Studying in Malta — The 10 Steps Guide

Malta has three main higher education routes, all teaching in English. The University of Malta (UM) — the public flagship in Msida, founded 1592 — focuses on research-led academic degrees up to PhD level. MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology) offers practice-oriented vocational and applied qualifications with strong industry links and lower tuition. The American University of Malta (AUM), private and based in Cospicua, offers a US-style liberal-arts and professional education.

International students enrol in English-taught programmes — which is all of them, since Maltese and English are both official languages. Tuition for non-EU students is typically around €10,800/year at UM (€10,800–18,000 for postgraduate), lower at MCAST, and roughly $16,000–22,000 at AUM. EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no/low tuition and often receive stipends. Apply directly to each institution — there is no central national portal.

Before anything else, confirm your shortlisted programmes are open for your intake and that you meet the entry requirements. Check each institution's own admissions pages for official status, opening dates, deadlines, fees, and required documents — and note that deadlines differ for EU and non-EU applicants, with non-EU applicants needing to apply earlier to leave time for the visa.

Then confirm the academic and English requirements. English-taught programmes typically ask for IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79-90, with higher scores for competitive courses such as medicine. Bachelor's programmes usually require a recognised secondary qualification (Matriculation Certificate or equivalent); master's programmes need a relevant bachelor's degree. Some programmes have additional subject prerequisites or interviews.

Aim for a focused set of programmes across reach, realistic, and safety choices. Malta's main intake is October, with applications generally closing over the spring and summer beforehand — earlier for non-EU students. Some programmes offer a smaller February intake, but it is a narrower window.

Because you apply directly to each institution, you can apply to the University of Malta, MCAST, and AUM in parallel. Mix institution types so you have a research-university option, an applied MCAST option, and possibly AUM to compare on cost, teaching style, and campus.

Work backwards from your chosen intake. Malta's October intake applications generally close over the summer, decisions follow within weeks, and the National Long-Stay (D) visa for non-EU students takes several weeks to a few months. Apply early enough that your offer, document verification, and visa all land before late September.

Front-load the slow tasks: the English test, certified document copies, financial evidence, and health insurance. Once you accept an offer, start the visa application immediately at the Maltese embassy or consulate in your country, since appointment slots and processing times vary.

Book IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT well before your application deadline, since test centres fill up. Target IELTS 6.0-6.5 to meet most Maltese programmes, with 6.5-7.0 for competitive courses such as medicine at the University of Malta. Check each programme page for the exact threshold.

If your previous education was taught entirely in English (or you hold qualifications from English-speaking countries), you can often request an exemption. Confirm this with each institution, as the proof requirements vary and exemption is not automatic. Some programmes accept other tests such as Pearson PTE or Cambridge English — check before booking.

Maltese institutions and Residency Malta expect a complete, consistent document set. Originals in another language need certified English translations, and many institutions require academic documents to be verified or attested. Allow several weeks to gather everything.

Assemble: passport, secondary or degree certificates with transcripts, English test certificate, motivation letter, CV (where required), passport photos, proof of accommodation, and financial evidence for the visa. Your institution will publish its exact admission document list — follow it precisely, because a missing document can disqualify your application or delay your visa.

Apply directly to each institution's admissions office — the University of Malta, MCAST, or AUM — using their own online application systems. Complete each application, upload your documents, and submit by the relevant deadline (earlier for non-EU students). There is no central national portal, so track each institution's process separately.

Decisions usually arrive within a few weeks to a couple of months. Once you receive offers, accept your preferred place by the stated deadline. Acceptance is the trigger for the visa application — non-EU students should start it the same week, because National Long-Stay (D) visa processing eats into your summer.

Budget for tuition (around €10,800/year at UM for non-EU undergraduates, €10,800–18,000 for postgraduate; MCAST lower; AUM ~$16,000–22,000; EU/EEA pay no/low tuition and often receive stipends), the visa and residence permit fees, health insurance, and €700–1,100/month living costs. Sliema and St Julian's are the most expensive areas; quieter towns are cheaper.

Apply for funding in parallel: Malta runs the Master it! and Endeavour schemes (ESF co-funded), the Tertiary Education Scholarships Scheme (TESS), and Reaching High Scholarships, plus Erasmus+ for exchange and university-specific awards. Apply early — scholarship decisions affect the financial evidence you submit for the visa. EU/EEA students pay no/low tuition and only need to show sufficient funds.

Non-EU/EEA students apply for the National Long-Stay (D) visa and residence permit through Residency Malta / Identity Malta after accepting your offer. Start at the Maltese embassy or consulate in your country with your acceptance letter, proof of funds, proof of accommodation, and health insurance, then convert to a residence permit after arriving in Malta. Processing takes several weeks to a few months. EU/EEA students do not need a visa — they enter freely and register their residence with Identity Malta after arrival.

Secure housing in parallel. Most students rent privately, since on-campus accommodation is limited — look in Msida, Gżira, Sliema, St Julian's, and surrounding towns. Rooms run €450-900/month depending on area, with Sliema and St Julian's at the top end. Use reputable agencies and Facebook student-housing groups, never pay a deposit before viewing or a verified video tour, and budget one to two months' rent as a deposit. See our [accommodation guide](/blog/mt-accommodation-guide/).

Arrange health insurance: it is required for the visa. EU/EEA students use the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for state healthcare; non-EU students take out private health insurance that meets the visa requirements, then access Malta's public health system or private providers as appropriate.

Land in Malta a week or two before orientation, carrying your passport, visa, acceptance letter, and proof of insurance and accommodation. The first weeks are paperwork-heavy but manageable if you tackle it in order. Non-EU students convert their D visa into a residence permit through Identity Malta; EU students register their residence after arrival.

Within your first days, register your residence and start the residence permit process (non-EU), open a Maltese bank account (BOV, HSBC Malta, APS, or Revolut for day-to-day use), buy a local SIM (GO, Epic, or Melita), get a Tallinja student bus card for public transport, complete enrolment with your institution, and join orientation. Student life centres on Msida campus, Sliema, and St Julian's — get to events early to build your circle.