South African teachers in Malta: a complete guide to living and teaching abroad
- SA-Recruitment
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
For South African teachers looking to teach abroad while enjoying an excellent quality of life, Malta offers a highly attractive European destination.
Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta combines strong international teaching opportunities with a safe environment, an English-speaking education system, and easy access to Europe.
This guide explores what South African teachers can expect when living and teaching in Malta, including the education landscape, lifestyle, accommodation, daily living costs, healthcare, and travel opportunities.
Malta as a teaching destination for South African teachers
Malta has a well-established international education sector, with a growing number of private and international schools serving both local and expatriate families. English is one of Malta’s official languages, making it an especially appealing destination for South African teachers seeking an easier transition into teaching abroad.
Schools in Malta often follow British or international curricula and attract families from across Europe, North Africa, and beyond. For South African teachers, Malta offers the opportunity to gain European teaching experience in a familiar English-speaking environment while still benefiting from a rich cultural setting.
The teaching environment and professional culture
South African teachers working in Malta typically join schools that place a strong emphasis on high academic standards, student wellbeing, and community engagement. Teaching environments are professional, collaborative, and internationally minded, with staff drawn from a wide range of countries.
Teachers are valued for their adaptability, strong classroom management skills, and experience working with diverse learners. Many schools also prioritise professional development, offering training opportunities and encouraging teachers to take an active role in school life beyond the classroom.
For teachers looking to build international experience in a supportive and well-structured environment, Malta provides a strong professional foundation.
Climate and lifestyle in Malta
One of Malta’s biggest attractions is its Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers and mild winters. The island enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, making outdoor living a central part of daily life.
Teachers in Malta often spend their free time:
enjoying the coastline and beaches
socialising in cafés and restaurants
exploring historic towns and villages
swimming, walking, or enjoying coastal activities
For South African teachers, Malta offers a balanced lifestyle that combines work, leisure, and wellbeing in a relaxed island setting.
Safety and quality of daily life
Malta is widely regarded as a safe country with low levels of serious crime. Its compact size, strong community feel, and well-developed infrastructure contribute to a high quality of daily life for expatriates.
Daily life is straightforward and comfortable, supported by:
reliable public services
modern infrastructure
walkable towns and neighbourhoods
a strong sense of community
Many expatriate teachers comment on how safe and settled they feel living in Malta, including when moving around in the evenings.
Expat life and community in Malta
Malta has a large and diverse expatriate population, with residents from across Europe, Africa, and beyond. English is widely spoken, making it easy for South African teachers to integrate both professionally and socially.
Teachers often build social networks through:
school communities
sports and fitness groups
church and community organisations
informal expat meetups
Despite its small size, Malta offers a rich social and cultural life, with festivals, events, and a strong café culture throughout the year.
Living in Malta: accommodation, transport, daily costs and healthcare
Accommodation in Malta ranges from modern apartments in coastal towns to more traditional housing inland. Rental prices vary by location, with higher costs in popular coastal areas, while more affordable options can be found slightly inland. Many South African teachers choose to rent initially while settling into island life.
Malta uses the euro (EUR), and South African teachers often find that day-to-day living costs such as groceries, dining out, and transport are broadly comparable to South Africa, depending on lifestyle. Shopping locally, using public transport, and eating at Maltese restaurants helps keep monthly expenses manageable.
Transport across Malta is straightforward due to the island’s compact size. Public buses connect most towns and villages, and commute times are generally short. Some teachers choose to drive, while others rely comfortably on public transport.
The school provides excellent private healthcare coverage for teachers, offering access to high-quality medical facilities and English-speaking healthcare professionals. With healthcare covered, teachers can enjoy peace of mind and focus fully on their professional and personal life in Malta.
Travel opportunities from Malta and across Europe
One of the biggest advantages of teaching in Malta is the ability to travel freely within Europe. Malta is part of the Schengen Area, and South African teachers who hold a Maltese work visa and residence permit are able to travel to other Schengen countries without needing to apply for an additional Schengen visa.
Teachers can travel for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period to other Schengen countries for leisure or tourism. Popular destinations easily accessible from Malta include Italy, France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, and Portugal.
For many South African teachers, this is a major drawcard. Weekend city breaks, school
holiday travel, and spontaneous European trips become realistic and affordable, without the administrative burden of repeated visa applications.
Malta’s international airport is well connected, offering regular flights to major European cities, making the island an ideal base for teachers who value travel as part of their international teaching experience.
Why Malta appeals to South African teachers
For South African teachers, Malta offers a compelling balance of professional opportunity and lifestyle quality. It combines:
international teaching experience in Europe
an English-speaking education environment
a safe and welcoming country
a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle
visa-supported access to Schengen travel
Teaching in Malta allows South African educators to grow professionally while enjoying a balanced, enriching way of life in one of Europe’s most attractive island destinations.
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