Practical Information about Malta

The Maltese Islands

Malta is a small Mediterranean country located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. The Maltese archipelago consists of Malta, Gozo and Comino, together with a number of smaller, uninhabited islands and islets.

Malta has a rich history influenced by many different civilisations and cultures. You will find prehistoric temples, medieval towns, churches, fortifications, traditional village festas, beaches and a vibrant modern social scene.

We encourage you to explore the islands during your stay and make the most of the opportunity to experience Malta beyond the classroom. There are a number of excursions available every week, organised by our trusted partners, which you can book via the Administration Office to help you see the best of Malta and Gozo.

Climate

Malta has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summers are generally sunny and warm, while winters are considerably milder than in many northern European countries.

During the summer months, remember to:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Use sunscreen and seek shade during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• Take care when spending extended periods in direct sunlight.
• Avoid spending extended periods in direct sunlight between noon and 16:00.

Currency

The official currency of Malta is the euro (€).

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although it is useful to carry a small amount of cash for smaller purchases and certain services.

Languages

Malta has two official languages:

• Maltese
• English

English is widely spoken throughout the country and is used extensively in education, business, tourism and everyday life.

As an English language student, Malta therefore provides you with many opportunities to practise English outside the classroom.

Religion

Malta has deep-rooted Roman Catholic cultural and historical traditions, and churches are an important part of the country’s heritage. At the same time, Malta is a diverse and increasingly multicultural society, and people of different religions and beliefs live and study here. Students are expected to respect people of all religions, beliefs and backgrounds.

Smoking and Vaping

The legal age for purchasing and consuming tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes/vapes, in Malta is 18. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in a number of enclosed public places and workplaces. Please observe all designated smoking restrictions and signage. Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside MULS classrooms or within school premises.

Alcohol

The minimum legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol in Malta is 17. Students are expected to consume alcohol responsibly and to comply with Maltese law. Being under the influence of alcohol does not excuse inappropriate, threatening or disruptive behaviour. Students under the legal drinking age must not purchase, consume or be supplied with alcohol.

Public Transport

Malta has an extensive public bus network operated by Malta Public Transport. Buses connect most towns and tourist areas across Malta and Gozo. The tallinja app is particularly useful for planning journeys, checking routes and tracking buses in real time. Students should allow sufficient time for their journey to school, particularly during busy periods, as traffic can affect journey times.

Register for a Bus Card here.

We recommend registering for this card approximately 2 weeks prior to your arrival in Malta. You can have your personalised bus card sent to our address. Our address is:

Malta University Language School

Campus Hub Block O Level 6

University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080

Once your Bus Card is ready, you will receive a notification that the card has been delivered to the Post Office at the University of Malta, located here. Since this is a registered document, you will need to collect it in person upon presentation of proof of identity e.g. ID Card or Passport.

Electricity & Power Outlets

Malta uses the British-style three-pin power plug (Type G), the same type used in the United Kingdom. The standard electricity supply is 230V / 50Hz. If your devices use a different type of plug, you will need to bring a travel adaptor. We recommend bringing one with you.

Tip: If you are bringing several devices, you may wish to bring a multi-port charger or extension lead, together with the appropriate adaptor.

General Safety Tips

Please be mindful of the following:

• In Malta, vehicles drive on the left-hand side. Therefore, please pay extra attention when crossing the road.
• Please pay attention to your personal belongings, especially in crowded spaces.

Important Contact Information

School	Malta University Language School (MULS)
School Address	Campus Hub, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
	Google Maps
School Email	info@universitylanguageschool.com
Office Hours	Monday to Friday from 08:30–16:00 (excluding public holidays)
School Phone	+356 2132 2785 (during office hours)
Emergency Number	+356 2733 4831 (outside office hours, managed by Hotel Kappara which is managed by the school’s parent company)
Academic Office	Campus Hub, Block O, Level 6, Room 623
Administration Office	Campus Hub, Block O, Level 6, Room 624
Head of School & Director of Studies	Ms. Jean Bonnici
Deputy Head of School	Mr. Roger Gatt
Assistant Director of Studies	Ms. Karen Borg
Marketing, Sales & Administration Manager	Ms. Becky Chilton
Senior Administration Executive (& Student Welfare Officer)	Ms. Aldana Viano
Administration Executive	Mr. Virendra Singh Shekhawat
Administration Executive	Ms. Laura Buitrago Yusunguaria
First Aiders	Ms. Becky Chilton; Ms. Aldana Viano
First Aid Kits	Administration Office, Room 624

