Higher Education

Malta occupies a unique and highly attractive position in the European higher education landscape. While it does not boast the sheer volume of "Top 100" global universities found in the UK or Germany, it punches well above its weight for a specific reason: it is one of the only countries in the EU where the entire higher education system is conducted natively in English.

Malta is a full signatory to the Bologna Process, meaning any Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree obtained here carries identical weight, ECTS credits, and recognition as a degree from France, Italy, or the Netherlands.

The flagship institution, the University of Malta (UoM), generally ranks comfortably within the top 800-1000 universities globally (depending on the specific index, such as QS or Times Higher Education). It is highly regarded regionally for its faculties in Medicine, Law, Diplomacy, and emerging tech fields like Blockchain and AI.

Malta's state-funded higher education is dominated by three main institutions, each serving a distinct academic purpose.

• The University of Malta (UoM)

  Located in Msida, UoM is the highest teaching institution on the island. Tracing its origins back to 1592, it is the oldest university in the Commonwealth outside of Great Britain. It offers a massive array of full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across 14 faculties.

• MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology)

  MCAST is the country's leading vocational education and training institution. Located in Paola, it focuses heavily on applied sciences, engineering, creative arts, IT, and business. It offers everything from foundational certificates up to fully accredited Bachelor's and Master's degrees, often working closely with local industries for apprenticeships.

• Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)

  Given Malta's reliance on tourism, ITS (located in Luqa and Gozo) provides highly specialized, internationally recognized diplomas and degrees in hospitality management, culinary arts, and travel. Their programs frequently involve mandatory international internships.

In the last decade, Malta has aggressively positioned itself as an international educational hub, successfully attracting several foreign universities to establish campuses on the island.

• Queen Mary University of London (Barts and The London School of Medicine): Operating from a state-of-the-art campus adjacent to the Gozo General Hospital, this prestigious UK university offers a 5-year MBBS (Medicine) degree identical to the one taught in London.
• American University of Malta (AUM): Located in the historic dockyard area of Bormla (Cospicua), AUM offers US-style undergraduate and graduate degrees, primarily focusing on Business, IT, and Engineering.
• Global College Malta: Located in SmartCity, offering British degrees (often in partnership with the University of Chester) focusing on Management, HR, and Tourism.
• London School of Commerce (LSC) Malta: Provides fast-tracked, cost-effective MBA and business BA programs.

The cost of education in Malta varies drastically depending on your passport.

1. Tuition Fees

2. Living Costs (2026 Estimates)

To secure a student visa, the Maltese government requires proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself. A realistic student budget is around €900 to €1,200 per month.

• Rent: €450 - €650/month (for a single room in a shared apartment near the university, like Msida or Gżira). Campus residence is available but fills up quickly.
• Food & Groceries: €250 - €350/month.
• Transport: Public transport (buses) is free for all residents holding a personalized Tallinja card.
• Misc/Social: €150 - €200/month.

The process of moving to Malta for education involves two distinct steps: academic acceptance and immigration clearance.

1. Academic Recognition (MQRIC): To qualify for an undergraduate degree, you must have the equivalent of Maltese MATSEC A-Levels or an International Baccalaureate (IB). If your high school diploma is from outside the EU, you may need to submit it to the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) to have its equivalence officially certified before the university will process your application.
2. Language Requirements: Because courses are taught in English, non-native speakers must prove proficiency. This is usually done by submitting a valid IELTS score (typically 6.0 or 6.5 overall) or TOEFL equivalent. Some private institutes offer a foundation English year if you fall slightly short.
3. Apply Online & Pay Deposit: Applications are submitted directly through the respective university portals. If accepted, you will receive a conditional offer. Crucial for TCNs: To get the final unconditional offer letter required for your visa, you almost always have to pay the first year's tuition fee (or a substantial deposit) upfront.
4. The Student Visa (National D Visa): Once you have your unconditional acceptance letter and receipt of payment, TCNs must apply for a Student Visa via Identità. You must provide:
   • The university acceptance letter.
   • Proof of accommodation in Malta (a registered lease agreement).
   • Comprehensive private health insurance valid for Malta.
   • Proof of financial means (bank statements showing you have enough money to cover your living costs for the year).