English programs in the Maltese Islands - challenges together with fix…

Related areas of interest: Malta language schools, English practice in Malta, top english language schools in Malta, Malta

Why Malta for English courses?

Alright, so let’s break it down: Malta feels like that hidden gem when it comes to learning English. UK, Ireland, Canada — sure. But Malta matches the vibe for language learning. What seals the deal? English is actually an official language here. Inside some historic buildings, you’ll hear Maltese, but walk out and it’s English everywhere.

Into the sun, not the clouds? Malta fits the bill. Malta’s weather is Mediterranean — expect sunny days even in winter. People always mention the beaches and the nightlife, but honestly, just getting your morning coffee by the sea or wandering through Valletta with English everywhere? It’s like learning in a postcard.

And the diversity of language schools is pretty wild. There are prestigious university-linked institutes plus friendly, small academies. You can’t walk through Sliema or St. Julian’s without spotting at least three English signs.

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• English here is authentic — mostly neutral accents and clear speech.
  
• Way sunnier than gloomy London, period.
  
• Culture here blends European, Arabic, and Mediterranean styles — unique!
  

All in all, Malta brings together the best of fun and focused English study.

Malta’s Top Language Schools and Their Pros

The variety is overwhelming in the best way. First time I checked, I felt lost in options. But after talking to people who actually studied there and stalking reviews, these schools kept coming up:

The University Language School (Malta)

First up, this one is legit. Located right on the University of Malta’s Msida campus — super central. The Uni itself backs and checks the courses, so your certificate carries serious weight.

They do all sorts: General English, Intensive English, Business, IELTS/TOEFL prep, One-on-One tuition — the works. Their Intensive English is like 25 lessons a week (pretty intense, duh). Campus library = study sanctuary. Plus, chilling in Gzira or Sliema after lessons is a breeze.

Maltalingua School

This school in St. Julian’s is super popular, especially for younger learners and business students. Small group sizes here mean real focus — 12 max in general, 8 in business sessions. Their rooftop terrace is legendary for after-class chill sessions. Awards and EAQUALS approval? Check. So, you can trust the standards.

Berlitz Malta - ELA

They’re proud of being "The School with a Heart," and locals agree. Their teaching style (Berlitz Method) makes you speak right away, not just memorize grammar. They won the LanguageCourse.net Excellence Award for 2025, so yeah, they’ve got the prestige. People say it feels like a big supportive family, which is awesome for nervous new arrivals.

Language Studies International Malta

They’re smack in the middle of St. Julian’s — the hotspot for students. Great facilities: aircon, whiteboards, chill-out zones, solid computer labs. They specialize in exam preparation: IELTS, TOEFL, business English, and more. One of my buddies said their teachers are some of the friendliest he’s dealt with, even when he totally blanked on his vocabulary assignments.

You’ve got plenty to choose from in Malta, trust me. What matters: finding the right mix of cost, setting, style, and education quality.

Main Issues with Learning English in Malta

Being real — while Malta is fantastic, there are downsides. Most people hit certain snags — and they surprised me at the start. The good news is, if you know about them, you can totally side-step most of the drama.

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   Extra fees you didn’t plan for
   
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   • Beware: "admin," textbook, and registration costs sneak up on you — one guy shelled out €125 more just on extras. Summer? Add €35/week to that bill.
     
   • Not always obvious in courses guides, so read the small print and ask questions — it’s not just Malta University.
     
   
   
   
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   Overcrowded classes during peak season
   
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   • Classes can reach 14–15 students during summer — tough for getting loads of speaking time.
     
   • I’ve heard of students feeling invisible in large groups; some teachers don’t learn names for days.
     
   
   
   
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   Accommodation chaos
   
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   • Between June and September, finding affordable rooms is tough. Hostels fill fast and prices skyrocket.
     
   • Booked-out city housing means some end up commuting from distant areas — not ideal for morning classes.
     
   
   
   
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   Island distractions galore
   
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   • The party scene in St. Julian’s is wild. If you’re not careful, English club nights can turn into… not-so-English mornings. You’re on an island, there are beaches, bars, events — resistance is not easy.
     
