Different levels of schooling are governed by different regulatory frameworks which, in turn, differ in terms of the nomenclature used for educators and in terms of the qualifications they require educators to have. 

Initial education for teachers working in Early Childhood Education and Care (0-3) 

Early Childhood Education and Care for  children aged 0–3 years is governed by  the National Standards for Early Childhood Education and Care Services (0–3 years), which outline, among other things, staff qualifications. Childcare Educators require an MQF Level 4 of 60 ECTS credits in Early Childhood Education and Care to be employed as Childcare Educators. Assistants to the Childcare Educator require an MQF Level 3 of 30 ECTS credits in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Initial professional training for educators seeking employment in childcare settings as Childcare Educators can be undertaken at the Malta College for Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST), at Jobsplus, or at one of a number of private training institutions accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). MQF Level 4 training at MCAST is offered through a two-year full-time programme of studies (120 ECTS), namely the Advanced Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. Successful completion of the initial 60 ECTS credits enables one to be employed as a Childcare Educator. The Jobsplus course Vet Award for Childcare Educators is an MQF Level 4 course of 60 ECTS credits in Early Childhood Education and Care. 

Individuals seeking employment in childcare settings as an Assistant to the Childcare Educator can seek training at the Institute for Education. MQF Level 3 training at the Institute for Education (IfE) is offered through a blended part-time programme of studies (30 ECTS credits). Level 3 Diploma in Early Years, (60 ECTS credits), also qualifies candidates to become an Assistant to the Childcare Educator. 

Malta has National Occupational Standards for the role of Childcare Educators. 

Initial education for teachers working in Kindergarten Education (ages 3-5)

 Individuals  interested in working in kindergarten settings are expected to hold at least an MQF Level 5 Certificate with a minimum of 30 ECTS credits in Early Childhood Education and Care. A sectoral agreement signed in July 2024, stipulates that educators are eligible to be employed as Kindergarten Educators once they hold this MQF Level 5 Certificate.  

MCAST offers a three-year Degree in Early Years at MQF level 6, 180 ECTS. This degree includes an exit point at level 5 following the successful completion of the second year. Both the degree and the Level 5 Diploma qualify holders to work in kindergarten settings. Furthermore, MCAST and the Institute for Education offer a part time double badged top up Degree in Early Years, Learning and Care (Top-Up) of 60 credits at MQF level 6 for employees who previously successfully completed a level 5 course of 120 ECTS in Early Years and wish to upskill to level 6.

The University of Malta offers a three-year BA (Hons) in ECEC (MQF Level 6, 180 ECTS credits) for individuals who would like to seek employment in kindergarten settings.

Initial education for teachers working in Primary and Secondary Schools (ages 5-16)

Initial teacher education varies according to the educational level at which prospective teachers intend to work. Those who intend to teach at primary level read for training particular to this area. Currently, the most common route is a relevant first degree (MQF Level 6, 180 ECTS credits) to be followed by a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning (MQF level 7, 120 ECTS credits) in Early Childhood and Primary Education. 

As from academic year 2023-2024, one can also opt for a Bachelor of Education (MQF Level 6, 180 ECTS credits) offered on part-time basis by the Institute for Education. This entitles one to become a qualified teacher without the need to follow a BA programme prior to embarking on an initial teacher qualification.

As from academic year 2023-2024 as well, one can also opt for a B.A. Primary Education (MQF Level 6, 180 ECTS credits) at the University of Malta. This entitles one to become a primary school teacher. 

Prospective teachers intending to perform teaching duties at secondary level receive training for teaching students at this age group. At secondary level, teachers can choose to specialise in one out of a range of subjects. All secondary school teachers, including specialist teachers of arts subjects such as music, art, etc. and sports subjects, are expected to hold specialised training in their subject/s. 

The University of Malta offers a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning (MTL) for those persons who are in possession of a first cycle degree. The Institute for Education offers two part-time routes to becoming a qualified teacher, the Bachelor of Education (Hons) degree for those with a full MQF Level 4 qualification, and the Masters of Education Degree for those who are in possession of a First Degree (MQF Level, 180 ECTS  qualification).

As educators responsible for the teaching and learning of students at different levels require different qualifications, the institutions providing initial training differ. There are various institutions involved in initial training of educators:

Jobsplus is the national employment agency. It provides vocational courses covering Levels 1 to 4 of the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) which are demand driven. It is fully funded by the state. Jobsplus offers a course for Childcare Educators, that is, the Level 4 award known as the Vocational Education and Training Award for Childcare Educators (60 ECTS credits). This qualifies an applicant to become a Childcare Educator. 

The University of Malta is a self-accrediting institution. The Faculty of Education at the UM awards the Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning (MTL), which is a two-year full time course. Graduates who intend to take up teaching as their profession require this degree or equivalent. Prospective teachers must choose an area of study out of two areas: Early Childhood Education and Primary or Secondary Education.

