Cebu vs Malta: Study Abroad Cost Comparison (2025)

When considering studying English abroad, the questions most people ask are **where to study** and **how much it will cost**. Cebu in the Philippines and Malta in Europe are both well-known resort destinations, and both are popular choices for combining language study with a resort lifestyle.

Cebu offers an environment built around one-on-one lessons, aiming for fast improvement in English in a short time, and its relatively low cost keeps it popular with Japanese students. Malta, on the other hand, attracts students from many countries, and its appeal lies in practicing international communication through group classes.

Based on the latest 2025 information, this article compares **the cost of studying in Cebu and in Malta, and explains the features and advantages of each** in a clear way.

The appeal of studying in Cebu is that **tuition, dorm fees and meals are all included in one package price**. With living support in place, you can focus on your studies right after arrival. Here we use the **3D ACADEMY ESL course fees** as a representative example.

• **1 month (4 weeks / 3-person room)**: about JPY 180,000-190,000
• **3 months (12 weeks / 3-person room)**: around JPY 550,000
• **6 months (24 weeks / 3-person room)**: around JPY 1,100,000

Additional costs not included:

• Registration fee (JPY 15,000)
• Local fees (visa extension fees, SSP fee: PHP 12,040, ACR I-Card: PHP 4,000 for stays of 8 weeks or more, electricity and management fees, textbooks, etc.)
• Airfare and overseas insurance

Particularly noteworthy is that **more than half of the up to 8 hours of lessons per day are one-on-one**. The learning environment lets you work thoroughly on your weak points, so you can greatly improve your English even in a short time.

Malta is known as a relatively affordable country in Europe in which to study English. However, prices and accommodation costs are higher than in Cebu. Lessons are mainly group classes, and a key feature is studying together with students from many countries.

**Reference costs (per month)**

• Tuition (general English course, 20 lessons per week): about JPY 150,000-200,000
• Accommodation (student residence or shared apartment): about JPY 100,000-150,000
• Living expenses (food, transport, etc.): about JPY 50,000-80,000

In total, **about JPY 300,000-400,000 per month** is the going rate.

[Long-term study]

• **3 months (12 weeks)**: about JPY 900,000-1,200,000
• **6 months (24 weeks)**: about JPY 1,800,000-2,400,000

Additional costs not included:

• Airfare (about JPY 100,000-150,000 one way to Europe)
• Overseas insurance
• Visa (a student visa application is required for stays of 90 days or more)

Although the cost is higher than in Cebu, the big attractions of studying in Malta are that its location in Europe widens your travel options and that you learn in a richly international environment.

Comparing Cebu and Malta on cost, **Cebu is overwhelmingly cheaper**.

Guide per month

• **Cebu (3-person room)**: about JPY 180,000-190,000 plus local fees
• **Malta**: about JPY 300,000-400,000

Guide for 3 months (12 weeks)

• **Cebu**: around JPY 550,000 plus local fees
• **Malta**: about JPY 900,000-1,200,000

Guide for 6 months (24 weeks)

• **Cebu**: around JPY 1,100,000 plus local fees
• **Malta**: about JPY 1,800,000-2,400,000

In other words, **studying in Malta costs roughly twice as much as studying in Cebu**.

However, it is premature to judge simply on which is cheaper or more expensive.

• **Cebu** offers plenty of one-on-one lessons, and its appeal is that you can intensively strengthen your English in a short time.
• **Malta** lets you interact with students from many countries and gain experience of living in and traveling around Europe at the same time.

Which to choose depends on your goal: **do you want to improve your English with cost as the priority, or do you also value international exchange and a European experience?**

For those who think, 'I want to keep costs down, but I also want to study in an international environment,' we recommend **a two-country program combining Cebu and Malta**.

Sample plan

• **First half: Cebu, 8 weeks (about 2 months)** Cost: around JPY 360,000 plus local fees. Build a strong foundation with mainly one-on-one lessons. Dorm and meals are included, which keeps living costs down.
• **Second half: Malta, 8 weeks (about 2 months)** Cost: about JPY 600,000-800,000. Sharpen practical skills in group classes with students from many countries. Experience life in Europe.

In total, **a 4-month study program is possible for about JPY 1,000,000-1,200,000**.

With this route, you first build a foundation in basic English in Cebu and then take on an international environment in Malta, making it a plan that **keeps costs down while giving you twice the experience**.

It is an efficient and practical study route, especially for those who want to work in Europe or in an international workplace in the future.

