How to Apply to Maltese Universities 2026 Blog

Applying to study in Malta is refreshingly straightforward: everything in higher education is taught in English, the main institutions are few and clearly distinct, and you apply directly to each university rather than through a single national portal. The University of Malta (UM) is the public flagship, MCAST covers applied and vocational programmes, and the American University of Malta (AUM) offers private US-style degrees. After admission, non-EU/EEA students apply for a National Long-Stay (D) visa and then a residence permit through Identity Malta. Because Malta is an EU member, in the Schengen Area, and uses the euro, the practical side is simpler than many destinations. This guide walks through the entire 2026 process from picking a programme to landing in Malta for the autumn semester.

The Maltese Academic Calendar

Malta's main intake is October (the start of the autumn semester), with applications generally due across the spring and summer beforehand. A smaller number of programmes — particularly at AUM and some MCAST and postgraduate courses — offer additional start points. Apply at least six to nine months ahead of your intended start, because admission decisions and the visa process together take time. Always confirm the exact deadline on each institution's admissions page, since UM, MCAST, and AUM set their own dates.

Step 1: Choose Your Institution and Programme

Malta has a small, clearly distinct set of higher-education institutions. Your choice shapes both the application and the experience.

University of Malta (UM): the public flagship, founded 1592, based in Msida with around 11,000 students. Comprehensive across law, medicine, engineering, ICT, sciences, humanities, and business — all in English.
MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology): the applied and vocational institution, with practice-oriented programmes and strong industry links.
American University of Malta (AUM): a private, US-style university in Cospicua, offering American-format bachelor's and master's degrees.
English-language schools: Malta's large accredited language-school sector is the place to improve your English before or alongside degree study — see sprachschule.org for accredited courses.

Not sure where to study? Our why study in Malta guide compares the institutions on cost, focus, and student life.

Step 2: Check Entry Requirements

Requirements vary by institution and programme, but the common pattern:

Bachelor's: a school-leaving qualification that gives university access in your country (A-Levels, IB, a recognised national diploma, or equivalent). UM, as a British-influenced system, recognises Matriculation-style qualifications and many international equivalents.
Master's: a completed bachelor's from a recognised university in a relevant field, often with a minimum grade. Some programmes require a portfolio, research proposal, or interview.
English proficiency: typically IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL iBT 80–90, or equivalent. Because English is an official language of Malta, applicants who completed prior education in English are often exempt — confirm per programme.

Step 3: Apply to the University

Create your application directly on the institution's portal — UM, MCAST, or AUM each runs its own online admissions system.
Select your programme and check the specific entry requirements, deadlines, and any programme-specific extras.
Upload your documents (see Step 4) before the deadline. Late or missing documents disqualify you.
Pay the application fee where one applies — fees vary by institution and programme.
Complete any interviews or portfolio reviews for programmes that require them.
Receive your decision and accept your offer by the deadline given.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

The standard document set for a Maltese university application:

Academic transcripts and certificates: school-leaving diploma for bachelor's; degree certificate and transcripts for master's. Certified English translations if originals are in another language (though English is widely the original language for many applicants).
Proof of English proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent — unless your prior study was in English and the programme waives it.
Passport copy (the photo page).
CV or résumé (often required at master's level).
Motivation letter and references for programmes that require them.
Programme-specific extras: portfolio for design or arts, research proposal for some PhDs, additional documents for professional programmes like medicine.

Verify the exact list on each programme page — it differs from programme to programme and institution to institution.

Step 5: Apply for the D Visa and Residence Permit (Non-EU Only)

If you are from outside the EU/EEA and are admitted, you must apply for a National Long-Stay (D) visa and then a residence permit through Identity Malta / Residency Malta. Key points:

Apply for the D visa at a Maltese embassy, consulate, or visa centre covering your country
Prove financial means: funds to cover living costs — budget €700–1,100/month — shown in your account or via a sponsor
Provide confirmed accommodation in Malta — a lease or university accommodation confirmation
Hold valid health insurance covering treatment and hospitalisation in Malta
Apply for the residence permit through Identity Malta after arrival to legalise your stay for the duration of studies
EU/EEA students do not need a visa but register for an eResidence document if staying longer than three months

See the full visa walkthrough on our Malta student visa page and the step-by-step Malta student visa guide.

