International Schools in Malta 2026: Complete Expat Family Guide

For families relocating to Malta, few decisions carry as much weight as choosing the right school. A new country brings new routines, new friendships and an entirely new social world for your children — and the school you choose will shape all of it. The good news is that Malta punches well above its size when it comes to education. The island hosts genuinely excellent international schools, delivers instruction almost entirely in English, and wraps the whole experience in a Mediterranean lifestyle that most families never want to leave. This guide gives you everything you need: the schools, the fees, the waiting lists, the locations and the practical steps to enrol before you land.

1. Education in Malta: Overview for Expat Families

Malta operates a three-tier education system — state, Church and independent — each with its own fees, ethos and curriculum profile. Understanding the landscape before diving into individual school profiles will save you considerable time.

Compulsory education runs from age five to sixteen. Beyond that, most students continue to sixth form (A-Level equivalent) or vocational college before university. The state school system is free and funded by the Maltese government, but lessons are delivered primarily in Maltese and English. Standards across government schools vary considerably by school and catchment area, and for short- to medium-term expats, the Maltese national curriculum creates a genuine continuity problem when children eventually return to their home country.

Church schools are subsidised Catholic institutions overseen by the Catholic Church in partnership with the government. Fees are modest — typically EUR 1,500 to EUR 3,000 per year — and academic standards at the best Church schools genuinely rival the private sector. They are Catholic in ethos but welcome children of other faiths, and waiting lists at the most sought-after schools are long. Applying two to three years before you need a place is not unusual.

Independent and international schools offer British, American and International Baccalaureate curricula and are the natural home for most relocating expat families. Fees range from EUR 8,000 to EUR 24,000 per year depending on school and year group. These schools use English exclusively, welcome rolling admissions throughout the year, and are structured to transfer smoothly with curricula used across the UK, Europe, the United States and internationally.

Malta's single greatest educational advantage for English-speaking families is straightforward: English is an official language alongside Maltese, and virtually every Maltese person under the age of 60 speaks it fluently. Your children will not face a language barrier at school, with friends, at sports clubs or in shops. This is categorically different from relocating to France, Italy, Portugal or most of continental Europe.

Beyond language, Malta offers a quality of life that makes the school years genuinely pleasant. The island ranks among Europe's safest countries, traffic and crime are low by any EU standard, and the outdoor Mediterranean lifestyle — beaches reachable from most schools in under 30 minutes, year-round sport, sailing, cycling — means children develop physically and socially in ways that urban European capitals rarely afford.

The University of Malta, established in 1592 and one of the oldest universities in the Commonwealth, sits in Msida. For families planning a longer stay, the prospect of university-age children studying locally — free of charge for EU passport holders — is an increasingly attractive option.

2. Verdala International School

Location: Birkirkara / San Gwann border, central Malta Age range: 3 to 18 Curriculum: International Baccalaureate — PYP, MYP and Diploma

Verdala International School is widely regarded as Malta's flagship international school and is the first name most relocating families encounter. It is a fully authorised IB World School offering all three main programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–12, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16, and the IB Diploma Programme for students aged 16–19. Very few schools anywhere in the world offer all three, and the seamless progression from nursery through to university entry is one of Verdala's defining strengths.

Fees (2025/26 academic year, approximate):

Fees exclude the registration/enrolment deposit, examination fees for the IB Diploma (set by the International Baccalaureate Organisation), and optional extras such as school bus, lunch and after-school activities.

Language of instruction is English throughout. French is offered as a core modern language alongside other options. The school community is genuinely multinational, drawing children from the UK, US, Scandinavia, Germany, the Middle East, India and beyond — your children will make international friendships from day one.

Facilities are among the best on the island: well-resourced science laboratories, a performing arts centre, sports fields, a swimming pool and comprehensive art and music provision. The school is fully accredited internationally, and the IB Diploma is accepted by universities across the UK, Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia without additional conversion.

