UNI STUDENT
Studying in Malta is an attractive option for international students seeking English-language education in a European country with a Mediterranean climate and multicultural environment. Maltese institutions offer bachelor’s degrees, master’s programmes and doctoral degrees across various fields, using the European credit and qualifications systems.
Malta’s strategic location between Europe and North Africa makes it an accessible international hub. English is an official language widely used in education and daily life, helping students adapt seamlessly without needing to learn a new language before arriving.
Malta offers international students several key advantages:
English is an official language in Malta and the primary language of instruction across all higher education institutions.
Degrees accredited under the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) and referenced to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
A diverse selection of academic degrees, higher diplomas, and practical career-oriented vocational programs.
A welcoming, safe island environment with over 300 sunny days per year and a vibrant international community.
Easy, short travel distances within a compact island nation connecting major student hubs effortlessly.
Expanding career opportunities in tourism, iGaming, maritime, finance, computing, and technology services.
Permission for non-EU international students to work up to 20 hours per week after obtaining employment approval.
Access to university-specific scholarships, tuition fee waivers, and EU Erasmus+ mobility programs.
Malta uses the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF), which is aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
Higher diplomas and undergraduate certificates offering specialised career and vocational training (usually 1 to 2 years).
Undergraduate degree programmes commonly take three years of full-time study (medicine and specialized professional degrees take longer).
Postgraduate master’s degrees generally require one to two years, combining taught modules with a research dissertation or project.
Doctoral programmes focus on original research, typically taking three years or longer to complete.
Top academic disciplines for international students
Standard entry documentation for Maltese higher education institutions
Approximate annual tuition ranges according to the European Education Area
Estimated monthly expenses for international students
Estimated living expenses range from approximately €900 to €1,400 per month, depending on accommodation choices, location, and lifestyle.
A complete student budget should account for accommodation, food and utilities, public transportation, health insurance, books and materials, and personal expenses.
Financial aid opportunities for international students
Note: Not all scholarships cover travel and living expenses; some provide a tuition fee waiver only. Always review specific eligibility criteria via the University of Malta’s official fees and funding portal.
Immigration rules for EU and Non-EU students
EU / EEA / Swiss Citizens: Do not require a visa to enter Malta, but must register their residence if staying longer than 3 months.
Non-EU Citizens: Require a national long-stay Type D Visa before traveling, followed by a Maltese study residence permit for courses lasting over 90 days.
Part-time employment rules for non-EU students
Non-EU international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week after obtaining the appropriate residence and employment licence (Jobsplus permission).
Students enrolled in recognized higher education programs (MQF Level 5+) may apply to work from their first year of study. Some language students or short-course learners must complete 3 months of study before becoming eligible.
Eligible non-EU graduates who complete an accredited higher education qualification at MQF Level 5 or above may apply to extend their stay in Malta for up to nine months post-graduation.
This post-study stay period allows graduates to seek employment or establish a business directly related to their field of study, subject to applicable immigration requirements.
Before applying, confirm that both the institution and programme appear in the official MFHEA qualifications database. Students should also check whether the qualification can be accepted or evaluated in their home country.
Compare institutions based on programme content, tuition fees, accommodation options, campus location, and practical internship or training opportunities.
Got questions? We have answers.
Yes, English is an official language in Malta alongside Maltese and is the primary language of instruction across higher education institutions as well as in daily life and commerce.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a visa (residence registration is required if staying longer than 3 months). Non-EU students require a national Type D long-stay visa before arrival and a study residence permit for programs longer than 90 days.
Yes, non-EU students enrolled in recognized higher education programs (MQF Level 5+) may work part-time up to 20 hours per week after receiving official employment permission from Jobsplus.
The MQF is Malta's national qualifications framework referenced to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Higher diplomas are MQF Level 5, Bachelor's degrees Level 6, Master's Level 7, and Doctorates Level 8.
Eligible non-EU graduates completing an accredited qualification at MQF Level 5 or above can apply to extend their residence in Malta for up to 9 months post-graduation to look for employment or start a business.
Most Maltese higher education institutions accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic. Students who completed previous education in English may qualify for a language test exemption depending on institutional policy.
You should verify that the institution and course are officially licensed and accredited by checking the online register of the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA).
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