Malta (MT)

The Maltese government provides free childcare for children from age 3 months until compulsory schooling age IF both parents (or a single parent) are in employment or education. This is a substantial benefit unique to Malta — many EU countries do not offer free childcare from age 3 months. Apply through the government childcare subsidy portal at education.gov.mt. For non-working parents, standard fees apply.

Apply online at education.gov.mt for the free childcare scheme. Provide proof of employment/study for both parents. The government reimburses the centre directly — parents pay nothing if eligible.

State kindergartens are free. The government free childcare scheme also covers this age group for working parents. Church schools (Roman Catholic) and private schools charge fees.

State school enrollment: through the directorate of state schools. Private and church school enrollment: directly with the school — contact as early as 1–2 years before the desired start date for popular schools.

State schools: children are assigned to their nearest state school based on residential address. Apply at education.gov.mt or contact the Regional Education Department. EU citizen children have equal access to state schools. Documents needed: birth certificate, vaccination record, proof of address, and ID/eResidence card.

State secondary schools are assigned or applied for at the end of primary. The Junior Lyceum (grammar school) system — entry is selective via the Annual Examination (11+). Prestigious schools include Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary, De La Salle College, and various church schools.

Malta is one of the world's most popular destinations for English language learning — particularly for Southern European students. EFL (English as a Foreign Language) schools are a significant industry. Licensed schools are regulated by the MQRIC. As an expat moving to Malta, you are unlikely to need English courses — but if you want to improve your English specifically, this is an excellent environment.

Maltese is a fascinating language — the only Semitic language written in the Latin script, with deep roots in Arabic, overlaid with Italian/Sicilian and English vocabulary. It is NOT required to learn Maltese to live and work in Malta — English is fully co-official and used everywhere. However, learning even basic Maltese is warmly appreciated by the local community and opens doors socially. The University of Malta offers Maltese for Speakers of Other Languages (MSOL) courses. Note: Maltese is genuinely difficult for speakers of European languages — the Semitic grammar is very different from Romance/Germanic structures.

Several schools offer short Maltese language courses for residents. Group classes are the most affordable option. The Malta Tourism Authority promotes language learning as part of the cultural integration experience.