Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean that has grown into a popular study abroad destination for international students from all over the world. With English as one of the official languages, low tuition fees compared to the UK and USA, a temperate climate and vibrant student social life, Malta offers an accessible path to gaining a world-class European education.
This guide covers everything you need to know about studying in Malta in 2024, from how to apply to universities and visa requirements to scholarships, cost of living, accommodation and more.
Why Study in Malta?
There are many excellent reasons to consider Malta for your bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree:
English-Taught Programs – Over 300 degree programs across various subjects are offered fully in English by Maltese universities. This makes the transition smooth for international students.
Quick and Easy Admissions – Applying to Maltese universities is a straightforward process compared to the UK, USA and Australia. Decisions are also very fast – within 24 hours for certain programs.
Visa Success Rate – Malta has a very high visa approval rate for international students. The student visa process is quite smooth compared to other major study destinations.
Affordable Fees – Tuition fees at universities in Malta are generally cheaper compared to the UK, USA, Australia and Canada. Cost of living is also reasonable.
Vibrant Student Life – Malta has stunning beaches, Mediterranean climate and lively nightlife. The country is very safe with lots of leisure and entertainment options for students.
Ease of Travel – Malta is located close to major European destinations like Italy, France and Greece. Students can explore Europe easily.
Work Opportunities – International students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during vacations and after graduation.
Universities in Malta
There are three main public universities and several smaller private institutes available for international students looking to study in Malta:
University of Malta – Malta’s largest and oldest university offering over 80 undergraduate and 150 postgraduate programs across various faculties.
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology – Applied education provider focused on vocational degrees in various fields like engineering, IT and health sciences.
American University of Malta – A new, private American-style university with a small student body and modern campus. Offers American-accredited business management degrees.
Others – Institutes like Academy One, European College of Business and Management, European Graduate School and BPP also welcome international students for diploma and degree courses.All Maltese universities have global partnerships allowing student exchange and research abroad opportunities.
Application Process
Applying to study in Malta is quite easy and quick compared to other major study destinations. Here are the typical steps:
1. Research Universities and Programs – Identify universities and degree programs that match your interests and career goals. Consider factors like fees, entry criteria, specializations offered etc.
2. Prepare Application Documents – This includes your updated CV, passport copies, English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL), academic transcripts and reference letters.
3. Submit Online Application – Complete the university’s online application form and upload your documents. Double check that all details provided are accurate.
4. Await Decision – Universities in Malta provide very quick decisions. You can expect to hear back regarding your admission status within 24 hours in most cases.
5. Accept Offer and Confirm Enrolment – If accepted, confirm your place in the program by accepting the offer and paying the initial fees or deposit amount.The application timeline for the February 2024 intake would be August to December 2023. However, later applications may also be accepted depending on the university and program.Contact the international admissions office for complete guidance.
Popular Subjects to Study
Given Malta’s advanced economy and attractive location, some popular study fields for international students include:
Business Management – Degrees focused on various specializations like International Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, HR, Tourism and Finance. Taught with an international perspective.
Information Technology – Cutting-edge programs focused on Software Development, Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Cyber Security and Game Design. Great tech infrastructure.
Healthcare and Medicine – Options to study General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy and more at affordable fees compared to other countries.
Engineering – Specialized engineering disciplines like Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Petroleum and Aerospace offered with a practical approach.
Hospitality and Tourism – Malta’s tourism economy creates opportunities in degrees like Hotel Management, Culinary Arts, Events Management and Travel & Tourism.
Art, Design and Media – Explore creative disciplines like Fine Arts, Fashion Design, Photography, Filmmaking, Animation etc.
Maritime Studies – Malta has a long maritime history and offers excellent programs in Yachting, Marine Engineering, Logistics and Port Management.
Foundation Studies – International students can opt for pathway programs before university to gain entry requirements in a shorter timeframe.
Cost of Studying and Living
Compared to the UK, USA, Australia and Canada, Malta is generally cheaper for international students in terms of both tuition fees and living expenses:Tuition Fees
- Bachelor’s degrees – €8,000 to €15,000 per year
- Master’s degrees – €9,000 to €25,000 total
- MBA programs – €15,000 to €35,000 total
- PhD degrees – €16,000 to €25,000 total
Scholarships and financial aid options are also available to help offset the costs.Living ExpensesTypical monthly costs for students are:
- Accommodation – €300 to €600
- Food and groceries – €200 to €300
- Public transport – €25 to €50
- Telecom and utilities – €100 to €150
- Books and supplies – €50 to €100
- Personal expenses – €150 to €300+
Part-time work during studies can help fund the living costs. Low overall expenses make Malta attractive for self-financing international students.
