Best English Schools in Malta 2026: Licensed Schools Compared

Short answer: there is no official ranking of English schools in Malta, and you should be wary of any list that claims one. What does exist is the ELT Council’s list of licensed schools: 33 in Malta and Gozo on its July 2026 list, most of them around St Julian’s, Pembroke and Sliema. The best school for you is a licensed one in the right area, with the right age mix, class size and timetable, at a price that fits. As two dated examples, International House Malta listed General English 20 at €180 a week in low season in 2026, and Maltalingua listed its 20-lesson Standard course at €234 a week. Below: every licensed school by area, how to compare them, what courses cost and the best time to go.

I have friends who taught at several of these schools and many more who studied at them. The honest truth is that the differences between licensed schools are smaller than the marketing suggests. Location, the people in your class and the timing of your stay usually matter more than the brand on the door.

Why the ELT Council licence matters

Malta regulates its English-language sector by law. The ELT Council licenses schools and describes Malta’s framework as practically the only national legislation in the world governing quality standards at a language-learning destination. For you, that means one simple rule: only book with a school on the current licensed list. The list also names licensed home-tuition and distance-learning providers, which are separate from schools.

Licensed English schools in Malta by area

All 33 schools below appear on the ELT Council’s July 2026 list. The grouping by area is mine, based on the addresses on that list.

Source: ELT Council, Licensed ELT Schools in Malta, July 2026. Last checked October 2026. Listed in alphabetical order within each area; this is not a ranking.

What the areas mean for daily life

• St Julian’s and Pembroke: the biggest cluster, close to the sea and to Paceville’s nightlife. Lively, busy in summer, and with plenty of student accommodation nearby.
• Sliema and Gżira: a seafront promenade, shops and cafés, and the ferry to Valletta. Slightly calmer than Paceville.
• Valletta and Floriana: the capital and its neighbour. Beautiful, quieter at night, and the hub of the bus network.
• St Paul’s Bay: the north, with larger flats and lower rents but longer trips to the harbour area.
• Msida, Mosta, Qormi: central and more local. The Malta University Language School is on the University of Malta campus.
• Gozo: slower, rural and close-knit. Good if you want to focus and do not mind the ferry.

How to choose an English school in Malta

Instead of asking which school is “best”, work through these questions in order. Most people end up with a shortlist of two or three.

1. Is it licensed? Check the current ELT Council list. If a school is not on it, move on.
2. Where will you live? A school two bus routes away from your room will cost you an hour a day. Choose the area first.
3. Who are your classmates? Ask about the minimum age and the typical age mix in your month. In summer, some schools have many teenagers; adult-only programmes or 30-plus classes change the atmosphere completely.
4. How big are the classes? Ask for the maximum class size in writing. Two published examples: Maltalingua says adult classes have a maximum of 12 students; International House Malta says its classes have a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 15.
5. What is the nationality mix? A class full of speakers of your own language is less useful. Ask what the mix usually is in the weeks you plan to go.
6. What does the price include? Registration or administration fees, course books, high-season supplements and accommodation placement fees all add up.
7. What is the social programme? Many schools organise activities and excursions. Ask what is included, what is extra and how often it runs.
8. Can you change level or course? A good school will move you if the placement test got it wrong.

Malta English course cost in 2026

Prices depend on lessons per week, the length of your stay and the season. I will not invent a market average. Here are two schools that publish dated 2026 prices on their websites, as examples of how pricing works:

Sources: International House Malta price page and Maltalingua FAQ, last checked October 2026. Both schools say prices can change; always ask for a written quote. Inclusion here is not an endorsement or a partnership.

Three things to notice. First, the season matters: summer can add €50 to €65 a week. Second, long stays are much cheaper per week. Third, the course is only part of the bill. Accommodation and food usually cost more than the lessons; our cost of living in Malta guide and studying in Malta guide cover the rest of the budget.

School accommodation or your own?

