Tuition

At Malta's three publicly funded higher education institutions – the University of Malta (UM), MCAST and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) – EU/EEA nationals studying full-time on a first-cycle (Bachelor's) degree pay no tuition fees, exactly like Maltese students; since Brexit (January 2021) UK nationals are treated as non-EU for fee purposes. For Non-EU/Non-EEA students, UM does not publish one flat rate but sets fees per individual course through its online course search tool; the two UM Bachelor's programmes we verified directly range from EUR 8,500/year (Bachelor of Humanities) to EUR 10,800/year (Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Biomedical Science), and UM notes that science-based, business-related and clinical programmes such as Medicine can cost considerably more. Doctoral (PhD/D.Mus/S.Th.D) fees are set centrally and are the same for every subject: EUR 600/year full-time (part-time EUR 1,350 arts/business or EUR 2,000 science) for EU/EEA students versus EUR 11,000/year full-time (EUR 5,500 part-time) for Non-EU/Non-EEA students. Some publicly funded postgraduate courses leading to a professional warrant, such as the Master's in Teaching and Learning, are also fee-free for EU/EEA students. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Visa

Long-stay national (Type D) study visa for entry into Malta, followed – once studying for one academic year or more – by an e-Residence Permit issued by Identità (Central Visa Unit). Most third-country nationals whose course lasts more than three months must obtain the D-visa before travelling to Malta; the residence permit is renewed annually subject to academic progression, and graduates may apply to extend their stay by six months to seek work. — 20 hours per week with an employment licence from Jobsplus (possible from the start of a recognised higher-education course at MQF level 5 or above; for other courses over 90 days, only after the first three months of residence). [6] [7] [8] [9]

Applications

The main intake at the University of Malta begins every October, with online applications opening the previous November; a smaller intake also runs in February. For the October 2026 intake, the general application deadline is 22 July 2026, but Non-EU/Non-EEA applicants who will need a visa to travel to Malta must apply earlier, by 1 July 2026; late applications for courses that still accept them are taken until 15 September 2026 against a higher fee. Selective programmes such as Medicine and Dentistry follow their own, earlier timetable (broadly January–March for the same October intake). Most Master's-by-research and all Doctoral programmes (other than the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery) accept applications year-round. MCAST, the Institute of Tourism Studies and private institutions such as the American University of Malta run their own separate admissions cycles and deadlines, so applicants should always confirm current dates directly with the specific institution and course. [10] [11] [12] [13]

Application portals

Language

Maltesisch, Englisch. English is not only an official language of Malta alongside Maltese but also the standard medium of instruction in Maltese higher education: the University of Malta states plainly that its language of instruction is English, so the large majority of Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programmes are taught in English by default rather than forming a separate 'English-taught' track. Maltese is mainly required for specific courses tied to the local language, culture, law or teacher training for Maltese schools; applicants who were not previously educated in English must meet UM's published English-language test requirements (e.g. IELTS or the University's own International Student English Test). [14] [15]

Health insurance

Health insurance is compulsory for every international student in Malta. EU/EEA nationals can access free treatment at Malta's state-funded hospitals and health centres on production of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) together with proof of nationality; outside emergencies, Non-EU/Non-EEA nationals are only entitled to free care at state facilities in emergencies and must otherwise rely on private or international health insurance. To obtain a Malta e-Residence Permit or long-stay student visa, applicants must present a comprehensive health insurance policy covering in-patient and day-care hospital treatment as well as medical evacuation and repatriation for the whole stay. Under Identità's rules in force since August 2024, a minimum coverage of EUR 100,000 applies to student visa applicants generally, but students enrolled at the University of Malta, MCAST or the Institute of Tourism Studies are explicitly exempted from that specific minimum-sum requirement, while still needing a valid comprehensive policy. This is general orientation only, not individual insurance or legal advice. [16] [17] [6]

Universities

Scholarships

  • Endeavour II Scholarships Scheme — A Malta government scholarship scheme, co-funded by the European Social Fund+, that supports postgraduate study (Master's and Doctoral level, MQF Level 7–8) in priority economic sectors in order to strengthen Malta's skills base and research capacity; funding is awarded through periodic competitive calls and typically contributes towards tuition fees and other study-related costs. [23]
  • Erasmus+ — The EU's programme for education, training, youth and sport funds study or traineeship mobility periods at partner institutions, including exchange semesters at the University of Malta, MCAST or other Maltese institutions, through grants that contribute to travel and living costs during the mobility period; exact grant amounts depend on the destination country group and the national or institutional agency administering the funds. [24]

Sources

  1. Higher education funding – Malta (Eurydice, European Commission) · accessed on ↩
  2. Fees and funding – University of Malta · accessed on ↩
  3. Tuition Fees (International Students) – University of Malta · accessed on ↩
  4. Bachelor of Humanities (course page with fees) – University of Malta · accessed on ↩
  5. Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Biomedical Science – Course Overview and Fees, University of Malta · accessed on ↩
  6. Living costs – University of Malta · accessed on ↩
  7. Visa and e-residence permit – University of Malta · accessed on ↩
  8. Central Visa Unit – Student Visa – Employment (Identità, Government of Malta) · accessed on ↩
  9. Student in Malta – EU Immigration Portal (European Commission) · accessed on ↩
  10. Are you a third country national planning to study at UM? – University of Malta · accessed on ↩
  11. Health and Support Services – University of Malta · accessed on ↩
  12. New Healthcare Insurance Requirements – Identità, Government of Malta · accessed on ↩
  13. English language requirements – University of Malta · accessed on ↩
  14. Constitution of Malta, Article 5 (EU Agency for Fundamental Rights) · accessed on ↩
  15. Dates and deadlines – University of Malta · accessed on ↩
  16. Online Application – University of Malta · accessed on ↩
  17. International Students – MCAST · accessed on ↩
  18. Application Portal – American University of Malta · accessed on ↩
  19. Endeavour II Scholarships Scheme – myscholarship.gov.mt (Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation) · accessed on ↩
  20. Erasmus+ – Opportunities for Individuals: Students (European Commission) · accessed on ↩
  21. University of Malta – Official Website · accessed on ↩
  22. MCAST – The Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology – Official Website · accessed on ↩
  23. American University of Malta – Official Website · accessed on ↩
  24. Institute of Tourism Studies – