Good at maths and thinking about studying it at university? Malta offers a clear path from upper-secondary study into degree-level mathematics, taught in English and referenced to the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) and the EQF so your level is legible across Europe.
Math graduates in Malta move into roles that value quantitative thinking: education, data and analytics, financial services, software and simulation, and Malta’s iGaming ecosystem. Teacher supply has been a recurring concern, and data-driven roles appear frequently in local job boards, so a well-built profile can convert quickly into math degree jobs.
Below is a Malta-specific guide to the subjects you need, how to apply, what to expect as an international or mature applicant, and the practical steps to get set for your first semester.
The University of Malta offers four math streams — Applied, Graph Theory & Combinatorics, Functional Analysis & Topology, and Biomathematics — designed to fit both academic and industry careers. 🔢
The Upper-Secondary Subjects You Need
For degree-level mathematics in Malta, Advanced or Pure Mathematics is the cornerstone. Local applicants typically progress through MATSEC or SEC, while international applicants present their school-leaving awards for benchmarking against MQF and EQF levels through MFHEA’s recognition service (MQRIC), Malta’s ENIC-NARIC centre. This comparability lets universities judge level and content on a shared scale.
Physics or IT can strengthen your application. Because the University of Malta (UM) concentrates compulsory study-units in Years 1–2 and then asks you to pick a specialisation, extra comfort with quantitative sciences and computing pays off once you encounter modelling, numerics, algorithms, and proof-heavy analysis.
Applying to Maths Degrees in Malta
Applications are made directly to institutions. Expect to submit transcripts showing the right subjects and grades, a personal statement, and, where relevant, proof of English. When your qualifications are from outside Malta, admissions teams draw on MQRIC to map them to MQF and EQF levels so local and international applicants sit on a consistent baseline.
English language requirement
UM teaches in English. If your secondary education was overseas and not in English, you usually need a SELT at the published band, typically IELTS 6.0 overall for undergraduates with minimum sub-scores. UM also offers its International Student English Test (ISET); both results have validity windows, so book with your intake in mind. AUM publishes similar undergrad minimums and may request a recent test from any applicant.
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Applying as an International Student
You might not hold the exact UK-style A Levels the UK article mentions. That is fine. Maltese universities can recognise a wide range of awards once mapped to MQF and EQF levels. Contact admissions early, share your programme syllabi where possible, and confirm the subject mix that satisfies special course requirements for mathematics. If English is not your schooling language, plan your SELT or ISET timeline so you have space to retake if needed.
Applying as a Mature Student
If you have been out of full-time education for a while, ask about mature-entry routes and recognised equivalences. Where you do not hold the full prerequisite set, institutions may advise an access or bridging path mapped to MQF levels so you can meet entry standards in a structured way. MCAST prospectuses are helpful examples of MQF-mapped progression for quantitatively demanding programmes.
Getting Ready for University
Once you have an offer, your job is twofold: meet conditions and set up your life so you can focus. That means accommodation, finance, and a realistic study plan before Week 1.
Accommodation
Universities often have on-campus or affiliated options, which are close and predictable, and the private rental market adds flexibility. Choose based on commute and the study environment you actually work well in. Ask current students about noise, internet stability, and access to study spaces.
Many math graduates in Malta find work within three months of graduation, especially in education and data analytics. 🎓
Finances
Budget for tuition, books or software, transport, and living costs. If you are a non-EU student on a course exceeding 90 days, plan for visa and e-Residence steps. Malta allows part-time work up to 20 hours per week after three months of study, subject to Jobsplus licensing and sector conditions. Treat work as a buffer, not a pillar, and keep your timetable light enough that it does not displace core study.
Modules
Expect limited choice in Year 1 and more control later. UM’s BSc Mathematics places most compulsory study-units in Years 1–2, then shifts to Year 3 streams that define your depth. The current options are Applied Mathematics, Graph Theory & Combinatorics, Functional Analysis & Topology, and Biomathematics. Read unit descriptors, not just titles, and pick with your target skill set in mind.
Math Degree Jobs in Malta: Where Graduates Work
A maths toolkit travels well in Malta’s economy. Here are the sectors that commonly hire maths graduates, with examples of typical roles.
- Education: classroom teaching, academic mentoring, curriculum support. Teacher shortages have been flagged across subjects including mathematics, which makes qualified graduates valuable.
- Data and analytics: analyst roles in iGaming, marketing, operations, and risk. Job boards regularly list analytics openings, from product and marketing analytics to responsible gaming analysis.
- Financial services and fintech: risk, compliance analytics, portfolio support, actuarial pathways in firms that service Malta’s finance hub.
- Software and simulation: quantitative developer, modelling and optimisation, and data engineering roles that benefit from numerical methods and linear algebra.
- Engineering and operations: logistics, scheduling, and optimisation in transport and manufacturing where operations research methods are applied.
Your third-year stream can signal fit. For example, Applied Mathematics aligns with modelling and engineering analytics. Graph Theory & Combinatorics reads well for networks and optimisation. Functional Analysis & Topology pairs with advanced methods and scientific computing. Biomathematics points toward health or biosystems modelling. Project choices and internships add credibility by showing you can ship results, not just solve problem sheets.
Where to Study Maths in Malta
Malta’s system is compact, so it is easy to map the main routes. Confirm provider status and programme details via MFHEA and the Malta Qualifications Database, then read the current pages for entry bands and English requirements.
University of Malta (UM)
UM is the public research university and the main home for degree-level mathematics. The degree is taught in English, with a published undergraduate IELTS band and an ISET option for international students. Years 1–2 are largely compulsory; Year 3 offers streams in Applied Mathematics, Graph Theory & Combinatorics, Functional Analysis & Topology, and Biomathematics.
Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST)
MCAST delivers applied routes mapped to MQF levels with mathematics embedded across engineering and ICT. Prospectus pages give programme codes, levels, and credits so you can plan staged progression into quantitatively intensive work or further study.
American University of Malta (AUM)
AUM is an English-medium private institution. Admissions documents state minimum English bands for undergraduates and note that AUM can request a recent test from any applicant. Check the current sheet for exact minimums and validity.
Offer Strategy and Study Habits that Employers Notice
Selective programmes read past the minimums. Differentiate your profile with a small modelling or data project, a short code notebook that explains your numerical methods, or a run of olympiad-style problems that shows staying power. In your statement, connect your interests to a stream and to the math degree jobs you are targeting, for example optimisation for logistics, network analytics for iGaming, or stochastic modelling for finance. If a single topic keeps blocking progress, a short one-to-one with a Superprof tutor can help you break through without losing time.
Other Considerations
A placement year can sharpen skills and make your transcript read coherently, especially if you want analytics roles. A semester or year abroad adds perspective and intercultural skills without changing your core mathematics pathway. Balance these options against stream requirements so credits align at graduation and watch application deadlines if you will need visas as part of mobility.
Which stream best matches the jobs you’re aiming for?
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