Waiting list: Yes, particularly for primary year groups. Verdala is oversubscribed at nearly every entry point, and some families wait 12 to 18 months for a primary place. If Verdala is your first choice, contact the admissions office as early as possible — ideally before you commit to a move date. Secondary places tend to be more available, particularly mid-year.

Location and commute: The campus sits on the Birkirkara/San Gwann border in central Malta, approximately 15 minutes from Sliema and St Julian's outside school-run hours and 20–25 minutes during the 7:30–8:30 am peak. Families living in Sliema, St Julian's, Msida, Gzira, Swieqi and San Gwann find the commute very manageable. Birkirkara itself is a popular choice for families who want to be within walking distance or a 5-minute drive.

3. QSI International School of Malta

Location: Balzan, central Malta Age range: Pre-school to Grade 12 (approximately age 3 to 18) Curriculum: American — Quality Schools International

QSI International School of Malta is part of the Quality Schools International network, a respected organisation operating American-curriculum schools in over 30 countries worldwide. If your family is coming from the United States, Canada or a country where you have been following an American curriculum, QSI offers the smoothest possible continuity for your children.

The school operates on a US academic calendar, awards a US High School Diploma on completion, and prepares students for the SAT and ACT standardised tests required for US college admission. The curriculum covers all standard American subject areas — English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies — with modern language instruction in addition. Class sizes are small, the school community is tight-knit, and pastoral care is attentive in the way that only a smaller school can be.

Fees (approximate):

Admissions operate on a rolling basis throughout the year, and unlike Verdala, QSI rarely has significant waiting lists. This makes it particularly suitable for families whose move date is fixed and who cannot afford an 18-month wait. If you are relocating at short notice or mid-year, QSI is often the most practical choice.

Community character: QSI has a strong American expat community feel, and the school actively fosters connection between families through events, parent volunteering and social activities. For American families in particular, it provides a ready-made social network that can ease the often isolating early months of a new country.

Location and commute: Balzan sits in the heart of central Malta, roughly 20 minutes from Sliema and St Julian's. Families in Attard, Mosta, Naxxar, Lija and the central cluster of villages are very well placed. Sliema and St Julian's families face a slightly longer drive but remain within a comfortable school-run distance. Public bus transport is available but school bus is the practical choice for most families.

4. St Edward's College

Location: Birgu (Vittoriosa), Three Cities area, south Malta Age range: Secondary only — age 11 to 18 Curriculum: Maltese O-Level and A-Level, with international pathways

St Edward's College is one of Malta's most historic and academically respected secondary schools, run by the De La Salle Brothers — a Catholic teaching order — since 1929. The school occupies a magnificent campus in Birgu, one of the storied Three Cities that guard the southern edge of the Grand Harbour. If architecture and heritage matter to your family, there are few more impressive places for a teenager to spend their secondary school years.

Despite its Catholic foundation, St Edward's actively welcomes students of all faiths and none. The school's academic reputation is built on Maltese O-Level and A-Level preparation, and its results place it consistently among Malta's top performers. International pathways are available for students who need to align with UK GCSE or A-Level frameworks, and the school's university preparation record is excellent.

Fees (approximate): EUR 3,000 – EUR 6,000 per year, depending on year group and siblings. This represents a very significant saving compared to the full international schools — roughly one-quarter of Verdala's secondary fees — while delivering strong academic outcomes. For families on a tighter budget, or simply families who prefer a more locally integrated experience, St Edward's deserves serious consideration.

Facilities and sport: The college has strong sport provision, with rowing on the Grand Harbour a particularly distinctive offer — your son or daughter could be training on one of Europe's most spectacular stretches of water. Football, athletics and other team sports complete the picture. The arts, music and drama programme is well-developed for a secondary-only school.

Location and commute: Birgu is in the south of Malta, which means a 20–25 minute drive from Valletta and 35–40 minutes from Sliema and St Julian's depending on traffic. For families who have chosen to live in Valletta, the Three Cities or the south of the island — increasingly popular with buyers seeking character properties — St Edward's becomes the natural secondary school choice. Families based further north should weigh the commute carefully for a daily school run.

