The Maltese Government invests heavily in education because it considers education a priority for supporting upward social mobility and for ensuring that Malta remains competitive through a skilled workforce.
Funding Early Childhood Education and Care (0-3 years old)
The Maltese Government allocates funds in the national budget to the operation of childcare centres. The Government’s policy on early childhood education is underpinned by two priorities:
• To offer equitable early childhood education and care to all children, irrespective of their parents’ financial means and social background; and
• To increase parents’ active participation in the labour market and enhance work-life balance.
Childcare centres that receive direct state funding include:
- The public employment service, Jobsplus, which runs one childcare centre;
- The Foundation for Education Services, which runs thirteen childcare centres;
- Publicly-funded Higher Education Institutions, the University of Malta and MCAST, which run one childcare centre each;
- The Water Services Corporation, which runs one childcare centre.
Additionally, Jobsplus (Public Employment Services) manages the Free Childcare Scheme, which covers the cost of childcare staff and consumables including stationery. Parents who work are entitled to 110% of one parent’s monthly working hours plus 20 hours a week for commuting; parents in education are entitled to 20 hours (part-time students) or 40 hours a week (full-time students). Funding is directly paid to the childcare service providers, which are Registered Childcare Centres which must abide by the Terms & Conditions for Free Childcare Scheme for Childcare Service Providers. Funds for the scheme are allocated in the national budget. In October 2023, 186 childcare centres and 7912 children availed themselves of this Scheme (source: Jobsplus administrative data).
Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education
Chapter 605 of the Laws of Malta, the Education Act, obliges the State to promote education underpinned by the ‘values of democracy, inclusion, diversity, active citizenship, critical thinking, responsible behaviour and ethical conduct’. For this reason, the Government funds initiatives aimed at improving equity in all schools (that is, state and nonstate) through supporting vulnerable children, children from diverse backgrounds, and children who require specific educational or psychosocial support because of disability, health or behaviour needs. These initiatives are budgeted for in the national budget through funds assigned to the Ministry responsible for education and managed by the Department for Education Services. Such funds cover the staff costs and resources needed for the child’s specific needs to be met with a view to enabling the child to continue with their education.
Furthermore, Chapter 605 highlights that the State must ‘ensure the existence of a system of schools and other educational institutions in Malta catering for the full development of the whole personality and overall well-being of the person including his ability to work’. For this reason, the Government apportions funds in the national budget to the Ministry responsible for education to provide for the running of state kindergartens and schools offering compulsory education. Such funds cover the operations, infrastructure development and maintenance, utilities and learning resources (books, science and art supplies, additional learning support, exams) for the running of state kindergarten, primary and secondary schools. The Government also financially supports non-state schools.
The Government funds after-hours support for students who need additional input to be on par with peers. Furthermore, the Government funds before- and after-school clubs in primary state schools and during school holidays to help working parents bridge the gap between the school day and their working hours.
The Government funds transport between the child’s home and school (provided that the distance between them is more than 1.0km). This covers transport of all children, whether they attend state or non-state schools. In academic year 2022/23, 33,690 children availed themselves of this service (source: MEYR administrative data). Funds are centrally managed by the Ministry responsible for education.
At the end of compulsory schooling, students are invited to sit for Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) Examinations organised by MATSEC within the University of Malta. MATSEC receives direct Government funding, assigned through the national budget. 4992 students registered for MATSEC SEC Level exams for the Main Session of 2023 (source: MATSEC administrative data). Subject registration fees for MATSEC exams are not charged to candidates registering within the normal period with a valid ID card. Deterrent late or very late registration fees (€35.00 and €70.00 respectively for each subject) apply for candidates who register for exams after the normal registration period. A service of Revision of Papers (appeals) is offered by MATSEC against a fee (€35.00 for each subject) following each of its examination sessions. The Revision of Paper fee is reimbursed when there is a change in grade.
Upper Secondary Education
The Government assigns funds in the national budget for general upper-secondary education provision. In September 2023, 1,204 students attended the further education institution run by the University of Malta (source: Junior College administrative data), while 1442 students attended one of three institutions run by the Ministry responsible for education (that is GEM 16+, Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School and Sir Michelangelo Refalo Higher Secondary School) (source: MEYR administrative data).
