Study English in the Philippines vs Malta, the UK or Australia
Malta, the UK, Australia or the Philippines: all four are popular places to study English, and all four can be a great choice. They are very different, though. In the UK and Australia you live in a country where English is the first language. Malta combines English with Mediterranean sunshine close to the rest of Europe. The Philippines offers something the others rarely include as standard: daily one-to-one lessons, at a lower total cost, on tropical islands where English is an official language. Here is a fair comparison to help you choose.
The short version
| Philippines (Boracay) | Malta | UK | Australia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical lessons | Small groups plus daily one-to-one | Mostly group classes | Mostly group classes | Mostly group classes |
| English in daily life | Official language, spoken everywhere | Official language, with Maltese | First language | First language |
| Cost of living | Lower | Medium | Higher | Higher |
| Climate | Tropical, warm all year | Hot summers, mild winters | Cool, changeable | Depends on the city |
| Best for | Fast progress with personal attention and a tropical stay | Short stays close to Europe | British culture and accent | Study plus life and travel in Australia |
This is a general picture. Prices, visa rules and course formats differ between schools and change over time, so compare real offers before you decide.
How you are taught
This is the biggest difference, and the one most students don’t expect. In Malta, the UK and Australia, a standard course is mostly group classes. One-to-one lessons usually exist, but as an expensive extra.
In the Philippines, one-to-one time is a normal part of the course. At Paradise English every course mixes small group classes with one-to-one lessons. For example, General English gives you four group classes and one one-to-one lesson every day, and Intensive English gives you five group classes and two one-to-one lessons. A teacher who corrects your mistakes every day is one of the fastest ways to improve. Read more in one-to-one vs group English classes.
Using English outside class
In the UK and Australia, English is everyone’s first language, and that is a real strength. You hear native English all day, on TV, at work and in the shops.
The Philippines is closer than many people think. English is one of the two official languages, used in schools, business and government, and almost everyone you meet on Boracay speaks it. Malta is similar: English is an official language next to Maltese.
In all four places, the biggest risk is the same: spending all your free time with people who speak your own language. Students from over 80 countries have studied with us, so English is usually the easiest language to share with your classmates.
Cost
We don’t publish other schools’ prices, because they change and depend on the city and the school. In general, the UK and Australia are among the more expensive places to study and live, Malta is usually in the middle, and the Philippines is usually the lowest, especially for accommodation and daily costs.
Here is what four weeks with us cost in 2026: General English is $801, a shared room in our student dorm is $308, plus the registration fee ($130) and the Special Study Permit (about $200). That is $1,439 in total, including a daily one-to-one lesson. The full breakdown, with meals and extras, is in how much a month in the Philippines costs.
When you compare, compare like with like: count the one-to-one lessons, the hours of class per week, accommodation, flights and daily living costs, not only the course price.
Climate and lifestyle
Boracay is warm all year, with white beaches a short walk from school. There is a wetter season with stronger winds, roughly from June to October; read the best time to study on Boracay to plan.
Malta is hot and sunny in summer and mild in winter, and very easy to reach from most of Europe. The UK offers history, culture and big cities, with cooler and changeable weather. Australia offers big cities, beaches and a famous outdoor lifestyle, but it is a long and often expensive trip for many students.
Distance and visas
For students from Europe, Malta and the UK are short flights away, while the Philippines and Australia are long-haul trips. For students from Asia it is the opposite: the Philippines is often just a few hours away.
Visa rules depend on your nationality and change over time, so always check official sources. In the Philippines, many nationalities can enter visa-free, and every foreign student also needs a Special Study Permit. Our office prepares the documents and helps you with visa extensions, and there is an immigration office on Boracay. Read our guide to the Special Study Permit and visa extensions.
If you want to work during or after your studies, look closely at the rules in Australia and the UK, which have visa options for study and work. Some students study English in the Philippines first and then move on to a working holiday elsewhere.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the Philippines if you want the most personal attention for your budget, daily one-to-one lessons and a tropical place to study.
- Choose Malta if you are in Europe, want a short stay without a long flight, and are happy with group classes.
- Choose the UK if British culture, a British accent or a UK university is your goal.
- Choose Australia if you want to live in Australia for a while, combine study with work where the rules allow, or plan to study there later.
Some students do both: a few weeks of intensive one-to-one study in the Philippines first, then a stay in an English-speaking country with much stronger English.
FAQ
Is the English taught in the Philippines good?
Yes. English is an official language, and our team includes Canadian, Filipino, British and American teachers. Read is the Filipino English accent good to learn from?
Is Boracay safe for students?
Boracay is a popular, well-visited island. Like anywhere, use common sense. See our guide is Boracay safe for students?
How long should I stay?
From four weeks, prices per week drop. Tell us your goal and we will suggest a plan, or compare all rates on our 2026 price page.