   
   
   
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   Malta’s prices aren’t always what they seem
   
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   • On paper, Malta can be "cheap" compared to London, but only if you avoid the extras and don’t get stuck in tourist traps. Summer = prices up, everywhere from food to transport.
     
   
   
   

I know students who’ve had their school-arranged accommodations double-booked during busy festival periods, forcing them to couchsurf. At least it’s a story!

Beating the Problems: Solutions for Malta Courses

Let’s discuss how people (and I) dodged the pricey and stressful stuff — here are real solutions.

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   Sign up for more weeks
   
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   • Most schools slash their fees if you sign up for like 4 weeks or more. Malta University Language School starts taking off €10/week after 4 weeks. Not a bad deal if you’ve got the time.
     
   • Staying longer helps you get into a routine and really absorb what you’re learning.
     
   
   
   
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   Watch out for add-on traps
   
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   • IELS and similar schools roll in housing, airport pickups, and paperwork for one fee — usually beats scrambling for accommodation yourself.
     
   
   
   
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   Pick smaller class sizes
   
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   • Opt for schools like Maltalingua where business English caps classes at eight — more speaking, less hiding. Regular classes max at twelve, which is way better than fifteen per class!
     
   
   
   
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   Try for the low-season window
   
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   • Planning for off-peak (October to May) means smaller crowds, better deals, and overall less hassle.
     
   
   
   
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   Make sure the school is accredited
   
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   • Make sure they’re FELTOM or EAQUALS accredited, or have some real university tie-in. Felt lampshade "school" in a back alley? Run. The Maltese take education seriously (there’s even regulation), but you want the extra safety net of actual accreditation. Plus, you might need it if you’re getting a student visa or trying to convert your certificate abroad.
     
   
   
   
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   Immerse yourself beyond lessons
   
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   • You don’t have to study 24/7 — talk to locals at markets, go to events, or try meetups for real language practice.
     
   
   
   

Malta’s experience depends on you. Some smart forward-thinking goes a long way toward making your study time rewarding and affordable.

Real-life experiences and tips

Let me share a few first-hand tales and tips that surfaced in online groups and personal messages while I planned:

"Wasn’t ready for the summer fees. Stayed two extra weeks for a deal; more adventures in Gozo followed."
— Daria – Poland

"Arriving without housing booked was a huge mistake — everything was expensive or full. Next round, I’m booking two months early or taking a package."
— Sergio from Brazil

Totally relate to Sergio’s panic: the first hostel I tried didn’t even have a free bed after a group of language students rolled up. I ended up in a dodgy Airbnb with a wobbly fan and no Wi-Fi for a week. Always double-check your accommodation — you’ll thank yourself later.

Pro money tip: Some shops skip Visa Electron and contactless. Always have a spare card. For longer stays, a Maltese phone plan makes communication way easier (trust me, you’ll miss a bus eventually).

It’s the unexpected details that shape your experience. Nobody tells you about swimming before an English exam, or how much you’ll pick up by socializing at events, markets, or BBQs. Those are the memories that count.

Key takeaway? Preparation is everything. Malta’s got everything you want — sun, sea, English immersion, and a bunch of new friends — but you do have to outsmart the little traps, especially once you get hooked on all those spontaneous opportunities (looking at you, last-minute boat party invites).

Is IELS Malta Really the Best English School for You?

Anytime you ask about Malta English schools in online groups or forums, IELS always comes up — best teachers, housing, value, fun. I wasn’t planning to consider them, but with all the praise, I had to look. Turns out, their reputation is real.

How IELS Malta Sets Itself Apart

Location is unbeatable: Sliema is the hub for student life, and with IELS’s on-site options, everything is literally within walking distance. Breakfast, class, and fun — all in your building.

Classes are usually 10 or fewer (except during crazy peak weeks), making it social but not overwhelming. Students come alone or with a buddy and end up with new mates fast — with BBQs, group chats, and casual after-school meetups.

My favorite feature: no endless worksheets! Lessons are interactive with quizzes, improvisation, and teacher support. CELTA-trained staff keep things fresh and effective.