At the end of general upper secondary education, students attending all general education institutions are invited to sit for Matriculation Examinations organised by MATSEC within the University of Malta. Examinations at this level are offered at two levels: Advanced and Intermediate. MATSEC receives direct Government funding, assigned through the national budget. 3797 candidates registered for the First Session of Matriculation examinations of 2023 (source: MATSEC administrative data). Subject registration fees for MATSEC exams are not charged to candidates registering within the normal period with a valid ID card. Deterrent late or very late registration fees (€35.00 and €70.00 respectively for each subject) apply for candidates who register for exams after the normal registration period. A service of Revision of Papers (appeals) is offered by MATSEC against a fee following each of its examination sessions. The applicable fee per subject is €40.00 for Intermediate Level subjects and €45.00 for Advanced Level subjects. The Revision of Paper fee is reimbursed when there is a change in grade.
The Government also assigns funds for the operations, infrastructure development and maintenance and utilities of vocational Education provided through:
- the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), which is an entity, within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, responsible for vocational and professional education; and
- the Institute for Tourism Studies (ITS), an entity, within the Ministry for tourism, to provide Education related to the HORECA sector.
In 2022/23, 1736 students attended MCAST (source: MCAST administrative data), while around 600 attended ITS (source: ITS website).
The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, the Institute for Education and the Institute for Tourism Studies follow Public Procurement Regulation and keep proper financial management through their internal structures as required by the Laws of Malta. Their respective accounts are audited on an annual basis and published in an annual report made available to the House of Representatives.
Financial Autonomy and Control
Early Childhood Education and Care (0-3 years old)
The Foundation for Education Services, which runs thirteen state-provided childcare centres, employs its own staff through its HR Department and purchases operational resources through its Corporate Department. Expenditure is approved through public procurement procedures and regulations, recorded in an accounting system and monitored accordingly. Proof of expenditure is retained accordingly.
Privately run childcare centres are services providers and they can issue any other fees not in relation to the Free Childcare Scheme.
Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education
All state school staff is employed centrally and deployed according to each school’s needs and depending mostly on the school population. Operational resources are either provided centrally (when it involves large projects) or through imprest funds allocated to each individual school. In both cases, expenditures need to be approved according to the public procurement procedures and regulations and recorded in an accounting system. Proof of expenditure is retained for auditing purposes. Regular audits are conducted by the National Audit Office.
Upper Secondary Education
The three upper secondary education establishments that are directly managed by the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (that is GEM 16+, Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School and Sir Michelangelo Refalo Higher Secondary School) follow the same procedures described in ‘Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education’ above.
The University of Malta (UoM), Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST), Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) and the Institute for Education (IfE) receive annual funding from the Government. These funds are managed and controlled by the respective institution’s top management. Accountability mechanisms are in place. On a monthly basis, income and expenditure accounts are submitted through the Financial Data Reporting System (FDRS) system set up by the Ministry of Finance. Every quarter, educational institutions also submit balance sheets and cash flow projections. Furthermore, at the end of the financial year, publicly funded institutions produce financial statements in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards which are audited by an external auditing firm and tabled to be approved by specifically set up internal boards. Additionally, regular audits are conducted by the National Audit Office.
Fees within public education
Early Childhood Education and Care (0-3 years old)
Families participating in the Free Childcare Scheme are not charged fees for the hours entitled through the scheme. However, parents must pay fees for any additional hours, which are charged at the service provider’s rate. Furthermore, parents must cover costs related to outings and the individual child needs, such as food and hygiene items.
Government-run childcare centres, operated by the Foundation for Education Services, offer subsidised rates to families who do not fall under the free childcare scheme. Subsidies are calculated according to the family income. In addition, FES offers a 100% subsidy to vulnerable families who are referred by FSWS.
Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education
Parents whose children attend state schools are not charged fees, including fees for books or exams, where applicable. However, they do need to pay for consumables, including stationery and craft supplies, additional learning materials like photocopies, uniforms or clothing, outings, and food to be consumed during school hours.
This also applies to EU and EEA students whose parents have a Permanent Residency Permit, children of third-country nationals who possess long-term residency permits, children of persons who have been granted refugee status in Malta, children of persons who are asylum seekers as regulated by the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Minimum Standards) Regulations (LN 320 of 2005) (Appendix 7) or displaced minors in terms of the Temporary Protection for Displaced Persons (Minimum Standards) Regulations (LN 131 of 2005) (Appendix 8).