Service	Important Information	Contact / Link
Emergency Services	Ambulance, fire services, or police	112
Medical Advice (non-emergency)	The 1400 helpline helps you identify the most appropriate healthcare service. Available 24 hours	1400
Police (non-emergency)	For non-emergency police matters. Police stations are open 24/7.	Gżira Police Station: +356 2294 3366 Google Maps
Police Reports	Non-emergency incidents that have already occurred can also be reported online. You can request a callback and speak to a police officer online without visiting a station.	File a Remote Police Report
Mater Dei Hospital Accident & Emergency	24-hour Accident & Emergency Department for urgent medical attention.	Google Maps
Gżira Health Centre	For non-life-threatening medical problems. Open daily from 07:00–20:00.	Google Maps
Floriana Health Centre	Provides healthcare services, including urgent GP services. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.	Google Maps
Remedies Pharmacy & Clinics – Campus Hub	Located at Campus Hub. If you are unwell and need to see a doctor, you can make an appointment at the Remedies Clinic. This is a private service and fees apply. Students can check the approximate consultation fees directly with Remedies Clinic. Clinic opening hours: Monday to Friday: 08:30–20:00; Saturday: 08:00–14:00; Sunday closed.	+356 2397 6680 Google Maps

Public Holidays in Malta

Malta has 14 national and public holidays each year. The following are the public holidays for 2026:

Date	Public Holiday
Thursday, 1 January	New Year’s Day
Tuesday, 10 February	Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck
Thursday, 19 March	Feast of St. Joseph
Tuesday, 31 March	Freedom Day
Friday, 3 April	Good Friday
Friday, 1 May	Workers’ Day
Sunday, 7 June	Sette Giugno
Monday, 29 June	Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul
Saturday, 15 August	Feast of the Assumption
Tuesday, 8 September	Feast of Our Lady of Victories
Monday, 21 September	Independence Day
Tuesday, 8 December	Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Sunday, 13 December	Republic Day
Friday, 25 December	Christmas Day

 

Public Holidays and Your Lessons

If a public holiday falls on a weekday during your course, there will be no lessons on that day.

To partially make up for the lost time, the timetable for the remainder of that week will be adjusted. Where applicable, lessons will start at 8:45 a.m. on the remaining teaching days of that week only.

The Academic Office will provide you with the applicable timetable. Please note that the school cannot provide lessons on the public holiday itself.

Christmas Shutdown Period

The school closes for 2 weeks for the Christmas Break.

In 2026, the shutdown period is from Monday 21^st December 2026 to Friday 1^st January 2027. This means that the last day of lessons will be on Friday 18^th December 2026.

Lessons will resume on Monday 4^th January 2027.

In 2027, the shutdown period is from Monday 20th December 2027 to Friday 31st December 2027. This means that the last day of lessons will be on Friday 17th December 2027.

Lessons will resume on Monday 3rd January 2028.

Your First Day at MULS

Our language school is located at Campus Hub, Block O Level 6.

On your first day:

1. Please come to the Administration Office, Level 6, Room 624, at 08:45.

If a Public Holiday falls on a weekday during your first week, lessons will be held according to the adjusted timetable. If this applies to you, please come to the office at 08:30.

1. You should already have received an email from the Academic Office containing your class schedule and other information. This is normally sent on the preceding Friday.
2. You will receive:
   • A complimentary MULS welcome tote bag;
   • A complimentary Epic SIM card;
   • Information leaflets about Malta;
   • Our Mutual Commitment;
   • Common bus routes and transport information.
3. A Welcome Meeting will take place in Room 608/610 at 10:30.

If you have any questions on your first day, please speak to a member of the MULS team. We are here to help you settle in.

Academic Information

Our Teaching Methodology

Our teaching is based primarily on a communicative approach. Our teachers create an environment in which students are encouraged to participate actively, communicate with one another and take responsibility for their learning.

Lessons are dynamic and interactive and are planned around the course book corresponding to the English level of the class. Course materials are supplemented with activities and resources designed to encourage students to use English in meaningful and practical situations.

Communicative Learning

Our lessons focus on helping you use English effectively in real-life situations. You will have opportunities to express opinions, exchange information, hold conversations, solve problems and communicate naturally with other people.