Scholarships for International Students
There are various partial and full scholarships offered by the Maltese government and individual universities:
Malta Government Scholarships – Covers 25% to 100% of tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses. Awarded based on academic merit to students from selected countries.
University Scholarships – Awarded directly by Maltese universities based on criteria like academic grades, research potential and subject specialization. Covers 25% or higher amount of first-year fees generally.
Erasmus+ Mobility Grants – EU-funded scholarships for students going to Malta for semester exchange programs and research internships under the Erasmus scheme. Includes monthly stipend of €850.
US Federal Loans – American students can use FAFSA loans and grants for eligible degree programs at Maltese universities. Requires US accreditation.
External Scholarships – Organizations like the Fulbright Program and DAAD also offer partial to full scholarships for studying in Malta.Contact the chosen university’s international office for guidance on available scholarship options and application process.
Visa Application Process
Once admission is confirmed, international students would need to apply for the visa to study in Malta. The key steps are:
1. Receive Acceptance Letter – This official university letter is crucial for the student visa application to confirm your admission status.
2. Submit Visa Application – Accurately complete the online application for Malta student visa within 3 months of university enrollment. Pay required fees.
3. Gather Documents – Prepare supporting documents like passport copies, university acceptance letter, financial statements and health insurance.
4. Attend Biometrics Appointment – Visit the Visa Application Centre in your city to provide fingerprints and photograph required for the visa application.
5. Await Approval – Student visa decision from the Maltese immigration authorities generally takes 4 to 8 weeks. Many universities assist with faster processing.
6. Collect Passport – If approved, collect your passport containing the 30-day entry clearance visa from the application center. Notify your university.The Malta student visa allows part-time work entitlement for international students. Family members can also apply for dependent visas subject to eligibility.Overall, the process is quite smooth and students report high visa success rates within 6 to 12 weeks.
Accommodation Options
Finding suitable student housing is important when studying abroad. Some accommodation options for students in Malta include:
University Residences – Convenient on-campus dormitories, apartments and housing facilities available at affordable rates. Great way to connect with peers. Offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Private Hostels and Halls – Third-party student hostels located around the university campus or city center catering specifically to university students. Includes shared rooms as well as private studios.
Shared Apartments – Opt to share an off-campus apartment with other students to save costs. Listings are easily available on university forums and Facebook groups.
Homestay – Live with a local Maltese family and experience cultural immersion. Single or shared rooms with amenities provided.
Self-Catered Apartment – Rent a private apartment in cities like Msida, Gzira, Sliema or St Julian’s if you prefer independent living. Budget around €400 to €800 per month.Apply 3 to 4 months in advance for university housing. Contact private property agents upon admission confirmation for help.
Top Cities for International Students
International students are concentrated around these main locations while studying in Malta:
Msida – Suburb located next to the University of Malta campus. High student population and plenty of budget eateries, bars and cafes targeting students.
Gzira and Sliema – Cosmopolitan coastal cities popular with students for their vibrant lifestyle, shopping districts and proximity to the capital Valletta.
St Julian’s – Known for its picturesque bay, casual dining restaurants and lively nightlife attracting lots of students and young expats. Home to the American University of Malta.
Cottonera – Area encompassing the three historic cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. Quieter residential option for students attending MCAST’s main campus.
Valletta – Malta’s small but stunning fortified capital offers a unique World Heritage site location combined with modern city conveniences.
Part-Time Work Options
International students can take up part-time employment for up to 20 hours per week during academic semesters and up to 40 hours per week during vacations. Common student jobs in Malta include:
Food and Beverage – Jobs like barista, waiter, bartender and chef in the plentiful cafes, restaurants and nightclubs around the island.
Retail and Sales – Work as store staff, cashiers and salespeople at shopping centers and boutique shops.
Admin and Customer Support – Office assistant, data entry, telecaller and help desk roles at various companies.
Tutoring – Teach English, mathematics or other subjects to local school students.
Tourism – Summer and seasonal jobs in the tourism sector like airport assistance, hotel work, tour guides etc.
Internships – Gain professional experience in your area of study by interning at multinational companies in Malta.These part-time jobs typically pay €5 to €10 per hour, allowing students to earn €600 or more monthly.
Conclusion
Malta offers international students world-class European education, Mediterranean lifestyle and cultural diversity in a single small package making it an appealing study destination.With low fees, easy application processes and high post-study work opportunities, Malta is expected to attract more international students in 2024 and beyond.
So if you are looking for an alternative European study experience that is affordable, has a vibrant local culture and easy access to travel across Europe, Malta has everything covered.
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