Malta (MT)
Malta is a small EU island nation in the central Mediterranean — the smallest EU member state by area — celebrated for its extraordinary concentration of history (the Knights of St John, ancient megalithic temples older than Stonehenge), warm climate of 300+ sunshine days per year, English as a co-official language making it uniquely accessible for anglophone expats, a thriving iGaming and fintech sector, and a strategic location halfway between Europe and North Africa.
Learning the Language in Malta
Courses, certifications, funding, and online resources to reach fluency.
Malta is unique among EU countries in having English as a fully co-official language alongside Maltese. English is used in all professional settings, government services, media, and daily life. For anglophone expats, this means virtually zero language barrier — the only country in the EU where this is true. Learning Maltese is therefore entirely optional for practical purposes, but it is deeply appreciated by the Maltese community and opens a window into a fascinating, unusual language. Maltese (Malti) is the only Semitic language written in the Latin script and the only Semitic language with official EU status — a product of the Arab conquest of Malta in 870 AD layered with centuries of Italian/Sicilian, French, and English vocabulary.
Maltese Language Integration Courses
Third-country nationals (non-EU) with residence in Malta may be directed to language/integration courses as part of their integration pathway. EU citizens: entirely voluntary. English is co-official in Malta, so the practical language barrier for English speakers is very low — no mandatory integration course requirement applies.
Courses offered by AGENZIJA APPOĠĠ and MCAST for newly arrived immigrants: free or subsidised for eligible non-EU residents. Private language schools: €200–500 per course.
Typically 10–15 weeks for introductory Maltese courses
Basic conversational Maltese (A1–A2 level). Social integration. Understanding Maltese culture and customs.
Contact AGENZIJA APOĠĠ (appogg.gov.mt), MCAST (mcast.edu.mt), or the University of Malta Language School (MUELS — muels.um.edu.mt). Private language schools advertise in local expat publications.
University of Malta Language Courses (Maltese for Speakers of Other Languages)
The University of Malta's Language School (MUELS) offers Maltese language courses at various levels for non-native speakers. Courses cover speaking, reading, writing, and cultural elements of the language. Level placements from A1 to C1. Both face-to-face and some online options available.
Open to all — no specific residence requirement for most courses
€250–500 per course level (semester-length)
Register online at muels.um.edu.mt. Courses run in line with the University of Malta academic calendar (October start, February start).
Language Levels — What Each Means
Basic Maltese greetings, numbers, colours, simple phrases. Able to introduce yourself and handle very basic transactions. "Bonġu", "Grazzi", "Jekk jogħġbok".
Required for: Nothing formal — purely for personal/social reasons
Can understand familiar phrases, describe your background, handle simple shopping/ordering interactions in Maltese. Many Maltese will switch to English anyway at this level.
Required for: Some non-EU integration pathway requirements
Can converse in Maltese on familiar topics — work, family, travel. Follow slower, clear conversations. Write simple texts.
Required for: Maltese citizenship application (language test requirement — basic Maltese or English accepted; English knowledge is equally valid)
Can participate naturally in most Maltese conversations, read Maltese newspapers, and understand Maltese TV/radio with some effort.
Required for: Advanced academic study at the University of Malta (if studying in Maltese medium); teaching in Maltese schools
Fluent, nuanced Maltese. Can understand Maltese humour, regional expressions, and participate in professional discussions in Maltese.
Required for: Professional use in Maltese legal/public sector contexts; advanced academic positions.
Near-native Maltese. Full command of written and spoken Maltese including dialectal variation and historical vocabulary.
Required for: Academic research, translation, and senior roles in Maltese-language media or cultural institutions.
Courses & Community Learning
Language Exchange Partners (Malta Language Exchange)
FreeFind a language exchange partner who speaks Maltese and wants to practice your language. Active Facebook group and meet-up community.
www.facebook.com/groups/maltalanguageexchange ↗MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology)
€100–250/courseMCAST offers various community-focused language and skills development courses at affordable prices.
www.mcast.edu.mt ↗Community Learning Malta
€0–50 per sessionVarious community associations and cultural organisations run informal Maltese language events and classes.
Official Certifications
| Certificate | Provider | Levels | When Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malta Tertiary Education Certificate — Maltese Language | MATSEC Examinations Board (University of Malta) | Ordinary Level (O-Level equivalent) and Advanced Level (A-Level equivalent) | For Maltese citizenship applications (language requirement), for certain public sector employment, and for academic progression in the Maltese education system. | €30–80 per examination (registration fee) |
| Cambridge English Certifications (English as confirmation) | British Council Malta / Cambridge Assessment | B1 (PET), B2 (FCE), C1 (CAE), C2 (CPE) | Not required for most expats in Malta (English is co-official). May be required for certain visa applications in other countries, or as evidence of English proficiency for academic programmes in non-English-speaking countries. | €120–200 per exam |
Online Resources
Duolingo Maltese
FreeDuolingo offers a Maltese language course — one of the few accessible introductory apps for the Maltese language. Good for building vocabulary and basic grammar familiarity. Limited depth but useful for beginners.
www.duolingo.com ↗Ġabra (il-Ġabra tal-Malti)
FreeA comprehensive free online dictionary of the Maltese language — essential for anyone learning or working with Maltese text. Covers etymology, word derivations, and example sentences.
www.gabra.mt ↗TVM (Public Broadcasting Services Malta)
FreeWatch Maltese TV broadcasts (tvm.com.mt) to expose yourself to the language in natural conversation. Maltese TV mixes Maltese and English naturally — reflects how the language is actually used.
www.tvm.com.mt ↗University of Malta Open Courseware
FreeThe University of Malta offers some free language learning resources online via its Open Educational Resources initiative.
www.um.edu.mt ↗Transparent Language — Maltese
PaidOnline language learning platform with Maltese course materials. More comprehensive than Duolingo for structured grammar learning.
www.transparent.com/learn-maltese ↗Funding Your Language Courses
Very limited funding available for voluntary Maltese language learning for adults. Third-country nationals may access subsidised/free courses through AGENZIJA APPOĠĠ integration programmes. EU-funded ESF (European Social Fund) projects occasionally fund language learning in Malta — check at mede.gov.mt. Employers in some sectors may fund Maltese language training as part of integration support.
Practical Tips
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Do NOT feel obligated to learn Maltese. English works perfectly for 100% of practical daily life and professional situations. The language barrier that makes learning the local language essential in France, Germany, or Denmark simply does not apply in Malta.
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That said, learning even basic Maltese — "Bonġu" (good morning), "Grazzi" (thank you), "Jekk jogħġbok" (please) — creates instant warmth with Maltese people. It shows respect and genuine interest in their culture.
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Maltese is genuinely difficult for speakers of European languages. The Arabic-derived grammar (verb conjugation system, plurals formed by internal vowel changes) is completely unlike Romance or Germanic structures. Do not be discouraged by slow progress.
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The language is commonly used interchangeably with English in most conversations — Maltese people naturally switch between the two mid-sentence (called "Maltenglish" informally). Embrace this — it makes comprehension and gradual learning more natural.
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Watch TVM (Maltese public TV) for exposure to natural Maltese speech. Start with news (slower, clearer speech) and progress to drama.
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The Ġabra dictionary (gabra.mt) is the best free online resource for Maltese vocabulary, etymology, and grammar forms.
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Language exchange is very effective in Malta — many young Maltese people want to practice Italian, German, French, or other European languages in exchange for Maltese or English conversation.
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