Living and Learning in Malta: A Guide to International Schools and Family Neighbourhoods

Malta’s Education Landscape – What Expat Families Need to Know

Malta’s education system is divided into state schools, church schools (state-funded with voluntary contributions), and a well-developed independent school sector favoured by expatriate families. English is an official language, and most private institutions follow internationally recognised curricula – British, American or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Malta offers a well-defined and internationally accessible education system, structured across three key stages and delivered primarily in English and Maltese. This bilingual approach, combined with a clear progression from early schooling through to further education, makes Malta an attractive destination for families seeking continuity, quality, and ease of integration when relocating.

• Primary Education
  The first stage of formal schooling, catering for children between the ages of 5 and 11. Instruction is delivered in English and Maltese, establishing strong foundational skills in both languages.
• Secondary Education
  The second stage, designed for students aged 11 to 18, builds on core academic competencies while preparing students for further education or professional pathways. Teaching continues in English and Maltese.
• Post-Secondary & Further Education
  Available from 18 years onwards, this stage includes sixth forms, vocational institutions, and tertiary education. Programmes are offered primarily in English and Maltese, supporting both local and international students.

When budgeting for the cost of private school Malta, families should plan carefully:

• Average tuition across private and international schools typically ranges from €6,000 to €9,000 per child per year, with leading international schools charging up to €13,000–€19,000 depending on age group.
• Registration, administration and development fees — usually from a few hundred to several thousand euros — contribute to the professional support and infrastructure offered..
• Uniforms, extracurriculars, school transport and trips can contribute an additional €1,000–€3,000 annually.
• Many schools offer sibling discounts, a meaningful consideration for larger families.

These costs are often balanced by the island’s relatively favourable cost of living, attractive tax structure and the long-term value associated with internationally portable qualifications.

The Best International Schools in Malta for Expats

Verdala International School

Location: Fort Pembroke, Pembroke
Curriculum: Full International Baccalaureate (IB) – PYP, MYP & DP
Annual Tuition:

• KG–Grade 5: approx. €10,800
• Grades 6–8: approx. €12,400
• Grades 9–10: approx. €14,200
• Grades 11–12: approx. €14,500

Verdala is one of Malta’s longest-established international schools and a preferred choice among globally mobile families. Its hilltop campus within Fort Pembroke offers a secure, scenic environment with sea views. A not-for-profit international school, Verdala prides itself on a strong ethos of diversity and inclusivity within a dynamic  environemnt.  The full IB pathway ensures continuity for students arriving from or moving onward to other IB schools worldwide.

Where to live:
Families typically choose Pembroke, Swieqi, Madliena or St Julian’s for quick school access.

• Rental guide: Pembroke offers 3-bedroom apartments from €1,500–€2,500/month, with townhouses starting around €2,000–€3,000+.
  Living within this coastal belt delivers not only convenience but also access to seaside promenades and sports facilities.

QSI International School of Malta

Location: Mosta
Curriculum: American-based, mastery-learning
Annual Tuition:

• Pre-K: approx. €7,720
• K–Grade 5: approx. €8650
• Grades 11–12: approx. €18,500

QSI International School of Malta offers a distinctly American-style, international education that emphasises modern skills and personalised learning. As one of Malta’s most culturally diverse schools, with over 40 nationalities represented, QSI provides a rich, global learning environment. The broad curriculum, taught in English and supported by small class sizes, encourages individual guidance and strong academic growth.

Where to live:
Families often settle in Mosta, Naxxar, Attard or Balzan – locations that combine centrality with quiet residential areas.

• Rental guide: The central corridor sees 2- to 3-bedroom homes typically between €1,300–€2,000/month depending on finish and size.

Chiswick House School & St Martin’s College (CHS/SMC)

Location: Swatar (near Msida and central business district)
Curriculum: British; IB offered in the senior years
Annual Tuition:

Specific up-to-date information on fees is not publicly available; however, a 2024 comparative article on private schools in Malta indicated that CHS-SMC’s fees ranged from approximately €6,000 to €9,000 per year, depending on age.

Chiswick House School & St Martin’s College (CHS-SMC) is one of Malta’s most recognised independent schools, offering a continuous and broad modern educational journey from Early Years to Sixth Form. The school offers a borad modern curriculum and is known for its strong academic standing, robust pastoral care, and structured approach to learning, blending academic rigour with holistic development, nurturing confident, creative and well-rounded students.Its central location also makes it particularly attractive to professionals working in Malta’s financial services and technology sectors.

Where to live:
Ideal nearby locations include Swieqi, San Ġwann, Msida, Gżira, and Birkirkara.

