Study abroad
Study in Malta
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Malta
Malta is an island nation in the central Mediterranean. As a small country, it has a limited number of higher-education institutions, mostly based in and around Valletta, so it is worth checking exactly which programmes and levels of study are offered locally.
Students interested in tourism, maritime trade and finance may find the local context especially relevant, and many also compare regional institutions or programmes delivered with partners abroad. Because English is an official language, many programmes are taught in English. The sections below explain subjects, intakes, costs, funding and visa steps.
Why study in Malta?
Students choose Malta for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in the central Mediterranean. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Maritime & Shipping and Economics & Finance, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Tourism, maritime trade and finance matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- A close community: study is centred on Valletta, and a small country can mean smaller classes and a close-knit student community.
- Culture and language: living in Malta means everyday contact with Maltese and English and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
- European mobility: as part of the European Union, Malta takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Malta
Here are some subject areas that fit well with study in Malta. We chose them editorially, with tourism, maritime trade and finance in mind, so treat them as ideas rather than a ranking.
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Maritime & Shipping
- Economics & Finance
- Computing & Information Technology
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Business & Management
Courses connected to tourism, maritime trade and finance can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Malta on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Scholarships to Study in Malta
Some international students in Malta receive scholarships or grants, but availability depends on where you come from and what you plan to study.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Malta
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
- European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Malta
The academic year in Malta commonly begins around October. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Malta
Tuition in Malta varies widely: public and private institutions, subjects and study levels can all have different fees. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Programme length also matters: a longer course or a preparatory year changes the total cost. Always use the current fees published by the institution for the year you plan to start.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Malta
Your offer letter is usually only the first step: most students from abroad also need the right permission to enter and stay in Malta for their studies. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: Identità, Malta's identity and residence agency (official government website).
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Malta
Planning your living budget for Malta early helps you avoid surprises during your first months.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
On islands and in remote areas, imported goods can raise everyday prices. Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Malta
Is Malta a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Malta offers a small, close-knit study environment, a location in the central Mediterranean and study in Maltese and English. Students interested in tourism, maritime trade and finance may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Malta?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Maritime & Shipping, Economics & Finance and Computing & Information Technology. The subjects page for Malta lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Malta?
Many programmes start around October. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Malta?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Malta?
EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as Identità, Malta's identity and residence agency.
Are scholarships available for international students in Malta?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Malta?
Most higher education is based in Valletta. Compare housing options and living costs there alongside your course choice.
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