Study in Malta

EU degrees in English on a Mediterranean island

Malta is an EU member state where English is an official language, offering EU-recognised programmes through the University of Malta, MCAST, and licensed private providers, in a compact, international study environment.

Match me with programmes
Main intake
Autumn mainMain intake
Status
EU member stateStatus
Teaching language
English official languageTeaching language
Provider verification
MFHEA / MQRProvider verification

Country overview

Studying in Malta

Malta is a small EU member state in the Mediterranean where English is an official language and widely used in education. Higher education is delivered by the University of Malta, MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology), and a number of private providers licensed and MQF-accredited by MFHEA (the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority) — always verify a provider or programme's licensing through MFHEA/MQR before applying.

Malta's English-language environment, warm climate, and compact island setting attract international students, though the number of institutions and programmes is smaller than in larger countries. Qualifications map onto the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) and EQF, and the level you complete materially affects your immigration, work, and post-study rights — not just your academic path.

Requirements, tuition, and visa/residence rules change and are institution- or nationality-specific in many places. This page gives general orientation only — always verify your eligibility with the specific institution and the official Identità and MFHEA sources.

Capital
Valletta
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Popular areas
Valletta, Msida, Sliema
Main intake
Autumn (major institutions); MCAST/private can have multiple starts
Teaching languages
English (official) and Maltese
Application route
Direct to a licensed institution, then the study national visa

Why study here

Reasons students choose Malta

English-language study

English is an official language in Malta and the main language of higher education, so no separate local-language study is usually needed.

EU-recognised degrees

Maltese qualifications map onto the MQF/EQF and are recognised across the EU.

Compact, international setting

A small, walkable country with an international community and a Mediterranean lifestyle.

Multiple provider types

Choose between the University of Malta, the applied/vocational MCAST route, or a licensed private provider.

Warm climate

Malta's mild, sunny climate appeals to students seeking a Mediterranean base in the EU.

Education system

How the system is structured

Maltese higher education follows the Bologna three-cycle structure (bachelor's, master's, doctoral) and uses the ECTS credit system. It is delivered through the University of Malta, MCAST, and other MQF-awarding institutions — always confirm a provider's and programme's licensing through MFHEA/MQR before applying, since provider status is never a safe assumption.

University of Malta

The main public university, offering the full range of academic degrees up to doctoral level.

MCAST

Malta's applied/vocational higher-education route, delivering practical, career-oriented qualifications.

Licensed private providers

A number of MFHEA-licensed private institutions also deliver MQF-accredited degrees — verify licensing before applying.

MQF / ECTS alignment

Qualifications map onto the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) and EQF, and programmes use ECTS credits.

Application routes

Pathways by study level

Requirements differ by level. Use the tabs to see typical entry expectations for each pathway.

Undergraduate degree

Bachelor's

Bachelor's programmes are taught in English across a range of fields, with a smaller overall selection than in larger countries.

Typical duration: 3–4 years

Typical entry requirements

  • Completed secondary education comparable to the Maltese requirement
  • English language proof where required
  • Programme-specific prerequisites for some fields

Detailed guidance

Key pathways explained

These sections go deeper on pathways that need extra care. Always confirm the specifics with the university and the relevant authority.

Visa and residence overview

This is a general overview of the steps many visa-required students follow in Malta. Requirements, amounts, and procedures change and depend on your nationality — always confirm with Identità and the licensed institution.

Before you travel

  • Secure admission from an MFHEA/MQR-verified licensed institution.
  • Apply for the student national D visa if you are visa-required.
  • Gather financial proof per the current Central Visa Unit/Identità checklist — not a Schengen tourist reference figure.
  • Arrange residence-grade health/travel insurance and accommodation evidence.

After you arrive

  • Where your stay or course exceeds the relevant threshold, apply for a study residence permit/eResidence document through Identità.
  • Complete biometrics and any required address/health registration.
  • Enrol at your institution and keep enrolment/attendance evidence for renewal.
  • If you plan to work, obtain the required employment licence/work permit before starting — the 20 hours/week limit applies only once that licence is issued.