6. Summary Comparing Cebu and Malta, **Cebu is overwhelmingly cheaper**, while **Malta is the choice if you value an international environment and a European experience**. **Cebu**: You can build your English efficiently through one-on-one lessons. Study is possible from under JPY 200,000 per month including living costs. **Malta**: You study with classmates from many countries through group classes. You also enjoy life and travel in Europe, but the cost is about twice that of Cebu. Furthermore, by combining **a two-country program of Cebu + Malta**, you can keep costs down and enjoy the advantages of both. By solidifying your foundation in Cebu in the first half and taking on an international environment in Malta in the second half, you are likely to achieve great results even in a short time. Which to choose depends on **whether cost is your top priority or you want to broaden your range of experiences**. Consider the study plan that best suits your goals. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Cebu vs Malta Study Abroad (2025) Q1. What is the basis of the comparison? Cebu is based on the 3D ACADEMY ESL course (**internal dorm 3-person room, lessons + dorm + 3 meals a day included**), and Malta is based on average market prices at language schools in major areas (**general English course of around 20 lessons per week + student residence / shared apartment accommodation**). Q2. What is included in the Cebu (3D ACADEMY) fee? **Included:** tuition, dorm fee, 3 meals a day, laundry, cleaning, Wi-Fi. **Not included:** registration fee (JPY 15,000), local payments (see below), airfare, overseas insurance. Q3. What exactly are the local payments in Cebu? SSP (Special Study Permit): **PHP 12,040**. ACR I-Card (for stays of **8 weeks or more**): about **PHP 4,000**. Visa extension fees: added according to the number of weeks you stay (e.g. second extension: PHP 5,616). Management fee: **PHP 500/week**. Textbooks: roughly **PHP 1,000 per 4 weeks**. Electricity: actual meter usage. Deposit: **PHP 1,500-2,500** for 1-3 weeks / **PHP 3,000** for 4-19 weeks / **PHP 7,500** for 20 weeks or more (refunded if the room is left in its original condition). Airport pick-up: **USD 30** (flat rate). Q4. What is the total for one month? (Guide including local fees) **Cebu (3-person room)**: tuition and dorm **JPY 184,900** + registration fee **JPY 15,000** + local payments **about JPY 30,000-40,000** => **about JPY 220,000-230,000** (excluding airfare). **Malta**: tuition **about JPY 150,000-200,000** + accommodation **about JPY 100,000-150,000** + living expenses **about JPY 50,000-80,000** => **about JPY 300,000-400,000** (excluding airfare). Q5. How big is the difference for 3 months or 6 months? (Approximate) Cebu (3-person room): **3 months around JPY 550,000 plus local fees** / **6 months around JPY 1,100,000 plus local fees**. Malta: **3 months about JPY 900,000-1,200,000** / **6 months about JPY 1,800,000-2,400,000**. The longer the stay, the larger the cost gap with Cebu. Q6. Is Cebu cheaper if I change the room type? Yes. **Rooms for 2 to 6 people** are cheaper than single rooms. The longer the stay, the larger the difference, and you can greatly reduce the total. Q7. How do the learning styles differ? **Cebu:** Mainly one-on-one. You speak a lot, which is ideal for intensive short-term work on weak points. **Malta:** Mainly group classes. You study in a multinational environment while interacting with people from around the world. Q8. What are typical airfares? Japan - Cebu: **about JPY 60,000-100,000**. Japan - Malta (via Europe): **about JPY 120,000-200,000**. Prices vary with season, departure airport and fuel surcharges. Q9. Are the fees fixed for 12 weeks or more? No. 3D ACADEMY may apply a **promotion for stays of 12 weeks or more**. The amounts shown are guides, so **please be sure to contact us for exact fees**. Q10. Do you recommend studying in two countries (Cebu + Malta)? Yes. If you spend the first half in Cebu (intensively building foundations through one-on-one lessons) and the second half in Malta (practicing in a multinational environment), you can keep costs down while balancing learning results and experience. Q11. Any tips for saving even more? Cebu: choose a **multi-person room** / save on electricity / travel in the low season. Malta: **cook for yourself** / consider shared housing in the suburbs / choose a school with long-stay discounts. Airfare: book early, be flexible with days and routes, and use sales. Q12. Can I get a consultation or quote? Yes. Tell us your desired period, room type and departure time. We will check the latest fees (including whether the 12-week-or-more promotion applies) and send you an individual estimate. Q13. Notes The amounts on this page are guides. School rules, room availability, visa requirements and exchange rates change. **Please be sure to check the latest information**.