Most schools offer to arrange accommodation: a student residence, a homestay with a local family or a room in a shared apartment. It is convenient for a first stay, especially if you are coming for a few weeks, because you arrive with an address and classmates nearby. International House Malta, for example, publishes long-stay packages that combine its General English course with a residence room.

For stays of two months or more, compare the school’s price with renting a room yourself. The Housing Authority’s data for the first half of 2025 showed about a third of new shared contracts at €200 to €299 a month per tenant, although well-located rooms near the schools often cost more. If you rent privately, ask for a written lease, an inventory and proof that the landlord has registered the lease. A dedicated guide to student accommodation is coming to this site.

Course types you will see

The ELT Council’s list of course types offered by licensed schools includes general English (standard and intensive), English for work, exam preparation, junior and teen courses, and a range of vocational courses such as English for waiters, kitchen staff and healthcare workers. In practice, adults usually choose between:

• General English, 20 lessons a week: mornings or afternoons in class, the rest of the day free.
• Intensive, 30 lessons a week: faster progress, less free time.
• Exam preparation: for Cambridge, IELTS and similar exams; check that the school runs the exam you need.
• Business or work English: useful if you plan to job-hunt in Malta afterwards.
• One-to-one lessons: expensive but flexible, often added to a group course.
• 30-plus or 50-plus courses: several schools offer these for mature learners; Maltalingua, for example, lists Club 30+ and 50+ courses.

Malta English school levels and placement tests

Most schools place you with a short test on your first day or online before you arrive, usually covering grammar, vocabulary and a short speaking check. Levels are commonly described on the European CEFR scale from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). Two tips:

• Do the test honestly. Being placed too high is a common reason people stop enjoying their course.
• Speak up in week one. If the class feels too easy or too hard, ask to move. Licensed schools are used to these requests.

Best time to study English in Malta

Season dates for supplements differ by school; IH Malta’s high season runs 1 June to 31 August and Maltalingua’s supplement 22 June to 28 August 2026.

For most adults, I recommend late September to November or April to June. You get the island at its best without the summer prices or crowds.

Social programmes and making friends

The people in your class are your first social circle, so the social side of a school matters. Many schools organise welcome events, excursions and evening activities. Ask what is included in the price, what is extra, and whether activities run all year or only in summer. Do not choose a school for its parties alone; choose it for the class, then use the activities to get to know classmates outside lessons.

The real friendships usually start when you suggest something small yourself: a swim after class, a Saturday trip to Mdina, a Sunday hike. Our 30-day plan for making friends in Malta shows how to build that into your week, and a personalised tallinja Student card, which gives free bus travel (see our Malta bus routes guide) makes those trips cost nothing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best English school in Malta?

There is no official ranking. The ELT Council licenses schools (33 on its July 2026 list), and the best choice depends on your area, age group, class size, timetable and budget. Shortlist two or three licensed schools and compare written quotes.

How much does an English course in Malta cost?

It varies by school, season and length of stay. As 2026 examples, International House Malta listed General English 20 at €180 a week in low season and €245 in high season, and Maltalingua listed its 20-lesson Standard course at €234 a week plus a €50 summer supplement.

How do I know if an English school in Malta is licensed?

Check the ELT Council’s official list of licensed ELT schools on eltcouncil.gov.mt. The July 2026 printable list names 33 schools in Malta and Gozo, plus separate home-tuition and distance-learning providers.

Are there English schools in Malta for adults only?

Some schools run adult courses or 30-plus and 50-plus programmes. Maltalingua, for example, says its adult courses are for students aged 18 and over and lists Club 30+ and 50+ courses. Ask each school about its age policy and the age mix in your weeks.

When is the best time to study English in Malta?

For adults, spring and autumn offer good weather, calmer schools and often low-season prices. Summer is busiest and most expensive, and winter is the cheapest and quietest.

Can I work while studying English in Malta?

EU citizens generally can. Non-EU students on licensed English courses face limits, including a 20-hour weekly cap and conditions on course length, and need a Jobsplus licence. Check the official rules before you plan around a job.