Malta attracts students from across the world, and it is easy to see why. The island is English-speaking, centrally located in the Mediterranean, and home to a range of higher education institutions offering programmes at every level from diploma to doctorate. But choosing to study here as an international student involves more than finding a course you like. You need to understand which institutions are open to you, how applications work, what documents you will need, and what immigration steps apply to your situation.
Malta's higher education system is regulated by the MFHEA, which licenses providers and accredits programmes.¹ Teaching at all main institutions is primarily in English. EU/EEA students generally pay no tuition at the University of Malta. Non-EU students pay tuition fees that vary by course and institution.
Higher Education Options for International Students
Malta has three main publicly funded higher education institutions alongside a growing number of licensed private providers. All are open to international students, though the application process, entry requirements and tuition fees differ between them.
🎓 University of Malta
Malta's oldest and largest institution, offering undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across most academic disciplines.
🔧 MCAST
Malta's leading vocational and technical college, offering applied programmes from MQF Level 1 through to Level 8. For a full overview of courses and entry routes, our guide to MCAST qualifications and entry covers everything.
🏨 Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
Malta's specialist public institution for hospitality, tourism and culinary arts, offering programmes from MQF Level 2 through to Level 7. Closely tied to Malta's tourism industry.
🏢 Licensed Private Providers
A range of private institutions offer programmes in business, IT, law, health sciences and more. All must be licensed by the MFHEA and their programmes individually accredited.¹ Fees and funding arrangements vary by provider and programme.
Before choosing any institution, verify that it is licensed by the MFHEA and that the specific programme you are considering is individually accredited and pegged to the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF). The MFHEA publishes a register of licensed providers and accredited programmes on its website at mfhea.mt.
Academic Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary by institution, programme and level. There is no single set of requirements that applies across all Maltese higher education institutions, and you should always check the specific requirements for the programme you are applying to directly with the institution. For a broader overview of how Malta's higher education system is structured, our guide to higher education in Malta covers the full picture.
That said, there are some general principles worth understanding. For undergraduate programmes, most institutions expect applicants to hold a secondary education qualification equivalent to MQF Level 4. For the University of Malta, the standard local entry qualification is the Matriculation Certificate, but international students are considered on the basis of their own country's equivalent qualifications. For postgraduate programmes, a recognised undergraduate degree at MQF Level 6 or equivalent is generally expected.
Teaching at Malta's main higher education institutions is primarily in English. Always check the language requirements for your specific course directly with the institution.
Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
If you studied outside Malta, your qualifications may need to be assessed before they can be used for entry. Requirements vary — some institutions assess directly, while others require an MQRIC Statement of Comparability. The Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC), which operates within the MFHEA, is the official body responsible for recognising foreign qualifications against the MQF.⁴ It is Malta's official ENIC-NARIC centre and issues Statements of Comparability that map foreign qualifications to the appropriate MQF level.
Some institutions will carry out their own assessment of your qualifications as part of the admissions process. Others may ask you to obtain an MQRIC Statement of Comparability before they can make a decision on your application. The MQRIC application is submitted online through the MFHEA website. Fees vary depending on whether the qualification has already been assessed and listed in the MQRIC database, so check the current fee before applying.⁴
How to Apply
There is no single centralised admissions system for higher education in Malta. Each institution manages its own application process, and you will need to apply directly to the institution.
- University of Malta: Applications are submitted through the University's online admissions portal. Deadlines and documentation requirements vary by programme. The University's International Office is the first point of contact for prospective international students.
- MCAST: Applications are submitted through MCAST's own system. The college offers a range of entry points depending on your existing qualifications, and the admissions team can advise on the most appropriate route for your background.
- Private providers: Each provider has its own application process. Some accept rolling applications throughout the year, while others have fixed intake periods. Always confirm the application deadline directly with the provider.
Regardless of the institution, you should expect to provide academic transcripts and certificates, proof of identity, evidence of English language proficiency and, where required, an MQRIC Statement of Comparability. Some programmes may also require a personal statement, references or a portfolio. Check the specific requirements for your chosen programme well in advance of the application deadline.
Tuition Fees for International Students
Tuition fees in Malta depend significantly on your nationality and the institution you choose. The key distinction is between EU/EEA/Swiss students and students from outside this group, often referred to as third-country nationals (TCNs).
🇪🇺 EU/EEA and Swiss students
At the University of Malta, EU/EEA and Swiss students generally pay no tuition or only minor registration and administrative fees. Some specialised or self-financing master's programmes carry fees even for EU students. Confirm the position for your specific course on the University's admissions pages.