Children of persons falling outside the aforementioned categories are charged tuition fees for attending state schools. Exemption from the payment of fees may be partial and the percentage of fees from which the applicant is exempted is determined by the Exemptions Board which is appointed by the Minister responsible for education. Such applicants need to re-apply before the start of each school year. In academic year 2022/23, 35,442 children attended state schools (source: MEYR administrative data).
Upper Secondary Education
Upper secondary education is provided free of charge to students in state schools. The cost of books and consumables is carried by the student or their family. This applies to citizens of Malta and EU and EEA students whose parents have a Permanent Residency Permit, children of third-country nationals who possess long-term residency permits, children of persons who have been granted refugee status in Malta, children of persons who are asylum seekers as regulated by the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Minimum Standards) Regulations (LN 320 of 2005) (Appendix 7) or displaced minors in terms of the Temporary Protection for Displaced Persons (Minimum Standards) Regulations (LN 131 of 2005) (Appendix 8).
Children of persons falling outside the aforementioned categories are charged tuition fees for attending state schools. Exemption from the payment of fees may be partial and the percentage of fees from which the applicant is exempted is determined by the Exemptions Board which is appointed by the Minister responsible for education. Such applicants need to re-apply before the start of each school year.
Financial support for learners' families
Early Childhood Education and Care (0-3 years old)
Children whose parents are in employment or continuing education and attend registered childcare centres receive free childcare through the Free Childcare Scheme.
Families whose children attend a registered childcare centre and who do not benefit from the Scheme may benefit from an income tax rebate of up to €2,000 per annum per child in accordance with Subsidiary Legislation 123.121 Deduction (Childcare Fees) Rules and the Income Tax Act.
These initiatives are available to all, regardless of financial means.
Parents of children aged 0-3 years are entitled to the Child Benefit, which is managed by the Social Security Department within the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights. The benefit rate is calculated on the difference between €25,924 and the total income of both parents (declared in the year prior to their application). If the total income exceeds €25,924, a flat rate is payable amounting to €450 per year per child. The payment for this allowance is issued every thirteen (13) weeks in advance. Recipients of the Child Benefit must be citizens of Malta, EU and EEA; children whose parents have a Permanent Residency Permit in Malta; children of third-country nationals who possess a valid permit and at least one of the parents is employed; children of persons who have been granted refugee status in Malta; children of persons who are asylum seekers as regulated by the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Minimum Standards) Regulations (LN 320 of 2005); or displaced minors in terms of the Temporary Protection for Displaced Persons (Minimum Standards) Regulations (LN 131 of 2005).
Furthermore, from 2020, a one-time bonus of five-hundred euro (€400) is paid to the mother of the first new-born child or adoptive parent. From 2024, the bonus increases to one thousand euro (€1000) for the birth/adoption of each subsequent child.
Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education
Parents of children under 16 years of age are entitled to the Child Benefit, which is managed by the Social Security Department within the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights. The benefit rate is calculated on the difference between €25,924 and the total income of both parents (declared in the year prior to their application). If the total income exceeds €25,924, a flat rate is payable amounting to €450 per year per child. The payment for this allowance is issued every thirteen (13) weeks in advance. Recipients of the Child Benefit must be citizens of Malta, EU and EEA; children whose parents have a Permanent Residency Permit in Malta; children of third-country nationals who possess a valid permit and at least one of the parents is employed; children of persons who have been granted refugee status in Malta; children of persons who are asylum seekers as regulated by the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Minimum Standards) Regulations (LN 320 of 2005); or displaced minors in terms of the Temporary Protection for Displaced Persons (Minimum Standards) Regulations (LN 131 of 2005).
The Government funds transport between the child’s home and school (provided that the distance between them is more than 1.0km). This covers transport of all children, whether they attend state or non-state schools. In academic year 2022/23, 33,690 children availed themselves of this service. Funds are centrally managed by the Ministry responsible for education.
In state primary schools, the Government funds the Breakfast Club, a before school hours’ service, is run by primary schools whereby schools open from around 7am (about 90 minutes before lessons start) so that pupils whose parents or guardians start employment early can be cared for in a safe environment. This service is offered free of charge in every primary state school and gives the opportunity to pupils to have breakfast before school commences, as well as to interact with other pupils through play and other activities. In school year 2023/34, 9728 children were registered for Breakfast Club in October, with daily attendance just under 4000 children. The application remains open throughout the school year.
