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Are you considering studying in MALTA? Destination Malta, a Nations Online country profile about the small archipelago steeped in history in the Mediterranean and one of the smallest countries in Europe. The island group is situated east of Tunisia and about 100 km (60 mi) south of the island of Sicily (Italy). Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, consists of the main island Malta and the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino. The country covers an area of 316 km²; compared, it is about twice the size of Washington, DC, and would fit into Luxembourg eight times.
Malta has a population of 515,000 people (in 2020). The island nation is in the Top10 of the most densely populated countries in the world. The capital city is Valletta on the island of Malta. Spoken languages are Maltese and English. Malta is a popular tourist destination and known for its warm climate and breathtaking landscapes that serve as locations for major film productions.
The archipelago is home to some of the oldest temples in the world, such as the Megalithic Temples of Malta. The medieval capital Valletta is the site of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Barrakka Gardens. Dolphins, sea lions and other marine life populate the famed natural beach of the Blue Lagoon on the West coast of Comino.
Located in Central Europe, Malta borders on Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia (via its Kaliningrad exclave). Warsaw, Malta’s capital and largest city, is a modern, exciting hub with many universities offering a wide range of courses. Other major university cities include Cracow, Poznan, Lodz and Wroclaw.
Country Information – Benefits to be in MALTA
Studying in Malta, Visiting Malta or moving for work to Malta! In recent years, Malta, one of Europe’s overlooked studies abroad destinations, has experienced a huge boost in interest from prospective students, and we think we know why.
Malta is an attractive destination for international students to further their higher education because of the high-quality, yet inexpensive education one can get at a Maltese university. Besides the availability of scholarships, well-developed infrastructure, and conducive learning environments, many international students choose to study in Malta because it opens doors to employment in Europe and countries around the world.
If you want to study in a country that is home to some of the most significant people and noble historical figures on Earth (think Nobel prize winners, mathematicians, astronomers, and musicians), Malta is the place to go. Now, let’s look at how international students can study in Malta.
- Climate of Malta: The climate of Malta is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers, warm and sporadically wet autumns, and short, cool winters with adequate rainfall. More than three-fourths of the total annual rainfall of about 22 inches (550 mm) falls between October and March; June, July, and August are normally quite dry.
- Plant and animal life: Malta’s flora and fauna are typical of the low-lying coastal regions of the Mediterranean. Excessive exploitation of the forests for timber and the clearance of land for construction and agriculture have destroyed much of Malta’s woodlands, though a few stands of holm oak remain. Aleppo pine has been successfully reintroduced. Maquis, a scrubby underbrush, is found along valleys and below escarpments and consists of lentisk, carob, olive, bay laurel, and in some places the sandarac gum tree (Malta’s national tree). Garigue, a low-growing Mediterranean scrub, is the most common vegetation in Malta and covers much of the country’s limestone plateau.
- People: Ethnic groups: Malta’s population is composed almost entirely of ethnic Maltese, the descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians as well as of Italians and other Mediterranean peoples. Attempts to form a unifying and homogenizing Maltese ethnicity can be traced back to the late 13th century; these efforts were consolidated in the nationalistic discourses of the late 19th and early 20th Aside from the Maltese population, there are small communities of British nationals, Sindhis, Palestinians, and Greeks on the islands. Since the 1990s, influxes of more transient but no less significant groups have arrived from North Africa and the Balkans and, in the early 2000s, from countries of sub-Saharan Africa.
- Language: Maltese and English are the official languages of Malta as well as official languages of the EU. Maltese resulted from the fusion of North African Arabic and a Sicilian dialect of Italian. It is the only Semitic language officially written in Latin script. English is a medium of instruction in schools. Italian was the language of church and government until 1934 and is still understood by a sizable portion of the population.
- Religion: Roman Catholicism is the official religion of Malta, but there is full freedom of religious belief. More than nine-tenths of Maltese are Roman Catholic; however, only about three-fifths of these practice their faith. The islands are an independent province of the church, with an archdiocese in Malta and a diocese in Gozo. Very small numbers of Maltese are adherents of other Christian denominations or of Islam. There are Roman Catholic cathedrals at Mdina and Valletta, an Anglican cathedral at Valletta, and a mosque at Corradino Heights.
Details about Educational institutes, Colleges, Universities
Student have lots of institutions to choose from for education in Malta. A desire to pursue higher education and earn a degree doesn’t have to be stressful, boring or something to trudge through especially if you vault over one of the top universities or colleges in Malta.