Renewal, family, and after graduation

  • Long-course extension and residence renewal are tied to visa expiry and performance/attendance evidence — track the current Identità filing window.
  • Ordinary student residence does not create blanket dependant or work rights for family members; reunification has separate eligibility rules.
  • Qualifying graduates at MQF Level 5+ may get a post-study permit of up to 9 months to seek work or start a related business — graduation itself does not create permanent residence.

Qualification requirements

What qualifications you typically need

Typical qualification requirements by study level in Malta
Study levelTypical requirement
Bachelor'sSecondary education assessed as comparable to the Maltese standard, plus English proof where required.
Master'sA relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades and English proof where required.
DoctoralA relevant master's degree, a supervisor or doctoral programme place, and a research proposal.
MCAST / vocationalA qualification at the MQF level required for entry to the specific diploma or degree.

Language requirements

Proving your language ability

Most programmes are taught in English, so English-language proof is the main requirement for international students. Institutions set their own accepted tests and can require internal testing — never assume one score is accepted nationally. Confirm accepted tests and scores with the institution.

English-taught programmes

IELTS Academic

Widely accepted; minimum bands vary by programme and level.

TOEFL iBT

Commonly accepted as an alternative to IELTS.

Medium-of-instruction proof

Some institutions accept prior English-medium study instead of a test — confirm rather than assume exemption.

  • Maltese is an official language but is not usually required for English-taught programmes.
  • Some applicants may be exempt from English tests based on prior English-medium study; confirm with the institution.

Application process

A typical application, step by step

  1. Verify provider and programme licensing

    Check MFHEA/MQR to confirm the institution and specific programme are properly licensed and MQF-accredited before applying.

  2. Shortlist programmes

    Identify programmes at the University of Malta, MCAST, or licensed private institutions that match your goals.

  3. Check requirements and deadlines

    Confirm academic prerequisites, English proof, and deadlines for your chosen programme.

  4. Prepare and submit documents

    Gather transcripts, English results, and identification, then apply directly to the institution.

  5. Receive an offer

    Await the institution's decision and any conditions before accepting.

  6. Arrange visa/residence steps

    Visa-required applicants should begin the study national visa and Identità process promptly once admitted.

Visa process

Student visa overview

  1. Check your visa status

    EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally do not need a visa in the same way as visa-required applicants, though registration formalities may still apply.

  2. Apply for the student national D visa

    Visa-required students typically apply for the relevant student national visa before travelling to Malta.

  3. Prepare supporting documents

    Commonly includes the acceptance letter, passport, financial proof per the current Central Visa Unit/Identità checklist, accommodation evidence, and health/travel insurance.

  4. Move to a study residence permit if the course is longer

    Where the stay or course exceeds the relevant threshold, apply for a study residence permit/eResidence document through Identità.

  5. Complete post-arrival formalities

    Complete residence application/biometrics and enrolment, and register any required address/health steps.

  6. Verify current rules officially

    Visa and residence requirements change — always confirm the current process and financial-proof checklist with Identità.

This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Malta can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.

Required documents

Documents you are likely to need

  • Academic transcripts

    Certified copies of secondary or prior higher-education records, plus grading scale and Diploma Supplement where available.

  • English test results

    IELTS/TOEFL or medium-of-instruction evidence where required by the programme.

  • Passport

    Valid for the duration of study and travel.

  • Acceptance letter

    Official confirmation of admission from the licensed institution.

  • Financial proof

    Evidence per the current Central Visa Unit/Identità student checklist — not a generic Schengen tourist reference amount.

  • Accommodation evidence

    Proof of accommodation for the visa/residence application.

  • Health/travel insurance

    Required for the visa/residence process; residence-grade coverage is needed, not just travel insurance.

  • Motivation letter & CVIf applicable

    Commonly required for master's applications.

