Since the United Kingdom left the EU, Ireland and Malta are the two European Union countries where English is an official language. Both use the euro and both have a large network of language schools, but rent, visas and work rules are not the same.
In this guide
Fast answer
- Cheaper rent: Malta. A student room in Valletta and around it costs EUR 420–900 a month; in Dublin, EUR 750–1,300.
- EU citizens need no visa in either country.
- Outside the EU, Ireland lets you work 20 hours a week on a recognised course (Stamp 2); Malta only after 90 days and with a permit.
- Choose a school that is officially recognised: the ILEP list in Ireland, an ELT Council licence in Malta.
Ireland or Malta at a glance
| Ireland | Malta | |
|---|---|---|
| Student room (Odisea guides) | Dublin EUR 750–1,300 · Cork EUR 600–1,050 · Galway EUR 600–1,000 | Valletta area EUR 420–900 |
| School check | Course on the ILEP list | School licensed by the ELT Council |
| Non-EU work | Stamp 2: 20 h/week in term, 40 h in holidays | Only after 90 days, with a Jobsplus permit |
| Longest permission for an English course | Up to eight months (Stamp 2) | Depends on the course; check with Identità |
Rent is the biggest difference
Course fees vary by school, hours and season, so compare quotes rather than headline prices. Housing is where the gap is clear: Dublin is the most expensive city on the list. Cork and Galway are cheaper and smaller. In Malta, Msida, Gzira and Birkirkara sit at the lower end; Sliema and St Julian’s are pricier.
How to choose a good school
- Check it is recognised. In Ireland, a course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP); in Malta, a school on the ELT Council list.
- Compare hours per week. A cheap course with few lessons can cost more per hour.
- Ask about group size and level tests.
- Check what housing includes if the school offers it: host family, residence, meals, distance.
- Read the cancellation and refund terms before you pay a deposit.
Visas and work if you are not from the EU
- Ireland: a programme on the ILEP list lets you register for a Stamp 2 permission of up to eight months. With it you can work up to 20 hours a week during the course and up to 40 hours in June, July, August, September and from 15 December to 15 January.
- Malta: non-EU students on an English course can only apply for a work permit (through Jobsplus) if the course lasts more than 90 days, after renewing their visa in Malta. Official pages disagree on the exact course length that requires a long-stay visa, so confirm it with Identità before you book.
- EU citizens can study in both without a visa. In Malta, stays over three months need a registration certificate.
Where to go next
- Ireland country guide
- Malta country guide
- Dublin · Cork · Galway · Valletta
- Find your destination with the Odisea test
Sources and references
- Irish Immigration Service — Planning to study in Ireland
- Malta ELT Council
- ELT Council — Procedure for non-EU students seeking employment
- Identità — Registration for EU citizens
- Odisea catalog — Dublin, Cork, Galway and Valletta city guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to study English in Malta or in Ireland?
Housing is clearly cheaper in Malta: EUR 420–900 a month for a student room against EUR 750–1,300 in Dublin. Course prices depend on the school, so compare quotes for the same number of hours.
Do I need a visa for an English course in Ireland?
Not if you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen. Other nationalities should check the Irish Immigration Service: a course on the ILEP list allows a Stamp 2 permission of up to eight months.
Can I work while studying English in Ireland?
With Stamp 2, yes: up to 20 hours a week during the course and up to 40 hours in June to September and from 15 December to 15 January.
Can I work while studying English in Malta?
EU citizens can. Non-EU students can only apply for a permit through Jobsplus if their course lasts more than 90 days, and not during their first 90 days.
How do I know a language school is recognised?
In Ireland, look for the course on the ILEP list. In Malta, check the school on the ELT Council’s list of licensed schools.