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Eurydice

EACEA National Policies Platform:Eurydice
Legislation and official policy documents

Malta

15.Legislation and official policy documents

Last update: 27 November 2023
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Constitution of the Republic of Malta

Constitution of Malta (1964)

The Malta Independence order, 1964, and as subsequently amended.

Compulsory Education

National Curriculum Framework Regulations, 2013 (Legal Notice 69 of 2013)
National Curriculum Framework Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 605.07)

Regulations for the implementation of the National Curriculum Framework as set out in the document entitled "A National Curriculum Framework for All" published by the Ministry responsible for Education in December 2012.

Act No. XIII of 2012 (An Act to amend the law related to Education)

This act provided the legal framework for the amalgamation of the Malta Qualifications Council (MQC) and the National Commission for Higher Education (NCHE) to form the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE).

Teachers (Code of Ethics and Practice) Regulations, 2012 (Legal Notice 414 of 2012)

The Code sets out sets out the key principle of good conduct and practice for teachers in Malta and Gozo. It is intended to guide teachers’ practice judgements and decisions and to inform parents and the community of these standards.

National Curriculum Regulations, 2000 (Legal Notice 132 of 2000)

This Legal Notice established that the National Curriculum of studies for schools in Malta to be the document entitled “Creating the Future Together”.

National Minimum Conditions for all Schools Regulations (Legal Notice 150 of 1990, as amended by Legal Notice 196 of 1994)

This Legal Notice establishes the national minimum conditions for all schools regulations.

National Minimum Conditions for All Schools Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 605.02)

Amends Legal Notice 196 of 1994

School Council Regulations, 1993 (Legal Notice 135 of 1993)

Legislation that regulates the functioning of School Councils in State schools.

School Council Regulations  (Subsidiary Legislation)

Subsidiary Legislation with amendments on Legal Notice 135 of 1993 

Education Act, 1988 (Chapter 327 of the Laws of Malta, 1988)

This Act consolidated and reformed the law relating to Education in Malta and set out a number of principles and expressed a philosophy for the educational system.

Education Act, 2019 (Chapter 605 of the Laws of Malta, 2021)

An Act to reform the law relating to education in Malta.

Amendments to Article 2 (Cap. 327) Education Act

The definition of compulsory school age in Article 2 of Cap. 327 was amended. The new definition excludes students who have completed compulsory school but not yet attained the age of sixteen years from being included as of compulsory school age.

Amendments to Article 23 (Cap. 327) Education Act

This proviso was included at the end of Article 23:

“Provided further that a teacher in possession of a Degree of Bachelor in Education in Early Childhood Education and Care teaching at kindergarten level shall be considered as a teacher for all intents and purposes of the law.”

This is an effect of the requirement for Kindergarten Assistant to have a Degree of Bachelor in Education in Early Childhood and Care. persons working in Kindergarten and in possession of this qualification are to be considered as teachers and not Kindergarten Assistants.

Teachers (Code of Ethics) Regulations, 1988 (Legal Notice 81 of 1988)

These regulations set out teachers’ responsibilities towards the pupils in their care, their colleagues at the workplace and the pupils’ parents.

Compulsory Attendance Act 1924 (Act XXII of 1924)

This Act enforced school attendance of registered students until the age of 12 (later raised to 14 years in 1928).

Compulsory Education Ordinance 1946 (Ordinance 11 of 1946)

This Act established that all children between the ages of 6 and 14 had to attend school.

Education Amendment Act, 1978 (Act XXX of 1979)

An Act further to amend the Education Act of 1974 (a temporary Act) which provided the legal basis of the setting up of the New University and the student worker scheme. 

Fees (Tuition) Regulations (S.L. 605.01)

The subsidiary legislation establishes tuition fees for persons who are not Maltese or EU member states citizens. 

Recruitment,  Initial Training and Continuous Professional Development and Protection of Minors in Compulsory Education Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 605.09)

Subsidiary legislation on recruitment and training of personnel, focusing on the protection of minors.

Pre-Primary Education

Registration of Childcare Facilities as Educational Establishments Regulations, 2008 (Legal Notice 54 of 2008)

Regulations establishing the process to be followed when registering an establishment to be used for child day care services for children under three years of age.