Even though small, Malta has a number of public as well as private institutions that offer graduate programs to overseas students. Majority of these institutes are in Valetta, the capital city. Institutes offer graduate programs in a variety of disciplines as well as specialist courses in tourism, arts, technology etc. Malta houses hundreds of international students, many of whom are there to improve their proficiency over the English language.
Malta is part of the EU. This means that it’s part of the Bologna Process. The Bologna Process ensures that all universities that are involved deliver consistently high standards of education. As such, you can be ensured of a world-class education in Malta. The Bologna Process also means that Maltese higher education is divided into three tiers, known as cycles.
- First cycle – this is the undergraduate cycle. Bachelor’s degrees almost always run for three years, no matter the subject.
- Second cycle – this is the postgraduate cycle. Master’s degrees normally take two years to complete, although accelerated programs take only one year. Some Master’s programs are only run once every two years, so the next round starts when the previous round has finished.
- Third cycle – this is the doctoral cycle. A PhD normally takes three years to complete. However, some students choose to teach alongside this. This means that a PhD can take up to six years part-time.
- List of Top Malta Universities:
- University of Malta
- Middlesex University Malta
- Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology
- EIE- Institute of Education
- Institute of Tourism Studies
- Global College Malta
- London School of Commerce Malta
- American University of Malta
Language Tests or Language requirements
Do I need to pass and ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST to study in Malta? Is the question you must be having in your mind. Let us make it clear and precise for you. If your first language is not English, you’ll need to show excellent language proficiency to apply to a Maltese university.
English Language Tests for International Students: Applicants who are interested in any English-language programs must provide documentation testifying their language proficiency. Many of these students must obtain an acceptable English language test in order to enrol in a Maltese university. The majority of Maltese universities readily accept the following certificates:
- IELTS: IELTS is one of many English language proficiency exams that many Maltese universities accept for admission. IELTS Academic requirements for different level: Foundation Studies Course/Junior College (required score 5.5 with no bands less than 5.0); Undergraduate Course (required score 6.0 with no bands less than 6.0); Postgraduate Course/Doctoral Degree (required score 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0).
- TOEFL: TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is accepted by most Malta universities and colleges. TOEFL iBT requirements for different level: Foundation Studies Course/Junior College (required score 61); Undergraduate Course (required score 80); Postgraduate Course/Doctoral Degree (required score 95).
- DUOLINGO: Going a bit virtual, Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test gaining popularity among Maltese universities. The Duolingo test also measures the English Proficiency and the minimum score required is 70.
- PTE: PTE is accepted by 60% of Maltese schools and universities. It is usually available in over 50 countries. However, it is currently available in 10 countries, including India and Nepal. Results are available immediately. The minimum PTE score required in Malta is 59 and it may go up to the highest depending on the course level. PTE requirements for different level: Foundation Studies Course/Junior College (required score 59 with no bands less than 53); Undergraduate Course (required score 65 with no bands less than 59); Postgraduate Course/Doctoral Degree (required score 71 with no bands less than 65).
- CAMBRIDGE CERIFICATES: This examination is also accepted in Malta. Cambridge Certificates Exam requirements for different level: Foundation Studies Course/Junior College (First certificate overall grade C or better); Undergraduate Course (Advanced certificate overall grade C or better); Postgraduate Course/Doctoral Degree (Advanced certificate overall grade C or better).
- ISET – International Student English Test: This examination is also accepted in Malta. International Student English Test requirements for different level: Foundation Studies Course/Junior College (minimum 4 bands or better); Undergraduate Course (minimum 5 bands or better); Postgraduate Course/Doctoral Degree (minimum 6 bands or better).
VISA types and Its Understandings
A student visa is a type of visa required by foreign nationals to study and stay in Malta for the duration of their studies. Those planning to pursue their studies in Malta are expected to legalize their stay. To apply for an entry visa, you may contact the Maltese Embassy, High Commission, Consulate or other Representative Office in your country.
Type of Visa for Malta
- National Visa:Maltese Embassies, High Commissions or other representative offices issue D-type student visas which would be valid for limited or longer duration. A D-type Visa is a national visa which is issued for a period exceeding 90 days, but no longer than 365 days, and in accordance with national rules.
- Schengen Visa: A Schengen C-type Visa is an authorisation issued by a Schengen State with a view to: transit through or an intended stay in the territory of the Schengen states of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180 days period (“short stay visa”); transit through the international transit areas of airports of the Schengen States (“airport transit visa”)
- e-Residence Permits for non-EU/EEA nationals: If you are a non-EU/EEA student who will be studying at the UM for at least one semester you are required to apply for a residence permit within the first 3 months (90 days) of your arrival in Malta. To renew your permit, follow the same procedure as outlined below. All documents should be in English. There are two steps you must follow in order to apply.