The emphasis is not simply on knowing English grammar and vocabulary, but on being able to use the language confidently and appropriately.

Student-Centred Learning

You are at the centre of your learning experience. Teachers take into consideration the needs, abilities and interests of the class while encouraging active participation.

You will be encouraged to work with your classmates, collaborate on activities and take an active role rather than simply listening to the teacher.

Learner Autonomy

We encourage you to take responsibility for your own progress. This includes identifying areas you would like to improve, setting realistic learning goals, practising independently and reflecting on your progress.

Your teacher will guide and support you, but your engagement both inside and outside the classroom is an important part of your development.

Multimodal Learning

Your teachers will use a variety of resources to complement classroom teaching. Interactive whiteboards, digital course materials, multimedia resources, audio and visual materials and interactive activities may be incorporated into lessons.

These tools are intended to make learning more engaging and provide you with different ways of practising and experiencing English.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

Your progress is monitored through a combination of classroom observation, Unit Reviews, Level-up Tests and teacher feedback.

If your course is at least 4 weeks, you may speak to the Academic Office to sit for an End-of-Course Test. Successful completion of this test allows you to receive a Certificate of Achievement rather than a standard Certificate of Attendance.

Feedback and Error Correction

Making mistakes is a normal and necessary part of language learning. Teachers provide constructive feedback and correction to help you recognise areas for improvement.

You are encouraged to participate in correction activities, ask questions and interact with the language. Our aim is to create an environment in which mistakes are viewed as opportunities to learn.

Cultural Awareness

Learning a language also means learning about the people and cultures that use it. Lessons may include cultural topics, customs, traditions and different perspectives.

As MULS is an international school, you will also have the opportunity to learn from your classmates and develop greater awareness and respect for different cultures.

Inclusivity and Equality

MULS is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment. Students are treated fairly and provided with equal educational opportunities regardless of sex, race, religion, age, marital or parental status, disability, sexual orientation, political opinions or socio-economic background.

Discrimination, harassment and racist behaviour are not tolerated.

Your English Level

Placement Test

Before your course begins, you should complete the MULS Online Placement Test. This is a multiple-choice test which takes a maximum of 1 hour to complete.

Please complete the test at least three weeks before your course begins. This allows the Academic Office to assess your approximate level, allocate you to a class and ensure that the appropriate class levels are available.

If you have not completed the placement test before your first day, you will be required to complete it at school at 08:00 on your first day. Please note that completing the test at school will take time from your first day’s programme.

During your first three days, your teacher will also assess your speaking and listening skills to ensure that your placement is appropriate.

Group Course Levels

Our group courses are organised according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):

MULS Level	CEFR
Elementary	A1
Pre-Intermediate	A2
Intermediate	B1
Intermediate Plus	B1+
Upper-Intermediate	B2
Advanced	C1

If your English level is below the minimum required to participate effectively in a group course, the school may assign you to 1:1 tuition for the value of tuition already paid until your level has developed sufficiently to join an appropriate group.

Changing Class During Your First Week

If you feel that you have been placed in a class which is not appropriate for your level, please speak to the Academic Office in Room 623 as soon as possible during the first week of your course.

The Director of Studies and Assistant Director of Studies will discuss your concerns and determine whether a change of class is appropriate.

Class changes based on level can only be considered during the first week of your course.

Your Course Book

During the first three days of your course, we strongly recommend keeping your course book in pristine condition.

This means no writing, marks, bent pages, etc. so that if you need to change level during your first week, the Academic Office will check your course book and exchange your book for the appropriate level free of charge.

If the book has already been written in or damaged and you subsequently need to change level, you will need to purchase a new course book at €55.

First Week Questionnaire

As part of our Quality Assurance procedures, on the Thursday of your first week, you will receive a First Week Questionnaire from your teacher. Please complete it before the end of your lesson and return it to your teacher.

The questionnaire is forwarded to the Academic Office for review; your teacher does not read the completed questionnaire. Should you wish to leave any feedback about your experience until that point, you are welcome to do so. The Academic Office will then contact you to discuss your feedback and find the right solution for you.

Your feedback is important to us and helps us improve the student experience.

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for successful language learning.

Live attendance is taken at the start of each lesson. Students who do not attend lessons will not have those lessons replaced and will not be entitled to a refund.

If you are absent because of illness, please inform the school in writing on info@universitylanguageschool.com and provide a Medical Certificate covering the period of absence.