5. St Dorothy's School and Other Private Schools

Malta's private school sector extends well beyond the two headline international schools. A number of smaller independent schools serve the expat community with British-style curricula, strong pastoral care and more intimate class sizes.

St Dorothy's School, Swieqi is among the most consistently recommended private schools for British expat families. Located in Swieqi — one of the most popular expat neighbourhoods, sitting between St Julian's and the rural north — St Dorothy's offers a British-style curriculum from pre-school through to secondary level. Class sizes are small, the environment is nurturing, and the school has a strong reputation for supporting children through the transition of moving country. Fees are in the EUR 6,000 – EUR 12,000 range depending on year group.

St Aloysius College, Birkirkara is a Jesuit institution with one of Malta's longest academic traditions. It operates separate junior and senior colleges, and whilst primarily oriented to the Maltese national curriculum and O/A-Level pathway, it has a strong history of academic excellence that attracts both local and expatriate families. Non-Catholics are welcomed. Junior College is particularly well regarded. Fees sit in the EUR 2,500 – EUR 5,000 range.

Chiswick House School, Msida is a smaller British-style school with a reputation for a warm, nurturing environment. Well suited to younger children (pre-school to primary) who benefit from very small class sizes and close teacher-pupil relationships. Fees are in the EUR 5,000 – EUR 9,000 range.

San Andrea School is another private option serving the expat community with a British-adjacent curriculum and a community-focused ethos.

Overview of main private and international schools:

6. State and Church Schools: Are They an Option for Expat Children?

This question comes up in almost every conversation with relocating families, and the honest answer is: it depends heavily on your circumstances.

State schools are entirely free of charge, and Malta's government-run schools have improved considerably over the past decade. However, instruction follows the Maltese national curriculum, and while English is used extensively as a medium of instruction, the framework, examinations and content are specifically Maltese. For a child arriving from the UK, the United States, Germany or France, the curriculum gap creates real challenges — particularly if the family expects to return home within two to five years. A child who sits Maltese O-Levels rather than IGCSEs or the IB Diploma will face a complicated transition back into mainstream British or international education.

Church schools occupy a more interesting position. Subsidised by the government and run by the Catholic Church, they charge modest fees — typically EUR 1,500 to EUR 3,000 per year — and the best performers, including St Aloysius Junior College and Stella Maris College, genuinely rival the independent sector in academic outcomes. They are Catholic in ethos, with religious studies as a core subject, and most operate a school mass schedule; but they are not exclusive to Catholic families, and children of other faiths attend without issue in practice.

The realistic assessment for most expat families: Church schools are an excellent option for families planning to stay five years or more, who are happy for their children to follow the Maltese educational pathway, and whose children are young enough to adapt to the curriculum without excessive disruption. For families on a two-to-three-year assignment, or whose children are in secondary school and need curriculum continuity for university applications, an international or private school will almost always be the better fit.

The social benefit of Church and state schools should not be overlooked. Children who attend local Maltese schools integrate into the community far more thoroughly, make Maltese friends, and often leave Malta speaking some Maltese. That is a genuinely enriching experience — but it comes with the curriculum trade-off described above.

7. The University of Malta and Sixth Form Options

For families with older children, or those planning a longer stay in Malta, the post-16 and higher education landscape is worth understanding in detail.

The University of Malta, founded in 1592 in Msida, is one of the oldest universities in the Commonwealth and offers a full range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in arts, science, law, medicine, engineering, business and more. Tuition is free for EU/EEA citizens at undergraduate level — a remarkable benefit that makes Malta genuinely competitive as a long-term family base for European nationals. The campus is modern, well-resourced, and the university maintains exchange partnerships across Europe through the Erasmus programme.

Junior College Msida is the government sixth-form institution, offering A-Level equivalent qualifications free of charge. Entry is competitive and largely designed for students coming through the Maltese secondary system, but it is an option for academically strong expat students who have followed the Maltese curriculum.

MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology) provides vocational and technical education at diploma and degree level, with courses in engineering, IT, hospitality, creative arts and more. An excellent pathway for practically oriented students.

For families whose children follow the IB Diploma at Verdala, the pathway to elite universities is well-established. The IB is recognised and actively sought by UK Russell Group universities, the Ivy League and equivalent in the United States, and universities across Europe and Australia. Verdala students regularly go on to study at UCL, Edinburgh, Warwick, Dublin, Amsterdam and beyond. Malta is an entirely credible base from which to launch a young person toward a top-tier international university.

8. Choosing the Right School: Key Factors

With multiple credible options across a small island, the choice can feel overwhelming. The following framework helps most families reach a clear decision relatively quickly.

How long are you staying? If your assignment is under three years, curriculum continuity is paramount. Choose Verdala (IB) or QSI (US) for the smoothest return to home country education. If you are staying five or more years, the full range opens up — including Church schools and St Edward's.

What curriculum does your child currently follow? A child mid-IB should continue IB; Verdala is the only option. A child in the American system should consider QSI as the priority to avoid starting over. A child in the British system has the most flexibility — Verdala's IB is UK-university-accepted, St Dorothy's and Chiswick House offer British-style education, and St Edward's A-Levels are recognised in the UK.

What is your budget? The difference between EUR 24,000 per year at Verdala and EUR 4,000 per year at St Edward's is not trivial over five years. For families with multiple children, the arithmetic becomes very significant. St Edward's strong academic results mean the saving does not come at a commensurate academic cost.

Location and traffic. Malta's roads congest sharply during school runs (7:30–8:30 am and 3:00–4:00 pm). A school that is 10 km away but in the wrong direction can mean 40 minutes each way during peak hours. Factor school location into your property search, not as an afterthought.

Learning style: IB versus British versus American. The IB is inquiry-based, interdisciplinary, and places strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity and international-mindedness. British A-Levels offer deep specialisation in three or four subjects. The American curriculum is broader across more subjects throughout high school. Each produces excellent university candidates; the right fit depends on your child's strengths and preferred way of working.

Languages and mother-tongue support. If your children are not native English speakers, all international schools offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, though the depth and cost of provision varies. Ask each school specifically what EAL support looks like and how it is timetabled.

Special Educational Needs (SEN). Provision for children with learning differences, physical disabilities or complex needs is more limited in Malta than in larger countries. Verdala and QSI both have some SEN support capacity, but families with children who have significant needs should have a detailed conversation with admissions teams before committing. The local Maltese system has SEN resource centres, but these are integrated into the state school framework.

Sport and arts facilities. If your child is a serious swimmer, footballer, musician or actor, the extracurricular offering matters enormously. Verdala leads on facilities; QSI on community warmth; St Edward's on rowing and outdoor sport; St Dorothy's on nurturing arts. Visit each campus before deciding.

9. School Proximity and Property Decisions

Where you live in Malta should be informed — at least in part — by where your children will go to school. The island is small (27 km long, 14 km wide) but traffic on the main arterial routes during school hours is genuinely disruptive. A 20-minute drive at 9 am can easily become 45 minutes at 7:50 am.

If your first choice is Verdala International School, the optimal residential zones are Birkirkara, San Gwann, Msida, Gzira, Swieqi and St Julian's. All place you within 10–20 minutes of the campus even during peak hours. Sliema is comfortably 15 minutes. Ta' Xbiex, which has a substantial diplomatic and expat community, is similarly well-placed.

If your first choice is QSI International School, the most convenient locations are Balzan itself, Attard, Mosta, Naxxar, Lija and Rabat. These are quieter, more family-oriented villages with larger properties and gardens — increasingly popular with families who want more space. From Sliema or St Julian's, QSI is 20–25 minutes, which is manageable but adds up over an academic year.