• Rental guide: Expect €1,500–€2,500/month for family apartments in these well-connected neighbourhoods.

St Edward’s College

Location: Cottonera (Three Cities)
Curriculum: British-influenced with IB options
Annual Tuition:

While annual figures vary, St Edward’s fees range from approximately €881 to €5,032 per term, depending on the year level. Boarding fees range from €23,996 to €28,796 per year, with full details published directly by the College.

Set within historic fortifications in Cottonera, St Edward’s College is one of Malta’s most established independent schools, founded in 1929 and known for its blend of tradition and modernity. Offering a continuous educational pathway from Early Years to Sixth Form, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, it has a strong academic reputation and a clear emphasis on character formation.

Boarding is also available, making the school particularly appealing for families of older students or those seeking a more immersive educational environment.

Where to live:
Families often choose Kalkara, Birgu, Senglea, or SmartCity for proximity to campus.

• Rental guide: Expect €1,200–€2,000/month for family residences in these scenic harbour-side locations.

San Anton School

Location: Imselliet Valley, near Mġarr
Curriculum: Broad curriculum, nurturing ethos
Annual Tuition:
Not all fees are publicly listed, but private schools of this profile generally range from €6,000–€12,000 per year.

San Anton School is an independent, co-educational, mixed-ability institution welcoming students from Pre-Grade up to the end of compulsory education, ages 3 to 16. Renowned for its holistic learning approach, the school has long been associated with forward-thinking education in Malta. Set within a spacious rural environment, the campus offers children the freedom to explore and stay active. San Anton is equally valued for its strong sense of community, which continues to be a defining part of the school’s identity.

Where to live:
The most popular areas include Mġarr, Iklin, Attard, and Balzan.

• Rental guide: Family homes around this region vary widely; apartments and maisonettes typically fall between €1,200–€2,000/month, with larger villas becoming available as you move into rural zones.

Malta Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods to Consider

Selecting the right neighbourhood is just as vital as choosing the right school. Malta’s most desirable residential areas for families share several characteristics: walkability, access to green space, nearby amenities, and short commutes.

Below are the standout Malta family-friendly neighbourhoods, anchored to school proximity and lifestyle benefits.

Pembroke, Swieqi & Madliena

Ideal for: Verdala International School families
These coastal and suburban pockets strike a perfect balance between tranquillity and connectivity. Pembroke is calm and residential, Swieqi offers easy access to St Julian’s amenities, and Madliena provides larger, more exclusive homes.
Prices range from €1,500–€3,500/month, depending on property type and sea view.

The Three Villages: Balzan, Attard & Lija

Ideal for: QSI, CHS/SMC and San Anton families
These well-established, green, and character-rich neighbourhoods offer a village feel with excellent access to the island’s main roads. Streets are lined with traditional townhouses, gardens and family-run cafés.
Expect €1,300–€2,000/month for quality family accommodation.

Mosta, Naxxar & Iklin

Ideal for: QSI and central-commuter families
These northern-central areas offer an excellent combination of value, convenience and amenities. Shops, restaurants, playgrounds and sports facilities are all close by.
Rents generally fall between €1,200–€2,000/month depending on finish.

Cottonera (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua) & Kalkara

Ideal for: St Edward’s College
These historic waterfront districts offer charm, tranquillity and exceptional views. Kalkara and Birgu, in particular, have become popular with expat families seeking elegance and proximity to cultural heritage.
Housing is typically €1,200–€2,000/month for well-finished family homes.

Mġarr & North-West Rural Areas

Ideal for: San Anton School
Defined by vineyards, open fields and a slower pace of life, this region is ideal for families who prefer countryside living while still being connected to schools and main road networks.
Rents vary widely, but family homes usually begin around €1,200/month.

How Christie's International Real Estate Malta Can Help

Christie’s International Real Estate Malta brings global expertise combined with deep local market knowledge, enabling clients to navigate Malta’s unique commercial property landscape. Key differentiators include:

Exclusive Access: Curated portfolio of prime commercial, hospitality, and residential-led investment opportunities.

Global Network: Leverage Christie’s international connections to attract cross-border capital and identify emerging trends early. 

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By partnering with Christie’s International Real Estate Malta, clients gain insight, access, and guidance to turn market trends into high-value investment decisions.

Further reading, curated for you: 

https://christiesrealestatemalta.com/news/relocating-to-malta-post-brexit 

https://christiesrealestatemalta.com/news/retirement-redefined-maltas-appeal-for-american-expats

https://christiesrealestatemalta.com/news/communities-for-expats-in-malta

https://christiesrealestatemalta.com/news/relocation-to-malta