Applying to study in Malta: a guide

Studying in Malta offers international students high-quality education in a vibrant Mediterranean setting. Malta’s degrees are globally recognised, but its tuition fees are affordable compared with much of Europe.

This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the application process, information on funding opportunities and visa requirements.

Studying in Malta: choosing a university

Malta is home to a mix of public and private universities and colleges. Each institution offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes, taught primarily in English.

The University of Malta is the most renowned, but other notable institutions include:

Public universities

• L-Università ta’ Malta (University of Malta)
• Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
• Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)

Private universities

• American University of Malta (AUM)
• Global College
• GBS Malta
• European Forensic Institute
• GBSB Global Business School

Private universities offering foreign qualifications

• Queen Mary, University of London Malta (medicine)
• Knights College (partnered with Coventry University)
• STC (partnered with University of Wolverhampton)
• St Martin’s Institute (partnered with University of London)

Tip: begin researching programmes and institutions at least one year before your intended start date. 

Applying to university in Malta

Application requirements

Undergraduate applicants will need: 

• Secondary-education transcript or certificate
• Proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge certificates
• Mathematics and English: most universities, including the University of Malta, require passes in English and mathematics. International Baccalaureate (IB) and other international qualifications are often accepted, but must be validated
• Maltese or a foreign language: non-Maltese applicants may fulfil this by presenting a pass in another language at the required level.

Some degree programmes require entrance exams, auditions or interviews (especially medicine, the arts and sports). Medical programmes may require a medical exam, and often have additional language and subject requirements as well.

If your qualifications are from outside Malta (including a Maltese school teaching a non-Maltese programme), you may need to have them assessed by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC), part of the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority. Contact MQRIC here: mqric@mfhea.mt

Important: all documents must be translated into English and may require an apostille (official certification), depending on your country of origin.

2. Application process

Research options and check specific course requirements on each university website. Deadlines can vary, so check with your chosen university. 

Then prepare the required documents:

• Passport scan
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Proof of English proficiency
• Evidence of funds to cover tuition and living expenses
• Medical certificate (if required)
• Certified translations and apostilles for non-English documents.

Typically you will submit your application through the institution’s official admissions portal online. Pay the application fee.

Institutions notify applicants of admission decisions by email or through the application portal. This usually happens within two weeks, but may take longer. 

Important: Many institutions operate on a later schedule than other countries, so acceptances may not be released until July or August. Please check with the institution you’re applying to.

Tuition fees and living expenses

EU/EEA students

Courses at public universities are often free. However, specialised programmes may charge between €9,000 and €27,000 per year.

Non-EU/EEA students

Study at a Maltese university can cost between €2,000 and €31,000 per year, depending on the programme and institution. For example, humanities courses tend to cost between €3,000 and €5,000 per year, while studying medicine can cost up to €20,000 a year.

Living expenses

Accommodation costs from €3,200 per year upwards. 

Additional costs include textbooks, laboratory fees and other living expenses.

Scholarships and financial aid

GET Qualified Scholarship: covers up to 70 per cent of tuition and exam fees for outstanding students.

Other scholarships: universities may offer merit-based awards. Always check the financial-aid section of the website for your chosen institution.

Erasmus+ programme: the University of Malta participates in Erasmus+, enabling students to study abroad for a semester or year.

Work while studying: students can work up to 20 hours per week after three months of study. Submit an application for a work permit after obtaining your residence permit.

Visa and residence permits

For short courses lasting less than three months, apply for a Schengen C visa.

For longer programmes, apply for a long-term National (D) visa, which costs €100. This visa allows you to enter Malta and apply for a residence permit upon arrival.

After arrival, apply for a student residence permit, which also serves as a Schengen visa for travel within the EU. The permit is renewable with proof of continued enrolment.

Important: these requirements may change, so please check with the university or Malta Foreign Office at the time of application.