Language Immersion Courses in Malta

Malta is one of the few places in the EU where English is an official language, alongside Maltese. That makes the islands a common destination for learning English: according to the ELT Council, the government body that regulates English language teaching in Malta, more than 85,000 foreign students of all ages come every year to learn English, and there are currently 31 licensed English language schools in Malta and Gozo.

The schools listed on this page are all on the north-east coast of the main island, in Sliema, St Julian's, Pembroke and San Gwann, close to each other and to the sea. Courses are for adults, teenagers and children, and several schools also run family programmes and courses for learners over 50.

How English language schools in Malta work

English language schools in Malta must hold a licence from the ELT Council, which works under Legal Notice 221 of 2015 and runs quality assurance for English language stays. The Council publishes the official list of licensed schools, so students can check a school before booking. Courses follow the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Typical options are:

• General English, usually 20 lessons a week, starting any week
• Intensive English, often 30 lessons a week
• One-to-one lessons and mini-groups
• Exam preparation for Cambridge, IELTS and TOEFL
• Business English and English for specific purposes
• Junior and teen programmes, and parent-and-child courses
• Online courses

The schools listed on this page show the range. Gateway School of English (GSE) has taught in Malta since 2002 and offers general, business and exam preparation courses as well as a programme for teenagers aged 11 to 17. inlingua Malta in Sliema was established in 1980, belongs to the inlingua network of 309 centres in 39 countries and teaches with the inlingua method, which focuses on using the language. AClass Academy of English in Pembroke teaches general and intensive English at levels A1 to C1 in small international classes. English Plus Language Centre in St Julian's is another option.

Admission and visas

Language schools have no academic entry requirements: students take a placement test and join a class at their level. EU citizens can study without a visa. For students from other countries, Identità, Malta's visa agency, sets two routes:

• Courses of up to 90 days: a Schengen short-stay visa (C-visa), unless the student's nationality is visa-exempt
• Courses longer than 90 days: a national long-stay visa (D-visa), also for nationals who could otherwise visit Malta without a visa

The ELT Council links to Identità's student visa guidelines and document lists in several languages, including Spanish and Portuguese.

Costs

Prices depend on the school, the number of lessons and the season. Examples from the schools' own 2026 price lists: AClass charges €170 a week for General English with 20 lessons and €225 for 30 lessons, with a €30 weekly supplement from 9 June to 7 September; its prices include registration, course materials and a certificate. GSE's General English starts from €100 a week for bookings of 24 weeks or more and €110 a week for 8 to 23 weeks. inlingua Malta adds a high-season fee from 31 May to 30 August. Long stays and the low season are usually cheaper per week.

Schools also arrange accommodation, typically host families, shared apartments, residences and hotels. For general living costs, the University of Malta's guide gives about €550-700 a month for a room in a shared flat and about €450 for food.

How to choose a language school in Malta

• Licence: check that the school is on the ELT Council's list of licensed schools
• Course: general, intensive, exam preparation or business English, and the number of lessons a week
• Class size and age group: adults, teenagers, families or 50+ programmes
• Season: high-season supplements in summer and the mix of nationalities
• Location: Sliema, St Julian's, Pembroke or San Gwann, and the distance from your accommodation
• Accommodation: host family, shared apartment, residence or hotel

Frequently asked questions

Is Malta a good place to learn English?

English is an official language of Malta, and more than 85,000 foreign students come each year to learn it, according to the ELT Council. Schools must be licensed by the ELT Council.

Do I need a visa for an English course in Malta?

EU citizens do not. Other students need a Schengen C-visa for courses of up to 90 days, unless their nationality is visa-exempt, and a long-stay D-visa for courses longer than 90 days.

How much does an English course in Malta cost?

Prices vary by school and season. For example, a 20-lesson General English course costs €170 a week at AClass in 2026, and GSE's General English starts from €100 a week for long bookings.

How can I check that a language school in Malta is recognised?

The ELT Council publishes the official, up-to-date list of licensed English language schools in Malta on its website.