An after-school-hours service, Klabb 3-16, is available in 33 centres in Malta and Gozo. These centres are state primary schools, whereby students from the ages of 3 to 16 years can attend. This service, run by the Foundation for Educational Services (FES), operates between 14:00 and 18:00 on school days and between 07:00 and 17:30 during school holidays, going some way towards bridging the gap between school time and the time when parents finish work. A planned programme of activities is on offer, where children do their homework and take part in educational fun activities. The service provides a safe, stimulating environment with appropriate adult supervision and facilitation. Klabb 3-16 is provided against a heavily subsidised hourly fee of €0.80 per hour per child. 5541 children availed themselves of this service in school year 2023/2024. During the school holidays, FES offers its services to the 5 Resource Centres. However, due to the low demand, the service is provided from 1 or 2 resource centres.
In the summer months, FES also runs SkolaSajf in 49 state primary schools and 5 Resource Centres. In 2023, this ran from Monday to Friday, between 12th July and 11th August 2023, and from 21st August till 7th September 2023. The service in mainstream schools was from 08:30 till 12:30 hours. An extended service for working parents was also offered in selected centres, from 07:00 till 08:30 and 12:30 till 17:30 hours, offered against a heavily subsidised hourly rate of €0.80 per hour per child. 12,083 children availed themselves of this service in summer 2023.
Upper Secondary Education
Families may be eligible for a Child Benefit of €8.66 per week per child until the child is 21 years of age, inclusive. This is paid to parents whose income does not exceed €25,924 and whose 16-21 year old children are in full-time education without receiving a stipend and who are not in employment save for summer work. This Benefit is managed by the Social Security Department within the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights.
The Government funds transport between the child’s home and school (provided that the distance between them is more than 1.0km). This covers transport of all children, whether they attend state or non-state schools. In academic year 2022/23, 33,690 children availed themselves of this service. Funds are centrally managed by the Ministry responsible for education.
At the end of compulsory schooling, students are invited to sit for Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) Examinations organised by MATSEC within L-Università ta’ Malta. MATSEC receives direct Government funding, assigned through the national budget. 4992 students registered for MATSEC SEC Level exams for the Main Session of 2023. Subject registration fees for MATSEC exams are not charged to candidates registering within the normal period with a valid ID card. Deterrent late or very late registration fees (€35 and €70 respectively for each subject) apply for candidates who register for exams after the normal registration period. A service of Revision of Papers (appeals) is offered by MATSEC against a fee ((€35 for each subject) following each of its examination sessions.
Financial support for families of pupils with special educational needs
Tax Credit (Costs of Therapy provided to Children with Disability) Rules (2023) introduced a tax credit to any person who incurs qualifying costs on behalf of a child (aged under sixteen years) with disability. The tax credit allowable in terms of these rules shall not exceed two hundred euro (€200) for each child in respect of whom the qualifying costs have been incurred.
Financial support for learners
Early Childhood Education and Care (0-3 years old)
Childcare is free of charge for children whose parent/s and/or guardian/s are in employment or following a course of studies. Some childcare settings also provide, at their discretion, specialised support for children with additional needs.
Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are further supported at school through Scheme 9, whereby these students are given free daily lunches, uniforms, photocopies and stationery (see National Descriptors Article 12.3). Furthermore, from academic year 2022/2023, state colleges were each allocated €100,000 from the national budget for Heads of Schools to support vulnerable students with their needs.
Additionally, to improve children’s digital literacy, from 2016 children attending Years 4-6 of Malta’s primary schools, be they state or nonstate, receive a tablet to be used for education purposes. The Government has pledged to extend this to secondary schoolchildren, whereby children in Year 7 will be given a laptop starting from school year 2023/2024. This measure is not means tested.
Furthermore, children are supported through the Milk Scheme and the Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, which provide primary school children with a portion of milk and a portion of fruit or vegetables twice a week. These schemes are managed by the Ministry responsible for agriculture.
The Government also funds after-hours literacy support programmes Klabb Naħla and NWAR. Klabb Naħla is available to students in Years 2 to 6, while NWAR is available to students in Years 3 to 6. Both programmes are available in English and Maltese, with students choosing only one language. Programmes target the acquisition of basic skills: phonological knowledge, alphabet knowledge, phonic knowledge, reading, spelling, writing and comprehension strategies. Klabb Naħla involves attending sessions in groups of up to 6 participants, twice or three times a week during the Breakfast Club or directly after school. Sessions are delivered by educators from the participants’ own school, while the National Literacy Agency supports the school to plan and run this programme. NWAR involves 1-hour sessions twice a week for a maximum of two years or until the student reaches the basic literacy skills level. Sessions comprise 3 or 4 students and their guardians, wherein dedicated literacy tutors provide systematic literacy intervention to the students while encouraging, motivating and, where necessary, upskilling guardians. This programme is offered in 10 different locations in Malta and Gozo and is run by the National Literacy Agency. In academic year 2023/24, 452 students are benefitting from Klabb Naħla, whilst 238 students are attending the NWAR family literacy programme (source: National Literacy Agency administrative data).
