Financing for equity in pre-primary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
The official entrance age to pre-primary education is 3 years, with 2 years of free pre-primary education granted in legal frameworks. In 2023, the net enrolment rate for pre-primary education (both sexes) was 93%.
Governance
In Malta, all state educational provision from early childhood education to tertiary level is financed by the government (Ministry of Education). This includes early childhood education and care (ages 0-3), with this phase being completely free to parents who are in employment or in education, and kindergarten (ages 3-5), the latter of which form part of primary schools. The Ministry of Education directly manages the financing of state kindergartens, covering operational costs, infrastructure development and maintenance, utilities, and learning resources such as textbooks, science and art supplies, and additional learning support. The government also funds student transport between home and school when the distance exceeds one kilometer, applying equally to students in both state and non-state schools. All funds are centrally administered by the Ministry of Education.
Tuition-free status
According to the National Action Plan for a Child Guarantee (2022-2030), the government provides free pre-primary education (kindergarten) for ages 3-5.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
No financial mechanism transferring funds from the central government to local governments with equity considerations has been identified, owing to the highly centralised structure of Malta’s education financing system.
2. Education resources to institutions
The government allocates funds in the national budget to provide for the running of state kindergartens and schools offering compulsory education. Such funds cover the operations, infrastructure development and maintenance, utilities and learning resources (books, science and art supplies, additional learning support, exams) for the running of state kindergarten, primary and secondary schools. The government also financially supports non-state schools.
3. Education resources to students and families
Free School Transport
The Ministry of Education finances free school transport for any child living more than 1.0 km from their school (including kindergartens), regardless of whether they attend state, church, or private institutions. Eligibility is determined solely based on distance, and all funding is centrally managed by the Ministry.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Child Benefit
The Child Benefit is a cash transfer administered by the Social Security Department within the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, providing financial support to parents of children under 16 (including children aged 0-5). Established in 1974 as part of social security reforms, the programme has been progressively expanded, with key developments including a minimum rate increase in 2013, enhanced support for means-tested families in 2019, the introduction of a supplement for children under 16 in 2021, and a special yearly allowance for post-secondary students launched in 2024.
The benefit is means-tested. Eligible beneficiaries include Maltese, EU, and EEA citizens; children whose parents have permanent residency in Malta; third-country nationals with a valid permit and at least one employed parent; and children of refugees, asylum seekers, or temporarily protected minors.
Free Childcare Scheme
Children whose parents are in employment or continuing education and attend registered childcare centres receive free childcare through the Free Childcare Scheme for children from 3 months up to 3 years of age, which is managed by Jobsplus (Public Employment Services). Free Childcare is terminated once the child is eligible to enrol into Kindergarten 1 provided by the state. Funding is paid directly to the childcare service providers, which are Registered Childcare Centres which must abide by the Terms & Conditions for Free Childcare Scheme for Childcare Service Providers. Funds for the scheme are allocated in the national budget.
Families participating in this scheme are not charged fees for the hours entitled through the scheme, although parents must pay fees for any additional hours, which are charged at the service provider’s rate. Parents are also expected to cover costs related to outings and the individual child's needs, such as food and hygiene items.
Families whose children attend a registered childcare centre and who do not benefit from the Scheme may benefit from an income tax rebate of up to 2,000 EUR per year per child. These initiatives are available to all, regardless of financial means.
