Learn Everything About the Education System in Malta

Education in Malta: the Maltese education system

Education in Malta is overseen by the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation. School attendance is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 16. One of the distinctive characteristics of the Maltese education system is its bilingual environment. Teaching is conducted in both Maltese and English, and students learn English as an official language from the beginning of primary school.

The Maltese education system is structured into several stages that guide students from early childhood education to higher education.

The system includes:

• Pre-school education, for children aged 2 years and 9 months to 5 years. Attendance at this stage is optional, but it helps prepare children for primary education.

• Compulsory education, divided into two stages:Primary education (from 5 to 11 years) and secondary education (from 11 to 16 years).

• Upper secondary education, commonly known as Sixth Form, which prepares students who wish to continue their studies at university.

• Higher education, including university studies and specialised institutes.

Continuing Professional Development

Adult education is also an important part of Malta’s learning system. Public institutions offer various training opportunities for adults who wish to improve their skills, learn new subjects, or continue their education later in life.

The Ministry of Education provides adult education programmes and evening classes covering a wide range of subjects. These may include professional skills, craft training, language learning, academic subjects, leisure activities, and cultural courses such as drama.

Other public and private organisations also offer training opportunities. Professional associations, trade unions, local councils, and educational organisations regularly organise general or vocational courses for adults.

Professional and Vocational Training

In addition to academic education, Malta provides several vocational training programmes designed to support employment and professional development.

Job seekers and workers can benefit from training programmes organised by Jobsplus, Malta’s public employment service. These programmes may include professional training courses, work experience opportunities, and initiatives designed to support people entering or returning to the labour market.

Some programmes focus on supporting specific groups such as long-term unemployed individuals, young graduates, or adults who want to develop new professional skills. Other initiatives encourage entrepreneurship and help individuals start their own businesses.

Local employment programmes may also provide training opportunities and short-term work experience for people seeking to improve their professional prospects.

Training Opportunities

Malta offers a variety of training institutions that provide both academic and vocational education.

Public institutions offer courses in professional skills, crafts, technical education, and adult learning. Many training programmes are available during the evening, allowing people to combine work and education.

Specialised institutes provide technical training in areas such as engineering, technology, and vocational trades. These programmes often combine theoretical learning with practical experience.

The private sector also contributes significantly to training opportunities. Private institutes frequently offer courses in management, business, digital technologies, and professional development. Some companies also provide internal training programmes for their employees.

Professional Certifications

Professional qualifications in Malta are aligned with European education standards to ensure transparency and recognition.

The Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) classifies qualifications across different education levels and aligns them with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). This system helps ensure that Maltese qualifications are recognised and comparable across Europe.

The Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) oversees the accreditation and quality assurance of education providers and professional certifications.

Through this system, students and professionals in Malta benefit from qualifications that are recognised both nationally and internationally.