Looking for the best online Maltese course to help you learn the national language of Malta?
Maltese is a fascinating language to study.
It’s a Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet, with heavy Italian, Sicilian and English influence layered over Arabic roots. It’s spoken across the Maltese islands and feels completely different from most other European languages, which makes finding a decent course especially useful.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Valletta, Mdina or Gozo, connecting with Maltese heritage, living or working on the islands, or simply taking on one of Europe’s most distinctive language challenges, the benefits of speaking Maltese can’t be overstated.
Today I’m going to give you my rundown of the best (and worst) online Maltese courses.
Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of each Maltese course, along with pricing information and a brief summary.
Where applicable, I’ll also link to a full review of the course.
Table of contents
IMPORTANT: Some of the items listed below are probably only loosely defined as “courses” for Maltese.
The reason I’ve included them is that they’re popular enough Maltese tools and therefore should be included.
DISCLAIMER: The comments below are personal opinions and some affiliate links are used.
The best Maltese courses online (most popular Maltese resources)
1. Talk In Maltese
Cost: $97 (one-time purchase)
Summary: Talk In Maltese is definitely one of the best online courses for learning Maltese, with hundreds of lessons designed to take you from zero knowledge through to a B1 equivalent competency.
It’s a linear course that’ll walk you through every aspect of the language in an easy-to-understand format.
What I like:
- Very comprehensive, detailed course that covers all aspects of Maltese
- Inexpensive and no subscriptions necessary
What I don’t like:
- Linear course may not be for everyone
Use the code MEZZOGUILD20 to save 20% on their Maltese course.
2. uTalk
Cost: Subscription model ($11.99/month) or one-time fee per language
Summary: uTalk focuses heavily on vocabulary building and pronunciation using high-quality native speaker audio.
It uses a series of memory games and quizzes to teach practical words and phrases for everyday situations in Malta.
What I like:
- Native speaker audio
- Great for building practical vocabulary
- Offline access available via app
What I don’t like:
- Lacks in-depth grammar explanations
- Exercises can feel repetitive over time
3. Kuccarina: Learn Maltese Easy
Cost: Free to use (optional premium subscription for advanced “Learn” content and ad removal)
Summary: Kuccarina (Kuċċarina) is a Maltese-built mobile app focused specifically on learning Maltese day by day.
It combines practical lessons and vocabulary with local cultural content, and is designed for absolute beginners as well as learners who want something more grounded in how Maltese is actually used on the islands.
What I like:
- Built specifically for Maltese (not a generic multi-language shell)
- Free core app with no hard usage limits
- Convenient mobile format for daily practice
What I don’t like:
- Premium content sits behind a subscription
- Newer app, so the course library is still growing
4. Memrise
Cost: Free (community courses), Premium subscription available
Summary: While Memrise doesn’t have an official premium Maltese course, its community-generated section offers dozens of vocabulary decks created by native speakers and learners.
It uses a powerful spaced-repetition algorithm to help users memorize words and phrases efficiently.
What I like:
- Completely free to use
- Spaced repetition system aids long-term retention
- Variety of courses created by passionate learners and natives
What I don’t like:
- Quality varies widely by creator
- No official Memrise-curated Maltese course
- Audio is sometimes missing from community decks
Read this review of Memrise.
5. University of Malta
Cost: One-time fee per semester (~€250 - €300)
Summary: The University of Malta offers online evening courses specifically designed for non-native speakers living abroad or on the island.
These live, instructor-led sessions provide the most thorough and academically rigorous approach to learning Maltese grammar, reading, and conversation.
What I like:
- Official university-level curriculum
- Taught by certified native professors
- Provides a comprehensive understanding of grammar and culture
What I don’t like:
- Requires adhering to a strict class schedule
- More expensive than self-paced apps
6. Cudoo
Cost: Level 1 and Level 2 at $14.99 each, or $29.99 for the bundle package
Summary: Cudoo offers short, self-paced online e-learning courses for beginner Maltese learners, with Level 1 and Level 2 available separately or together as a bundle.
The curriculum is primarily text and audio-based, focusing on essential phrases for travel, greeting people, and simple transactions.
What I like:
- Affordable Level 1 and Level 2 options ($14.99 each)
- Bundle package is better value than buying both levels separately
- Self-paced e-learning format with a certificate upon completion
What I don’t like:
- Content is somewhat brief and basic
- Lacks advanced interaction or speaking practice
7. Udemy
Cost: One-time fee per course (varies, usually $15-$20 on sale)
Summary: Udemy hosts a handful of video-based beginner courses for Maltese, created by independent native speakers.
These self-paced courses typically feature video lectures, basic grammar breakdowns, and downloadable worksheets.
What I like:
- Video-based instruction
- Lifetime access to purchased courses
- Taught by native speakers sharing cultural insights
What I don’t like:
- Limited number of Maltese courses available
- Course quality depends entirely on the independent instructor
8. italki
Cost: Pay per lesson (varies, typically $10-$25/hour)
Summary: Because automated courses for Maltese are relatively rare, italki is an invaluable platform connecting learners directly with native Maltese tutors for 1-on-1 video lessons.
Instructors customize their teaching methods, offering everything from structured grammar study to informal conversational practice.
What I like:
- 1-on-1 personalized tutoring
- Live conversation practice with native speakers
- Highly customizable to your specific learning goals
What I don’t like:
- Relies entirely on tutor availability
- Not a structured self-study app
Check out this italki review.
Summary: best online Maltese courses
This pretty much sums up every decent online Maltese course option currently available.
Maltese is still far less resourced than major European languages, so the best results usually come from combining a structured course (like Talk In Maltese) with free tools, community decks, and real conversation practice - ideally with a native tutor who can help with the Semitic grammar and local pronunciation.
In addition to a Maltese course, make sure you’re getting regular Maltese practice with native speakers.
For that, italki is still the easiest way to find really inexpensive practice partners and tutors.
Just remember that even if you have all the courses on this list, you’ll still fail at Maltese without the right motivation.
Even a poor Maltese course can be effective in the hands of someone with the right amount of determination to succeed.
For tips on how to learn Maltese and overcome various language learning struggles, subscribe below by ‘Joining the Guild’ (select Maltese as your target language).
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