If your first choice is St Edward's College, you are looking at the Three Cities area — Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua — or Valletta, Fgura or Paola. These areas are undergoing significant regeneration and offer some of the most characterful properties in Malta, often at prices that surprise buyers used to Sliema and St Julian's benchmarks. From the north of the island, however, St Edward's is a 40-minute commute and should be considered carefully.

For maximum flexibility — particularly if you are not yet certain which school you will choose — Sliema and St Julian's give the best all-round access to most schools while also delivering the strongest property liquidity and the most developed expat amenity infrastructure (restaurants, gyms, international supermarkets, marinas).

School bus services are available from most schools and typically cost EUR 1,000 – EUR 2,500 per year depending on distance. For many families, the school bus transforms a stressful daily drive into a non-issue and is money very well spent.

10. After School, Weekends and Extracurricular Life

One of the most frequent questions from families considering a Malta move is: "But what will the kids actually do?" The answer is considerably more than most families expect.

Sport: Malta has active youth leagues for most major sports. The Malta Football Association runs structured youth leagues at junior level, and most schools participate or run their own football teams. Swimming is excellent — the Aquatic Sports Association operates a national pool in Gzira and structured competitive programmes for all ages, and the Mediterranean climate means outdoor sea swimming from April through November. Tennis clubs operate year-round. The Royal Malta Yacht Club in Ta' Xbiex runs a respected junior sailing programme that has produced national and international champions. Malta RFC fields junior rugby. Horse riding is available at several centres in the centre and south of the island.

Arts and music: The Malta Music Academy offers instrumental tuition across a wide range of instruments with experienced teachers. Art studios, photography clubs and design workshops exist across the island. The national arts centre Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta runs youth theatre, drama and dance programmes that have become genuinely popular with expat families.

Nature and outdoor life: Every beach on Malta's coastline is reachable within 30 minutes from any school in the country. Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, St Peter's Pool, the Blue Lagoon — children growing up in Malta have a natural playground that simply does not exist in London, New York or Munich. Gozo, the smaller sister island a 25-minute ferry ride away, offers cycling, hiking, cave swimming and rock climbing, and makes for an exceptional family day trip or weekend. Diving and snorkelling are beginner-accessible and world-class.

Safety: Malta consistently ranks among Europe's safest countries by every metric — violent crime is extremely rare, and the scale of the island means that communities are tightly interconnected. Children from around age 12 upwards realistically take local buses independently, cycle to friends' houses, and navigate the social world with a degree of freedom that parents coming from major cities often find almost startling. This is not naive — it reflects the statistical reality of life on a safe, small island where everybody knows somebody who knows you.

11. Practical Guide: Enrolling Your Child in Malta

Start early. For Verdala in particular, begin enquiries 12 months before your intended start date. For QSI, St Dorothy's and most others, six months is generally sufficient. For Church and state schools, apply as far in advance as the school will accept applications.

The admissions process at most international schools follows a consistent pattern:

1. Enquiry and initial conversation with the admissions office
2. Submission of a formal application with required documents
3. Review of previous school records and reports
4. Language assessment (particularly for EAL students)
5. Interview — for older students, sometimes for parents too
6. Offer or waitlist notification
7. Payment of enrolment deposit (typically EUR 1,000 – EUR 2,000, non-refundable)

Documents you will need:

• Valid passports for all children
• School reports and transcripts for the last two academic years (official translations if not in English)
• Vaccination and immunisation record
• Any existing SEN assessments, educational psychologist reports or learning support plans
• Proof of address in Malta (a signed tenancy agreement is usually sufficient before you arrive)

Starting mid-year is possible at most international schools — rolling admissions are a deliberate feature of schools that serve mobile expat communities. The academic transition is manageable; the social one requires a little more care. Schools that handle mid-year arrivals well (which includes Verdala and QSI by design) will typically assign a buddy or pastoral tutor to help new students settle in. Encourage your children to join one extracurricular activity from the first week — it accelerates friendships dramatically.

