An island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta has a long history dating back to around 5900 BC. In the past, Malta has been an important naval base, due to its location. The majority of the colleges and universities are located around Valletta. Institutions offer a wide variety of courses, so any international student will find something of interest!
Malta is one of the sunniest nations in the world, and benefits from over 300 days of sunshine a year. Partner this with the fact that you can explore all of the three islands of Malta due to their size, and you have a perfect environment for a wonderful higher education experience. A member of the European Union since 2004, the country enjoys close ties with other European countries.
There are both public and private institutions in Malta, some offer traditional courses, and others are specialist and offer courses such as tourism. Some of the most prestigious universities are the University of Malta, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). The university system is similar to that of other European countries, as is the academic year.
Officially the Republic of Malta, Malta is a Southern European archipelago, consisting of three islands. Malta is one of the worlds smallest and most densely populated countries, home to over 475,000 people. Human inhabitation of Malta began with settlers from the island of Sicily. In 1798, the French took over the Maltese islands, but were removed by the British two years later. Soon after this, the Maltese requested to become a British colony in 1814, with conditions laid out in a Declaration of Rights. Malta then became independent in 1964, and initially retained Queen Elizabeth II as their ruler, before electing a President in 1974. Malta declared themselves a neutral and non-aligned state in 1979. Malta has many tourist attractions and historical monuments, including nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Malta uses the Euro (€) as its currency.
Your tuition fees will depend on where you are from, what course you choose to study and what institution you choose. If you are a student from within the EU/EEA, you will not pay tuition fees for full-time bachelor degree courses. If you are an EU/EEA student and wish to study a postgraduate degree, you will pay the same tuition fee as Maltese students. If you are from any other country, you will be required to pay tuition fees. On average, you should expect your fees to be between €1,000 and €6,000 per year.
Living expenses in Malta are similar to other European countries. If you choose to live in a bigger city then you will have higher costs than smaller cities and towns. On average, you should budget for between €500 and €1,000 per month. This accounts for accommodation, groceries and travel.
Another cost that you will need to consider is health insurance. If you are an EHIC card holder, you will be able to access the same healthcare as Maltese citizens, at the same price. If you are not an EHIC card holder, you will need health insurance. If you already have an insurance policy, you need to ensure that it will be valid in Malta. If you do not have insurance, you will need to purchase a policy that is valid for the duration of your studies.
Depending on where you are from, you might need a visa to study in Malta. If you are from an EU/EEA country, you will need to obtain a visa if your studies are longer than three months. After you have arrived and registered at your institution, you will need to also apply for a residence document. If you are from any other country, you will need to obtain a visa no matter the duration of your stay, as well as an e-residence document. The application for a visa can be done at the Maltese embassy or consulate in your home country.
Malta has three official languages; Maltese, Maltese Sign Language and English. Another common language you will hear is Italian, which is spoken and understood by 66% of the population.
Courses in Malta are offered in either Maltese or English, but institutions such as the University of Malta offer courses only in English. If you choose to study in a non-native language, you may have to provide evidence of your language proficiency. If you do not meet the required standards, it common for your university to offer language courses to help you improve.
Even if you study in English, you should still make an effort to learn as much Maltese or Italian as possible. Communicating with the locals and other students is a perfect way to practice. Not only will this make your everyday life more enjoyable, it is also a skill that looks great on your CV/resume!
The capital city of Malta, Valletta is home to around 6,500 people. It is the southernmost capital in Europe, and dates back to 1566. The city’s architecture is Baroque in character, with elements of other styles, including modern architecture. The Second World War caused great devastation to the city, and it had to be redeveloped after that. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Valletta was designated one of the European Capital of Culture for 2018.
Located in the city you will find a campus of the University of Malta. The institution was established in 1769, and has around 11,500 students enrolled. About 750 of those students are international students, coming from 82 countries.
| Capital City | Valletta |
|---|---|
| Currency | EUR, Euro |
| Language(s) | Maltese, English |
| Universities on StudyLink | 3 universities |
| Major Student Cities |
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