O-levels explained
SEC is the Maltese O-level, set by the MATSEC Examinations Board at the University of Malta and sat at the end of Year 11. Everything here comes from MATSEC documents unless another source is named. Checked 7 November 2026.
A Level, not a grade
Each subject gives Level 3, 2, 1 or NA. Sixth form means Level 3, usually in 5 or 6 subjects.
One choice sets the ceiling
At registration you choose the Paper II. The Level 1-2 paper cannot give a Level 3.
April, not May
Written exams in 2027 start on 21 April. Environmental Studies is on 22 April, Maths on 8 May.
Which paper reaches which Level
Schools often steer weaker students towards the Level 1-2 paper. That is a reasonable choice for a pass, and it closes the door to sixth form in that subject. Decide it knowingly. The Maths 3-3* paper is what the church sixth forms ask for Pure Mathematics at A-level.
How the Level is made
Two parts, in every subject (SEC Regulations 2027, regulation 7).
Paper I: 30%
School-based assessment during Years 9 to 11: coursework, practicals or oral work, depending on the subject. Private candidates sit a controlled Paper I set by MATSEC instead.
Paper II: 70%
The written exam in April to June of Year 11.
Grades inside the Level
Level 3 covers the old grades 1 to 5, Level 2 grades 6 and 7, Level 1 grade 8 (Newsbook, results day 15 July 2026; Eurydice, February 2025). MATSEC calls grade 5 the minimum for further studies.
Private candidates
A student not registered through a school (home-educated, left school, resitting, or the school does not offer the subject) sits as a private candidate. The certificate shows "PC" next to the subject. Registration at um.edu.mt/matsec/register.
The 2027 timetable
- 21 AprExams start
- 22 AprEnvironmental Studies
- 24 AprMaltese
- 7 MayBusiness Studies
- 8 MayMathematics
- 15 MayEnglish Language
- 17 MaySocial Studies
- 21 MayGeography
- 1 JunLast paper
Every key date, 2026 to 2027
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Registration (no base fee) | 26 October to 6 November 2026 |
| Late registration | 11 to 12 November 2026, €35 per subject |
| Very late registration | from 4 January 2027, €70 per subject, some subjects only |
| Written exams start | 21 April 2027 |
| Last paper | 1 June 2027 |
| Results | about 15 July 2027 |
| Supplementary registration | 19 to 23 July 2027 |
| Supplementary exams | from 26 August 2027 |
| Supplementary results | about 30 September 2027 |
The first subjects on the timetable are the ones with the least time left. Plan backwards from each subject's date.
After SEC
Sixth forms and MCAST each set their own entry rules: one needs one core subject, another two, another all three plus a science. Later, the University of Malta asks for SEC grade 5 or better in Maltese, English Language and Mathematics on top of the Matriculation Certificate (Admissions Regulations 2016, regulation 12).