Education

Public spending on education was 4.6% of GDP in 2002/03. There are 11 years of compulsory education starting at age five. The numerous church schools are subsidised by the government. Net enrolment ratios are 86% for primary and 84% for secondary, and gross enrolment ratio for all levels combined 81% (2005). The pupil-teacher ratio for primary is 11:1 and for secondary 10:1 (2005). The school year starts in September.

A combination of state, private and religious institutions provides for an extensive education system, catering to students at all levels. Church schools receive a considerable subsidy from the government and their tuition is free. There is a national minimum curriculum mandate for all schools and there are also national minimum conditions to establish standards of hygiene, safety, classroom dimensions and school amenities.

About 32% of the relevant age group is enrolled in tertiary education (2005). Courses at the University of Malta (founded 1592 as the Jesuits' College) include medicine, law, architecture, engineering, education, arts, sciences, theology and diplomatic studies. Junior College (University of Malta) was established at Msida in 1995. Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology offers a very wide range of vocational and professional education and training. The International Maritime Law Institute is based in Malta. Illiteracy among people aged 15-24 is 2.5% (2006).