Malta vs Ireland: What's the best destination to improve your English in 2025?
Choosing the perfect destination to improve your English abroad can be challenging, especially with so many options available. Malta and Ireland emerge as two of the destinations sought after by Brazilians in 2025, each with unique characteristics. But after all, which of them offers the best experience for those seeking to master English while living an unforgettable international experience?
Visa Processes: What You Need to Know
When planning your exchange, understanding the visa processes is essential to avoid setbacks. Ireland requires non-European students, such as Brazilians, to obtain a student visa known as Stamp 2. To obtain this authorization, you will need to prove enrollment in a recognized course, have adequate health insurance, and demonstrate your intention to return to Brazil after the program ends.
Malta also has a specific process for international students. The Maltese student visa requires documentation similar to the Irish one, including proof of enrollment in an accredited institution, health insurance, and proof of accommodation. The difference lies in the processing time, which in Malta generally takes between 4 and 6 weeks to complete, while in Ireland this deadline can vary significantly depending on the time of year.
Financial proof: understand the requirements
Financial proof is a crucial aspect of obtaining your student visa in both Malta and Ireland. Let's understand what each country requires:
- Ireland: Requires proof of funds of €7,000 for courses lasting more than 8 months. For shorter programs, the amount is calculated at €585 per month. It should be noted that starting in June 2025, there will be an alignment in financial requirements, but this will not directly affect Brazilian students.
- Malta: Requires proof of income equivalent to 75% of the local minimum wage, which represents approximately €594 per month or €7,128 per year. Although the annual amount is similar to the Irish one, the form of monthly calculation may make financial planning easier for some students.
- Accepted documentation: Both countries accept bank statements, income receipts, and in some cases, duly documented sponsorship letters. The ideal is to prepare this documentation at least three months in advance.
Cost of living: how much will you spend
The cost of living is often a decisive factor when choosing an exchange destination. Ireland has a higher cost, with estimates between €1,000 and €1,500 per month, including accommodation. Dublin, the capital and most popular city among international students, is particularly expensive, with rents ranging from €800 to €1,200 monthly for a single room or shared apartment.
In contrast, Malta offers a significantly lower cost of living, with monthly expenses estimated at between €800 and €1,000. Cities like Valletta and Sliema, although they are the most expensive on the island, still have more affordable rents, in the range of €500 to €800 per month. When all aspects are analyzed, Malta is approximately 17% cheaper than Ireland, which can represent a considerable savings during a long-term program, such as those offered by the program Learning a language abroad.
Job opportunities: reconcile studies and extra income
Many international students wish to work during their exchange, both to gain experience and to supplement their income. Work opportunities and conditions vary significantly between the two countries:
- Ireland: Stamp 2 visa students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and 40 hours during school holidays. Wages for part-time jobs vary between €9 and €13 per hour, with sectors such as hospitality, retail, and tutoring employing the most international students. An important advantage is that you can start working immediately after obtaining your visa.
- Malta: It also allows students to work up to 20 hours a week, but there is an important restriction: you can only start paid activities after 90 days of staying in the country. In addition, it is necessary to obtain a specific work permit, the processing of which takes 4 to 6 weeks. The minimum wage is around €5 per hour, considerably lower than in Ireland.
- Trending sectors: In both countries, areas such as tourism, hospitality, and customer service hire the most international students. In Ireland, there are also good opportunities in the technology sector, especially in Dublin, while Malta offers more vacancies related to tourism and language teaching.
Cultural adaptation and climate: choose your ideal environment
Cultural adaptation and climate are factors that, although often underestimated, have a major impact on the exchange experience. Ireland has a temperate climate, with frequent rains and temperatures ranging from 5-15°C in winter to 15-20°C in summer. Culturally, the country has Western characteristics that may be more familiar to Brazilians, facilitating initial adaptation.
Malta, on the other hand, offers a Mediterranean climate that pleases many Brazilians, with hot, dry summers (25-35°C) and mild winters (10-15°C). Maltese culture is an interesting mix of Mediterranean and British influences, creating a unique environment. English is one of the country's official languages, alongside Maltese, which provides constant linguistic immersion even outside the classroom, something that can significantly boost your learning with the program Study and Work in Malta.
Educational system: teaching quality and methodology
Both Malta and Ireland have high-quality educational systems for teaching English. Ireland has renowned schools that offer varied programs focused on different aspects of the language. The country has a strong academic tradition and teaching methodologies that emphasize practical communication.
Malta also stands out with institutions renowned for excellence in teaching and for offering a diverse international environment. An important differential of the Maltese system is its natural linguistic immersion, since English is an official language and is used in all aspects of daily life, from commercial transactions to social interactions.
Advantages and disadvantages: comparative analysis
To make your decision easier, let's review the main advantages and disadvantages of each destination:
Ireland - Advantages:
- Higher salaries for part-time jobs
- Possibility to work immediately upon arrival
- Potentially more familiar cultural environment for Brazilians
- Strong international academic reputation
Ireland - Disadvantages:
- Significantly higher cost of living
- Rainy and cooler weather
- Highly competitive property market in cities like Dublin
Malta - Advantages:
- Approximately 17% lower cost of living
- Pleasant Mediterranean climate
- Natural linguistic immersion (English as an official language)
- Strategic location for traveling around Europe
Malta - Disadvantages:
- Lower salaries for part-time jobs
- Restriction of 90 days to start working
- Smaller and more seasonal labor market
- Need for a specific license to work
What to consider in your final decision
When choosing between Malta and Ireland for your exchange in 2025, carefully consider your personal and professional priorities. If you value economy and a warmer climate, Malta may be the ideal choice. Lower housing and food expenses can offset lower salaries, especially if you already have some financial reserve.
On the other hand, if you need to work from the start to supplement your income and prefer a cultural environment closer to the Brazilian one, Ireland can offer significant advantages. Higher salaries and the possibility of starting work immediately are important differentials for those who plan to be more financially independent during the exchange.
Also remember to consider your specific educational goals. While both countries offer quality education, the methodology and learning environment can vary considerably. Malta provides a constant natural linguistic immersion, while Ireland has institutions with a strong academic tradition and well-established methods.
Be Easy
A Be Easy is prepared to make your dream of studying English abroad a reality, whether in Malta or Ireland. Our specialized team offers personalized guidance on all aspects of your exchange, from choosing the ideal destination to visa and accommodation procedures. With flexible programs and ongoing support before, during, and after your trip, we guarantee an enriching and safe experience. Contact us today for advice and find out what is the best destination for your 2025 goals!
