Best universities in Malta 2024

Malta is a small southern European country, best known as a popular tourist destination, but today local education is also gaining popularity. Thanks to the ubiquitous knowledge of English, a calm, safe life, and a mild climate, Malta has long attracted foreign children, teenagers, and adults who want to learn English. In addition to courses that allow you to combine study, recreation, and higher education in Malta is becoming popular among international students.

The country invests 13.15% of total expenditures in education: 25.33% of them in higher education, the enrollment rate in higher education institutions is 48.6%. Most universities and colleges in Malta are concentrated around the capital Valletta on the northeast coast of the island.

The largest of them is the state–funded University of Malta, which is the only university in the country included in the world's leading educational rankings. There are 11,000 students studying here, including 700 foreign students. The main campus of the university is located in the harbor of Msida, west of Valletta, additional campuses are in Valletta, on Gozo, the second largest of the Maltese islands.

The system of public universities in Malta includes the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (Paola), the Institute of Tourism Studies (St. Julian's). Both universities comply with the requirements of the Bologna Process, ensuring compatibility of higher education certificates worldwide. The official language of instruction in Malta's universities is English, although foreign students are encouraged to study Maltese.

Higher education in Malta follows the British and European educational systems, offering:

• Bachelor’s Programs: Lasting 3-7 years, with medical and legal studies extending up to 6-7 years. Evening or distance learning options vary in duration based on the specialty.

• Master’s Programs: Available in full-time and part-time formats, typically requiring the defense of a thesis or research project.

• Doctoral Studies: At least 2 years in duration, culminating in the defense of a dissertation.

The academic year is structured into 2 semesters, with start dates dependent on the university and chosen field of study. For students needing to enhance their English language skills, preparatory Foundation programs are offered.

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: A hub for international academic exchange, offering dynamic education across various disciplines.

• United Campus of Malta: Known for its innovative teaching methods and high standards, accredited by Malta's National Commission for Higher and Further Education.

• American University of Malta: An American-style liberal arts college focusing on education and research to global standards.

• London School of Commerce Malta: Provides modern resources for studies in international business, supported by experienced faculty.

• Middlesex University Malta: Offers a student-focused approach with courses led by experts, in a newly renovated campus.

Prospective students apply online, specifying their preferred semester and field. International applicants must submit passport scans, secondary education certificates, and English proficiency proof.

For bachelor’s admissions, Maltese graduates provide a Matriculation Certificate, an International Baccalaureate, a European Baccalaureate, or a secondary special education diploma. Master’s admissions require a bachelor's degree. International students at private institutions need document scans and their English translations. Applicants educated outside Malta are considered international.

Malta's top universities, catering to international students, operate primarily on a tuition-based system. The cost varies depending on the chosen field of study and is usually billed annually or by semester. On average, tuition at Malta's higher education institutions ranges from €3,000 to €10,000 per year for a bachelor's degree. Medical fields tend to be the most costly, with dental studies at the University of Malta reaching up to €26,000 per year.

Additional educational expenses may include fees for consumables used in scientific research and experiments. At the University of Malta, these fees can range from €500 to €20,000 annually, depending on the faculty.

Scholarships are available for academic achievement. The Get Qualified state program offers tax deductions covering up to 70% of tuition fees. Students at the Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology may receive one-time scholarship payments of €6,500 in their third year and €8,650 in their fourth year.

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