🌍 Non-EU/EEA students
At the University of Malta, non-EU students pay tuition fees that vary by programme and faculty. Specialised courses such as medicine can cost considerably more than standard undergraduate programmes. Always check the current fee for your specific course on the University's admissions pages before applying.
Private providers set their own fee structures, which vary considerably between institutions and programmes. Always check the current fee schedule directly with the institution before applying, as fees can change between academic years. For a full breakdown of what it costs to live and study in Malta, including accommodation and everyday expenses, our guide to the cost of studying in Malta covers the numbers in detail.
Scholarships and Funding
There is no guarantee of funding for international students in Malta, and scholarships are not universally available. That said, some options are worth exploring.
- Government and institution-specific funding: Some students may qualify for scholarships, grants or stipends depending on their nationality, residence status, programme and academic background. Eligibility varies, so check the current criteria before relying on any funding scheme.
- Erasmus+: Students enrolled at participating higher education institutions may be able to spend part of their degree in Malta through an Erasmus+ exchange. Eligibility depends on the institutions involved and their mobility agreements.
- Institution-specific scholarships: Some Maltese institutions offer their own awards. Check with the institution directly for current availability, eligibility criteria and application deadlines.
- Home country funding: Government scholarships, employer sponsorship or home institution grants from your own country may be usable to support study in Malta. Check with your own government or institution for what is available.
Visas and Residence in Malta
Your immigration requirements depend on where you are from. The rules differ significantly between EU/EEA students and those from outside this group.
You do not need a visa to enter Malta. If you are staying for more than 90 days, you must register your residence with Identità and obtain an eResidence document. Bring your passport or national ID, acceptance letter, proof of address and evidence of sufficient means and health insurance. The eResidence document confirms your right to reside in Malta as an EU student.²
Immigration rules and processing times can change. Always check the current requirements directly with Identità at identita.gov.mt before making any plans, and allow enough time for visa and permit processing before your course start date.
All non-EU students — including those from countries that do not normally require a visa to enter Malta — must obtain a National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) before travelling if their course lasts 105 days or more. Identità recommends submitting the visa application at least eight weeks before the course start date. For studies lasting longer than 90 days, a study residence permit is also required after arrival. The standard higher-education study residence permit requires the course to be full-time, at MQF Level 5 or higher, and offered by an MFHEA-licensed institution.³
What to Consider When Choosing Where to Study
Choosing the right institution and course in Malta as an international student involves balancing several practical factors alongside academic ones. Here are the key questions worth working through before you apply.
- Is the institution licensed and the programme accredited? Check the MFHEA register at mfhea.mt. This is especially important for private providers, where accreditation status varies by programme.
- What MQF level is the qualification? This affects your visa eligibility as a non-EU student, your ability to progress to further study in Malta or elsewhere, and how the qualification will be understood by employers.
- Does your existing qualification meet the entry requirements? Check whether the institution will assess your qualifications directly or whether you need an MQRIC Statement of Comparability first.
- What are the total costs? Costs vary considerably depending on your location, accommodation and lifestyle, so work out a realistic monthly budget before applying.
- What are your career goals? For some careers or professional licences, the specific institution or qualification level matters. Research what employers or professional bodies in your field expect before committing.
The key is to research carefully, verify accreditation, understand your immigration obligations and make sure the programme you choose genuinely leads to the outcome you are aiming for. For students interested in the University of Malta specifically, including detailed course information, entry requirements and fees, our guide to University of Malta courses and admissions covers everything in detail.
References
- Malta Further and Higher Education Authority. "List of Licensed Providers and Accredited Programmes." mfhea.mt, https://mfhea.mt/list-of-licensed-providers-and-accredited-programmes/. Accessed 22 Sept. 2026.
- Identità. "Study." EU Nationals, https://identita.gov.mt/expatriates-unit-main-page/eu-nationals/eresidence-document-application/study/. Accessed 22 Sept. 2026.
- Identità. "Study — Non-EU/EEA Nationals." identita.gov.mt, https://identita.gov.mt/frequently-asked-questions/expatriates/non-eu-non-employment/study/. Accessed 22 Sept. 2026.
- Malta Further and Higher Education Authority. "Academic Qualifications — MQRIC." mfhea.mt, https://mfhea.mt/academic-qualifications/. Accessed 22 Sept. 2026.
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