Study in San Gwann, Malta

About San Gwann

San Gwann (San Ġwann) is a residential town in the north-east of Malta, next to St Julian's and a short distance from Sliema and the capital, Valletta. It is a quiet place to live, but it lies right beside St Julian's Bay and Spinola Bay, the busiest area on the island for nightlife, restaurants and English language schools.

Most students come to San Gwann to learn English. Malta is an English-speaking country in the European Union, which makes it a popular choice for language stays, and a few institutes in the area also offer professional and business qualifications.

Studying in San Gwann

Our directory lists 3 schools in San Gwann: one English language school and two further and higher education institutes. Gateway School of English (GSE) has taught English since 2002. It is in a residential street 12 to 15 minutes' walk from St Julian's Bay and Spinola Bay, has eight classrooms and runs general and business English courses as well as preparation for Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL iBT and TOEIC exams. It also offers programmes for teenagers, families and students over 50, and has its own residence next to the school.

The EIE Institute of Education, which now presents itself as eie European Business School, was established in Malta on 12 January 2000. It states that it is licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and awards bachelor's and master's degrees. EEC-ITIS Malta Tourism and Languages Institute focuses on tourism, hospitality and languages.

English language schools in Malta are licensed and monitored by the ELT Council under the English Language Teaching Council Regulations of 2015, and the council publishes a list of licensed schools. Check that list, and for degree courses check the institution's MFHEA licence, before you book.

Cost of living for students

Course prices give an idea of the budget. In 2026 GSE advertises general English from €110 per week for courses of 8 to 23 weeks and from €100 per week for 24 weeks or more. A course week covers five days of lessons and seven nights of accommodation if you book a room. GSE also offers homestay, self-catering apartments and rooms in its own air-conditioned residence. Rents in the St Julian's area are among the higher ones in Malta, so compare housing offers carefully.

Getting around and daily life

San Gwann is connected to the rest of the island by Malta Public Transport buses. From GSE, route 120 stops two minutes away, and route 22 runs directly to Valletta, less than half an hour away by bus according to the school. Spinola Bay is about a 12-minute walk. Malta has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, so outdoor life and the sea are part of daily life for most of the year.

Visa rules depend on nationality. According to GSE, citizens of the EU and of many Latin American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Chile and Uruguay, can enter Malta without a visa for up to 90 days and then apply for a student visa. For courses of 15 weeks (105 days) or longer, students can also apply from home through a VFS centre; the school quotes an appointment fee of €150 plus a €30 transaction fee. Check the current rules with the Maltese authorities before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Is San Gwann a good place to learn English?

It is a quiet residential town within walking distance of St Julian's, the main area for English schools in Malta. Our directory lists Gateway School of English, which has taught there since 2002.

How much does an English course in San Gwann cost?

Gateway School of English advertises general English from €110 per week for 8 to 23 weeks and from €100 per week for 24 weeks or more in 2026. Accommodation is extra.

Do Latin American students need a visa for an English course in Malta?

According to GSE, citizens of many Latin American countries can stay up to 90 days without a visa and then apply for a student visa. For courses of 15 weeks or more, they can also apply from home through a VFS centre.