- Step 1: You must first submit your application through this link: Identity Malta Online Application.
- Step 2: Once Identity Malta has accepted your submission, you will then be asked to call in person for an appointment by the Expatriates Unit at Identity Malta to submit your original documents.
Admission & VISA Application Process
Admission process explained in a simplified way. If you’re from a country outside the EU, you need to have a recognized high school certificate. This certificate serves as a confirmation that your diploma is valid according to the requirements in Malta. You can easily have your diploma validated at the Maltese embassy in your country. Maltese embassies will provide you with a Volante Accreditation which can be used to apply to the university of your choice.
- Apply for a school in Malta
- Receive Offer Letter & Pay Initial Fees
- Submit Visa Application & Book Biometric at VAC
- Attend Visa Interview
- Visa Approve or Decline
1. Apply for a school in Malta
- Before you apply for a student visa you will need to apply for admission into the Undergraduate or Graduate program. Before starting your study abroad in Malta, you will have to be admitted and get a study visa. As a potential future student in Malta, the first thing you need to do is find a university there that suits your study program. As soon as you have a school in mind then you should apply at the university. For any university you are eligible only if you have a minimum of 50% score in grade 12 or bachelors or masters. IELTS is not mandatory. Application fee is 200 Euros and is non–refundable.
2. Receive Offer Letter & Pay Initial Fees
- Now that you have been admitted and you receive a document called Letter of Acceptance from the institution’s international student office. You will be instructed to pay some fees to confirm your admission to the institution. Pay the fees from your bank account for safer transactions and then get Final Offer Letter from the college.
- Be present for your appointment and submit your documents: You have to submit all your documents to the Consulate on the day of your appointment. This is inclusive of the visa application form and the visa fee.
3. Submit Visa Application & Book your Biometric at VAC
- You must submit the student visa application to the Maltese Agency Once you submit your application through the e-service then you have to go to the embassy/VAC to prove your identity and submit your fingerprints. Bring all the documents you submitted in the online service with you. Additionally, you must pay the application fee at the embassy/consulate. You might also be asked to sit for an interview. The interview is just to get a feel of your personality and your reasons why you want to study in Malta.
4. Attend Visa Interview
- Now is the time to wait for reply from High Commission and based on your application, biometric and details you will be asked to submit documents (if required). Attend the interview.The embassy will ask you to show up for an interview to ask questions related to your application process and education. Then, you must wait to receive an answer whether your application has been accepted or rejected.
5. VISA Approve or Decline
- Once you submit your application you must patiently wait for an answer. The Maltese Immigration Office evaluates students’ applications as a top priority so the processing time will be done as soon as possible.
- The time will vary especially if you are missing anything from your application and the embassy contacts you to submit the missing documents, but, the usual time it takes to review an application is usually sometime between 1 to 3 months. As soon as your application has been approved the Maltese Immigration Office will send your residence card to the embassy where you can then pick it up and leave for Malta.
Applying for Student Visa?
Understand the procedure and then only start the visa application process. You are expected to apply six months in advance of your trip. It takes about four to eight weeks to get your visa if you do not forget to submit any documents or have to re-submit them. Here are the steps for applying for your Malta student visa:
Eligibility Criteria for Maltese Student Visa: To be eligible for a visa to study in Malta you must fulfil the following conditions. These are some of the documents you need to submit during the application for a residence permit:
- A complete visa application form
- 2 Passport size photos with a white background; with face clearly visible
- A valid Passport with atleast six months validity.
- Acceptance letter from your university. Letter of acceptance from the institute in Malta you are planning to attend.
- A valid Health Insurance which should remain so for the entire time you stay there
- A document stating that you have the finances to undertake your studies in Malta
- Education Requirement for Malta Student Visa
- To be able to study in Malta and get a valid student visa, you need to fulfil the following requirements:
- Must have completed secondary level education
- Must have valid Leaving Certificate which gives confirmation that you are eligible to apply in a university.
- A medical certificate issued by a doctor
- A negative criminal record checks from the countries students have lived in for the past five years.
- If there is a lack of income, you should present a sponsorship letter from your parents stating they will cover all costs.
- A valid flight ticket.
- Copy of marriage certificate with notarized translation into English. (if applicable)
- Visa Fee will not be reimbursed in case of visa refusal
Dos and Don’ts for Malta Student Visa Application: You need to remember the following dos and don’ts while applying for Malta student visa.
Dos
- Apply for a student visa at least 5 weeks in advance of your planned travel date to allow enough time for the application procedure to be completed on time for you to join your course.
