Higher education in Malta for international students

Malta's higher education system is enriched by state universities and branches of international institutions, where education aligns with British and European principles. Here's a breakdown of the educational stages and the top universities for international students:

Educational Stages in Maltese Higher Education

• Bachelor’s Degree: Studying takes from 3 to 7 years, which is stipulated by the specialty you have chosen. Medical and legal studies usually durate 6-7 years, while evening or distance learning can extend to 5-6 years. Obtaining a bachelor's degree allows a graduate to get a job.
• Master’s Degree: Foreign students can choose full-time and part-time forms of studying. At the end of the program, lasting for 1-2 years, students prepare  a thesis or research project.

• Doctoral Studies: Requiring at least 2 years, doctoral candidates must defend a dissertation to earn their degree.

The academic year consists of two semesters. The beginning of studying is flexible, which is stipulated by the university and educational program you have chosen. Also language preparatory programs (for example, the Foundation) are offered for students, who are interested in improving English skills.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

• University of Malta (UM): A hub for international academic exchange, UM excels in diverse fields, graduating over 3,500 students annually.

• United Campus of Malta (UCM): Known for its interdisciplinary teaching methods and accredited by Malta's National Commission for Higher and Further Education, UCM leverages 20 years of Swiss campus experience.

• American University of Malta (AUM): An American-style liberal arts university, AUM is committed to high-standard education and research.

• London School of Commerce Malta: Featuring modern facilities, LSC Malta offers resources and teaching for a career in international business.

• Middlesex University Malta: Providing courses in a newly renovated campus, this university in Malta emphasizes a personalized learning approach, facilitated by experts in various fields.

Accommodation options stipulate  university residences, private apartments, or local host families. For stays under 3 months in this Schengen area member country, no visa is required for international students. Longer courses necessitate a student visa, involving several requirements such as a completed application form, passport, photos, proof of funds, and medical insurance.

Courses are predominantly taught in English. Non-native English speakers are required to comply with  university language requirements, by providing such certificates as TOEFL, IELTS, or CAE.

Tuition for full-time Bachelor's courses is free for Maltese and EU citizens, with fees applicable to non-EU students. Living costs in Malta are relatively lower compared to other EU countries, with monthly expenses covering accommodation, meals, transport, and other necessities.

Malta offers a robust higher education system with various options for international students. Due to low costs of living and wide choice of programs, conducted in English,  Malta is considered a popular destination for students, who are interested in studying abroad.

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