If another circumstance affects your attendance, please inform the school in writing so that the circumstances can be considered.

If you are absent for three consecutive days, the Academic Office will flag the absence and contact you to check on your wellbeing.

Minimum Attendance for Certificates

Certificates will not be issued to students whose attendance is below 75%.

If you are in Malta on a student visa, or are applying for a student visa extension, you must maintain a minimum attendance rate of 80%.

Failure to maintain the required attendance may place you in breach of your visa conditions and may affect your right to remain in Malta under your student status. Persistent absenteeism will be flagged by the Academic Office, and may lead to contacting immigration to notify them of non-attendance.

Punctuality and Lateness

Please arrive on time for every lesson. To minimise disruption to other students, students who arrive more than 15 minutes late will generally not be permitted to enter the classroom.

• First lesson: 09:00–10:30
  If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you may join the class after the break.
• Second lesson: 11:00–12:30
  If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you will not normally be permitted to join.
• Conversation Class: 12:45–13:45
  If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you will not normally be permitted to join.

If you have a genuine justification for your lateness, please speak to the Academic Office. The Academic Office may authorise you to enter the class where appropriate. Should this be the case, the teacher will mark you as ‘Late’ for that lesson.

Lessons missed due to lateness are not replaced or refunded.

Classroom Guidelines

To ensure that everyone can learn effectively, please follow these rules:

• Food and drinks are not permitted in classrooms, with the exception of bottled water.
• Mobile phones must be switched off or placed on silent during lessons unless their use has been authorised by the teacher for an educational activity.
• English should be used at all times in classrooms and throughout the school premises. This gives you more opportunities to practise English and supports a better learning environment for everyone.
• Students are expected to arrive punctually.
• Teachers may exclude students who arrive late in accordance with the school’s lateness policy.
• Do not leave valuables unattended in classrooms.
• Please also treat classrooms, furniture, technology and other school facilities with care.

Dress Code

MULS welcomes students from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds. We aim to maintain a respectful and professional learning environment in which everyone feels comfortable.

Students are therefore expected to dress appropriately for an educational setting.

Clothing that is not appropriate for school includes:

• Clothing displaying offensive or provocative graphics or text;
• Clothing displaying political or controversial slogans;
• Swimwear or beachwear;
• Extremely revealing clothing;
• Very low-cut tops, bralettes or sports bras worn as outer clothing;
• See-through garments.

Students who are considered to be dressed inappropriately may be asked to leave the school premises and return in appropriate clothing.

Vacation Entitlement

Students may request vacation during their course by completing a Vacation Notification Form using the QR code available in the Administration Office and Academic Office. You can check whether your vacation has been registered with the Academic Office.

If you notify the Academic Office of your planned holiday at least two weeks in advance, you may be able to extend your enrolment by the equivalent of one missed week at no additional tuition charge.

This is subject to availability and must be agreed with the Academic Office in advance.

To qualify:

• The holiday must cover a complete calendar week, Monday to Friday.
• Individual missed days or incomplete weeks do not qualify for compensation.
• The school cannot guarantee that you will return to the same class or teacher following your holiday.

For students on student visas, the general vacation entitlement is approximately one week for every ten weeks of tuition.

Vacation for students on student visas is normally established at the booking stage because the length of the visa and the permitted period of stay may limit the possibility of extending the course at the end of the stay.

Assessments and Monitoring Your Progress

Unit Reviews

Each class completes a Unit Review after every two units of the relevant course book.

The review takes place during class and is corrected with your teacher. This gives you an opportunity to identify areas that require further practice, ask questions and receive feedback.

Your teacher records your score on your Progress Tracking Sheet, which is then submitted to the Academic Office for monitoring and record-keeping. You will also receive feedback from your teacher on this assessment. This feedback will help you identify areas for improvement and set clear goals for your studies.

Level-up Tests

If you demonstrate consistently strong performance after studying at the same level for at least four weeks, the Academic Office may invite you to take a Level-up Test.

Students who wish to progress to a higher level may also approach the Academic Office.

To take a Level-up Test, you must normally have been studying at the same level for at least one month.

The written test is normally held on a Tuesday after morning classes, and you are allotted a maximum of 1.5 hours to complete this.

The Academic Office will confirm the date and time with you.

Passing the Level-up Test

The pass mark is 65%.