In summer 2021, Ministry for Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation started Catch-Up Classes to remedy the effects of high absence due to the COVID-19 situation. Since then, the Ministry has organised catch-up classes in summer and winter for students who may need extra help with their studies to catch up with their peers. Summer classes are held on weekdays and aim to support students to revise the work done in the previous scholastic year. Winter classes are held on Saturday morning between November and June each academic year and offered in person and online. During the Catch-Up classes students benefit from learning Maths, Maltese, English and Science/Physics. During the Summer Catch Up Classes students are also offered lessons in Art, Physical Education and ICT. Catch-Up Classes are free of charge. On average, 600 students have attended Catch-up classes.
Jobsplus organises SEC revision classes for students sitting for SEC resit exams. Individuals aged 16-24 29 may opt for revision classes in Maltese, English, Mathematics and one science subject. Participants will receive lessons with warranted teachers for five weeks and access to online learning material and past papers, free of charge. In 2023, SEC revision classes were offered in four centres (3 centres in Malta and 1 centre in Gozo). Revision classes were first launched in 2014, and till 2023 have supported over 6000 students. In 2023, 498 students participated.
Upper Secondary Education
Students attending upper secondary education in state and nonstate institutions are entitled to the students’ maintenance grants. The students’ maintenance grants’ term encapsulates the award of a yearly lump-sum grant of €332.94, given at the start of every academic year, and 10 four-weekly instalment of €106.91. Students going through proven hardship and, or humanitarian situations may also benefit from an additional 10 four-weekly instalments of supplementary stipend amounting to €91.70. Stipends and Supplementary Stipends are subject to attendance. The Students’ Maintenance Grants are regulated by Subsidiary Legislation 605.06 . The stipend and supplementary stipend are subject to COLA increase on pre-rata basis. The 2024 budget proposes that parents are granted a €500 per year allowance (for 3 years) for each child residing in their household attending post-compulsory full-time education (Budget Speech 2024). Besides, students in their first post-compulsory year of full-time education are granted a €300 voucher of free internet (Department of Information).
Private education
Exclusively private educational institutions
Financial autonomy and accountability
Independent schools raise funds through registration fees, school fees, fundraising and ancillary services that they provide (such as extra-curricular activities and premises rental outside school hours).
Fees
Early Childhood Education and Care (0-3 years old)
Families not participating in the Free Childcare for All Scheme must pay fees at the service provider’s rate. There is no regulation or capping of such fees.
Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education
Parents whose children attend independent schools pay fees that are determined by the school. There is no regulation or capping of such fees. Fees are generally determined by the anticipated expenses of the school and increase as the child progresses through the school years, with the largest increases apparent as the child progresses kindergarten into primary school and primary to secondary school.
Parents of children attending independent schools also need to purchase all the necessary school resources including textbooks and consumables, including stationery and craft supplies, additional learning materials like photocopies, uniforms or clothing, and outings, and food to be consumed during school hours.
Upper Secondary Education
Parents whose children attend independent schools pay fees that are determined by the school. There is no regulation or capping of such fees. Fees are generally determined by the anticipated expenses of the school.
Financial support
Early Childhood Education and Care (0-3 years old)
Families were all parents are in work or education and whose children attend registered childcare centres receive free childcare through the Free Childcare for All Scheme, even if they attend privately run childcare centres.
Families whose children attend a registered childcare centre and who do not benefit from the Free Childcare for All Scheme may benefit from an income tax rebate of up to €2,000 per annum per child in accordance with Subsidiary Legislation 123.121 Deduction (Childcare Fees) Rules and the Income Tax Act.
These initiatives are available to all, regardless of financial means.
Some childcare settings also provide, at their discretion, specialised support for children with additional needs.
Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education
According to the Income Tax Act, parents who pay fees in respect of their children for attendance in licensed independent school are entitled to an income tax deduction of up to €1,600 for each child in kindergarten, €1,900 for each child in primary school and €2,600 for each child in secondary school (rates applicable for 2022).