National Minimum Curriculum, 1989 (Pre-Primary Level) (Legal Notice 76 of 1989)

Subsidiary legislation to the Education Act of 1988 to be effective in all local pre-primary schools (at Kindergarten level).

Primary Education

National Minimum Curriculum, 1989 (Primary Level) (Legal Notice 73 of 1989)

Subsidiary legislation to the education Act of 1988 applicable to all local primary schools operating in the territory of Malta.

Secondary Education

Secondary Education Certificate Examination Regulations (Legal Notice 389 of 2014, as amended by Legal Notice 166 of 2015)

Legal Notice that regulates the organisation and implementation of the Secondary Education Certificate examinations that complete the secondary education cycle and that are used for entry into Level 3 MQF/EQF post-secondary requirements.

Statute for the Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate Examinations (Legal Notice 349 of 2014)

This Legal Notice sets out the functions of the Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate Examinations Board.

National Minimum Curriculum, 1990 (Secondary Level) (Legal Notice 103 of 1990)

Subsidiary legislation to the Education Act of 1988 applicable to all local secondary schools.

Post-Secondary Education

Students Maintenance Grants Regulations, 2005 (Legal Notice 327/178)

A Legal Notice setting out the parameters for students to be eligible for the granting of a maintenance grant as support during the times of their studies.

Matriculation examination regulations (Legal Notice 133 of 2013 as amended by Legal Notice 330 of 2013 and 316 of 2014)

This subsidiary legislation regulates the Matriculation Certificate which is the basic entry requirement for first cycle degrees awarded by the University of Malta.

Students Maintenance Grants (Amendment) Regulations, 2012 (Legal Notice 347 of 2012)

This Legal Notice amends the original Student Maintenance Grants Regulations.

Students Maintenance Grants Regulations, 2016 (Legal Notice 308 of 2016)

This Legal Notice amends the original Student Maintenance Grants Regulations.

Students Maintenance Grants Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 605.06)

Amends previously related legal notices

Institution of Tourism Studies Regulations, 2012 (Legal Notice 131 of 2012)

These regulations regulate and provide for matters relation to the Institution of Tourism Studies as an entity established in the Education Act

Gan FrangIsk Abela Junior College Regulations (Legal Notice 123 of 1995)

This legal notice regulates the administration of the University Junior College which is the post-secondary educational institution that prepares students for entry into the University of Malta.

National Minimum Curriculum Regulations, 1991 (Post-Secondary Level) (Legal Notice 56 of 1991)

Subsidiary legislation to the education Act of 1988 and that is binding to all local post-secondary schools, whether operated by the State, the Independent, the Private or the Church sectors.

Tertiary Education

University student discipline regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 327.535)

Subsidiary legislation regarding university student code of behaviour.

University Assessment Regulations (Legal Notice 274 of 2009, as amended by Legal Notices 353, 399 and 472 of 2010, 149 of 2011, 35 of 2012, 138, 299 and 419 of 2013, 45 and 348 of 2014, 255 and 356 of 2015, and 191 of 2016)

Regulates all the assessment that contribute towards any award of the University of Malta.

University postgraduate awards general regulations (2008)

Subsidiary legislation to regulate the awarding of second cycle degrees.

Education Ordinance, 1946 (Ordinance III of 1946)

This Ordinance provided for the management and the control of the Royal University of Malta and of the Educational Establishment.

Bye-Laws of 2014 to amend the Bye-Laws of 2006 in terms of the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2004 for the Degree of Bachelor of Education (Honours), 2014 (Legal Notice 94 of 2014)

Additional bye-laws amending the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards for the Degree of Bachelor of Education (Honours).

University Fees Regulations (Legal Notice 258 of 2009, as amended by Legal Notices 370 of 2009, 397 of 2010, 302 and 430 of 2012, 301 of 2013, 56 of 2015 and 141 of 2016)

Regulates the fees that have to be paid by non-Maltese nationals to enrol in University of Malta courses.

