
Planning to study in Malta as an international student in 2027? You can compare Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs at public universities, specialist colleges and international campuses. The Universities in Malta covers a wide range of academic fields and majors. MCAST and the Institute of Tourism Studies focus on applied fields. Medical applicants can also compare Queen Mary’s Malta campus. About the Language of instruction in Malta, English is the main teaching language across most institutions, although admission requirements depend on the degree Before applying, check the full tuition expenses, English-language policy and whether your qualifications meet the course requirements. Scholarships in Malta are available through specific university, government and European calls. In this guide, we’ll discuss which institutions to shortlist, what it costs to live in Malta, how funding works and what to prepare for your application.
Study in Malta at a Glance
Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD. A Bachelor’s commonly takes three to four years, a Master’s one to two years and a PhD three to four years. Professional degrees may follow a different schedule.
Intake: There are different intakes at the different institutions in Malta. A smaller February intake covers selected programs, subject to applicant eligibility. Other institutions set their own dates.
Start with the European Commission’s Study in Malta country guide. Then verify the exact provider and qualification using the Malta Qualifications Registry before paying any deposit.
Universities and Colleges in Malta for International Students
You just need to start with the subject you want to study. Malta institutions offer several degree levels across many fields & majors, while others specialize in vocational training, hospitality or medicine. The course page identifies the awarding institution and teaching campus.
University of Malta (UM)
The University of Malta (UM) offers multiple degree programs for undergraduate and postgraduate study across areas such as business, computing, engineering, health sciences and the humanities. The available degree programs, entry / admission criteria and tuition fee and other relevant information are listed in the University of Malta Course Finder.
If you are research student, you should also review the UM Doctoral School application guide for proposal, supervision and fee information.
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
MCAST is one of the famous institution offering several academic fields, to study in different areas such as engineering, technology, business or creative disciplines. They are offering such courses include Bachelors, Masters as well as vocational degree / training programs. You need to Read the complete details about MCAST international admissions page and confirm the fee and intake before your admission.
Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
ITS (Institute of Tourism Studies) specializes in hospitality, culinary arts and tourism academic fields. Its degree level programs includes foundation courses, Bachelor’s and Master’s in different fields. You can read more about ITS program catalog and published ITS tariffs and fees before applying.
Queen Mary University of London in Malta
If you are looking for medical degree programs, Queen Mary University of London in Malta is best option for study. The main campus in Gozo offers a five-year MBBS for domestic and international students. The university has its own criteria for course / degree program, admissions process, fees, application deadline, so you need to check Queen Mary’s Malta application page before apply.
American University of Malta (AUM)
If you are interested in business / marketing fields such as MBA, AUM (American University of Malta) is the best option. They are offering American-style higher education for undergraduate and graduate degree programs. See the AUM academic catalog, then confirm the level of your chosen award in Malta’s qualifications registry.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Studying in Malta
There are different tuition fee structure university to university. Some institutions quote an annual fee, while others list the cost of the entire degree. You need to check whether your admission offer includes registration, laboratory, examination or placement charges. Your nationality or residence status may also affect the fee you pay.
Tuition Fees at different Malta Institutions
- At UM: The tuition fee For Masters degree program at UM, such as 2026/27 MSc in Artificial Intelligence is about €13,400 as total tuition for non-EU/EEA applicants. Once admission applications open, confirm the tuition fee before apply.
- Doctoral Degree at UM: Full-time doctoral tuition at UM for non-EU/EEA students is €11,000 per year. Science projects may incur separate bench fees. The UM fees and funding page explains which amounts vary by program.
- At Gozo Queen Mary: For the Gozo MBBS, Queen Mary lists €39,500 per year for students starting in September 2027. This rate applies to UK, EU and international students. See the Queen Mary Malta fee schedule for payment details.
The current course page gives the fee for each Bachelor’s or applied degree. For MCAST, check the non-EU fees and payment page and ask for a written quote if the downloadable schedule shows a different academic year.
Monthly Living Costs and Housing
The European Commission estimates €900 to €1,400 per month for living costs. This is an estimated cost of living in Malta, so you can manage cost accordingly. For comparison, the University of Malta’s living-cost breakdown puts shared rent at €550 to €700 per month and single accommodation at €800 to €1,600, before other expenses.
Ask whether rent includes utilities and whether the landlord requires a deposit. You must have a budget separately for the first month, Malta visa or residence charges, health insurance and flights. Before booking, compare the commute from the property to your actual campus, especially if your course is in Gozo.
Admission Requirements and English Tests
Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD Requirements
Bachelor’s applicants normally submit a school-leaving qualification and subject results. A foundation pathway may be available when direct entry requirements are not met. Check whether your program also asks for a portfolio, interview or specific subjects.
Master’s applicants usually need a recognized Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate subject. The department sets the required classification or GPA. For research degrees, check whether you need a proposal, a writing sample or a prospective supervisor.
PhD applicants at UM normally need a second-cycle Master’s degree. Before submitting, confirm the faculty’s proposal format and discuss supervision. Also ask whether your research involves lab or field costs that are separate from tuition.
Applying from any part of the world? For Bachelor’s entry, the University of Malta’s entry guidance points applicants with an Intermediate or Higher Secondary Certificate toward foundation pathways. For Master’s admission, it assesses the prior degree against the chosen course requirements.
Can You Study in Malta Without IELTS?
IELTS is one way to demonstrate English proficiency. Alternative tests include TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English and PTE Academic under the University of Malta’s English language requirements.
As a general UM reference, Academic IELTS is 6.0 overall for undergraduate entry and 6.5 for postgraduate or doctoral entry, with component minimums. Your chosen degree may have a different requirement.
