How much it costs to study English in Malta is one of the most common questions. The short answer: a general English course can cost from €380 per month, and total living costs (course + accommodation + food + extras) are roughly €1,100–2,200 per month depending on your preferences. Malta is typically 30–40% cheaper than the UK or Ireland. In this guide we break down real prices with tables, concrete examples and tips to fit your budget. Links to English courses in Malta, accommodation and free advice.
1. Course price by type
Course cost varies with intensity and goal. Here are reference prices:
| Course type | Approx. price per month | Weekly hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| General English | €380–480 | 20 classes (45 min) | Longer stays, combining study and tourism |
| Intensive English | €720–840 | 30 classes | Faster results, professionals |
| Business English | €760–1,000 | 20–30 classes | Professional context |
| Exam preparation | €400–720 | 10–30 classes | IELTS, Cambridge |
| Over 30 courses | €720–800 | 20–30 classes | More mature environment |
Tip: If you don't need maximum intensity, general English offers the best value. On our courses page you can compare prices, hours and features.
2. Accommodation: how much it costs and what to choose
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses. This table gives you a clear picture:
| Type | Price per month | Advantages | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared room | €300–400 | Budget-friendly, student atmosphere | Tight budgets |
| Single room | €600–700 | Privacy, quiet | Those who value their own space |
| Homestay | €500–650 | Immersion, English practice at home | Improving outside the classroom |
| Full apartment | €900–1,500 | Full independence | Groups or couples |
Location matters: St. Julians and Sliema tend to be pricier; Gzira, Msida or further out are a bit cheaper. See accommodation in Malta for recommended platforms.
3. Food, transport and day-to-day expenses
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Supermarket / cooking | €220–300/month | €340–440/month |
| Eating out | €100–180/month | €360–520/month |
| Transport (bus) | Free with Tallinja | Free with Tallinja |
| Leisure and activities | €140–240/month | €360–640/month |
| Total extras | ~€460–720/month | ~€1,060–1,600/month |
Free transport: If you take a full-time course of more than 3 months, you can apply for the Tallinja card for free at publictransport.com.mt. It gives you unlimited travel on all day and night buses in Malta and Gozo, plus the Sliema–Valletta ferry. For shorter courses, a single ticket costs around €2.
4. Total budget: real examples
Here are two scenarios:
Scenario A: 1 month on a budget (general course + shared room)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| General course (4 weeks) | €380–480 |
| Shared room (4 weeks) | €300–400 |
| Food (cooking at home) | €220–300 |
| Transport | Free with Tallinja (3+ month course) or ~€40 |
| Extras (flights excluded) | €80–150 |
| Total | €980–1,330 |
Scenario B: 1 month with more comfort (intensive + single room)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Intensive course (4 weeks) | €720–840 |
| Single room (4 weeks) | €600–700 |
| Food and leisure | €400–550 |
| Transport | Free with Tallinja or ~€40 |
| Extras | €150–250 |
| Total | €1,870–2,140 |
For 3 months, weekly accommodation rates often drop if you book in advance. You can estimate around €1,000–1,400 per month on a budget. With a 3+ month course, bus transport is free with the Tallinja card.
5. Malta vs other destinations
| Destination | General course (approx.) | Cost of living | Malta advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | €380–480/month | Medium-low | Climate, price, immersion |
| UK (London) | €1,000–1,600/month | High | Malta ~40% cheaper |
| Ireland (Dublin) | €800–1,400/month | High | Malta ~35% cheaper |
| Australia | €1,000–1,600/month | Medium-high | Malta closer and cheaper |
For more detail, see why study English in Malta.
6. How to save without losing quality
- Choose general English if you don't need maximum intensity: save up to €320–360 per month.
- Book in advance: many schools offer early-bird discounts.
- Share a room or flat: can halve accommodation costs.
- Cook at home: a supermarket in Malta is cheaper than eating out every day.
- Avoid peak season (July–August): prices rise; spring and autumn are usually cheaper.
7. Costs you shouldn't forget
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Flights | Vary by origin and season; book early |
| Travel insurance | Recommended; covers medical and cancellation |
| Extra materials | Some schools include books, others don't; ask first |
| Activities and trips | Optional but common (Comino, Gozo, etc.) |
If you want help fitting course, accommodation and budget together, request your free advice here. You can also browse all our English courses in Malta and contact us.