice.

If you are considering studying English in Malta, we recommend checking out the ranking of the best English schools on the island—a good way to avoid any missteps. Also, do not hesitate to contact us directly to review your project: each year, we provide free assistance to hundreds of students in their process of choosing and learning.

The cost of a stay in Malta to learn English is more affordable than in destinations such as England or Ireland, making it an attractive option for many students.

It is important to note that the prices of English courses in Malta vary considerably depending on several factors. One of the most significant is the time of year: during the high season, which corresponds to the summer months, the demand for courses and accommodation increases, which can lead to a significant rise in the cost of a language stay. Conversely, during the low season (from September to May), prices tend to be more competitive and promotions more frequent, due to the lower influx of students.

Furthermore, the cost also depends on the accreditation level of the school. Institutions with several recognized accreditations tend to offer a higher level of instruction and can therefore justify slightly higher fees. The quality of the facilities is another determining factor: schools with modern, well-equipped classrooms (touchscreen boards) and additional resources often display higher prices.

Finally, the reputation of the institution also affects the rates. The most popular schools in Malta tend to charge slightly higher fees than their competitors. Some internationally renowned establishments, such as EF, even display prices 30% to 50% higher than those of their direct competitors of the same caliber.

Malta is an ideal destination for learning English, suitable for 95% of students, especially for young people aged 18 to 30. They will find a Mediterranean setting that is dynamic (festive if desired) and multicultural, with the opportunity to easily make new connections and practice English in many daily interactions.

By taking courses in a school, young adults acquire the academic and structural fundamentals of the language (grammar, verb conjugation, vocabulary), which they can then put into practice in their daily lives as soon as classes end. With the cost of courses and accommodation being lower than in England or Ireland, this also makes it possible to undertake longer language immersion or study stays, thereby making the experience more effective. Malta is also a particularly suitable environment for complete beginners and beginners (levels A1 to A2), as integration is facilitated and English is more accessible.

However, for those with an advanced level (C1, near-native), it must be acknowledged that the Maltese environment is not always the most recommended. In general, these individuals no longer attend traditional classes but instead opt for learning through everyday practice or in a professional setting. Yet in Malta, the overall level is generally lower than in England or Ireland, which, comparatively, can limit progress. In such cases, other English-speaking destinations might offer better conditions for this type of advanced learner.

A quick note for students aged 40, 50, 60 and above — because there is no age limit for learning English! Malta is known as a young destination, but it remains an excellent choice for all ages thanks to its pleasant living environment and the diversity of available tourist and cultural activities. School courses are accessible to all ages. If you are over thirty, to ensure a successful experience, opt for schools that offer classes reserved for students over 30—a small detail that can make all the difference. This will allow you to benefit from a more homogeneous age group in class and thus better integration.

Malta is also an ideal destination for language stays for young people and teenagers, especially during Summer Camps and other Teen Clubs. These stays are well organized and secure, perfect for a first experience abroad while reinforcing the English skills of young learners.

The Maltese environment guarantees an experience that is both fun and exotic, with a seaside vacation setting without neglecting the classes. Teenagers generally return delighted from their stay in Malta. It is also a very enriching experience, as it allows young people to encounter new cultures, with teenagers coming from all corners of the world.

For parents, however, it is important to keep in mind that one does not become bilingual in just two or three weeks of summer camp. That said, these stays often enable significant improvements in English, which become apparent in future school reports.