Throughout the MTL programme, students build a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in leading classroom learning effectively. The MTL encompasses a total of 120 ECTS credits, which includes two field placements totalling 20 ECTS credits, completed across two academic years (two five-week placements), along with a period of field observations. Additionally, 20 ECTS credits focus on contextual knowledge, 5 ECTS credits cover Themes in Education, and another 5 ECTS credits are devoted to general pedagogy for the primary group and digital pedagogy for the secondary group. The subject specialisation comprises 40 ECTS credits, and the Dissertation, which includes research methods, accounts for 30 ECTS credits. In several subject areas, the MTL programme is offered on a part-time basis with the curriculum spread over a three-year period instead of two.

The field placement consists of a period of observation and teaching in schools. Students are required to conduct a minimum of 210 hours of supervised observations per academic year. Students are also required to take on full teaching responsibilities under supervision for a minimum of 24 scholastic days per year during placements where they are supervised, visited and assessed by a team of examiners appointed by the Faculty of Education.

The IfE is a Further and Higher Education Institution licenced by the MFHEA. The accredited programmes are flexible and adopt different modes of delivery such as face-to-face lectures, online and blended learning. The IfE offers a variety of courses ranging from MQF Level 3 to MQF Level 7. The IfE is committed to the key principles of equity and social justice and strives to enhance accessibility for professional learning for all educators. IFE also invests in life-long learning to cultivate skills and competences which enable individuals to rise to the challenges posed by the ever-changing society. It fosters a philosophy whereby course participants are encouraged to explore their potential independently whilst empowering individuals to achieve personal and collective growth.

As from academic year 2018-2019, the IfE started offering teaching qualifications at Bachelor, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s level for those who wished to pursue a career in teaching or are already teaching and would like to improve their qualifications. The IfE is the major provider of Continuous Professional Development for educators in Malta.

All qualifications and awards offered by the Institute for Education are run as part-time courses. There are core modules in the Bachelor Degrees, such as psychology, philosophy and sociology of education, classroom management, assessment for learning and inclusive education in addition to Teaching Practice, Micro-Placement in the Industry, Microteaching and Research Methods.  The B.Ed. (Hons.) degree is equivalent to 180 ECTS credits spread over four years. Students have three field placements consisting of 10 ECTS credits each (totalling 30 ECTS credits for the whole programme). The students are supervised, visited and assessed by a team of Practicum Visitors  appointed by the Institute for Education.

The Master of Education degree is a three-year part-time course and is offered for 21different streams including primary, vocational subjects and secondary subjects. It consists of a number of core modules, and a number of modules related to the pedagogy and assessment of the particular subject. The course is equivalent to 90 ECTS credits. It has two exit points: one at Postgraduate Certificate (30 ECTS) and one at Postgraduate Diploma (60 ECTS). Students have two teaching practices of 10 ECTS each during the first and second year of the course. 

Course admission requirements are established by the respective institution offering the course.

Curriculum, level of specialization and learning outcomes for educators working in Early Childhood Education and Care (ages 0-3) 

In the case of Childcare Educators, competences are clearly written within the National Occupational Standards for Childcare Educators. Accreditation in the role of a Childcare Educator is issued by the Education Resources Department based on qualifications that address the learning outcomes listed within the National Occupational Standards for Childcare Educators.

Curriculum, level of specialization and learning outcomes for educators working in Kindergarten Education (ages 3-5)

Competences for Kindergarten Educators are not specified in a competence framework. Curricula and Learning Outcomes for initial education of Kindergarten Educators are determined by each education institution offering a course. 

Curriculum, level of specialization and learning outcomes for educators working in Primary and Secondary Schools (ages 5-16)

In Malta, competences for teachers are not specified in a competence framework. Curricula and Learning Outcomes for initial education of primary and secondary school teachers are determined by each institution that offers courses in Education.

This arrangement does not mean that higher-education institutions have carte blanche, since these must be recognised by the Council for the Teaching Profession as making prospective holders eligible for a teacher’s warrant. In practice, this means that courses require a balanced approach of professional education studies, subject content knowledge and pedagogy. Specific knowledge, skills and competences required to teach in an inclusive manner form part and parcel of training programmes for prospective teachers. 

In the Maltese system, currently teachers are being trained specifically for a particular level of education and are not qualified to teach at other levels. In past years, until 2002, most teachers who read for a B.Ed. (Hons) at the University of Malta (Level 6, 240 ECTS credits), could teach both at primary level and one subject at secondary level. Many teachers in service today still hold this qualification, and therefore the option to choose between teaching at primary or at secondary level. 

As regards the level of specialisation, teachers who read for the MTL Early Childhood & Primary can teach children aged 5 to 11 years. Teachers who read for the MTL Secondary Education can teach children aged 11 to 16 years. Teachers with a PGCE or Postgraduate Diploma by the Institute for Education teach secondary school students (ages 11 - 16) in their subject specialisation.

Generally, those responsible for training prospective educators possess at least a Master’s Level qualification in their respective subject, with many also being in possession of a Doctoral Degree. While they are not required to hold a teaching qualification, many of them do so. Furthermore, MCAST offers its staff the opportunity to obtain such qualification through the Master in Vocational Education Applied Research (MVEAR).