All major schools have English-speaking admissions staff and are experienced with international families. Do not hesitate to ask specific questions about curriculum mapping, university preparation, EAL support, sport, and anything else that matters to your family. A good admissions conversation should leave you more informed, not more anxious.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best international school in Malta? Verdala International School is most families' first choice for the combination of IB curriculum continuity, facilities and accreditation. QSI is the best choice for American-curriculum families or those needing rolling admissions without a waiting list. The "best" school is always the one that fits your child's needs, your curriculum, your budget and your location.

What are school fees like in Malta compared to other countries? Malta's international school fees are significantly lower than equivalent schools in Dubai, Singapore, Zurich, London or Paris. At EUR 12,000 – EUR 24,000 per year for a full international school, you are accessing IB and US-curriculum education at roughly 40–60% of what comparable schools cost in the Gulf or Southeast Asia. Church and private schools at EUR 2,500 – EUR 6,000 are exceptional value by any comparison.

Is there a waiting list for Verdala International School? Yes. Primary year groups in particular are oversubscribed and waiting lists can stretch 12–18 months. Contact the admissions office as early as possible — before you confirm your move if that is feasible. Secondary places are more available, including mid-year.

Is the IB Diploma available in Malta? Yes — Verdala International School is a fully authorised IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme, as well as the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. The IB Diploma is recognised by universities across the UK, EU, US, Canada and Australia.

Are state schools good enough for expat children? State schools are free and have improved in recent years, but they follow the Maltese national curriculum, which creates real challenges for children who will eventually return to British, American or continental European school systems. For short-to-medium-term expats, an international or private school is almost always the better fit. For families integrating long-term, local schools offer a genuine and enriching community experience.

What curriculum do international schools in Malta follow? Verdala follows the International Baccalaureate (IB). QSI follows the US/American curriculum leading to a US High School Diploma. St Dorothy's and Chiswick House follow British-style curricula. St Edward's College and Church schools follow the Maltese O-Level and A-Level system, which is closely modelled on the British system and recognised by UK universities.

Can I enrol my child mid-year? Yes, at most international schools including Verdala and QSI. Mid-year enrolment is a standard feature of schools serving mobile expat communities. Academically it is well-managed; socially it takes a few weeks to settle but typically goes smoothly, particularly if children join a sport or activity from the first week.

How far are the schools from Sliema and St Julian's? Verdala is approximately 15–20 minutes. QSI in Balzan is approximately 20–25 minutes. St Dorothy's in Swieqi is approximately 10 minutes. St Edward's in Birgu is approximately 35–40 minutes. All timings are during school-run hours; outside peak times, add nothing or subtract 5–10 minutes.

What extracurricular activities are available for children in Malta? Football, swimming, sailing, tennis, rowing, rugby, horse riding, music, drama, art, diving and snorkelling. Most activities operate year-round thanks to the Mediterranean climate. The Royal Malta Yacht Club junior sailing programme is particularly well regarded. Beaches, Gozo and outdoor life add a natural dimension to childhood that is hard to replicate anywhere in northern Europe.

Is Malta safe for children? Extremely safe. Malta consistently ranks among the lowest crime-rate countries in Europe. Children from age 12 upwards routinely travel independently on public buses, and the small, interconnected nature of island life adds an additional layer of informal community safety. Families relocating from major cities regularly comment that the freedom children enjoy in Malta is something they had not experienced since their own childhoods.

Choosing a school is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as a relocating family, and it is one where getting personalised, up-to-date advice makes a real difference. At Malta Luxury Real Estate, we work with families at exactly this stage of their move — helping you find a home that fits not just your lifestyle and budget, but your children's school, your commute and your wider life here on the island. We know the schools, the neighbourhoods and the admissions timelines because we have guided dozens of families through exactly this process.

Get in touch with our team at info@maltaluxuryrealestate.com — we would be delighted to arrange a conversation and help you find both the right home and the right school for your family's move to Malta.