Students maintenance grants regulations (Legal Notice 372 of 2005, as amended by Legal Notices 424 of 2007, and 347 and 431 of 2012; and Act XXVII of 2016)

Regulations regarding the granting of stipends applicable to students joining full-time post-secondary courses, including University first cycle degrees.

General regulations for university undergraduate awards (S.L. 327.633)

Subsidiary legislation that regulates the award of first cycle degrees by the University of Malta.

Certificate in Foundation Studies Course Regulations, 2014 (Legal Notice 352 of 2014)

A Legal Notice setting out the regulations applicable to courses at Certificate in Foundation Studies Level.

Statute for the Centre for the Liberal Arts and Sciences, 2014 (Legal Notice 245 of 2014)

This Statue established the Centre for the Liberal Arts and Sciences as an institution of the University of Malta.

Statute for the International School for Foundation Studies (S.L. 327.538)

This Statute established the International School for Foundation Studies as an institution within the University of Malta

Statute 11 - Quality Assurance and Academic Audit (Legal Notice 178 of 1979)

Statute setting out that the University of Malta will have the authority to regularly review policies on academic standards. A Quality Assurance Committee and an Academic Audit Unit will also be set up to ensure that these quality standards are met.

University Suitability to Practise Regulations S.L. 327.557

The  purpose  of  these  regulations  is  to  establish  the responsibilities of students following a course at the University that leads to a qualification required at law for the purposes of obtaining a warrant, licence or registration to practise a regulated profession, in terms of such students’ professional suitability to practise and their commitment to their chosen profession throughout their participation in the course, as well as the procedures to be followed by the University in relation to such students.

Malta University Debating Union (MUDU) Regulations (S.L. 327.568)

The scope of these regulations is to establish MUDU which shall accordingly  promote  both  competitive debating and chamber debating and establish respective rules about organisation and conduct.

Statute for the Doctoral School (S.L. 327.574)

This Statute established the Doctoral School as an institution within the University of Malta.

Statute for the Centre for the Study and Practice of Conflict Resolution (S.L. 327.591)

This Statute established the Centre for the Study and Practice of Conflict Resolution as an institution within the University of Malta.

Statute for the Centre for Distributed Ledger Technologies (S.L. 327.597)

This Statute established the Centre for Distributed Ledger Technologies as an institution within the University of Malta.

University Student Societies Regulations (S.L. 327.621)

The purpose of these Regulations is to recognise Student Societies as well as to regulate the rights, privileges and obligations arising from their recognition.

Special Powers of Senate in Extraordinary Circumstances Regulations (S.L. 327.649)

The regulations are applicable in extraordinary circumstances when normal University activities have to stop or be drastically restricted due to situations beyond the control of the University, Senate may take any measure it deems appropriate for the teaching and assessment activities to be cancelled or postponed or done differently as provided for or required in any regulations.

Doctorate in Research Programme Regulations (S.L. 327.665)

Regulations applicable for Doctoral Candidates registered at MCAST, following the DRes programme.

General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards (S.L. 327.669)

Subsidiary legislation that regulates all courses leading to Postgraduate Awards at the University of Malta.

Statute for the Centre for Financial Integrity (S.L. 327.671)

This Statute established the Centre for Financial Integrity as an institution within the University of Malta.

Further and Higher Education

Further and Higher Education (Licensing, Accreditation and Quality Assurance) Regulations, S.L. 607.03

Provides for the regulation of institutions providing further and higher education and establishing the National Commission for Further and Higher Education as the competent authority for licensing, accrediting and quality assurance for providers and programmes through the establishment of a Quality Assurance Committee.

Regulations amending Further and Higher Education (Licensing, Accreditation and Quality Assurance) Regulations (Legal Notice 150 of 2015 Education Act (Cap. 327) 2015)

This Legal Notice widened the parameters of regulation of Further Education Provision. It also made pluralism in tertiary education possible.

Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Act (Act XVIII of 2002, as amended by various Acts and lately by Act XXXIV of 2014)

This Act relates to the mutual recognition of qualifications and shall apply to a restricted list of professions and professional activities as listed in an accompanying Schedule.

