2026

DLE signs MOU with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority

In September 2026, the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability (DLE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) to deliver digital skills programmes under the AI4all initiative for learners aged 15 and over. 

As part of this collaboration, DLE organised several AI4All Support Bootcamp, providing participants with guided assistance to complete the AI4All course. Educators offered support throughout the sessions and demonstrated practical uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including effective prompting techniques and everyday applications. These sessions were particularly beneficial for individuals requiring additional assistance with computer use, internet navigation, accessing online resources, or completing the online course, enabling them to participate and successfully complete the course with confidence.

The initiative promotes digital inclusion by ensuring that no one is left behind in the development of essential digital and AI competencies.

Bringing learning closer to the community

DLE is committed to strengthening Community Learning and promoting lifelong learning opportunities across Malta and Gozo. In its continued effort to reach more learners within their communities, DLE has established additional collaborations with Local Councils for the 2026/2027 learning year. These partnerships enable learning opportunities to be offered in more localities, with course offerings within the locality chosen by the Local Council depending on community needs. This makes education more relevant, accessible, convenient, and inclusive for members of the community.

New additions to DLE's Course Portfolio

As part of its ongoing commitment to skills development and making lifelong learning attractive to all, the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability (DLE) has introduced several new courses for the 2026/2027 learning year. The annual Prospectus, launched in June, offers a diverse range of learning opportunities aimed at enhancing personal development, supporting lifelong education, and improving employability.

Among the new offerings are several SEC Revision Courses, namely Business Studies, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, European Studies, and Geography. These courses are designed to support learners preparing for their Ordinary Level examinations, whether they are sitting for these exams for the first time, preparing for their second attempt or returning to education after a hiatus. The DLE has also launched the course English Preparation for Cambridge B2 First, which prepares learners aiming to take the Cambridge B2 First exam, which is required for study or work in several countries and/or institutions.

DLE has also introduced a number of courses catering to a variety of interests and learning needs, including Calligraphy, English Pronunciation, Integrated Science, and Managing Time and Stress for Lifelong Success.

Furthermore, DLE continues to expand its language portfolio. For the 2026/2027 learning year, Portuguese has been added to the range of languages on offer, providing language enthusiasts with even greater choice and further opportunities to develop their linguistic and intercultural skills.

DLE expands Community Learning initiatives

The Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability (DLE) collaborated with the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, delivering courses in the use of medical terms in the Maltese language in hospitals to support non‑Maltese health professionals working in various hospitals. 

In October 2025, DLE also opened a new Adult Learning Centre in the southern part of Malta, where courses are held once a week. By stepping into new communities, the Directorate is making education more accessible for adults and responsive to local needs.

DLE is committed to strengthening Community Learning. In December 2025, the DLE established a Working Group for Community Learning, comprising community stakeholders, to better understand community learning needs of various communities. Furthermore, DLE is working in collaboration with the Planning and Strategic Foresight Directorate and St Ignatius College to offer courses to parents whose children attend Primary Schools within this College.

DLE signs two new MOUs

DLE signed two new memoranda of understanding (MOUs), specifically with the International Learners’ Directorate and the Malta Crafts Foundation. Through these MOUs, the DLE developed and delivered courses based on the needs of these organisations. 

DLE launches new courses

During the learning year 2025/26 the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability (DLE) introduced several new courses, aimed at improving learners’ employability. Courses included:

SEC revision courses: Biology, Physics, Social Studies, Home Economics, Ethics, Home Economics, Arabic

Intermediate revision courses: Sociology

Advanced revision courses: Home Economics, French

Financial Literacy: Personal Budgeting, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship

Digital Skills: Python Foundations

Creative Arts courses: Fretwork, Flower Arranging, Gold Embroidery, Maltese Hand-Painted Lettering and Sign-Writing, Marquetry Veneer, Mosaic, Needle Lace

Humanities & Personal Development: Parental Skills, Pastry & Baking, Chinese Culture, Italian Culture

Courses aimed at improving 21st Century Skills: Critical and Creative Thinking, Stress Management and Time Management

Language courses: Greek and Turkish at level 3, Conversation classes in various languages at Levels 1 and 3 in addition to Level 2, which was previously on offer, introduced English as a Foreign Language for Business.

The DLE increased its intensive courses through offering its English as a Foreign Language as an intensive course for the first time and increasing the number of Maltese as a Foreign Language courses offered through an intensive format.

Launch of Summer courses

DLE marked a new chapter by offering accredited courses during the summer months for the very first time, specifically Maltese as a Foreign Language and English as a Foreign Language at MQF1 and MQF2. With this initiative, DLE is widening opportunity for learning and meeting demand for learning to improve communication in Malta’s two national languages. 

2025

Non-formal Learning Opportunities for Adults in Malta & Gozo Funding Scheme

The Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability (DLE), through the EU Agenda for Adult Learning in Malta 2024/25 Project, launched the Non-Formal Learning Opportunities for Adults in Malta & Gozo Funding Scheme 2025, awarding nearly €20,000 to 20 organisations. Through this fund, these organisations will deliver community-based sessions that enrich cultural life, promote health, foster inclusion, and support skill development. With flexible and inclusive formats, the programmes aim to break down barriers and make lifelong learning accessible to all.

Two New Lifelong Learning Courses

In January 2024, the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability (DLE) within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malta Crafts Foundation for DLE to deliver courses on artisan skills that are under threat of dying out locally. Through this MoU, DLE began providing the first course of on the traditional Maltese art of hand-painted lettering and sign writing (“Tberfil”) in February 2025. 

In February 2025, DLE also began offering the course ‘Python Foundations – a Practical Introduction for Beginners’, which introduces participants to a widely used programming language. 

2024

MCAST inaugurates new Educational Centre on Campus

The new Centre follows an agreement, signed in 2021, between MCAST Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine (JSMC) and will operate under MCAST’s Institute of Community Services (ICS). Two modules have been developed by JSMC and will be delivered by JSMC lecturers. These modules will be made available at MCAST and will be included as part of MCAST’s provision of part-time courses commencing in the first quarter of 2024.