The Maltese Spirit:
What is it like to live and study in Malta?
Studying in Malta means living on an island-museum bathed in sunshine all year round, where English is an official language and the rhythm of life is dictated by the sea and multiculturalism. With a historical past deeply linked to the British Crown, Malta has inherited a rigorous and high-quality education system, becoming the destination of choice for those who want to master English without the harsh winters of the United Kingdom or Ireland.
Living in Malta means studying in the morning and going to the beach in the afternoon, exploring cliffs and temples older than the Egyptian pyramids, and enjoying one of the most dynamic nightlife and academic scenes in Europe (focused in the St. Julian’s area). The atmosphere is welcoming, relaxed, and extremely international, ideal for students looking to gain independence, make friends from dozens of nationalities, and study in a safe environment with constant economic growth.
What are the advantages of studying in Malta?
Total Immersion in English in the Mediterranean:
Malta is an officially bilingual country. All commerce, teaching, and legal documentation are in English, allowing you to practice the language naturally every second of your day, with an unbeatable advantage: more than 300 days of sun per year.
British-style Higher Education:
The Maltese academic system closely follows the United Kingdom model. Qualifications obtained at its institutions and universities (public or international branches) are widely recognised throughout Europe and in the global job market.
More Competitive Costs:
When compared to other English-speaking destinations, Malta presents tuition fees and a general cost of living that are visibly more affordable, making it an intelligent option with excellent cost-benefit for the family budget.
Most Popular Subject Areas and Courses
iGaming, Information Technologies and Artificial Intelligence:
Malta is considered the European capital of iGaming and digital industries. Courses in this field offer direct links to hundreds of technology companies based on the island.
Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management:
As tourism is the main economic driver in Malta, university programmes offer world-class preparation with strong practical components.
Business, Finance and Entrepreneurship:
Courses focused on international trade, business management, and financial markets, attracting students who intend to launch careers in multicultural corporate environments.
Maritime Sciences, Logistics and Environment:
Due to its strategic geographical location, the island is a reference in the study of marine biology, maritime law, and international transport logistics.
Programmes You Can Study in Malta
Bachelor’s Degrees
3-year university programmes (180 ECTS) fully taught in English, combining theory and practical projects.
Master’s Degrees
1 to 2-year intensive specialisations focused on career progression and the international market.
Language Courses
Flexible programmes, of short or long duration, for all ages and levels, focused on fluency and preparation for official exams (IELTS/Cambridge).
Summer Courses
Active holidays for young people that combine interactive English lessons with water sports, cultural excursions, and international social activities.
Where will you study? The island’s hubs.
Despite its welcoming size, Malta is divided into strategic zones perfectly adapted to the profile of each programme:
St. Julian’s e Sliema:
The beating heart of Malta. This is where the best and most prestigious language schools, urban beaches, cafés, shops, and the vibrant student social life are concentrated.
Valletta:
The historic Baroque capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It combines monumental charm with university campuses focused on arts, politics, and law, ideal for those seeking cultural immersion.
Msida e Pembroke:
The purely academic zones. Msida hosts the main campus of the University of Malta, offering a young, residential atmosphere with cafés and accommodation totally dedicated to students.
Entry Pathways and Academic Requirements
Higher Education (Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees)
Your application must include:
Certificate of Qualifications: High school diploma (for bachelor’s degrees) or bachelor’s degree (for master’s degrees) translated into English.
English Proficiency: As classes are 100% in English, submitting an IELTS exam (generally a minimum score of 5.5 or 6.0 for bachelor’s degrees and 6.5 for master’s degrees) or TOEFL is mandatory.
Motivation Letter and CV: Some institutions may request additional documentation.
Cursos de Línguas e Summer Camps
Admission is completely flexible and simplified. You do not need prior exams; you simply take an online language level test before travelling so that the school can place you in the ideal class for your current level.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Malta?
Planning the financial aspect is essential. To help you structure your budget, we share the average reference values for programs in Malta.
Language Courses and Summer Camps:
Prices vary by week and usually include packages with accommodation and activities.
Higher Education (EU Students):
At the prestigious public University of Malta, most bachelor’s degrees are free for EU citizens (paying only reduced annual administrative fees). Master’s degrees have variable costs.
Higher Education (Non-European Students and Private Faculties):
Tuition fees generally vary between €5,000 and €12,000 per year, very competitive values for English-language education.
Monthly Cost of Living
The cost of living depends heavily on the location you choose to live:
Average Overall Budget:
Between €650 and €1,100 per month. The cost of food and transport is relatively low on the island. The biggest burden on the budget is accommodation, which is why sharing an apartment with other students or opting for school residences are the most popular solutions.
Visa Information
Students with European Citizenship (EU):
Visas: You do not need a visa. You have free entry and stay. If your programme lasts more than 90 days, you must simply apply for a residence permit (e-Residence Card) from the government agency Identità.
Non-European Students:
Short-Stay Visa (Schengen C): For language courses or summer camps lasting less than 90 days.
Long-Stay Visa (National Visa D): Mandatory for bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, or language courses longer than 3 months. It is applied for in your country of origin or, in specific cases for language courses, extended directly in Malta through Identità after your arrival. You must provide proof of minimum funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. EU students have free access to the local job market. Non-European students attending a higher education course or a long-term language course (longer than 90 days) may work part-time, after meeting the legal requirements and obtaining a work permit (Jobsplus).
Students with European nationality must carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which guarantees free or subsidised access to public hospitals and health centres in Malta (such as Mater Dei Hospital). Non-European students are legally required to purchase comprehensive international private health insurance for the approval and maintenance of their visa.
For public higher education, application deadlines for non-European students generally close in January or February for the September semester. For EU students, the deadline usually extends until July. Private colleges and language schools operate with open enrolment throughout the year, but it is recommended to book 3 months in advance due to high demand for accommodation in the summer.