National Commission for Further and Higher Education (Legal Notice 261 of 2013)

This Notice sets out the functions of the National Commission for Further and Higher Education.

Malta Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning Regulations, 2012 (Legal Notice 294 of 2012)

These regulations determine the regulatory framework for the classification of qualifications and awards provided through formal, non-formal and informal learning and are based on the Malta Qualifications Framework level descriptors.

Validation of Non-formal and Informal Learning Regulations, 2012 (Legal Notice 295 of 2012 as amended by Legal Notice 194 of 2014)

These regulations provide a regulatory framework for the validation of non-formal and informal learning and for the granting of validation awards within the Malta Qualifications Framework.

Mutual Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications in the European Region Regulations (Legal Notice 280 of 2006 [not yet in force])

This Legal Notice enables persons holding any qualification, issued by a recognised institution of higher education of one of the Party States to have adequate access to a coherent, transparent and reliable assessment of qualifications upon request to the appropriate body. The role of the Malta Qualifications Recognition Centre and that of institutes of higher education within Malta in this assessment process is also outlined in this Legal Notice.

Malta’s National Strategic Action Plan for Further and Higher Education 2022 – 2030

This action plan identifies key trends and drivers up to 2030 and their relevance to further and higher education, with a view to mapping and tackling emerging opportunities and threats.

Education and Training

Council for the Teaching of English Language 2015 Regulations (Legal Notice 221 of 2015 Education Act (Cap. 327)

This Legal Notice, which is updating previous regulations and bringing these in line with today’s requirements, provides a regulatory framework for the advancement and monitoring of the English Language teaching profession, schools, English Language teachers, non-academic services and ancillary services that together constitute the stay of English Language students who are speaker of other languages.

English Language Teaching Council Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 605.05)

Amends previously legal notice 221 of 215

Institute for Education (Establishment) Order (Legal Notice 140 of 2015, Education Act (Cap. 327))

The Institute for Education was established to develop, organise and deliver continuous development training to persons involved in the delivery of education and educational leadership. Furthermore the Institute will act as a hub for the sharing of positive experiences and act as an educational policy forum.

Youth Work Profession Act  (Act XX of 2014, Chapter 533 of the Laws of Malta)

This legislation provides for the provisions for the regulation of the youth work professions and related matters.

Employment and Training Services Act (Chapter 594 of the Laws of Malta)

An Act to provide for the establishment of Jobsplus and for the regulation of employment and training services, and for matters connected therewith or ancillary to, and for a National Employment Authority.

Technician Apprentice Scheme, 1990 (Legal Notice 82 of 1990)

This legislation applies in respect of persons who would have entered into an apprenticeship in any of a number of listed trades on or after 1st January, 1990.

Extended Skill Training Regulations (Legal Notice No 73 of 1998 and as subsequently amended)

Legislation regulating apprenticeship schemes.

National Skills Council (Establishment) Order (Subsidiary Legislation 605.10)

Subsidiary legislation establishing the National Skills Council, which shall be autonomous and which shall carry out functions related to labour market preparation and skills and shall serve as a main driver in these fields.

Institute  for  the  Public Services (Establishment) Order (Subsidiary Legislation 605.10)

Subsidiary legislation establishing the Institute for the Public Services, which shall be autonomous, and which shall generate the study, both theory and practice, of public administration and management as well as undertake research thereto.

Adult Learning

Fees (Evening Tuition Courses) Regulations (Legal Notice 116 of 1993)

This Legal Notice regulates the fees payable by persons following evening courses organised by the Directorate for Lifelong Learning.

Initial Teacher Education

Postgraduate Certificate in Education – PGCE – Course (Amendment) Regulations, 2007 (Legal Notice 247 of 2007)

Regulations made by the Senate of the University of Malta defining such factors as eligibility criteria, admission requirements and the course of studies.

Mutual Recognition of Professional Education and Training (Amendment) Regulations, 2004 (Legal Notice 160 of 2004)

This Legal Notice provides for the mutual recognition of indicated professional education and training provided by educational institutions of Member States of the European Union.