Additionally, to improve children’s digital literacy, from 2016 children attending Years 4-6 of Malta’s primary schools, be they state or nonstate, receive a tablet to be used for education purposes. The Government has pledged to extend this to secondary schoolchildren, whereby children in Year 7 will be given a laptop starting from school year 2023/2024. This measure is not means tested.
Furthermore, children are supported through the Milk Scheme and the Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, which provide primary school children with a portion of milk and a portion of fruit or vegetables twice a week. These schemes are managed by the Ministry responsible for agriculture.
Upper Secondary Education
Students attending upper secondary education in state and nonstate institutions are entitled to the students’ maintenance grants. The students’ maintenance grants’ term encapsulates the award of a yearly lump-sum grant of €332.94, given at the start of every academic year, and 10 four-weekly stipend amounting to €106.91. Students going through proven hardship and/or humanitarian situations or who have a disability may also benefit from an additional 10 four-weekly instalments of supplementary stipend amounting to €91.70. Stipends and Supplementary Stipends are subject to attendance. The Students’ Maintenance Grants are regulated by Subsidiary Legislation 605.06. The stipend and supplementary stipend are subject to COLA increase on pro-rata basis.
The grants are not merit-based, everyone entitled has access to them irrespective of academic performance. In addition to the universal grants, economically disadvantaged students get a supplementary allowance aimed to support them even further.
The private grant-aided sector
Financial autonomy and accountability
In the agreement between the Holy See and Malta on Church Schools, signed in November 1991 and ratified in February 1993, the Government of Malta committed itself to forward a financial contribution to Church Schools in the Dioceses of Malta and Gozo. The salaries of all education grades and support services staff are covered by this Government contribution. This contribution is payable to the Commission for Education of the Episcopal Conference, which disburses it to the schools. In academic year 2022/23, 16,084 children attended kindergarten, primary and secondary schools run by the church (source: MEYR administrative data).
Fees
Early Childhood Education and Care (0-3 years old)
There are no grant-aided independent early childhood education and care facilities.
Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education
Parents who opt to send their children to church schools are asked for an annual school donation, paid on a voluntary basis, which goes towards the amelioration of school amenities such as libraries, laboratories and sports facilities.
Parents of children attending church schools need to purchase all the necessary school resources including textbooks and consumables, including stationery and craft supplies, additional learning materials like photocopies, uniforms or clothing and outings, and food to be consumed during school hours.
Upper Secondary Education
Parents who opt to send their children to church schools are asked for an annual school donation, paid on a voluntary basis, which goes towards the amelioration of school amenities such as libraries, laboratories and sports facilities.
Parents of children attending church schools need to purchase all the necessary school resources including textbooks and consumables, including stationery and craft supplies, additional learning materials like photocopies, uniforms or clothing and outings, and food to be consumed during school hours.
Financial support
Early Childhood Education and Care (0-3 years old)
There are no grant-aided independent, early childhood education and care facilities.
Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education
The Government funds transport between the child’s home and school (provided that the distance between them is more than 1.0km). This covers transport of all children, whether they attend state or non-state schools. In academic year 2022/23, 33,690 children availed themselves of this service (source: Jobsplus administrative data). Funds are centrally managed by the Ministry responsible for education.
Additionally, to improve children’s digital literacy, from 2016 children attending Years 4-6 of Malta’s primary schools, be they state or nonstate, receive a tablet to be used for education purposes. The Government has pledged to extend this to secondary schoolchildren, whereby children in Year 7 will be given a laptop starting from school year 2023/2024. This measure is not means tested.
Furthermore, children are supported through the Milk Scheme and the Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, which provide primary school children with a portion of milk and a portion of fruit or vegetables twice a week. These schemes are managed by the Ministry responsible for agriculture.
Upper Secondary Education
Students attending upper secondary education in nonstate institutions are entitled to a maintenance grant. This is given in the form of a lump sum at the start of each academic year, along with 10 four-weekly instalments. The amount of funds students receive depends on their chosen course. Eligibility for the Students’ Maintenance Grants is considered in accordance with Subsidiary Legislation 605.06 - Students Maintenance Grants’ Regulations.
The grants are not merit-based.
Everyone entitled has access to them irrespective of academic performance. In addition to the universal grants, economically disadvantaged students get a supplementary allowance aimed to support them even further.