Attending high school in Malta gives students the opportunity to study in a safe, small European Union country in the middle of the Mediterranean, where English is an official language. With structures rooted in the British education system, English-language schools and proximity to Turkey, Malta's high schools are an attractive option for families.
Although Malta is known for its language schools, its high school options for international students are more limited. Students from Turkey usually attend high school in Malta through independent private schools that follow the British curriculum or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Some students also improve their English at language schools in Malta before starting high school. With its mild climate, short flight from Turkey and English-speaking environment, Malta is worth considering, especially for families looking for an experience abroad at a young age.
Attending high school in Malta offers students important academic and personal advantages.
Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, and a member of the European Union. The country consists of the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino. Its capital is Valletta. The official languages are Maltese and English. The currency is the euro.
Malta is known for Valletta, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, its historic towns, clear sea and thousands of years of history. It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. As a member of the European Union and the Schengen area, Malta offers easy access to many European cities.
Malta's education system is largely based on the British system. Students move on to secondary education, usually at the age of 11, after six years of primary school. Secondary education consists of two stages:
Many independent schools in Malta follow international programs such as IGCSE, A-Levels and the IB instead of or alongside the national program. These programs are recognized by universities in Malta and around the world.
There are three main types of schools in Malta:
There are different high school programs in Malta depending on the student's age and goals:
Application requirements for high schools in Malta vary depending on the school and program. Independent schools usually ask for report cards from recent years, a transcript, teacher references, a copy of the passport and health information.
Many schools ask international students to take an English proficiency assessment, an entrance exam and an interview. Students applying for A-Level or IB programs are expected to have a level of English and a strong academic record that meet the program's academic requirements. Students whose English is not yet sufficient may first be advised to take language preparation.
The school year in Malta usually starts in September and ends in June. The school calendar at independent schools may differ slightly from state schools. The school year is divided into three terms, with Christmas and Easter holidays between them.
It is advisable to apply to independent schools 6 to 12 months before the school year. Places at schools in Malta are limited, and some schools may have waiting lists. Language preparation programs may start on different dates throughout the year.
Since Malta is a small country, distances between towns are short, and students can easily reach schools in different parts of the island.
State schools in Malta are tuition-free for families residing in Malta. Church schools are also generally low-cost because they are run with state support; however, places at these schools are limited and priority is given to local students.
It is usually not possible for a student living in Turkey to enroll in state or church schools without moving to Malta with their family. For this reason, students from Turkey usually choose fee-paying independent schools.
Fees at independent schools in Malta vary depending on the school's curriculum, grade level and facilities. Fees are generally lower than at similar private schools in the UK.
When planning your budget, you should account for registration fees, books, uniforms, school trips, exam fees, host family accommodation, guardianship services, health insurance, visa and residence permit costs, airfare and pocket money in addition to tuition.
At NGGlobal, we share the current prices of our partner institutions with you and work with you to choose the program that best fits your budget and goals.
The main accommodation options for high school students in Malta are:
Boarding school options in Malta are very limited. Students under 18 must have a guardian in Malta who is responsible for them. In all options, students' safety and wellbeing come first.
Turkish citizens need a visa to attend high school in Malta. Studies longer than 90 days require a long-stay national visa, and students apply for a residence permit after arriving in Malta.
The application usually requires documents such as the school's letter of acceptance, proof of payment of school fees, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, health insurance, a notarized parental consent form and documents on the guardian in Malta. Applications are made through Malta's mission in Turkey or the authorized visa application center.
Since visa processing can take time, it is important to plan your application early. At NGGlobal, we support our students and their families at every step of the visa process.
Students who complete part of their high school education in Malta must obtain recognition (denklik) from the Turkish Ministry of National Education to continue their education where they left off when they return to Turkey. Students who earn IGCSEs, A-Levels or an IB diploma must also obtain recognition of their diploma to apply to universities in Turkey.
Since students focus on a small number of subjects in the A-Level program, it is especially important to learn the recognition requirements in Turkey in advance. For the recognition process to run smoothly, the courses taken and grades earned must be documented, and the documents must be certified and translated. It is advisable to speak with the Provincial Directorate of National Education before choosing a school and subjects.
At NGGlobal, we offer free consultation to students who want to attend high school in Malta and to their families. By assessing the student's age, academic background, English level and the family's budget, we identify the most suitable program.
Contact us to build your plan for high school in Malta together.
English and Maltese are used in education in Malta. Most independent schools chosen by international students teach in English.
Independent schools in Malta offer IGCSEs, A-Levels and, at some schools, the IB Diploma Program. These programs are recognized by universities in Malta and around the world.
State schools in Malta are tuition-free only for families residing in Malta. Students from Turkey usually study at fee-paying independent schools.
Students whose English is not yet sufficient can take intensive English preparation programs for young students at language schools in Malta before starting high school.
Yes. If you prepare all the required documents, you can obtain recognition from the Turkish Ministry of National Education and use your diploma in Turkey, including for university applications.
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