Education is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 years. While the state provides education free of charge, the Church and the private sector run a number of schools in Malta and Gozo. Most of the teachers’ salary in Church schools is paid by the state. Education in Malta is based on the British Model.

The first years of education in Malta are done in reception. Attendance is up to 5 years and not compulsory. Compulsory education starts at the age of 6, with primary education lasting for six years. Following public examinations, students enter secondary education. Following a five-year course preparing for the Secondary Education Certificate (SEC), equivalent to the British General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), students sit for final examinations (results are used in the school-leaving certificate), and in general also sit for the SEC examinations. SEC examinations require students to be aged 16 and over, or to have a school-leaving certificate. Students who have repeated years are therefore able to apportion their SEC examinations over the last two years at school.

Once compulsory secondary education ends, students may enter either in a vocational college such as MCAST or a sixth form. The latter provide a two-year course leading to the Matriculation Certificate, which is the equivalent of the UK Advanced Level Examinations and Advanced Subsidiary Examinations. For students unsuccessful in their SEC examinations, there is the option of attending a Higher Secondary school, a sort of safety net to give students the possibility to catch up, where any core subjects (mathematics, English language, Maltese, and a natural science) previously failed are again taught at ordinary level in preparation for SEC examinations, while also teaching intermediate and advanced level subjects. Students may also choose to attend specialised private institutions preparing for diplomas, degrees, and profession qualifications of foreign examination bodies in careers such as IT (London University), networking (CISCO), accountancy (ACCA), and banking.

Tertiary education at diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate level is mainly provided by the University of Malta (UoM). Qualifications from the UoM are fully recognised internationally after its conversion to using the European ECTS credits system. Admission requires a minimum overall C grade in the Matriculation Certificate. Some of the qualifications obtained from private institutions are also recognised. Full time attendance by Maltese citizens is free of charge, while part time (evening) attendance is not.

The Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) satisfies one of its dual roles by offering training for adults of any age and experience. The University of Malta offers similar courses and also gives the option of entering normal full or part time courses as a mature student (person aged 23 and over are exempted from satisfying the University entry requirement, though they still have to satisfy any special course requirements).

The adult literacy rate in Malta is 92.8%.

A whole list of English Language Schools can be obtained from the following link: http://www.education.gov.mt/edu/schools/english_language.htm

For further information please contact the Ministry of Education (+356) 2598 0000 or online: www.education.gov.mt

Information about the Employment and Training Corporation can be obtained online: www.etc.gov.mt

Information about courses offered and entry requirements for the University of Malta can be obtained from www.um.edu.mt