Study in Malta

Higher Education Structure in Malta

Study In Malta

The Republic of Malta is an island nation off the West Coast of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a small country, with a population of only 500,000 people, but has a highly advanced economy. Maltese and English are spoken and understood by most residents, with a sizeable majority fluent in Italian as well.

Malta is a notable center of tourism; visitors to the island are attracted by its temperate Mediterranean climate, unspoiled beaches, historic sites (it is home to three UNESCO World Heritage locations), and cultural hotspots. Its higher education structure is notable for its diversity: in addition to the University of Malta, several prestigious global universities have overseas branches in the country, thereby ensuring that all students enrolled in tertiary education have the chance to acquire a world-class degree.

The Perks of Studying in Malta

Malta is highly ranked on several important indices for students and residents. Some highlights include:

  • The country is ranked #22 in the world by GDP per capita (PPP).
  • The country is ranked #88 in the world according to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report.

Higher Education Framework in Malta

Tertiary education in Malta is provided by three different kinds of institutions:

The University of Malta: This is the largest institution of higher education in the country, and provides certificate courses, Bachelor's degree programs, Master's courses, and Doctoral research opportunities. It provides general education, which means that there is no focus on a narrow range of disciplines.

Private Universities: There are six private Universities in Malta; these are usually branches of internationally well-known universities.

Higher education institutes: These provide specialized practical training. For example, the Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology provides vocational courses designed to prepare students for the job market. It maintains strong ties with potential employers from the point of view of providing internships and full-time employment for its students.

Certificate Programs

Maltese Institutions of higher education offer several short-term certificate and diploma courses. These may be offered at several levels, indicating the level of mastery of a certain subject. For example, students can choose to specialize in digital marketing, business management, or leadership. These are especially popular with middle management executives, who use their certifications from prestigious Universities to strengthen their curriculum vitae and apply for better jobs. The normal duration is 3-6 months, and the different modes are part-time and online.

Undergraduate Programs

Two kinds of undergraduate degrees are awarded by different types of higher education institutions in Malta: Bachelor’s and vocational degrees. Bachelor’s degrees are normally completed in 6 semesters, and students can take advantage of the flexible curriculum to take up a wide range of undergraduate courses, from Electrical Engineering to European History, and Communication Therapy to Contemporary Mediterranean Studies. Students are expected to complete 60 credits per year, and the final year is spent on advanced courses and an optional Bachelor’s Thesis.

Postgraduate Programs

Although most undergraduate students in Malta work for a few years after their first degrees, Master’s programs are very popular after gaining work experience. Postgraduate programs in Malta are designed to be completed in two years, and involve a thorough grounding in the chosen field of study, followed by exposure to research basics and a wide pool of elective subjects. The Master’s thesis period takes up the final 3-6 months of the degree, and can either entail extensive literature surveys or original research work presented in front of an evaluation committee.

Doctoral Programs

The University of Malta administers most of the Doctoral programs in the country. Research scientists are encouraged to conduct original explorations during the 3 or 4-year duration of their PhD programs. The first year is typically taken up by coursework and training in the basics of research techniques. In the second year, the research direction is finalized, and the remainder of the degree is spent in achieving experimental results, validating them through further tests, analyzing the results, publishing academic papers, and creating a dissertation. The final thesis defense is an important step, and involves a panel of respected external examiners.

Popular Disciplines Available in Malta

The country has various universities that offer approximately all the disciplines of study. Some of the popular disciplines available in Malta are-

European LawInternational AccountingAgriculture & Forestry
Human Resources ManagementForensic ScienceNatural Sciences
PharmacyInformation TechnologyEvent Management
Digital JournalismPsychologyChemical Engineering
Financial ManagementAnalytical ChemistryPhilosophy
Education & Teacher TrainingTourism and Events ManagementCreative Arts

Popular Cities with Most number of Universities in Malta

Here are some popular cities that have the most universities in Malta.

The Name of the City No. of Universities 
Msida1
Paola1
Valletta1
Kalkara1
Victoria1
Floriana1

Average Monthly Expenses in Malta for International Students

Tuition fees for international students (from outside the European Economic Area) in Malta are fairly high, with the lowest tuition fees (for undergraduate degrees in Arts) being 8,500 Euros per year, and the highest fees exceeding 15,000 Euros per year. A few scholarships are available, but entry to these is competitive and based on academic excellence. The highest tuition fees are usually associated with postgraduate courses in Medical Studies, Dentistry, and Business Administration. Unlike in many Western European countries, the Government of Malta does not subsidize tuition fees for international students.

Low-cost student housing options exist in shared dormitory-style apartments; the rent for these is between 300 and 500 Euros per month. Private accommodation is less costly than in France or Spain, with the highest monthly rents seldom exceeding 800 Euros per month. Other living costs include food (200 to 300 Euros per month), transport, shopping, study materials, and recreation. Overall, the monthly budget for living costs adds up to approximately 800-1000 Euros.

There are also one-time costs to be borne when the student reaches Malta for the first time, including Residence Permit fees, purchasing a health insurance policy valid in the country, and a housing deposit (usually equal to one month’s rent). These usually add up to 500 Euros.

Students' Visa Requirements

Students from outside the European Union who have an offer of admission from a Maltese Institution of Higher Education to study in the country for a period of more than three months require a long-term student visa to enter the country. This is also known as the Malta National D Type Visa.

Within two weeks of arriving in the country, international students should travel to the nearest Immigration Office for verification of their original documents. At this time, they can pay the fee to obtain their Residence Permit. With this, they can apply for part-time jobs, and travel freely within Malta and the European mainland. A Residence Permit is also required while changing accommodations.

Here is the list of documents students need to have to apply for a student visa in Malta.
  • Visa Application Form (completed and signed).
  • Valid Passport (with at least six months validity beyond your intended stay).
  • Passport-size Photos (usually two).
  • Letter of Acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Malta.
  • Proof of Sufficient Funds (to cover tuition fees and living expenses).
  • Health Insurance (comprehensive coverage for your stay).
  • Proof of Accommodation in Malta (e.g., housing contract or confirmation letter).
  • Travel Itinerary (round-trip flight reservation or transportation details).
  • Academic Certificates (transcripts and diplomas).
  • Police Clearance Certificate (clean criminal record).
  • Visa Fee Payment.
  • Cover Letter (explaining your study plans and intentions in Malta).
  • Proof of Language Proficiency (if required).
  • Medical Certificate (demonstrating good health).
  • Parental Consent (for minors).
  • Travel Insurance (covering emergencies).
  • Proof of Financial Resources (bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship documents).
  • Visa Fee Receipt (proof of payment).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The visa application fee for students seeking a long term stay in Malta is 70 Euros. However, the full cost of the application is often slightly higher, since certain documents might need to be certified and notarized. This amount is not refundable in case the application is unsuccessful; any subsequent application will entail a full fee payment again.

The Maltese National D Type Visa application may be rejected if any of the documents are invalid or dubious. If the authorities feel that the data submitted to show financial ability to live and study in Malta is insufficient, they may request more information. Any falsification of travel documents or university admission letters will ensure that the application is rejected. The Embassy provides a reason for the rejection. In cases where the reason for rejection is minor, applicants can pay the visa application fee again and make a new submission. However, if the candidate feels that the reason given is inadequate, he or she can file an appeal with the nearest Embassy. The review process can take several weeks, and the decision taken by the tribunal is final and binding. An appeal is not recommended in case the reason for rejection is severe - for example, a criminal record that prevents the applicant from entering the Schengen area.