Before relying on a Medium of Instruction letter, read the university’s exemption policy for prior English-medium study. Ask admissions office to confirm that your evidence meets the requirement, and check when the result must reach them.
“Did you complete your previous degree in English? Our guide to universities accepting MOI instead of IELTS explains what an MOI letter shows and how to check whether an institution accepts it.”
Scholarships in Malta for International Students
There are multiple scholarships programs in Malta. If its fully funded, it may offers full tuition waiver for entire degree or semester along with other benefits. Make sure, you need to keep your budget for rent, food and travel unless the award also lists living or travel support. If you want to compare the amount an award ,who can apply and whether funding has a separate deadline, the complete details is given below.
Research Tuition Waivers at the University of Malta
If you are Masters or PhD student (Eligible non-EU/EEA) can explore the University of Malta postgraduate scholarship guidance. UM’s published guidance describes tuition waivers of 40%, 60%, 80% or 100%, based on assessment. Confirm the next call, eligibility and expenses covered before relying on an award.
Malta Government Calls and Funded Research
Browse the Malta Government Scholarships portal for scholarships announcements. Conditions can depend on your nationality, residency, field and degree level. Prospective PhD students can also search for funded positions and university grants that match their research topic.
Erasmus Mundus and Undergraduate Funding
Some Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters offer competitive scholarships for selected students. Check each consortium’s study itinerary if you want a Malta-based semester. For Bachelor’s funding, ask your institution about awards for overseas applicants, and check the separate fee and eligibility rules before committing to a place.
“If funding is central to your plans, compare our undergraduate scholarships for international students while you check the awards available for your shortlisted Malta programs.”
“For joint Master’s degrees across Europe, our Erasmus Mundus scholarship guide can help you compare application requirements and funding.”
How to Apply to Study in Malta in 2027
- Shortlist two or three accredited courses. Record the exact degree title, location, entry requirements and tuition for your fee category.
- Prepare your passport, qualifications, transcripts and English-language evidence. Order certified translations if required. For postgraduate courses, check if a CV, references, statement or research proposal is needed.
- Apply through the institution’s official portal and keep the confirmation. A conditional offer should tell you when to send each missing document. Apply for relevant scholarships separately when required.
- Go through the written offer before paying a deposit. Read the fee schedule, withdrawal terms and visa-refusal refund policy. Arrange accommodation and insurance once you know which campus you will attend.
Confirmed 2027 Dates to Check First
For October entry at UM, the general closing date is July 21, 2027, at 14:00 Malta time. Non-EU applicants who need a visa have an earlier deadline of July 1, 2027, at 14:00. Some degrees have separate deadlines. Check UM’s dates and deadlines page, especially for medicine and surgery.
For September 2027 entry to Queen Mary’s Malta MBBS, the first published deadline is March 1, 2027. Each institution publishes its own admissions calendar. Confirm both the degree application deadline and the deadline for students who require a visa.
Malta Student Visa, Residence and Part-Time Work
For courses longer than 90 days, non-EU applicants should check the applicable national student visa and residence steps with Identità. The national student visa checklist includes enrollment and payment evidence, financial documents, accommodation details and medical or travel insurance. Follow the checklist for your location and course before booking travel.
EU/EEA students generally follow a residence registration route for stays beyond three months. Non-EU students should check when they may start work. Eligible students may be able to work up to 20 hours per week with the appropriate authorization, subject to their course and status. Read Identità’s student employment rules before taking a job or counting wages in your budget.
“If a separate funding application asks for references, our guide to writing a scholarship recommendation letter explains what to share with your referee.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the best intake for international students in Malta?+
October offers the widest choice at the University of Malta. Its smaller February 2027 intake excludes non-EU applicants residing outside the EU, so check the October dates if that applies to you.
Can students apply directly after Intermediate / high school?+
It depends on the institution and your qualifications. For applicants with Intermediate or Higher Secondary Certificate, UM points to its foundation programs. Ask the admissions office which route applies to your specific course.
Are there fully funded scholarships to study in Malta?+
Some research and European awards provide substantial funding. At UM, eligible research applicants can receive a tuition waiver of up to 100%. They usually budget for living expenses separately. Read each award’s terms for fees, stipend and travel coverage.
How much should I budget to live in Malta?+
The European Commission’s estimate of €900 to €1,400 a month gives you a starting budget. Actual costs depend on your accommodation, campus and spending. Add one-time expenses such as the housing deposit and flights.
Can I apply for a PhD at any time?+
Most UM doctoral degrees have several entry points. The Doctorate of Pharmacy follows a separate timetable. Confirm the faculty’s entry dates, supervisor availability and funding timetable before submitting.
Is there an age limit to study in Malta?+
Ask your chosen institution about the age and qualification requirements for your course. Applicants under 18 who need a student visa should check Identità’s list of additional documents from parents.
Prepare your application
This workspace organises the verified facts from the guide above. Check items as you prepare; progress is stored only on this device.
Required documents
Steps to complete
Listed benefits
- University of Malta research tuition waivers for eligible non-EU/EEA Master’s by Research and PhD applicants
- Malta Government scholarship calls with scheme-specific eligibility
- Erasmus Mundus scholarships for selected joint Master’s applicants
Coverage can change. Confirm every benefit in the official award terms.
Varies by program
Opening: Check official source. Confirm the final date and timezone on the official source before submitting.
Confirm the exact deadline for your chosen program on the official source.
Verify the latest requirements before applying
Scholarships365 explains the opportunity; the provider’s website remains the final authority.
