Malta

Malta’s education system reflects the country’s small size, exemplary institutional coordination, and long-standing commitment to equitable access and quality.

Education in Malta is centrally governed by the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR, Ministru għall-Edukazzjoni, l-Isport, iż-Żgħażagħ, ir-Riċerka u l-Innovazzjoni), which sets national policies, curricula, and standards across all levels of schooling. Specialized bodies, such as the Directorate for Educational Services and the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education, support implementation by overseeing service delivery and quality assurance. A key feature of the system is the provision of free education in state institutions from early childhood through tertiary level, underscoring education’s central role in national development.

The system is organized across elementary, secondary, and post-secondary pathways. Compulsory education begins at age five and continues for 11 years, covering six years of elementary education followed by five years of secondary education. During these stages, students follow a national curriculum designed to provide instruction in core academic subjects.

Following compulsory schooling, students may continue to a university-preparatory program or enter vocational and technical pathways. University-preparatory education typically lasts two years and prepares students for further academic study, while vocational programs offer alternative routes focused on applied learning and skills development. These pathways are provided through general education institutions as well as specialized colleges.

The medium of instruction in Malta is both Maltese and English, with both languages used across different subjects and school types. This bilingual approach is a defining feature of the system and is reflected throughout elementary, secondary, and higher education.

A combination of ongoing assessments and examinations at key stages direct student progression through the system, particularly at the end of secondary and university-preparatory education. These assessments are used to determine access to post-secondary and university programs.

Malta’s post-secondary sector comprises universities, vocational institutions, and specialized colleges. The University of Malta, the country’s only public university, offers undergraduate and graduate programs, while institutions such as the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology and the Institute for Tourism Studies provide technical and professional education. Both academic and vocational pathways form part of the broader tertiary education landscape.

The system also provides adult training and continuing education, offering opportunities for further learning beyond initial schooling. Education policy and provision continue to evolve within national frameworks that address participation, curriculum development, and the relationship between education and employment.