Schools in Malta: State, Church and Independent Options

Malta has state, church and independent schools. The admissions route, cost and language environment differ, so families should compare the actual school and placement process rather than relying on sector stereotypes. For current official information, see Education in Malta.

State schools are organised in colleges and commonly linked to locality. Church and independent schools have their own admissions, with independent schools charging fees.

What the three sectors cost

Sector	Tuition position	Costs still to budget
State	No tuition fee for eligible pupils	Uniform, stationery/devices, transport, meals, outings and after-school care
Church	No general tuition fee; schools may request voluntary donations	Application/enrolment, uniform, transport, meals, activities and materials
Independent	Published annual tuition set by each school and year group	Registration/deposit, uniform, books/devices, transport, meals and extras

For a dated scale example, St Edward's College published 2026/27 annual tuition from €2,842 for Nursery, €3,952 for Kindergarten, €5,208 for Year 1, rising by year group to €11,051 for Year 12. This is one school, not a Malta-wide tariff. Ask each school for the complete fee schedule, payment dates, refundable deposit, sibling discount and extras.

For Church-school admissions, the central application has recently charged €25, or €30 for a late application, with a €50 enrolment fee after placement. Confirm the relevant year's notice; voluntary donations should not be described as compulsory tuition.

How to shortlist a school

1. Start with the child's age, current level, language and support needs.
2. Compare state, Church and independent admission routes.
3. Confirm availability rather than assuming proximity guarantees entry.
4. Visit or speak to the school about curriculum, language and pastoral support.
5. Test the home-to-school journey and transport arrangements.
6. Price fees, uniforms, meals, transport and activities where applicable.
7. Collect school reports, identity, residence and medical documents requested.

Questions for the admissions office

• Is there a place for the intended year and start date?
• What decides eligibility or catchment?
• Which languages are used in class and what support is offered?
• How are additional educational needs handled?
• What are the full annual costs and daily hours?

Compare admission, language and daily routine together

Language

Government guidance says Maltese is the main language of instruction in state schools except for English lessons, while independent schools generally teach in English.

Admissions

State-school registration uses government and International Learners routes; church and independent providers set their own processes. Use Registering a Child in a State School to apply or register through the official route.

Practical fit

Commute, school transport, support needs, calendar and after-school care should be checked before housing is fixed.

Language and additional-needs support

Newly arrived learners may be assessed for induction/language support through the state system and the Migrant Learners' Unit/International Learners Directorate. Support is based on the child's actual Maltese/English level; ask the receiving school whether support is in class, in an induction hub or through a separate programme and how progress is reviewed.

For disability or additional educational needs, give the school existing psychological, medical and education reports early. The school/college and National School Support Services can guide assessment, statementing and Learning Support Educator arrangements where criteria are met. A diagnosis from abroad does not automatically reproduce the same hours or placement in Malta.

Ask for one written transition plan naming: classroom language support, reasonable adjustments, medication/personal-care plan, responsible staff, transport accessibility, exam access arrangements and the review date. Independent and Church schools have their own staffing/capacity, so confirm support before paying a non-refundable fee.

Apply on the school's actual calendar

Different school sectors use different admission procedures and deadlines. Ask the institution or responsible authority for the current route.

Plan the next part

Start with Living in Malta: Complete Everyday Life Guide for the wider picture.

• Enrolling a Child in a Malta State School
• Moving to Malta with Children: Schools, Healthcare and Settling In
• Healthcare System in Malta: Public and Private Care
• Doctors and Pharmacies in Malta: Everyday Healthcare Access
• Childcare and After-School Care in Malta

Browse all Everyday Life guides.

Choose a workable school day

A strong academic preference still needs a sustainable commute, pickup plan and support arrangement for the child.

Last reviewed: 9 August 2026. Recheck the official sources in the article metadata when a deadline, price, eligibility rule or service arrangement affects your decision.