€10,000+ to be won as Malta's biggest coding competition returns this July

Today, anyone with a passion for coding, from secondary, post-secondary and university students to working professionals, first-timers to seasoned developers, is invited to sign up for CodeSprintMT, Malta's national coding competition and the country's biggest coding community, organised by the Ministry for Education & Sport's Directorate for STEM and VET Programmes in collaboration with ICE Campus.

The event has changed and grown since 24 secondary school students first sat down to code against the clock in 2018. But the ingredients that keep competitors coming back haven't moved: real challenges, real pressure, and a room full of people who love this as much as you do. Somewhere between the brief and the final submit, it stops being a competition and starts feeling like a community.

"CodeSprintMT started as a single event for students at secondary school level. Nowadays it's a fully-fledged platform for everyone who is passionate about coding," says Josmar Borg, founder of CodeSprintMT and Education Officer (Computing), Directorate for STEM & VET Programmes. "It's a platform where learning becomes social, talent becomes visible, and potential becomes an opportunity."

Three competitions. One community.

✦ Secondary Competition (Ages 13-16), powered by title sponsor Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA). Python challenges aligned with the national O-Level Computing syllabus, a €500 top cash prize, sponsored training, a place on the CodeSprintMT Hall of Fame, and the chance to earn an MQF Level 3 accreditation, official recognition of skills tested on a national stage, the kind of signal that carries into whatever comes next.

Somewhere between the brief and the final submit, it stops being a competition and starts feeling like a community.

"It's a bridge between learning academically and the professional environment," says Matthew, 15, who won the Secondary category in 2025 at Year 9. "It acted as a great primer between what I learned in school and what I'm going to apply when I actually go professional."

✦ Post-Secondary Competition (Ages 16-19), also powered by MDIA. Python or Java challenges for anyone studying intermediate (MQF Level 4) or advanced (MQF Level 5) computing at any post-secondary institution, with the same prize structure and the same spotlight.

“CodeSprint was impeccable, truly a fun and memorable experience! Every student studying computing should experience this.” says Jean Claude, winner of the Post-Secondary category in 2025.

✦ Open Competition (18+), powered by MeDirect Bank (Malta). Eight hours, any language, any stack, one real-world brief, built and judged the way the industry actually works. €3,000 cash to the winner, €1,500 and €500 to the runners-up. Industry leaders from Malta's biggest brands will be watching, judging, and scouting talent.

"The stakes were definitely higher this year, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere, meeting new people whilst under pressure to create a high-quality prototype," says one competitor who returned for a second edition. "Will definitely join again next year."

Proudly backed by Malta’s big names

A lineup like this says more than we ever could. MDIA and MeDirect Bank Malta lead it, powering the three competition categories as title sponsors. PwC Malta, Melita, Xjenza Malta, Knights College, J'Oli and Bolt join as this year's community and experience sponsors. Computime, edQuanta, 9H and MITA complete it as supporting sponsors. Companies from every corner of Maltese life, each one making the experience bigger, all behind one community of coders.

"When you see this level of industry support, you know something special is happening," says Nikolai from ICE Campus. "These aren't logos on a wall. They're the people our competitors will be working with, learning from, and building alongside in the years ahead."

It's also why this carries weight beyond competition day. "CodeSprintMT represents everything we're working toward in education," says Josmar. "It's about thinking differently, solving problems creatively, and building the skills that will define Malta's economic future."

For parents of young coders

School teaches the code. CodeSprintMT is where it gets put into practice. On Finals Day, parents are invited to a free information session on Malta's IT industry: what employers look for, which educational pathways lead where, and how to support a child who's serious about a future in tech.

“Exceptional. You exceeded all expectations at every level. The parent info session was a brilliant touch. You didn’t just create a competition, you created an experience,” said one parent after last year's edition.

Not sure you're ready?

Jefferson, who took third place in the 2025 Open category, has heard that one before. "The biggest thing that prevents people from entering is fear of losing. But fear of missing out is worse. You have nothing to lose. Give it a try."

Register now

The competition runs between July 4-18, 2026, with registration closing on July 1.

• Secondary: codesprintmalta.edu.mt/sec
• Post-Secondary: codesprintmalta.edu.mt/sixth
• Open: codesprintmalta.edu.mt/open

The room is being set up. The only question is whether you're in it.

CodeSprintMT 2026 is organised by the Directorate for STEM and VET Programmes within the Ministry for Education & Sport, in collaboration with ICE Campus.

Times of Malta is a proud media partner of CodeSprintMT 2026.