Step 6: Confirm Your Place and Plan Your Move

Once admitted, accept your offer by the deadline. If you are non-EU and pay tuition, the first instalment is usually due before you arrive — around €10,800/year (undergraduate) up to €18,000/year (postgraduate) at UM, and $16,000–22,000/year at AUM (see our cost of studying in Malta breakdown). This is also the moment to sort accommodation on Malta's private rental market — see our student housing in Malta guide — and to lock in any scholarship via the Malta scholarships guide.

UM vs MCAST vs AUM: What Differs in the Application

The visa process is the same for all, but the application feel differs:

University of Malta is the academic, research-led flagship — strong transcripts and, for competitive programmes like medicine, additional requirements.
MCAST weighs practical aptitude alongside academics, with applied and vocational entry pathways.
AUM follows a US-style admissions model — credits, GPA, and rolling intakes — which suits applicants familiar with the American system.

Timeline for an October 2026 Intake

Autumn 2025: Research programmes at UM, MCAST, and AUM; check entry requirements; book your IELTS/TOEFL test if needed.
Winter–spring 2026: Submit your university application before the deadline; apply to Malta Government Scholarships and TESS if relevant.
Spring 2026: Receive admission decisions; accept your offer and pay any first tuition instalment.
Spring–summer 2026: Secure accommodation on Malta's rental market; arrange health insurance.
Summer 2026: Apply for the National Long-Stay (D) visa, prove funds and accommodation, attend your embassy appointment.
September–October 2026: Fly to Malta, apply for the Identity Malta residence permit, complete enrolment, and get your Tallinja card.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing the institution's deadline. UM, MCAST, and AUM each set their own — check and diarise the right one.
Assuming a national portal. Malta has no single Studyinfo-style system — apply directly to each university.
Starting the visa too late. The D visa plus residence permit takes time. Apply the moment you accept your offer.
No confirmed accommodation for the visa. Secure housing before applying — it is a visa requirement, not an afterthought.
Wrong insurance. Buy a policy that explicitly covers Malta and includes hospitalisation.
Underestimating the rental market. Sliema and St Julian's rents are high and utilities often extra — budget realistically.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to universities in Malta?

Apply directly to the institution — the University of Malta, MCAST, or the American University of Malta each runs its own online admissions portal. There is no single national portal. You upload your documents, prove English proficiency if required, and submit by the institution's deadline.

When is the application deadline?

The main intake is October, with applications generally due across the spring and summer beforehand. Each institution sets its own deadlines, and AUM offers additional intakes. Always confirm the exact date on the specific programme page.

Do I need to take an English test?

Usually IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL iBT 80–90, or equivalent. Because English is an official language of Malta and all higher education is taught in English, applicants who completed prior education in English are often exempt — confirm per programme. To improve your English first, see accredited courses at sprachschule.org.

What is Identity Malta?

Identity Malta (with Residency Malta) is the agency handling residence permits. Non-EU/EEA students apply for a National Long-Stay (D) visa abroad, then a student residence permit through Identity Malta after arrival, showing funds, accommodation, and insurance. EU/EEA students register for an eResidence document if staying over three months.

What documents do I need?

School-leaving certificate or degree transcripts, proof of English proficiency unless exempt, a passport copy, and programme-specific extras like a CV, motivation letter, references, portfolio, or research proposal. Each institution lists its exact set per programme.

Can I apply to more than one Maltese institution?

Yes — because you apply directly to each, you can submit applications to the University of Malta, MCAST, and AUM separately. Choose carefully: a UM degree, an MCAST applied programme, and an AUM US-style degree are quite different experiences, even on the same small island.

Is everything really taught in English?

Yes. Malta's two official languages are Maltese and English, and all higher-education programmes are taught in English. Daily life, services, and university administration all run in English too, which makes Malta one of the easiest English-taught destinations in the EU.

For the full overview of studying in Malta — tuition, scholarships, the residence permit, and student life — see Study in Malta and our why study in Malta guide.

How to Apply to Maltese Universities 2026