- Remember that if you are applying online, you can only apply for your visa a maximum of 180 days before your course starts
- Fill up your visa application form carefully with all accurate details.
- Submit all the required supporting documents along with your visa application form.
Don’ts
- Do not present false documents for your visa.
- Do not provide any false information.
- Do not hide or misrepresent facts in your visa application.
Financial requirements, Finances & Cost of Living
How much does it cost to study in Malta? Malta remains the most preferred among most international students when it comes to popular study-abroad destination options. However, proof of clear available funds is required to pursue studies in Malta to cover tuition and living expenses.
- How much are the tuition fees in Malta?
- How to prove funds for Malta?
- How much does student accommodation costs in Malta?
- How much does it cost to live in Malta?
- What financial support is available to international students in Malta?
- How much are the TUITION FEES in Malta?
- Malta is one of the most popular destinations for university study but, like the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, it is much cost effective and not at all expensive.
- Malta is an attractive destination for students. International students can study at public universities in Malta at an average cost of 4,000 EUOR per year for a first degree, while fees for higher degrees and vocational programs average at 7000 EURO per year.
- At public universities, both Maltese and EU/EEA students do not pay tuition fees for degrees taught in the Maltese language. All the other study programmes demand tuition from students. In general, costs vary between: 1) 2800 – 7,000 EURO/academic year for Bachelor’s degrees and 2) 3,600 – 10,000 EURO/academic year for Master’s degrees Some degrees in Dentistry and Business (especially MBAs) can cost over 18,000 EURO/year. You’ll also pay more if you enrol at private universities.
- How to prove FUNDS for Malta?
- In order to pursue your studies in Malta, proof of sufficient funds is required to cover tuition and living expenses. You can prove to fund with the following:
- The amount of money required depends on what part of the world you are coming from for your study abroad journey in Malta. The details for the average amount of you will need to cover your immediate primary expenses.
- As a student, you would have to keep 12,100 euros (per year), in addition to your rental costs, tuition costs, and miscellaneous costs for at least a period of 15 months if you’re moving to study in Malta for a long-term stay.
- If you’re only going to be in the country for a period of fewer than 15 months, you will require 12,100 euros (per year), plus tuition, rental and miscellaneous for the duration of your stay.
- How much does the student ACCOMMODATION costs in Malta?
- Housing is important because it represents around 35% of your total monthly costs of living. International students can find accommodation in university residence halls or private rental apartments, which can also be shared.
- International students can choose from a variety of different forms of accommodation in Malta, which vary in price. Students who crave freedom and independence can consider renting an apartment. Apartments in Malta normally have fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms and are furnished in accordance with Malta’s peculiarities. You have greater freedom and the ability to prepare your own meals. In most cases, single or double rooms are available in the same apartment. The pupils do their own cooking and cleaning. The flats are self-catering and largely unsupervised, however, they are close to local facilities such as cafes, bars, restaurants, stores, and bus stops.
- The rent normally ranges from EURO 700 to EURO 1800 per month depending on your choice and utilities.
- How much does it cost to LIVE in Malta?
- The cost of living in Malta varies by location, but in general it is easy to live well in Malta on a student budget. Malta is an affordable European country with a pretty stable economy. Living costs for international students vary between 550–850 EURO/month. When it comes to the cost of studying and living in Malta for Indian students, you can expect affordable expenses in both cases. Malta is home to private as well as state-run public universities which offer courses at economical tuition fees to international students.
- Transport Cost: Public transport is the main option for students, who pay 50 EURO for a semester pass, which is available for 6 months. Many Maltese cities have nice panoramic views and routes, so you can also walk by foot. If you enjoy transportation by car, like 18% of the students in Malta, you will pay around 1 EURO/litre of gasoline.
- Cost of Food in Malta: Food for an international student usually costs 100–150 EURO/month. You can save some money if you choose to buy groceries and shop from cheaper supermarkets. You can enjoy dinner in an affordable restaurant for only 8–10 EURO or pay 28 EURO for a three-course meal in an average restaurant for two. A light drink will cost you only 2 EURO.
- Basic utilities: Electricity, Water, Heating, Garbage will cost you around 80 EURO/month. Internet: 35 EURO/month. Home content and baggage insurance: get insurance advice and insight in costs, based on your situation.
- Extra costs and savings: Extra costs: Special classes with different fees: from 30 EURO to around 200 EURO. Learn more about international student insurance for students studying in Malta. Also, keep at least 300 EURO for all the major expenses and ensure that you get health insurance which will cover any health concerns you might have.
