Study in Malta

ABOUT MALTA 

Located in the Mediterranean Sea as an island country, the Republic of Malta lies south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and to the North of Libya. Inhabited since the 5900 BC, its location has been of great strategic importance to many former great empires which include Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, French and the British. Its Mediterranean climate often makes it experience hot, sunny summers and mild rainy winters. While Valletta stands to be the capital of the country, students have often found residence in Mdina, St. Julian’s, Marsaxlokk and Rabat. The country is one of the most popular tourist destinations because of its warm climate and the variety of recreational areas. It also holds three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Valletta and the seven megalithic temples.   

 

HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN MALTA 

The higher education system in Malta can be best described as a combination of three different cycles. They are:

 

The Bachelor’s or the first cycle: While the country may be small, Malta provides a variety of programs for a 3 year bachelor’s degree which include applied sciences, arts, design, business management, IT, education, engineering, environmental sciences, hospitality, humanities, journalism, law, medicine, natural sciences, social sciences. 

Requirement to study Bachelor’s in Malta: 

  • Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above
  • An IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL minimum score of 71 in iBT 

 

Master’s or the second cycle: After the successful completion of their bachelor’s degree, students may avail a variety of master’s courses that country provides based on their subject of interest. These include agriculture, applied sciences, arts, design, business management, IT, education, engineering, environmental sciences, hospitality, humanities, journalism, law, medicine, natural sciences, social sciences.. While the degree may take upto 2 years to complete, students are often taught through seminars, exercises, practical workshops, field trips and research. These help them to not only prepare for a professional career but also an academic career if they choose to. 

Requirement to study Master’s in Malta: 

  • Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above
  • Successful completion of bachelor’s with 60% and above 
  • An IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL minimum score of 71 in iBT 

 

Doctoral degree or the third cycle: After the successful completion of their master’s, students can also apply for a doctoral degree which all public and private universities offer in the country. Students are given the opportunity to conduct independent research under academic supervision which later they will have to defend in front of a panel of experts appointed by the university. While the degree may take upto 3 years to complete, students are also given financial grants that will help them sustain themselves in the country. 

Requirement to study PhD in Malta: 

  • Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above
  • Successful completion of bachelor’s with 60% and above
  • Successful completion of master’s with 60% and above
  • Independent research idea 
  • An IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL minimum score of 71 in iBT 

 

Cost of studying in Malta

While the cost may differ as per the course, students are likely to pay an average of EUR 2000 (around INR 164800) per year to study in Malta. However, the cost of living is slightly high since most of its goods are imported from the world. Therefore students pay likely pay upto EUR 1500 (around INR 127000)

 

WORK OPPORTUNITIES 

While Malta does allow students to work part time for 20 hours a week, they cannot work for the first 90 days in the country. However, since Malta is a popular tourist destination with a majority of English speakers, students are likely to find quite a lot of employment opportunities in cafes, restaurants, hotels and other tourism sectors in the country. 

In its recent bid to attract international students, the country has also allowed graduates from any Malta higher education program to extend their stay for six months after their graduation to look for work. After they do find a successful employment opportunity they may freely apply as a residential permit which may vary depending on their employment contract. 

 

STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENT FOR MALTA 

To receive a student visa for Malta, any applicant must furnish:

  • A passport which is valid at least 12 months beyond their stay
  • A letter of acceptance from any Malta university 
  • A proof payment to the university 
  • Proof of funds to sustain their stay in the country 

 

SCHOLARSHIPS 

While universities may have their own scholarships, the government of Malta has various schemes to help international students afford their education in the country. The Malta Art Scholarship Scheme, the Endeavor scholarship scheme and the Erasmus program have been availed by many students to fund their education in the country.