Introduction

For families considering a move to Malta, education can be one of the most important factors in deciding whether the country is suitable for their long-term plans.

Residency decisions are rarely made around one consideration alone. Families may also look at lifestyle, healthcare, stability and future opportunities, but the availability of suitable education can have a particularly significant influence when children are involved.

For this reason, educational opportunities for MPRP applicants and their families deserve attention alongside the wider considerations involved in planning a move to Malta.

Malta has a diverse education system, with state, church and private schools, while international and English-medium options are also available.

Why Education Matters in Residency Planning

For parents, securing residency is only one part of the decision. The practical question is what everyday life will look like after the family arrives.

Education can influence where a family chooses to live, how children adapt to a new environment and how comfortably the family transitions into life in Malta.

This is why education should be considered as part of broader family residency planning, rather than treated as a separate issue after a residency decision has already been made.

Families should consider not only the type of school available, but also the language of instruction, curriculum, location and the individual needs of each child.

Understanding Malta’s Education System

Malta’s education system includes state, church and private education providers. The country’s Ministry for Education describes education as being provided through these three sectors, with private schools generally offering English-medium education.

Compulsory education applies from age 5 to 16. Malta also provides education across early years, primary, secondary, post-secondary and tertiary levels.

For international families, understanding how these different sectors operate is an important first step when assessing educational options.

English and Maltese in Schools

Language is often one of the first questions international parents ask.

Malta has two official languages, Maltese and English. In state schools, Maltese is generally the main language of instruction apart from English lessons, while private schools tend to provide instruction in English, apart from Maltese.

The Ministry’s International Learners Directorate also provides support for newly arrived learners, including programmes designed to assist children who need additional support in Maltese and English and help them transition into mainstream education.

For families arriving from overseas, these language and integration arrangements can make an important difference when evaluating Malta as a potential long-term home.

Public, Church and Private Education

Families have different priorities, which is why having multiple education providers can be valuable.
State schools form part of Malta’s public education system, while church schools and private institutions provide additional choices. The Ministry also maintains information on schools and educational institutions serving international learners.

The right choice will depend on the child’s age, educational background, preferred curriculum, language requirements and the family’s preferred approach to schooling.

Rather than assuming that one type of school is necessarily better than another, parents should assess the options against their own circumstances.

International and English-Medium Education

International families may also be interested in schools offering international curricula or predominantly English-language education.

Malta’s government information notes that international schools cater for different curricula, while the country’s private-school sector is generally English-medium.

The Ministry’s current listing of educational institutions includes schools such as Verdala International School, QSI International School of Malta, Haileybury Malta and the French Bilingual International School of Malta, among others.

For families relocating from countries with established international or British-style education systems, reviewing curriculum compatibility before moving can help make the transition easier for children.

Supporting Newly Arrived Learners

Moving to a country can be a major change for a child, particularly when language or cultural differences are involved.

Malta has an International Learners’ Directorate whose role includes supporting newly arrived learners and promoting inclusive, equitable and quality education. Its induction programme focuses on Maltese and English while using a broader approach to linguistic and sociocultural integration.

This is an important consideration for families whose children may need time and additional support to adjust to a new school environment.

Education Beyond School Years

Education planning does not necessarily end with secondary school.

Malta’s education system extends into post-secondary and tertiary education, including institutions such as the University of Malta and other further and higher education providers.

For families considering Malta as a long-term base, this broader educational pathway can be relevant when assessing the country over a longer time horizon.

What Families Should Consider Before Relocating

There is no single education solution that works for every family.

Before making a decision, parents may wish to consider:

  • The child’s current age and year of study
  • Preferred curriculum
  • Language of instruction
  • Location and commuting requirements
  • Transition arrangements for newly arrived children
  • Whether the chosen school fits the family’s longer-term plans

These considerations can also influence where a family chooses to live and how they plan their relocation.

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme and Family Planning

For families exploring the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), education can form part of a much wider residency and relocation assessment.

The MPRP should not be viewed purely as an application process. For families, it can also be the starting point for thinking about how Malta fits into their broader plans, including where they may live, how children will adapt and what opportunities may be available to them over time.

For a complete overview of the programme and its requirements, families can explore the Malta Permanent Residence Programme on the DZ Advisory website.

Families may also find our previous article on what families should consider when choosing a European residency programme useful when evaluating Malta alongside their wider residency objectives.

Professional Guidance for Families

Residency and relocation decisions often involve several interconnected considerations.

At DZ Advisory, we assist clients from around the world with the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, helping families understand the programme and how it may fit into their broader plans for Malta.

While education decisions ultimately depend on each family’s circumstances, having a clear picture of the available options can help parents approach relocation with greater confidence.

Conclusion

Education is an important part of planning a long-term move to Malta, particularly for families with school-age children.

The availability of state, church, private and international education options, together with Malta’s bilingual environment and support for newly arrived learners, gives families different pathways to consider.

For families considering the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, understanding education options early can help turn a residency decision into a more complete and practical long-term plan.