Malta has quietly become a popular destination for non-EU students who want to learn English. Unlike the UK, Ireland, or Australia, it’s relatively affordable, the classes are small, and the process of getting here is straightforward. Here’s what you actually need to know.
Do You Need a Visa to Study English in Malta?
This depends on two things: how long your course is, and what passport you hold.
Short courses (under 90 days): Most non-EU nationals can enter Malta on a standard Schengen visa, which covers stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. A short intensive English course of a few weeks typically falls here. You’ll need to apply at the Maltese consulate or embassy in your country, showing your course confirmation, accommodation details, proof of funds, and travel insurance.
Longer courses (90 days or more): If you’re planning a extended programme — say a semester or a full academic year — you’ll need a National Visa (Type D) for Malta. This requires a bit more paperwork: proof of enrolment from your school, evidence of accommodation for the full stay, financial means, and health insurance. The school you choose should be able to guide you through this. Maltalingua, for example, provides acceptance letters specifically formatted for visa applications.
Always check with the Maltese consulate in your country for the most current requirements, as visa rules change and requirements vary by nationality.
How Much Does It Cost?
Here’s a realistic breakdown for a non-EU student planning to study English in Malta.
### Course Fees
Expect to pay between €120 and €250 per week for a standard General English course at a decent school. Premium schools with smaller classes and native British teachers — like Maltalingua, which keeps classes to a maximum of 12 students — tend to sit at the higher end of that range. Intensive or exam preparation courses cost more.
### Living Costs
Malta is cheaper than the UK, Ireland, or Australia, but it’s not a bargain. St. Julian’s, where most language schools are based, is the most expensive area.
- Rent (shared apartment): €500–€900 per month
- Groceries: €150–€250 per month
- Eating out (casual): €10–€20 per meal
- Public transport: €26 per month (student card available)
- Utilities (included in rent for shared flats): often covered
Most students share apartments to keep costs down. Schools like Maltalingua also offer homestay accommodation with local families, which can work out cheaper and is genuinely useful for practising English outside the classroom.
### Flights
This varies hugely by origin. From Turkey or Latin America, expect to pay €300–€700 for a return flight. From parts of Asia, it can be €600–€1,200. Book early and compare airlines — Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Emirates all have reasonable routes via their hubs.
### Total Estimate
For a 4-week course in Malta:
- Course: €600–€1,000
- Accommodation (homestay): €560–€840
- Living costs: €300–€500
- Flights: €400–€1,000
- Rough total: €1,860–€3,340
That’s significantly less than equivalent courses in the UK or Ireland, where rent alone can double your costs.
Can You Work While Studying?
This is a common question, and the honest answer is: not easily, and not legally on a student visa.
Malta’s student visa does not typically permit part-time work. If you’re on a short Schengen visa, working is completely off the table. If you’re on a National Visa (Type D), you would need a separate work permit, which is difficult to obtain while holding a student status.
If earnings are important to you, consider:
- Saving before you travel — many students budget carefully and don’t need to work
- Looking for remote work (online) if your visa allows it
- Planning a post-course move if you want to work in Europe long-term
Malta vs UK vs Ireland vs Australia
| | Malta | UK | Ireland | Australia |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| Course cost (4 weeks) | €600–€1,000 | €1,000–€2,000 | €800–€1,500 | €1,200–€2,500 |
| Monthly rent | €500–€900 | €800–€1,500 | €800–€1,200 | €1,000–€2,000 |
| Visa difficulty | Moderate | Complex (now very restricted) | Moderate | Complex + expensive |
| Class sizes | Small (8–12) | Varies widely | Can be large | Can be very large |
| British teachers | Common | Common | Common | Common |
Malta wins on cost and class size. The UK is increasingly difficult for non-EU students post visa changes. Ireland is a reasonable alternative but more expensive. Australia is popular but significantly pricier and further to travel from most non-EU countries.
Who's Already Studying Here?
Maltalingua regularly sees students from Turkey, Brazil, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, and China — among many other nationalities. The school deliberately maintains a mix of nationalities, which means you can’t rely on your native language in class. That pressure to communicate in English is one of the main reasons students progress quickly here.
What You Need to Do Before You Book
- Check your passport’s visa requirements with the Maltese consulate
- Confirm your school provides a visa support letter if you need one
- Budget realistically — use the estimates above, not optimistic ones
- Arrange accommodation before arrival (or ask the school to help)
- Get health insurance that covers you in Malta for the full stay
- Book flights with flexibility — visa processing times vary
Ready to Start?
If you’re serious about study English Malta non-EU, the best first step is to get a personalised quote. Maltalingua offers no booking fees, no material fees, and classes capped at 12 students with qualified British teachers. You can request a quotation here.
For more on what to expect as a student in Malta, see our complete guide to getting around Malta.