Learn about the latest 2026 requirements, ELT permit guides, salary insights, and top language schools in this ultimate guide to teaching English in the Mediterranean.
On top of being a stunning Mediterranean paradise with picture-perfect waters and a never-ending supply of sunshine—300 days of it a year to be exact—Malta is also one of the top destinations for English Language Teaching (ELT) in Europe. So for anyone looking to combine a fulfilling career as an English teacher with a gorgeous island lifestyle, Malta is definitely worth considering.
But getting set up to teach English in Malta isn’t quite as simple as just hopping on a plane. The Maltese govt. has pretty strict rules in place for the ELT industry—there are certain licenses and qualifications you need to have in order to make the grade. And that’s exactly what this book is all about—guiding you through all the ins and outs of the job, including pay, lifestyle and more
Why Should You Head to Malta to Teach English
English is an official language in Malta—a pretty unique situation compared to many other European countries where English is just one of the languages you might brush up on. As a result, there’s now a massive industry here—over 40 language schools are chugging along and drawing in thousands of international students each year.
Year-Round Opportunities: Sure, summer’s the peak time for English teaching in Malta, but business professionals and long-term adult learners keep the institutions busy all through the winter months.
The Cultural Mix: As a teacher, you’d be working with students from Germany, Italy, Brazil, Japan, and all sorts of other countries—so you get a real taste of the international scene in Malta.
Lifestyle: From the beachside bars and cafes of St. Julian’s to the cobbled historic streets of Valletta, Malta really does have a way of keeping work and life in perfect balance. You could say the “work-life balance” here comes out pretty much “life” every time.
Essential Qualifications for English Teachers in Malta
Before you can get down to business teaching English in Malta, you have to play by the rules of the ELT Council—and that means getting your English Teacher Permit sorted first. Unlike in other places where a basic certification will do, Malta is pretty specific about its requirements.
- The ELT Permit: Your Ticket to Teaching in Malta
In a licensed school, every teacher needs to have one of these permits. To be eligible for a full teaching permit in 2026, you’ll need to have:
- Age: You need to be at least 18 years old.
- A police conduct certificate that’s less than a month old is considered clean.
- To prove you’re good enough with English, you’ll need to have a decent score on the Spoken English Proficiency Test for Teachers (SEPTT).
- You’ll need to have one of these qualifications:
- A Trinity CertTESOL, a Cambridge CELTA, or something just as good with an MQF Level 5 background.
- An English “A” Level at C or better, combined with a 60-hour TEFL induction course.
- 2026 Work Permits and Visas – A New Set of Rules
The rules on work permits and visas in Malta are about to change for 2026.
- EU Nationals\
- If you’re an EU national, you don’t need a visa to live and work in Malta. Just get yourself a job contract and apply for a residency card.
- Non-EU Citizens
- If you’re not an EU citizen, you’ll need a single work permit. From January 2026, you’ll need to pass a Jobsplus assessment and do a pre-departure course. Schools are often willing to help out if they’re short of staff.
Salary and Cost of Living: What to Expect
When looking for an English teacher job in Malta, it’s important to understand the pay structure. Most language schools pay an hourly rate rather than a fixed monthly salary, though full-time contracts are available for experienced staff.
2026 Salary Estimates
| Teacher Level | Hourly Rate | Estimated Monthly (Full-Time) |
| Entry-Level (TEFL/SEPTT) | €10 – €13 | €1,600 – €1,900 |
| Experienced (CELTA/Degree) | €14 – €18 | €2,100 – €2,600 |
| Specialized (Business/IELTS) | €20+ | €2,800+ |
Note: Salaries are often supplemented by “split shifts” or extra hours during the peak summer months (June–September).
Cost of Living Tips
While Malta is more affordable than London or Paris, rental prices in “hub” areas like Sliema and St. Julian’s can be high. Many teachers choose to live in central areas like Birkirkara or Msida to save on rent while staying a short bus ride away from the schools.
The Best Language Schools in Malta for Job Seekers
These top-notch language schools are known for producing highly skilled graduates along with some pretty impressive students—which is great news if you’re itching to kick-start your career
- One of the biggest and most well-established schools around, IELS Malta (Sliema) has got it all—a wide range of adult and junior courses to choose from and all that experience.
- Not to be outdone, Maltalingua (St. Julian’s) has won its fair share of awards, thanks to its super welcoming atmosphere and the fact it’s been certified EAQUALS—which is no mean feat.
- ACE English (St. Julian’s) is all about bringing learning into the 21st century with its focus on interactive classes and the latest technology.
- On the other hand, people who like to stick to a more structured routine will love EC English—they’re a big multinational company with their HQ in Malta.
How to Find a Job: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Get Certified
If you don’t have a CELTA, consider taking a TEFL induction course in Malta. Many schools, such as ETI Malta or Alpha School of English, offer these courses locally.
Step 2: Apply for Your SEPTT
Book your SEPTT exam through the ELT Council Malta official website. This is the biggest hurdle for many, as it tests your classroom language and phonology.
Step 3: Timing Your Application
The best time to apply for an English teacher job in Malta is between March and May. Schools are frantically hiring for the summer rush during this period. For long-term roles, look for openings in August for the September/October term.
Step 4: Use Local Job Boards
Check Jobsplus and local portals like Keepmeposted or LinkedIn specifically filtered for Malta.
What’s the Teaching Scene Like in Malta
The energy in Maltese classrooms is pretty electric. Not only are you going to be teaching grammar, you’re also going to be a bit of a cultural ambassador.
The Communicative Approach: Basically, it means that in Maltese classrooms speaking is king. You can expect to spend a lot of time role-playing, debating, and getting out and about with your students.
Mixed Nationalities: A typical class can have 10 students from 10 different countries. Now, that can be a handful from a classroom management point of view, but it’s also a great way to get some really interesting discussions going.
Conclusion
For anyone who’s thinking of becoming an English teacher in Malta, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. You’ll be advancing your career and immersing yourself in one of Europe’s most vibrant cultures. And even though the new rules coming in 2026 for non-EU nationals might make things a bit more complicated, there’s still a huge demand for qualified teachers out there.
