Imagine the bustling streets of St. Julian’s, a hub for English language students in Malta. The usually vibrant scene, filled with students from all corners of the globe, seems a tad quieter. Why? According to the latest figures, there’s been a 6% drop in English language students in Malta in 2025.

The reasons behind this shift are multifold. Firstly, the rise of remote learning has made it possible for students to learn English without leaving their home countries. Online platforms have expanded, offering affordable and flexible alternatives to traditional classroom settings.

Secondly, the cost of living in Malta has increased, making it less affordable for some students. Rents in popular student areas like St. Julian’s and Sliema have skyrocketed, pushing students to look for cheaper alternatives elsewhere.

Local English language schools are feeling the pinch. “It’s been a challenging few years,” says Mark, the director of one such school in St. Julian’s. “We’ve had to adapt our business model, invest more in our online presence, and find ways to keep our courses competitive in terms of price.”

However, not all schools are struggling. Some have seen an increase in students from specific markets, like Asia, where demand for English language education remains high. “We’ve seen a significant increase in students from countries like Japan and South Korea,” says Lisa, the marketing manager of another popular language school in Msida.

The Maltese government is aware of the decline and is taking steps to reverse the trend. Initiatives like the Malta Scholarship Scheme, which offers partial scholarships to international students, are being promoted more aggressively.

the government is working on improving the student experience, making Malta a more attractive study destination. This includes investing in infrastructure, improving public transport, and enhancing the cultural scene to offer more to students in their free time.

, the future of English language education in Malta is uncertain but not bleak. With the right strategies and initiatives, Malta can once again become a top destination for English language students.

“Malta has always been about more than just language lessons,” says Mark. “It’s about the experience, the culture, the people. We just need to remind the world of that.”