International Schools in Malta

Diploma and graduate hat - Fotolia

You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Malta with fee information. The list includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools for you to find the right school to prepare for the International Baccalaureate and other accreditation in Malta. Schools may follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking program while others run under the Russian language and system.

Education in Malta

The educational system in Malta is closely linked to the British system. The standards for education in Malta are very high and are comparable to other Western countries. At the State level, education is fully funded and textbooks are provided to children free of charge. Official curriculum lasts for six years and mainly includes the following subjects: Maltese, English, math, social studies, and religious education. Education in Malta is compulsory from ages five to sixteen and is structured in three stages:

  • Primary (ages 3-11)
  • Secondary (ages 11-18)
  • Post secondary/tertiary (ages 18+)

Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) exams are taken at age 16 (the school leaving age in Malta). Students who continue their studies take matriculation examinations (based on the International Baccalaureate) at age 18 to determine university entrance eligibility.

Registering Expat Children for School

To register your child at a State run school, you may be required to present some of the following documentation. Registration procedures vary by school, therefore it is highly recommended to contact schools individually to obtain specific enrollment procedures.

  • A passport and/or ID card
  • Original birth certificates of the child/children in English, or a legal English translation
  • A letter from you indicating your request to enroll your child/children at the school

International Schools

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Malta. International schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam.

There is usually local population, as well as an international student body. Schools may follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, France, etc. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English. Schools also provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Accreditation & Membership

  • Council of International Schools (CoIS) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools.

International School in Cottonera

St. Edward's College
Address: Birgu (Citta Vittoriosa)
Cottonera - CSP 09 Malta
Tel: (356) 27881199
Tuition Rates: €410 - 1,797 per term

A catholic Boys's College modeled on the lines of an English public School. The language of instruction is English and it offers the IB program. Boarding is available.

International School in Pembroke

Verdala International School
Address: Fort Pembroke
Pembroke PBK1641, Malta
Tel: (356)21375133
Tuition Rates: €3,230 - 7,686 per year

This English language international school offers a fully accredited American Kindergarten through Grade 12 curriculum. It is a co-educational school with a boarding option. They provide testing for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE), European Computer Driving License (ECDL) and USA's Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

International School in Valletta

QSI International School
Address: Triq Durumblat
Mosta MST 4815 Malta
Tel: 356 2142 3067
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This QSI school is a co-educational school and one of 39 QSI schools around the world. It offers preparation for the IGCSE and an Advanced Placement International Diploma for students from ages 3 – 18 years.