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Study in Malta
Malta, a small but strategically located island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, is a hidden gem for international students. With its rich history, bilingual population, and EU/Schengen membership, Malta offers a perfect blend of academic excellence and an incredible sunny lifestyle.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know at a glance.
Why Study in Malta?
Discover the benefits of choosing this destination for your education.
English-Taught Programs
Almost all major higher education programs are offered entirely in English.
Affordable Education
Tuition fees (€3,000–€11,000/year) and living costs are lower than other EU countries.
EU-Recognized Degrees
Maltese qualifications (Bologna Process) are recognized across Europe and globally.
Sunny Lifestyle & Safe
Over 300 days of sunshine per year in a highly safe, welcoming international community.
Education System
Understanding the levels of education and grading system.
Levels of Education
Bachelor's Degree
3–4 yearsUndergraduate programs (MQF aligned)
Master's Degree
1–2 yearsPostgraduate programs
Doctorate (PhD)
3–5 yearsAdvanced research programs
Grading System
Essential Guide
Costs, Intakes, and Key Aspects at a glance.
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition Fees (Undergraduate) | €6,000–12,000 |
| Annual Tuition Fees (Postgraduate) | €7,000–15,000 |
| Estimated Monthly Living Costs | €700–1,100 (covers accommodation, food, transport, and utilities) |
| Part-Time Work Rights | Up to 20 hours/week during academic semesters, full-time during scheduled university vacations. |
| Post-Study Work Opportunity | Eligible graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work (PSW) or Job Seeker visa ranging from 1 to 3 years. |
| Main Admission Intakes | Primary intake in September/October (Autumn/Fall) and secondary intake in January/February (Winter). |
| English Proficiency Requirements | IELTS (6.0–6.5 average), TOEFL iBT (80–90+), or PTE Academic (58–65). Duolingo accepted by select universities. |
Entry Requirements
Academic and language requirements for international students.
| Program Level | Academic Requirement | English Language Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation / Pathway | Class 12th (10+2) with minimum 50%–60% marks from a recognized board. | IELTS 5.0–5.5 / TOEFL 60 / PTE 45 |
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | Class 12th (10+2) with minimum 65%–85% aggregate marks in relevant subjects. | IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL 80+ / PTE 58+ |
| Postgraduate (Master’s) | Recognized Bachelor’s degree with 60%–75% aggregate marks (First/Second Class). | IELTS 6.5–7.0 / TOEFL 90+ / PTE 65+ |
| Doctoral (PhD / Research) | Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with strong research proposal and faculty mentorship. | IELTS 6.5–7.0+ / TOEFL 95+ / PTE 68+ |
Types of Institutions
Understanding the different types of universities available.
Public University
University of Malta is the main public institution offering a wide range of degrees.
Private Institutions
E.g., American University of Malta, Global College Malta, offering specialized programs.
Vocational & Technical
MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology) focuses on applied sciences.
University-Specific Scholarships
Financial aid opportunities for international students.
Malta Government Scholarships
For Master's/PhD. Covers full/partial tuition fees + living stipend and travel grants.
University of Malta Scholarships
Full or partial tuition fee waivers and monthly stipends for postgraduate researchers.
Private Institution Scholarships
Merit-based partial fee reductions (up to 30-50%) at Global College Malta and LSC Malta.
Erasmus+ Scholarships
Monthly stipend (€850–€1,200) plus travel allowance for exchange semesters.
Sports & Arts Scholarships
Partial tuition grants for national/international level performers.
Major Intakes
Admission cycles for international students.
Main Intake (October)
Also called: Autumn/Fall SemesterFull range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available.
Secondary Intake (February)
Also called: Spring SemesterLimited programs, mostly focused on business, IT, and certain postgraduate courses.
Rolling/Modular Intakes
Also called: Various MonthsPrivate institutions and vocational colleges often offer intakes in Jan, May, July, and Sept.
Top Universities
Ranked by QS World University Rankings 2025.
| Rank (QS 2025) | University | UG Fees / Year | PG Fees / Year | Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800–1000 | University of Malta | €2,500–€11,000/yr | €2,500–€11,000/yr | Medicine, Engineering, Law |
| - | Malta College of Arts, Science & Tech (MCAST) | €3,000–€6,000/yr | €3,000–€6,000/yr | Business, IT, Applied Sci |
| - | American University of Malta | €8,000–€12,000/yr | €8,000–€12,000/yr | Business, Engineering, Game Dev |
| - | Global College Malta | €6,500–€9,000/yr | €6,500–€9,000/yr | MBA, Business Management |
| - | London School of Commerce, Malta | €6,950–€8,500/yr | €6,950–€8,500/yr | Business, MBA, IT |
| - | LearnKey Institute of Technology | €3,000–€5,500/yr | €3,000–€5,500/yr | ICT, Software Development |
| - | STC Higher Education | €3,000–€6,000/yr | €3,000–€6,000/yr | Computing, Business |
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Malta Universities.
October Intake
Apply: March - July.
February Intake
Apply: September - Nov/Dec.
Important Note
Apply for a visa as soon as you receive your offer letter and pay the tuition deposit (takes 3-6 weeks).
Career Growth & Post-Study Work
High-demand sectors and Graduate Route Visa opportunities.
Post-Study Residence Permit (Up to 12 Months)
International graduates can apply for a Job Search Visa extending up to 12 months after graduation to find employment.
Information Technology & iGaming
- Growth / Outlook: Global hub for online gaming & blockchain
- Top Roles / Employers: Betsson, Tipico, Tech Startups
- Salary Range: High Demand
Financial Services & Accounting
- Growth / Outlook: Strong regulatory framework
- Top Roles / Employers: Audit & Advisory Firms
- Salary Range: High Demand
Tourism & Hospitality
- Growth / Outlook: Over 2 million tourists annually
- Top Roles / Employers: Luxury Hotels, Event Mgmt
- Salary Range: High Demand
Maritime & Logistics
- Growth / Outlook: Largest shipping registries in the EU
- Top Roles / Employers: Ports, Shipping Companies
- Salary Range: High Demand
Healthcare & Medical Sciences
- Growth / Outlook: Expanding private health sector
- Top Roles / Employers: Hospitals, Clinics
- Salary Range: High Demand
Permanent Residency (PR) Process
Malta offers several straightforward routes to Permanent Residency for international students who stay to work.
Student Visa & TRP
Hold a Long-Stay National Visa (Type D) and apply for a Residence Permit for Studies.
Post-Study Job Search
Apply for a Post-Study Residence Permit (up to 12 months) to find a job.
Employment License
Switch to an Employment License (Work Visa) once you secure full-time employment.
Permanent Residency (5 Years)
Eligible after 5 continuous years of legal residence. Requires stable income and basic English/Maltese.
Citizenship by Naturalization
Apply after 7 years of legal residence, requiring strong integration and language knowledge.
Types of Malta Visas
A quick overview of visas for international students.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Work Allowed? | Can Apply for PR? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Stay National Visa (Type D) | Full-time degree programs | 20 hrs/week (after 90 days) | 1 year (renewable) |
| Post-Study Residence Permit | Job search after graduation | No (until employed) | Up to 12 months |
| Employment License / Work Visa | Full-time employment | Full-time | 1 year (renewable) |
| Short-Stay Visa (Type C) | Short courses/tourism | No | Up to 90 days |
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