Malta has quietly become a popular place for non-EU students who want to learn English. Compared with the UK, Ireland, or Australia, it stays fairly affordable, the classes are small, and getting here is straightforward. Here is what you actually need to know.
Do You Need a Visa to Study English in Malta?
This comes down to 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 usually 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 an extended programme, say a semester or a full academic year, you’ll need a National Visa (Type D) for Malta. This takes 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, since 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 and near-native English 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 isn’t a bargain. St. Julian’s, where most language schools are based, is the most expensive area.
- Rent (shared apartment): €500 to €900 per month
- Groceries: €150 to €250 per month
- Eating out (casual): €10 to €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 where you fly from. From Turkey or Latin America, expect to pay €300 to €700 for a return flight. From parts of Asia, it can be €600 to €1,200. Book early and compare airlines: Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Emirates all run reasonable routes via their hubs.
### Total Estimate
For a 4-week course in Malta:
- Course: €600 to €1,000
- Accommodation (homestay): €560 to €840
- Living costs: €300 to €500
- Flights: €400 to €1,000
- Rough total: €1,860 to €3,340
That’s a good deal 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 usually 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 hard to get while you hold student status.
If earnings matter to you, think about:
- Saving before you travel, since 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 to €1,000 | €1,000 to €2,000 | €800 to €1,500 | €1,200 to €2,500 |
| Monthly rent | €500 to €900 | €800 to €1,500 | €800 to €1,200 | €1,000 to €2,000 |
| Visa difficulty | Moderate | Complex (now very restricted) | Moderate | Complex + expensive |
| Class sizes | Small (8 to 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 has become increasingly difficult for non-EU students since its visa changes. Ireland is a reasonable alternative but more expensive. Australia is popular, though it’s noticeably 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 keeps a mix of nationalities, which means you can’t fall back 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, using the estimates above rather than 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 some flexibility, since 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 charges no booking fees and no material fees, and keeps classes capped at 12 students with qualified 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do non-EU students need a visa to study English in Malta?
It depends on your nationality and how long you’re staying. Short courses may need only a short-stay (Schengen) visa, while longer stays can require a national visa. Our team checks the requirements for your situation before you book.
Can Maltalingua help with my visa application?
Yes. The school issues the enrolment and accommodation documents you need to support a student visa application and guides you through what’s required.
How far in advance should non-EU students book?
As early as possible. Visa processing times vary by country, so booking several weeks, sometimes months, ahead is the safest approach.
Is Malta a good choice for non-EU students specifically?
Yes. It’s an English-speaking EU country with a warm climate, a large international student community and Schengen access for travel.