The Maltese islands are home to a remarkable cultural mixture between the ancient and the modern. Although the country harbours one of the oldest universities in the Mediterranean, the higher education system is future-oriented and blends tradition with innovation.
Due to the size of Malta, there is only one university and one vocational college made up of a number of individual institutions. However, they both have a good international reputation. About 600 full-time international students and about 500 exchange and transfer students come every year to Malta from about 80 different countries. The country maintains partnerships and links with education institutions all over the world.
Why study in Malta?
1. It’s free for EU/EEA students
If you’re from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) and want to study at the University of Malta — the only public education institution — you don’t have to pay any tuition fees for most academic programmes. However, there are exceptions (some courses in Business, Culinary Arts, and others).
2. English is an official language
If you’re worried about language barriers or you wouldn’t feel comfortable learning another language, rejoice! You don’t have to! English is an official language in Malta, being widely spoken by almost all citizens.
So, whether you want to ask for directions, find a missing item on your grocery list at the supermarket, or travel around, you’ll always be able to ask for help and communicate with ease.
3. Malta is a paradise for sports and outdoor enthusiasts
Malta offers an incredibly wide range of activities for people who enjoy being active, travelling, and pushing themselves. In your spare time, feel free to try any of the following adrenaline-spiking activities: hiking, water sports, rock climbing, scuba diving, flyboarding, etc.
Not interested in any of these? Then, simply relax on the beach, enjoy the warmth of the sun, and the breeze of the sea.
Study programmes in Malta
Degrees are awarded in subjects like Arts, Science and Technology, Health Sciences, Economics, Management, Education, Engineering, Law and more. The students enrol in full-time or part-time study programmes.
The courses offered are relevant and up to date with the needs of the country. The courses are offered at diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate level. Most Bachelor degree courses run for three years, while most Masters may be completed in 2 years. In order to maximize course efficiency, some courses are held once every two years.
Vocational and professional training is also available. Different institutes teach full-time students or part-time students who also hold a job and require specialized training.
Basic Foundation Study Courses enable international high school students who do not have the necessary entry requirements, to qualify for admission to an undergraduate degree course in Malta.
A popular English-language university in the country is the American University in Malta.
General application procedure
- Find the academic programme you want to study
- Check if you meet the minimum entry requirements
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit your documents (translated into English)
- The Students’ Advisory Services are available for advice and information to prospective students
- Attend information meeting for Prospective Applicants
- Apply for scholarships, if available
Contact the International student office for more information about program application and requirements.
English language preparation for studying in Malta
Develop your academic English language skills in order to meet the English language requirements at Maltese universities offering degree studies for international students. Choose an English language school anywhere in the world and pick your preferred English exam preparation course from diverse language course options.
Universities in Malta will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their English-taught courses. Universities accept these official English exams:
- PTE Academic
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- C1 Advanced
Living in Malta
Let’s take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Malta:
Tuition fees
If you want to study in Malta, how much you need to pay depends on:
- your nationality
- the type of university (public vs private)
- the type of programme (arts-based, science-based, business-related)
At public universities, for example, international citizens encounter these situations:
- 0 EUR/year for EU/EEA students
- between 9,000–27,000 EUR/year for EU/EEA students for specialised programmes (e.g. MBA, Culinary Arts)
- between 2,000–31,000 EUR/year for non-EU/EEA students
Science-based and business-related programmes are the most expensive. At private universities, tuitions fees are even higher.
Living costs in Malta
Depending on your lifestyle, type of accommodation, and whether you live alone or with other students, your monthly living costs in Malta can reach between 500 and 800 EUR.
Here’s a breakdown of average living expenses in Malta:
- accommodation (university residence halls): prices vary, but it’s cheaper than renting a flat
- accommodation (privately rented flat): 700–1,500 EUR/month
- utilities (if you rent a flat): 90–120 EUR/month
- food and groceries: 150–250 EUR/month
- monthly transport pass: 26 EUR; students might get a discount
- three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 60 EUR
- 1 loaf of bread: 1.15 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 1 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 2.60 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: 1.85 EUR
- 1 cappuccino: 2.20 EUR
About Malta
Malta, or the Republic of Malta, is a small European state, comprising an archipelago of seven islands, making it an island nation. Situated in Southern Europe, it is located in the Mediterranean Sea, giving the country a warm, Mediterranean climate.To the island’s west is Tunisia and south is Libya. The nation’s capital city is Valletta.
Historically, Malta has been considered a crucial strategic location due ito its position in the Mediterranean Sea. It was held by several ancient cultures including Sicilians, Romans, Phoenicians, Byzantines and others. The island is commonly associated with the Knights Hospitaller who ruled it.
The country’s official languages are Maltese and English, although there are inhabitants who speak Italian on the islands. Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964 and is currently a member of the European Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations.
Over the years, the Maltese economy has focused towards a service-oriented industry. Steady growth has been registered in the development of financial, Information and Communication Technology and tourism services.
Malta’s climate is typical of the Mediterranean; sunny and with hot, dry summers, warm and sporadically wet autumns, and short, cool winters with adequate rainfall. Although mild, winters are generally damp and rainy with occasionally short chilly periods.