- Books and supply costs: During your study program, you will need to purchase books, research magazines, and other study materials. These are, in most cases, necessary and they can be purchased even from some universities. However, you are advised to buy them from book stores with old or used products, in order to save some money.
- What financial support is available to INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS in Malta?
- Financial aid comes in many formats: Scholarships, Grants, Assistantships, and Work–Study Schemes. In Malta, there are 2 main ways that students can fund their studies–scholarships and financial aid. There are a few scholarships that students can apply for which can help towards living expenses and tuition fees.
- Are you an international student aiming to study in Malta with a fully funded scholarship in Malta? Here’s how to seize this opportunity. Numerous government-backed scholarships in Malta are available for PhD, Bachelors and Masters programs. There are 8 scholarships available for international students
- Endeavour Scholarship Scheme
- Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme (TESS)
- Malta Arts Scholarships
- Malta Financial Sector Scholarship Scheme
- Malta Sports Scholarship Scheme
- Reach High Post–Doctoral Grants
- Malta Scholarship for Doctoral Programme European University Institute
- University of Malta Master by Research & PhD Programs Scholarships
Work Opportunities and Work environment
Currently, Malta has announced that there will be a temporary lift in the current work hour restrictions placed on international students in Malta. Working in Malta as an international student.
Managing both works as well as studies is not easy, completing the assignments and with studying and hours of lectures, there’s not that much time to spare. Sometimes though, an element-time job is critical which can even help prepare you for the dreaded ‘real world’ everyone keeps occurring about. It’s the work that’s the problem. unless you discover the proper gig, that is!
Students can start searching for Part-Time jobs beginning from their colleges itself such as working in a cafeteria, library, supporting the administrative department and many more. Also, students can save travel time and cost by looking for jobs near to the college and residence. Students can discuss with their seniors who are already working and can join the same place. Job options outside the college premises which students can go for includes working in an amusement park, grocery store, mall, showrooms, restaurants, fuel pumps, or even work from home, etc. There are good opportunities that students can avail easily.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malta Visa
1. Can I work while studying in Malta on Student Visa?
- Students as young as 16 are now permitted to work 20 hours a week in Malta while studying. The goal of this initiative is to entice more people to study in the country. You’re preparing well if you want to study and work in Malta, as you’ll discover here. A few things must be considered. Only students who will be in Malta for at least three months will be able to apply for the Work & Study Visa, as they will be able to work after their 90th day (3 months). That implies you won’t be able to apply if your course is only four weeks long.
- In any scenario, the students will be issued with a Student Visa first. In other words, the processing of an employment licence takes 4 to 6 weeks. This implies you can only begin working after Week 13 (once the extension visa is granted). The visa is valid for a maximum of one year. Over the course of a year, the student must apply for a resident visa as well as employment through the same process.
- Can I study in Malta for free?
- Yes, Education at public universities is free for Maltese citizens and residents. Citizens of other EU countries can also study for free at public universities in Malta. Students from outside the European Union pay tuition starting at €3,000 per year, depending on the university and speciality.
- Is Malta cheap to study?
- MDX Malta’s annual tuition for EU/EFA students ranges from EUR 6,140 to EUR 11,150. For students from outside the EU/EFA, the range is EUR 6,690 to EURO 11,150.
- Is Malta good for study?
- Malta is one of the top places in the world to study abroad. Unlike in other English-speaking nations, living and studying in Malta is affordable. However, the cost of living varies based on your lifestyle and where you live. The island’s expenses are generally minimal.
- What are the language requirements in Malta?
- The official languages of the country are Maltese and English. However, English tends to be the main language of instruction at most of the universities and institutions in the country. Therefore, prospective applicants need to demonstrate proof of English proficiency through tests.
- What is the accommodation and cost of living like in Malta?
- Students have access to a wide range of accommodation options. Most of these tend to be administered by the relevant university or institution. As expected, Malta tends to have very low costs of living compared to other countries in the EU. On average, students can expect to pay as low as EURO 300 per month for accommodation and other basic living expenses (including food and travel).
- What are the visa regulations for studying in Malta?
- Malta is a member of the Schengen region and requires all prospective students who study for more than 3 months to have a visa. This applies to EU and EEA applicants as well, regardless of the duration of the stay.
- What are general English requirements for studying in Malta?
- For graduate students, some of the universities do not require any language requirement when you are an international graduate student trying to enroll in Malta. This is because they assume that you are already quite proficient in English or you have already taken supplementary classes for the English language. For several cases that the university requires an IELTS score, the needed average to pass is 7.0. No need for other assessments such as TOEFL IBT scores.