The Era of "Only USA, UK, Canada" for English Study Abroad is Over! EF International Language Campuses Renews Two Schools in Malta and Cape Town in June

EF Malta Campus EF Cape Town Campus

EF Education First Japan Ltd. (Headquarters: Switzerland; Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Nana Groning Ito, hereinafter "EF International Language Campuses"), an international education organization operating in over 110 countries worldwide, simultaneously renewed and reopened two schools in Malta, a Mediterranean island nation, and Cape Town, South Africa, in June 2026.

Two Locations Emerging as "Next New Classics" Following Major English-Speaking Countries

In recent years, signs of change have begun to appear in study abroad destination choices in major English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, due to factors like the review of immigration policies and stricter screening of student visas. In the U.S., the number of newly admitted international students has decreased by 17% year-on-year*1, Canada has limited the number of new student visas to 155,000 in 2026*2, and the UK has seen a 32% decrease in student visa issuances in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year*3. The study abroad environment in countries traditionally considered "classics for learning English" is changing.

Against this backdrop, there is a growing movement to consider new study abroad destinations based on factors such as cost, living environment, multinationality, and employment opportunities. To meet these evolving study abroad needs, EF International Language Campuses has updated its campuses in "Malta" and "Cape Town," two English-speaking destinations expected to gain further attention.

*1 NAFSA/IIE "Fall 2026 International Student Enrollment Survey"

*2 Official announcement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) (November 2025)

*3 ICEF Monitor

EF Malta Campus: A Popular School with Over 20 Years of History Evolves into a Fully Integrated Campus Overlooking the Mediterranean

Malta has been a popular study abroad destination for Japanese people due to its warm climate, safety, and more affordable study abroad costs compared to major English-speaking countries. Furthermore, starting in 2026, a new working holiday system for Japanese nationals has been established, opening up a new route that combines language learning and work for up to one year, further increasing its appeal as a destination for "learning while working."

Amidst this favorable trend, EF Malta Campus relocated and opened its new campus in St. George's Bay on June 15, 2026. With a history of over 20 years, the school has evolved into a "fully integrated campus" with student dormitories and an EF exclusive beach club within walking distance.

The new four-story building is equipped with classrooms featuring the latest facilities, a large lecture hall, a cafeteria, and a terrace with sea views. It is one of EF's largest directly managed campuses, attracting students from over 100 nationalities. It also serves as a Cambridge certified examination center, with recent course completers achieving a 100% pass rate. Offering a blend of a resort-like open environment and proven educational quality, it caters to a wide range of needs, from first-time study abroad experiences to long-term stays.

[Examples of After-School and Weekend Activities]

Swimming and sunset viewing at the "EF Exclusive Beach Club" directly in front of the campus

Day trips to attractions like the Blue Grotto and Gozo Island (popular tours)

Strolling through the historic old town of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Mediterranean cruises

Campus exterior

Classroom

Common area

EF Cape Town Campus: "Hidden Gem" Study Abroad Destination Officially Launches at V&A Waterfront

EF Cape Town Campus relocated and opened on June 1, 2026, at the "V&A Waterfront," a leading tourist and cultural hub in South Africa. Located in a vibrant harbor area with Table Mountain as a backdrop, it offers an environment where students can learn English in close proximity to the city, culture, and people.

While study abroad in Cape Town is not yet mainstream for Japanese people, it is an ideal destination for students who wish to immerse themselves in English within a multinational environment with fewer Japanese students. Furthermore, South Africa's lower cost of living compared to major English-speaking countries makes it an attractive option for managing overall expenses, including tuition, accommodation, and living costs.

The new campus features interactive smart boards in all classrooms. In a warm atmosphere furnished with locally sourced materials, it offers diverse learning opportunities, including programs that explore South African culture and history, volunteer activities, and custom programs for adults aged 50 and over, in addition to language learning.

[Examples of After-School and Weekend Activities]

Taking the cable car up Table Mountain for panoramic views of the city and sea

Day treks to Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, and safari experiences

Volunteer activities supporting African penguin conservation (SANCCOB) and local children's education

Campus exterior

Auditorium

Reception area

[About EF Education First Japan Ltd.]

EF Education First (hereinafter "EF") is an international education organization founded in Sweden in 1965. Since its establishment, with the motto "Education First," and under the mission of "Opening the world through education," EF supports people in learning and connecting across borders through language education, study abroad programs, degree programs, and cultural exchange.

With offices in 114 countries worldwide and approximately 50,000 employees (about half of whom are instructors), EF operates directly managed language schools in over 50 cities, providing safe and secure study abroad environments with unified educational quality. In Japan, EF began its operations in 1973 and provides study abroad support in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka. EF offers a comprehensive one-stop system that supports students from counseling and departure preparations to their stay abroad and post-return career development.

EF achieves scientifically proven language acquisition through its unique learning methods, accredited by educational institutions and governments worldwide, and in research collaboration with the University of Cambridge. With over 60 years of experience, EF continues to provide "life-changing study abroad experiences" to students around the globe.

EF's official YouTube channel features testimonials from actual international students and insights into their learning experiences abroad. Latest information is also available on the corporate website, official LINE, and Instagram.

EF Features

Founded in 1965: One of the world's largest private language education organizations

All Schools Directly Managed: Quality control through company-owned operations, not franchises

Global Network: Operations in 114 countries, approximately 50,000 employees

Research Collaboration with Cambridge University: Scientifically proven learning outcomes

Integrated Support: Peace of mind with a one-stop system from before departure to after return

[Awards]

EF's group company, Efekta Education, was selected for "TIME100 Most Influential Companies" in 2026. As an educational institution with global influence, it has further enhanced its reputation in the international community.

Details here: Efekta Education: 2026 TIME100 Most Influential Companies

EF Official Website: https://www.efjapan.co.jp/

EF Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@efjapan_ryugaku

EF International Language Campuses Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/efjapan

(Note) Business locations and number of language schools are as of June 2026.