Study categories

Popular fields of study

Business & management

  • Business Administration
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Tourism Management

IT & digital

  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Digital Media

Health & life sciences

  • Nursing
  • Public Health
  • Biology
  • Health Sciences

Arts & humanities

  • English
  • International Relations
  • Media
  • Education

Applied & vocational (MCAST)

  • Engineering Technology
  • Built Environment
  • Applied Sciences
  • Creative Arts

Costs and funding

Budgeting your studies

Tuition is institution-specific and not a fixed national figure — patch exact tuition from the licensed institution/programme, not a country-wide constant. Living costs vary sharply by locality. The figures below are qualitative — confirm current amounts with the institution and the current Central Visa Unit/Identità checklist.

Tuition

University of Malta / MCAST
Institution-specific

Exact tuition depends on the institution, programme, and your status — verify directly.

Private institutions
Institution-specific

Private providers set their own tuition; confirm licensing before paying any fees.

Living costs

Accommodation
Largest monthly cost

Costs can rise sharply in tourist-heavy coastal areas.

Food & transport
Moderate

The island is compact, keeping travel distances short.

Financial proof (immigration)
Separate from real budget

Use the current Central Visa Unit/Identità checklist, not a tourist reference amount, and keep it distinct from your realistic living budget.

Funding & scholarships

Institutional scholarships

Some institutions offer scholarships or fee reductions; availability varies and should be checked directly.

EU/exchange programmes

EU mobility schemes may support eligible students; a scholarship counts toward immigration proof only to the extent Identità accepts the award and amount.

Part-time work

Once the required employment licence/work permit is issued, students may work up to 20 hours/week, generally after an initial period — rules must be verified officially.

Application timeline

Planning your year

12–18 months before

Eligibility & research

  • Verify institution/programme licensing via MFHEA/MQR
  • Check qualification recognition
  • Plan funding and language tests

9–12 months before

Prepare

  • Sit English tests if required
  • Prepare documents and any legalisation/translation
  • Research scholarships

6–9 months before

Apply

  • Submit applications to shortlisted institutions
  • Track admission decisions
  • Confirm tuition and deposit deadlines

3–6 months before

Finances & visa

  • Gather financial proof per the current checklist
  • Arrange accommodation and health insurance
  • Apply for the student national visa if required

1–3 months before

Arrival prep

  • Complete Identità residence-permit steps if the course is longer
  • Plan travel and arrival documents
  • Prepare for enrolment

Avoid these

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using a commercial listing instead of MFHEA/MQR as proof of accreditation.
  • Assuming the range of programmes is as broad as in larger countries.
  • Deriving financial proof from Schengen tourist reference amounts instead of the current Central Visa Unit/Identità checklist.
  • Assuming unrestricted work rights instead of the 20 hours/week-after-employment-licence rule.
  • Underestimating accommodation costs in popular coastal areas.
  • Leaving the visa-required applicant's national visa and residence process too late.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Malta an English-speaking study destination?

Yes — English is an official language in Malta and the main language of higher education, so most programmes are taught in English.

How do I know a Maltese institution is legitimate?

Verify the provider and specific programme through MFHEA (the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority) and the MQR (Malta Qualifications Recognition) database — a commercial listing is not proof of accreditation.

How much money do I need to show for the visa?

There is no fixed public figure to rely on — use the current Central Visa Unit/Identità student checklist, which is periodically updated, rather than a Schengen tourist reference amount.

Can I work while studying in Malta?

Once you have the required employment licence/work permit, you can generally work up to 20 hours/week, usually after an initial period from arrival — confirm the current rule with Identità.

What happens after I graduate?

Qualifying graduates at MQF Level 5 and above may be eligible for a post-study permit of up to 9 months to seek work or start a related business, subject to current conditions — this does not guarantee permanent residence.

See which Maltese programmes fit your profile

Upload your transcript and MeetMentora will interpret your academic background and surface programmes that match your level and interests.

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This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Malta can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.