Page 13 - ELG2408 August Issue 491

DATA

An island of growth

How Malta’s recovery outperformed all other destinations in 2023.

alta’s post-pandemic
recovery is a remarkable
success stories in the
MELT sector.
Global recovery was slower
than anticipated in 2023; the ELT
sector was expected to recover
90% of its pre-pandemic student
week volume, but our projections
indicate it only reached 83%.
Malta’s statistics show a
completely different picture. In
2021, as travel restrictions eased
and institutions adapted to new
safety protocols, Malta emerged as
a popular destination in the early
stages of post-pandemic recovery.
Fuelled by an influx of students from
the LATAM (Latin American)
region, student weeks rose by 80%
between 2021 and 2022.
By the end of 2022, recovery had
already reached 104%. In 2023, students tend to study abroad Korea, and Spain, reaching 96%, 39,000 under-18s in 2023 (51% of
English language centres in Malta for longer periods, they delivered 91%, and 83% respectively. The the total), Malta will also capitalise
recorded 15% more student weeks well over half (59%) of all student fastest-growing markets in terms on the projected growth of the
than in 2019, making the island weeks spent in 2023. Non-EU of student weeks in 2023 were global junior market in the coming
nation the fastest-recovering ELT students spent an average of 7.9 Italy, Brazil, and Turkey. years.
destination globally. weeks in Malta in 2023, compared After the rapid growth Ongoing uncertainty and policy
Malta’s convenient visa policies to 1.9 weeks for EU students. between 2021 and 2022, overall changes in other destinations, such
are one of the key factors Colombia emerged as the leading student weeks increased by 11% as Canada and Australia, may also
contributing to its popularity as an market for student weeks in 2023, between 2022 and 2023. As a benefit the ELT sector in Malta.
educational hub. These policies, as Colombian students spent an sign that demand is stabilising, Restrictive policies affecting
combined with Malta’s relative average of 14.4 weeks in Malta. student weeks declined slightly international students can damage
affordability compared to other Another market in the top 15 with in a number of markets, including a country’s reputation, prompting
destinations and its proximity to an impressive average length of stay Colombia (−15%), South Korea students to consider alternative
mainland Europe, have made the was Chile at 13.3 weeks. (−34%) and Japan (−16%). destinations: in this context,
country an increasingly attractive According to the data from However, Malta’s appeal as a Malta could become an even more
option for students. Malta’s National Statistical study destination continues to attractive option.
In terms of headcount, EU Office, the top 10 source markets grow, driven by its increasingly However, it will be crucial to
nationals still dominate the recovered, on average, 118% of diverse student profile and the ensure that institutions have the
market, representing 74% of their 2019 student week volume demand for quality and affordable capacity to accommodate a larger
students. However, Malta is in 2023. The only markets in English language education. influx of students. Over the past
gaining popularity among non- the top 10 that have not fully As a traditionally strong junior years, many study destinations
EU students as well; as non-EU recovered are Germany, South student destination, welcoming have faced challenges due to
accommodation shortages, and
Recovery in top 10 source markets (2023 compared to 2019, measured in student weeks) Malta will need to address this
issue to ensure it keeps thriving as
a study destination.
Sarah Verkinova
is an International
Education Senior
Consultant at
BONARD,
a market intelligence and
strategic advisory firm. She
actively monitors global source
market performance in over
90 countries, identifies growth
opportunities, and develops
market entry strategies to support
individual education providers.
Source: National Statistical Office Malta, 2024
editorial@elgazette.com 13