Study Abroad · Malta
Study in Malta
Malta — English-speaking EU country with a small but rigorous higher education system in the Mediterranean.
Study in Malta — the landscape
Malta is a small but full EU member state — Mediterranean island nation, English-speaking by colonial inheritance, with a focused higher education system anchored by the University of Malta (founded 1592) and MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology). For Nepali students, the appeal is the EU-degree-in-English combination at lower cost than the UK or Ireland.
The University of Malta offers full Bachelors and Masters programs in English across business, IT, biomedical science, law, humanities and engineering. MCAST is more vocational — applied degrees in engineering technology, ICT, business management, applied arts — and is increasingly popular for Nepali applicants who target practical skills + EU residence.
The post-study pathway is the EU Blue Card or Maltese Single Permit (work + residence). Malta has aggressively grown its iGaming, financial services, and technology sectors — the post-graduation job market for STEM and finance graduates is unusually deep for a country of 500,000.
Why study in Malta?
Malta is a niche but increasingly chosen destination for Nepali students who want the EU + English combination at a lower cost than the UK.
English-speaking EU country
English is co-official with Maltese; all university instruction, government services and daily life operate in English. No language barrier for Nepali students who are already IELTS / PTE-prepared.
EU country benefits
EU Higher Education Area credit recognition. Schengen travel during studies. EU Blue Card pathway after graduation. Pathway to Maltese citizenship after 5 years of legal residence.
Lower cost than UK / Ireland
University of Malta tuition is EUR 7,000–11,000 / year for non-EU students; MCAST EUR 4,000–6,000. Living costs of EUR 8,000–12,000 / year — substantially cheaper than London / Dublin.
Growing post-study job market
Malta's iGaming, financial services, fintech, blockchain and IT sectors actively recruit international graduates. Maltese Single Permit work visa is straightforward for graduates of Maltese institutions.
Admission & visa requirements
Student Residence Permit (Identity Malta) requirements for non-EU applicants.
- Academic
- Bachelors: 55%+ in +2 / A-Levels. Masters: 55%+ in Bachelors.
- English
- IELTS 5.5–6.0+. PTE Academic 50+ accepted. Some Masters require 6.5+.
- Visa type
- Student Residence Permit (Identity Malta) — lodged via Maltese Embassy / Consulate, or via Identity Malta directly after arrival on a short-stay visa.
- Acceptance letter
- Confirmation of admission from University of Malta, MCAST, or another licensed Maltese institution.
- Financial proof
- EUR 300–400 / month maintenance evidenced in bank statements + sponsor income.
- Health insurance
- Comprehensive health insurance for the duration of study. Maltese state coverage is available after enrolment for some programs.
- Other
- CV, motivation letter, passport, biometric photos, application fee EUR 280.
Popular cities & regions
Maltese student life is concentrated in two main areas; the island is small enough that commuting between them is normal.
Msida
University of Malta main campus. Mid cost, central location, university suburb.
Valletta
Capital city, government / finance, mid-high cost, UNESCO heritage.
Sliema
Coastal town adjacent to St. Julian's, popular with students, mid-high cost.
St. Julian's
Hospitality / iGaming hub, nightlife centre, mid-high cost.
Mosta
Inland town, lower cost, residential, commute to Msida.
Birgu / Vittoriosa
Historical Three Cities, lower cost, residential.
Notable universities in Malta
Maltese institutions Nepali students typically target.
- University of Malta
- Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
- Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
- American University of Malta
- University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Malta Campus
- Global College Malta
- Idea Academy
- Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education
- St Aloysius Sixth Form
Tuition & living budget
Tuition
EUR 7,000 – 11,000 / year (University of Malta); EUR 4,000 – 6,000 / year (MCAST)
Living
EUR 8,000 – 12,000 / year
Intakes
October (main, applications close mid-July for non-EU) and February (smaller, MCAST-only). AECS recommends starting 7–9 months before the October intake.
Malta is cheaper than the UK or Ireland but more expensive than Hungary or Poland. Students can work 20 hours per week during semester after the first 90 days of legal residence. Maltese minimum wage is EUR 213.54 / week (2024) — about EUR 5.35 / hour. iGaming and hospitality roles pay above minimum.
Your Malta application, handled.
Counsellors who have placed students in this country before — every step of the pathway, in one room in Bagbazar.
- 01 Match you to University of Malta vs MCAST based on program (academic vs vocational) and budget.
- 02 Compile academic transcripts, motivation letter and English test results to Maltese institution format.
- 03 Lodge the Student Residence Permit application via Identity Malta — direct or via Maltese consulate.
- 04 Brief you on arrival registration, eResidence card, and Single Permit conversion after graduation.
Studying in Malta — FAQ
-
Is Malta really an EU country?
Yes — Malta is a full EU member state since 2004 and Schengen member since 2007. A Maltese Bachelors or Masters degree carries the same EU recognition as a German or Dutch degree. Maltese citizenship after 5 years of legal residence gives you full EU citizenship rights. -
How small is Malta and does it affect my study experience?
Malta's population is about 500,000 — roughly the size of Patan + Lalitpur. The country is 27 km long. The university experience is small-scale but international (1/4 of University of Malta students are international). Trips to mainland Europe via Ryanair / Air Malta are cheap and frequent. -
Can I work in Malta after graduation?
Yes — Maltese Single Permit (work + residence) is straightforward for graduates of Maltese institutions. iGaming, financial services, blockchain and IT actively recruit. EU Blue Card pathway requires an offer at EUR ~24,000 / year (one of the lowest EU thresholds). -
What language is study in?
All university instruction at University of Malta, MCAST, ITS and other licensed institutions is in English. Maltese is a co-official language but is not required for study or daily life. AECS counsels you to learn 50–100 basic Maltese phrases for goodwill — that's the entire requirement. -
How much does it cost compared to the UK?
Roughly 40–60% of UK cost. University of Malta tuition (EUR 7,000–11,000) vs UK tuition (£15,000–35,000). Living cost in Malta (EUR 8,000–12,000) vs UK outside-London (£12,000–18,000). Plus no IHS fee, no biometric residence permit fee in the UK sense.
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Different country, same end-to-end support from AECS.
Book a free counselling session.
30-minute consultation with a counsellor who has placed students in this country before. No commitment, no fees.