Planning to study English in Malta in 2026? This guide gives you real, up-to-date numbers — not estimates — so you can budget accurately before you book.
Summary: Total Weekly Cost in Malta
| Budget level | Weekly cost | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (evening course, shared room, cook at home) | €250–€320 | €1,000–€1,280 |
| Mid-range (general English, student residence) | €380–€550 | €1,520–€2,200 |
| Comfortable (intensive, private room, eating out) | €550–€800 | €2,200–€3,200 |
For comparison: the equivalent mid-range budget in London is £600–£900/week, and in Dublin €500–€750/week. Malta is 30–40% cheaper than these destinations.
Course Fees: What You Pay for Classes
Course fees are the biggest single cost:
| Course | Lessons/week | Price/week |
|---|---|---|
| Evening English | 10–20 | From €75 |
| General English | 20 | From €95 |
| Exam Preparation | 10–30 | From €100 |
| Over-30 English | 20–30 | From €180 |
| Intensive English | 30 | From €189 |
| Business English | 10–30 | From €190 |
| Family English | 20 | From €125/person |
| Kids (5–12) | 20 | From €250 |
| Teens (12–17) | 20 + activities | From €375 |
Most schools offer discounts for longer bookings: 5–10% off for 4+ weeks, 10–15% off for 8+ weeks.
Accommodation Costs in Malta
| Type | Price/week | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Host family (half board) | €150–€220 | Meals included, best immersion |
| Student residence (shared room) | €80–€120 | Social, central locations |
| Student residence (private room) | €140–€200 | More privacy |
| Shared apartment (own room) | €120–€180 | Most independence |
Location affects price significantly. St Julian's costs 15–20% more than St Paul's Bay or Mellieħa for equivalent accommodation.
Food and Grocery Costs
Malta has a wide range of food options:
- Cooking at home: €50–€80/week for groceries (supermarkets: Lidl, LIDL, Pama, Welbee's)
- Pastizzerias and local cafés: €3–€8 per meal — excellent value
- Mid-range restaurant: €12–€20 per person for a main course
- Weekly food budget: €70–€120 is comfortable for most students
Transport Costs
- Public buses (Tallinja Card): Free for students on 3+ month courses; around €15/week otherwise
- Taxi / Bolt / eCabs: €5–€15 per trip depending on distance
- Ferry Valletta–Sliema: €1.50 each way
Malta is a small island (27km × 14km), so distances are short and transport costs are low compared to mainland European cities.
Other Expenses to Budget For
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Textbooks/materials | €20–€40 (one-off, often included in course fee) |
| SIM card (local data) | €10–€20/month |
| Weekend excursions (Gozo, Blue Lagoon, etc.) | €15–€30 per trip |
| Nightlife / entertainment | €20–€60/week (optional) |
| Health insurance (non-EU) | €30–€50/month |
Money-Saving Tips
- Book in shoulder season (March–May or October–November): 10–20% cheaper than summer
- Cook most meals at home: saves €200–€400/month compared to eating out
- Book accommodation directly with the school: often cheaper than third-party platforms
- Take a 4+ week course: discounts kick in and cost-per-lesson drops significantly
- Use the Tallinja Card for free buses if your course is 3+ months
- Travel to Gozo on weekday: ferries and activities are cheaper on weekdays
Get an Accurate Quote
Costs vary significantly depending on your course, accommodation type, school, and dates. Request a free, personalised quote and we'll give you an exact cost breakdown for your specific situation.