In the case of MCAST, which specialises in vocational training, due consideration is also given to the amount of industrial experience accumulated over the years, though it is the norm that teacher educators at this institution also possess teaching qualifications. Teacher Trainers who are not in possession of such a qualification, are offered the opportunity to obtain such a qualification through the availability of evening part-time training courses within the same institution.

Currently there are no special qualification requirements for teachers to act as mentors of Newly Recruited Teachers or Newly Qualified Teachers just employed. The current practice is that  teachers not in possession of certification of training in mentoring can voluntarily express their interest to be considered favourably for such duties. It is understood that such mentoring duties cannot be made obligatory on teachers. Mentors are identified by the school’s management based on their own professional judgement. It is ensured that a mentor is at least at the same grade of the mentee. 

Notwithstanding the above, the Faculty of Education within the University of Malta has for the past 8 years been offering a post-graduate diploma in Mentoring. These Teacher Mentors are trained to provide an ongoing, well-informed and reassuring presence in the student-teachers’ professional life during their field placement and Block Practicum so as to create the space for professional interactions, as and when required. This helps safeguard the interests of the students in class and contribute to the professional development of prospective teachers.  An ongoing dialogue between the Teacher Mentor and the respective student-teacher/s assigned to them helps ensure the development of a community of practice and initiate student-teachers in their journey of becoming reflective practitioners.

Qualifications, evaluation and certificates for educators working in Early Childhood Education and Care (0-3) 

The qualifications that candidates should possess to enter the profession as educators at Childcare Level is an MQF Level 4 Qualification of 60 ECTS credits in Early Childhood Education and Care. These may be issued from any public or private licenced Higher Education Institution. The procedures governing assessment methods within this qualification include various kinds of assessments such as written examinations, research papers and portfolios. Candidates who obtain such qualifications from foreign institutions need to have their certificate recognized against the Malta Qualifications Framework by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC), the competent body within the MFHEA. MQRIC issues a recognition and comparability statement for both local and international qualifications. The local body that is responsible for determining the criteria for the evaluation and award of qualifications, including those for Childcare Educators, is the MFHEA. Childcare Educators do not require a warrant to be able to perform their duties.

Qualifications, evaluation and certificates for educators working in Kindergarten Education (ages 3-5)

The minimum qualification that candidates should possess if they enter the profession as educators at kindergarten level is an MQF Level 5 qualification of 30 ECTS credits in Early Childhood Education and Care. The procedures governing assessment methods within this qualification include various kinds of assessments such as written examinations, research papers and portfolios. These may be issued from any public or private licenced Higher Education Institution. Candidates who obtain such qualifications from foreign institutions need to have their certificate recognized against the Malta Qualifications Framework by MQRIC, the competent body within the MFHEA. MQRIC issues a recognition and comparability statement for both local and international qualifications. The local body that is responsible for determining the criteria for the evaluation and award of qualifications, including those for Kindergarten Educators, is the MFHEA. Kindergarten educators do not require a warrant to be able to perform their duties.

Qualifications, evaluation, and certificates (warrants) for educators working in Primary and Secondary Schools (ages 5-16)

To enter the teaching profession, candidates must hold the necessary qualifications and must hold a teacher’s warrant awarded by the Council for the Teaching Profession. To qualify for a warrant, a person must be in possession of any of the qualifications listed hereunder:

Recognised teaching qualification by the council for the teaching profession (CTP).

The Council for the Teaching Profession may consider any other professional qualification awarded by any other accredited institution in relation to eligibility for a Teachers’ Warrant.

When determining whether a qualification is comparable, the council evaluates the emphasis placed on pedagogy and the quality of the teaching practice component of any qualification. Any person may seek guidance from the council on whether a particular qualification is comparable and entitles the holder for eligibility for a Teachers’ Warrant. 

In addition to a qualification, Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) must also successfully undergo a two-year Induction and Mentoring Programme during their probation period.

The local body responsible for determining the criteria for the accreditation of all qualifications, including those for teachers, is the MFHEA.

Qualifications, evaluation, and certificates (warrants) for educators working in post-secondary education (ages 16+)

Post-Secondary Education institutions operate according to their individual regulations. The Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary institution prepares students between the age of 16 and 18 for their A-Levels, following employment regulations identical to those applied in state secondary schools. The Junior College, MCAST, ITS and other institutions that cater for post-secondary education, have their own systems of requirement. It is the norm that teachers who are employed at post-secondary and higher secondary institutions hold a Master’s degree. 

While the course requirements for prospective educators and kindergarten and school levels are those outlined in section 9.1.5 above, providers of courses leading to the required qualifications attempt to make studying more feasible by offering part-time and/or evening courses. Furthermore, candidates may obtain such qualifications from foreign institutions, provided that the qualifications are recognised against the Malta Qualifications Framework by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) and by the Council for the Teaching Profession. From time to time, the Department for Education has offered courses to encourage existing teachers to teach areas newly introduced in the curriculum.