Study in Malta for Free – Complete Guide with Scholarship Tips (2025)
By Akshay Patel · Senior International Admissions Consultant · Published 2025-06-13T09:26:57.754Z
Malta is a small and peaceful European island country where students can get high-quality education in English. Many scholarships are available to help international students study in Malta for free or at a very low cost. This full guide explains everything about studying in Malta in 2025.
What Is Special About Studying in Malta?
Malta is a beautiful country located in the Mediterranean Sea , near Italy , Tunisia , and Libya . It has sunny weather, safe cities, and modern universities that offer many programs in English .
Malta is also part of the European Union (EU) , the Schengen Area , and uses the euro as its currency. All of these things make it easy for students to live, travel, and study here.
Key Benefits of Studying in Malta:
English is one of the official languages.
Affordable tuition and living costs.
Warm weather and friendly people.
European-standard education.
Easy travel across Europe with a student visa.
Scholarships for international students.
Education System in Malta
Malta’s education system follows the Bologna Process , which is used by many countries in Europe. This means students can earn Bachelor’s , Master’s , and PhD degrees in a format that is recognized across Europe .
Top Study Levels:
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree): 3 to 4 years
Postgraduate (Master’s Degree): 1 to 2 years
Doctoral Programs (PhD): 3+ years
Best Universities in Malta for International Students
Malta has a few high-quality universities that are popular among students from Asia , Africa , and Europe .
University Name
City
Courses Offered
Website
University of Malta
Msida
Science, Medicine, IT, Business, Arts
um.edu.mt
MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology)
Paola
Engineering, Hospitality, Business
mcast.edu.mt
American University of Malta
Cospicua
Business, Engineering, Game Development
aum.edu.mt
Can You Study in Malta for Free?
Yes, with the right scholarship and good planning, you can study in Malta at almost no cost . While Malta does not offer completely free education for everyone, many scholarships are available for students from developing countries or non-EU countries .
Scholarships in Malta for International Students (2025)
1. University of Malta Scholarships
Name: University of Malta Postgraduate Scholarships
Benefits: Full or partial tuition fee waiver
Who Can Apply: Non-EU international students
Fields Covered: All Master’s programs
How to Apply: Through the university’s online application portal
Deadline: Usually April or May each year
2. MCAST Scholarships for Foreign Students
Name: MCAST International Student Scholarships
Benefits: 30–50% tuition fee discount
Eligibility: Good academic records, non-EU students
Courses: Business, Engineering, Health Science
Deadline: Depends on the course
3. Government of Malta Scholarships
The Government of Malta provides a few scholarships to students from selected countries under bilateral agreements .
Type: Tuition waiver or monthly stipend
Level: Mostly Master’s or PhD
How to Apply: Through your country’s education ministry
Scholarships from Outside Malta
You can also apply for international scholarships that allow you to study in Malta. Some examples:
Erasmus+ : If your university has a partner exchange in Malta
Commonwealth Scholarships : For students from Commonwealth countries
DAAD (if part of exchange through Germany)
How to Apply for University in Malta (2025 Guide)
Here is a step-by-step guide for applying to study in Malta:
Step 1: Choose a Program and University
Research courses in your interest area.
Visit university websites to check details.
Step 2: Meet Entry Requirements
For Bachelor’s: Must have completed 12th grade .
For Master’s: Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a related subject.
English test may be required — like IELTS , TOEFL , or other.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Passport (valid)
Academic certificates
Transcript of marks
English test score
Letter of Motivation
Recommendation letters
Step 4: Apply Online
Use the official university portal.
Upload documents and pay the application fee (if required).
Apply before the deadline (usually between February and June ).
Step 5: Get the Offer Letter
If selected, you will receive an admission offer letter by email.
Step 6: Apply for a Malta Student Visa
You will need to apply for a student visa if you’re not from the EU.
Documents needed:
Admission letter
Bank statement or proof of funds
Accommodation details
Health insurance
Cost of Studying and Living in Malta
Category
Monthly Cost (in Euro)
Tuition Fees
€1,000 – €5,000 (per year)
Rent (shared)
€250 – €500
Food
€150 – €250
Transport
€30 – €50
Other Expenses
€100 – €150
Total Monthly Budget: Around €800 – €1,100
With scholarships, you can reduce or even remove your tuition costs. Part-time work can help cover your living expenses.
Can Students Work in Malta?
Yes! International students are allowed to work in Malta:
You can work up to 20 hours per week during your studies.
During holidays, you may work full-time.
Most common jobs: café helper, delivery, retail, receptionist.
To work legally, you must:
Get a residence permit
Apply for a work permit (if needed)
Life in Malta for Students
Language
Both Maltese and English are official languages. All universities teach in English.
Climate
Malta has a Mediterranean climate — warm summers and mild winters. It is sunny almost 300 days a year .
Culture and Safety
Malta is safe and student-friendly . People are welcoming and open to different cultures. Students enjoy festivals, historical tours, beach trips, and food.
Tips to Win a Scholarship in Malta
Apply to many scholarships, not just one.
Keep your grades high .
Write a strong motivation letter .
Get recommendation letters from respected teachers.
Apply early — don’t wait until the deadline.
Improve your English test score (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
Pros and Cons of Studying in Malta
Pros
Cons
Low cost of education
Few universities (limited choice)
English-speaking country
Fewer scholarship options than larger countries
Part-time work allowed
Summer can be very hot
Safe and relaxed environment
Limited nightlife
EU country with Schengen access
Limited public transport at night
Conclusion:
Malta is a hidden gem for international students looking for a safe, affordable, and English-speaking study destination in Europe. With the right scholarships, strong applications, and good planning, you can study in Malta for free or at a very low cost in 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malta a good country for international students?
Yes, Malta is safe, affordable, and offers English-taught programs. It is part of the EU and provides quality education.
Can I study in Malta for free?
With the help of scholarships and part-time work, you can study at very low cost. Some scholarships cover all tuition fees.
Do I need IELTS to study in Malta?
Yes, most universities ask for English test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or others — unless your previous studies were in English.
Can I work while studying in Malta?
Yes, you can work up to 20 hours a week during your studies and full-time during holidays
How can I apply for a student visa to Malta?
After getting the admission letter, apply for a student visa with required documents at the nearest Maltese embassy or online.