If you pass, you will be informed of this within the same week that you completed the test. You will then move to the next level from the following Monday, subject to class availability. There might be times when you will need to wait for availability in a particular class.

When changing level, you will need to purchase the corresponding new course book at €55.

Retaking the Level-up Test

If you do not pass the Level-up Test, you may request to take it again at a later date determined by the Academic Office.

You will be informed of your result within the same week.

You are welcome to discuss your performance and receive feedback from the Academic Office.

However, test papers and answer sheets are not provided to students after the assessment.

Certificates

All eligible students receive a Certificate of Attendance on their final day.

Certificates are normally issued on Fridays and are given to students by their respective teacher.

The Certificate of Attendance states:

• The duration of your course;
• The type of course completed;
• Your final English level;
• Your attendance rate.

Students staying for more than four weeks may have the option to take an End-of-Course Test. Students who complete the assessment will receive a Certificate of Achievement instead of the standard Certificate of Attendance.

Students must meet the applicable attendance requirements in order to receive a certificate.

End-of-Course Questionnaire

As part of our Quality Assurance procedures, you will also receive an End-of-Course Questionnaire during your final lesson. Please complete it before the end of your final lesson and return it to your teacher. Kindly ensure that both sides of the questionnaire have been completed.

The questionnaire is forwarded to the Academic Office for review; your teacher does not read the completed questionnaire.

Your feedback is important to us and helps us improve the student experience.

Changing Your Course

If you wish to upgrade your course, please speak to the Academic Office during your stay.

For example, you may request:

• An upgrade from General English to Intensive English;
• An upgrade from General English or Intensive English to IELTS Intensive Exam Preparation;

Any requested change is subject to availability and, where applicable, additional fees.

Downgrading your course or cancelling lessons that have already been confirmed does not entitle you to a refund.

If you wish to convert group tuition to 1:1 tuition for the value of tuition already paid, this is subject to availability and a €35 change-of-course fee.

Students on a student visa must maintain a minimum of 15 hours of tuition per week.

Course Times and Location

Lessons are held at our premises on campus at the University of Malta i.e. Campus Hub Block O Levels 5,6, and 7.

Courses may take place in the morning or afternoon, depending on availability. Your weekly class schedule will normally be sent to you by email on the Friday before the following week.

If changes in the lesson schedule are required, the Academic Office will notify you.

Please note that MULS cannot guarantee that all lessons will take place in the morning or all lessons will take place in the afternoon. No compensation or refund will be provided if you are unable to attend a scheduled lesson because of your personal preference for a particular time of day.

Reduced Hour Policy

MULS operates on a roll-on, roll-off basis, meaning that students start and finish their courses throughout the year. Consequently, the number of students in a particular class may change from week to week.

Where there are fewer than six students in a group course, the number of teaching hours may be reduced as follows:

Students Enrolled	Class Format	Teaching Hours
1 student	One-to-one	50% of the standard tuition hours
2–3 students	Semi-private	60% of the standard tuition hours
4–5 students	Mini-group	80% of the standard tuition hours
6+ students	Group	100% of the standard tuition hours

The applicable class format may change from week to week depending on enrolment numbers.

Visas

Students who are in Malta on a student visa must comply with all conditions attached to their visa.

In particular, students must maintain the required 80% minimum attendance. Failure to do so may result in a breach of your visa conditions and may affect your immigration status.

If you require a visa extension, please speak to a member of the Administration Office at least six weeks before your visa expires or before your 90-day visa-exempt period ends.

Under the applicable procedures, student visa extensions are submitted through the school.

The Administration Office can provide guidance on visa-related matters and review your application documents with you to ensure that they are complete and in order. This assistance is provided free of charge.

Please remember that immigration requirements can change. The Administration Office will advise you according to the regulations and procedures applicable at the time of your application.

Library

MULS has a small lending library of graded readers located in the Administration Office in Room 624. If you would like to borrow a book, please speak to a member of the MULS Team.

A €10 cash deposit is required when borrowing a book. This deposit will be refunded when the book is returned in good condition.

General Information

Please check the TV screen on Level 6 regularly for important information and announcements.

A weekly leisure activity programme, offered through one of our trusted partners, is also displayed in the Level 6 corridor. To book any of these activities, please speak to a member of MULS Team.

We encourage you to take part in activities and explore Malta with your classmates. These are excellent opportunities to practise English in real-life situations and meet students from different countries.