EC Malta

EC Malta is the Malta school of EC English, a language school group, and it teaches English to international students at a campus in St Julian's, the island's busiest social district. It opened in 1991, can host up to 498 students in 44 classrooms, and has a mix of nationalities in every class, so English is the shared language outside lessons as well as in them.

For a UK student, a gap year learner, a young professional or a parent comparing options for a 16 or 17 year old, the appeal is a sunny location where English is an official language, with courses from one week to a full academic year. Listings for similar schools sit in our directory of language schools in Malta.

Courses for different goals

General English is the main course, taught from beginner to advanced level, and most courses start every Monday. You choose 20 lessons a week, which is 15 hours, or the intensive 30 lessons, which is 22.5 hours and adds ten Special Focus elective lessons on a skill you want to improve. A longer Academic Year course runs for at least 24 weeks, with the option of exam preparation on courses of 24 weeks or more.

English for Work covers emails, meetings, presentations and interview practice, and a Business Mini Group has a maximum of six students. Exam preparation is available for IELTS, Cambridge First Certificate and Cambridge Advanced on fixed dates through the year. One-to-One lessons last 60 minutes and can be added to any group course. Classes average 11 students and never exceed 14, and the school uses an online placement test so you start in the right group.

EC Malta 30+ and EC Escapes

Students aged 30 and over can study at EC Malta 30+, a dedicated centre for mature learners who prefer classes with like minded professionals. For students aged 50 and over, there is a separate programme called EC Escapes Malta, though they are also welcome on any EC Malta course. Age mix at the main school runs from 16 to over 51, and about a fifth of students are aged 31 to 40.

Where you can stay

There are three accommodation choices: the Campus Hub Residence, a Malta Homestay with a local host family and a Malta Student Apartment. A homestay gives daily practice with native speakers and home cooked meals, while residences and shared apartments suit adult students aged 18 and over who want independence and are close to the school or on good bus links. See our guides on where to stay in Malta and hotels in Sliema and St Julian's if relatives plan to visit.

Social programme and life in St Julian's

The activity programme includes a welcome evening, orientation, free workshops such as a Job Club and an online conversation club, and paid excursions such as Maltese beer tasting, a Maltese dinner, sport sessions, guided tours and boat trips. Activities change by season. The school runs graduation ceremonies on the last day, with a course certificate.

Outside school, St Julian's offers bars, cafés and seaside dinners at Spinola Bay, and Dingli Cliffs is a favourite for sunsets. For days out, read our Valletta guide, the Mdina guide and our list of things to do in Malta. The best beaches in Malta and the Blue Lagoon guide help with weekend plans.

Facilities, team and quality

The school has interactive TVs, a self-study area, a student lounge, a library, free Wi-Fi with computers and a discounted gym membership. It is wheelchair accessible. The centre director is Ingmar Albig, Keith Borg is Director of Studies and Simon Formosa is Student Services Manager, and the group has won several industry awards for its Malta school. FELTOM, the federation that sets and monitors standards for English language schools in Malta, is among the EC group's accreditations.

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to study in Malta, and the school asks students to contact them to learn more. To ask about courses or accommodation, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to EC Malta, who will reply to you directly.