Postgraduate Certificate in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs Course Regulations, 2000 (Legal Notice 178 of 2000)

Regulations defining requirements to follow this course, its duration and what course of studies will be followed, modes of assessment and related information.

Other Legislation

Processing of Personal Data (Education Sector) Regulations (Legal Notice 19 of 2015)

These regulations were set up to regularise data collection in schools especially when data is collected for research purposes. These regulations try to strike a balance between the collection of data and the protection of students’ personal data.

European Union Programmes Agency (Establishment) Order. (Subsidiary Legislation 595.30)

The revised EUPA Legal Notice presents amendments that reflect institutional changes within the Public Administration as well as the new Regulation EU 1288/2013 establishing Erasmus+ in the field of education, training, youth and sport.

National Literacy Agency (Establishment) Order, 2014 (Legal Notice 192 of 2014)

This Legal Notice established the National Literacy Agency, an autonomous entity, to carry out functions ensuring the promotion of different aspects of the National Literacy Strategy for All in Malta and Gozo.

Public Service Management Code

The Public Service Management Code brings together all standing regulations, circulars and policies on Human Resource Management in the Public Service. Its provisions are aimed to uphold the core values of the Public Service as announced in the Public Administration Act.

Maltese Language Act (Chapter 470 of the Laws of Malta)

This act establishes the National Council for the Maltese Language to promote the National Language of Malta and to provide the necessary means to achieve this aim.

National Agency for Examinations (Establishment) Order, 2012 (Legal Notice 324 of 2012)

A Legal Notice establishing the National Agency for Examinations responsible for carrying out functions related to the provision of examinations in Malta.

Statute for the Centre for Literacy, 2012 (Legal Notice 19 of 2010, as amended by Legal Notice 199 of 2012)

This Legal Notice established the Centre for Literacy as an institution within the University of Malta. It also outlined its aims as the promotion of literacy by maintaining a strong partnership with schools and other educational agencies.

ACT No. III of 2019

An  Act  to  update  and  replace  the  Public  Administration  Act, Cap.  497This Act affirms the values of the public administration as an instrument for the common good, to provide for the application of those values throughout the public sector and to provide for the organisation and management thereof.

Employment and Industrial Relations Act, 2002  (Chapter 452 of the Laws of Malta)

This Act consolidated the Conditions of Employment (Regulations) Act (Cap. 135) and the Industrial Relations Act (Cap. 266).

Equal Opportunities Act (Chapter 413 of the Laws of Malta, 2000)

Legislation enacted to safeguard equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Institute for Child and Parent Learning Support Regulations, 2000 (Legal Notice 135 of 2000)

The Legal Notice established an Institute for Child and Parent Learning Support as an educational structure to take initiatives in support of preventive and remedial strategies against illiteracy and failure in schools.

Ecclesiastical Entities (Properties) Act (Chapter 358 of the Laws of Malta)

This Act provides for the implementation of the Agreement signed on the 28 November, 1991, between the Holy See and Malta relative to the transfer to the State of such immovable property in Malta as is not required by the Catholic Church for pastoral purposes.

Conventio: Accordo tra la Repubblica di Malta e la Santa Sede per Meglio Ordinare L'istruzione e L'educazione Religiosa Cattolica nelle Scuole Statali (Agreement on Church Schools) (Agreement of 16 November, 1989)

This Agreement entered into between the Republic of Malta and the Holy See establishes the modes of regulation on Catholic religious instruction and education in state schools, guarantees the existence of Church Schools and binds the State to fund Church schools by covering teacher’s salaries and a part of their recurrent expenditure. Through a related agreement, the Church passed immobile property to the State.

Registration of Summer Schools as Educational Establishments Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 605.08)

Subsidiary legislation that regulates the registration of Summer Schools

National Book Council (Establishment) Order (Subsidiary Legislation 605.12)

Subsidiary legislation establishing the National Book Council, which shall be autonomous and which shall carry out functions  related  to  the  book  industry,  authors  and publishers. The Council shall be a publicly funded and autonomous institution which acts as a cultural and educational agent with the aim of promoting books and  reading  in  society  and  to  represent  the interests of authors and publishers alike.