IELS also has a wild list of courses — from General English to Exam Prep, Business, and even teen "English +" packages. Need private lessons? Sorted. Here’s the deal though: it’s not the cheapest, not always, but what you save on location, atmosphere, and not needing to commute… it balances out. You get what you pay for — zero bait-and-switch.

What makes IELS Malta "the one" for a lot of students?

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• Prime location (honestly, Sliema is the place for students — I tried St. Julians and got overwhelmed)
  
• Air conditioning and up-to-date facilities (crucial in the summer)
  
• Tight community: instant WhatsApp groups, organized trips, you don’t get lost in the shuffle
  
• Fair class sizes, solid teaching standards
  
• Lodging connected to the school — saves commuting hassles
  

I ran into a French guy, Rémi, who basically summed it up:

"I tried another school but at IELS people actually wanted to make friends, not just leave after class. I talked more English in a week there than in a month of my old school."
— Rémi – France

What to Consider When Comparing Malta Language Schools

A look at Malta’s top schools, side by side

Why choose IELS Malta out of all the options?

The winning factor is how IELS balances a big-school structure with a welcoming, social vibe. Newcomers or shy students are quickly included, and group activities run non-stop. You’ll never be left out, and learning happens everywhere.

They have reliable internet and proper air conditioning, unlike some schools. After-class online resources are solid — no more faded handouts, just helpful forums and tasks. Many extend their stay for the great balance of learning and fun.

If your goal is exam prep — IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge — they smash it. Classes are tough but engaging, and they set you up with past papers, mock interviews, all the exam ninja tricks no one else tells you. Their pass rate’s no joke.

Potential drawbacks even with IELS Malta

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• Summer can be overwhelming: Peak season means packed schools and high prices everywhere. IELS copes, but only if you book well ahead.
  
• Social burnout: With all the events, it’s easy to get tired — make time for yourself to recharge, or you’ll be at every party.
  
• Super motivated crowd: If you’re not putting in effort, others will let you know. It’s inspiring but might make you feel lazy if you’re not careful.
  

How to Handle Daily Life in Malta

How to Get Good Housing in Malta

Book a school residence if possible. If not, use student/flatshare groups on Facebook or school forums. Don’t send deposits before viewing the flat! Shared apartments in Sliema, Gzira, Msida are the go-tos; Gozo is for solitude, not parties.

Balancing Part-Time Work with Courses

After a few months in Malta on a language visa, you’re eligible to work part-time. Popular work: cafes, summer camps, cleaning — but English-speaking workplaces are ideal. Volunteering helps you meet locals and practice real English.

Malta Language School FAQ (Including Weird Questions)

Do Malta courses really cost less than UK or Ireland?

For the most part, Malta beats the UK or Ireland on price, but fees (especially in summer) do add up. Outside peak season, bargains are everywhere and daily costs are lower.

Do four weeks in Malta actually make a difference in English skills?

Only if you use it outside class, too. Dive into meetups, talk to locals, say yes to group chats. One friend went from "Uh, sorry, what?" to making puns with Australians after four weeks at IELS. It’s about exposure — not magic beans.

How intense is an ‘Intensive’ course?

You’ll be busy: 25+ classes per week, frequent assignments and workshops. Still, Malta’s vibe keeps things from feeling too stressful.

If my accommodation fails, what are my options?

Get in touch with the school right away — they usually have backup housing, and there’s always someone searching for a roommate. Word-of-mouth fixes things pretty quickly.

Are Malta school certificates recognized elsewhere?

Most certificates are valid in the EU and sometimes internationally, mainly from recognized academies. Double-check acceptance in your home country or job.

Are there scam schools in Malta?

There are some less reputable places, but if you only choose FELTOM or EAQUALS-accredited schools, you’ll be safe. Watch out for bad reviews and visa problems — that’s a red flag.

Final Words: Succeeding in Malta English Courses

Malta is an adventure if played right. IELS Malta ticks all the boxes, and sites like MaltaEng.com sometimes beat their direct prices. Plan ahead for fees, soak in all the cultures, and you’ll collect more than just new words — expect lifelong memories and friends. Go for it — Malta is worth the leap.

Further Reading

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• ELT Council:
  
• FELTOM site: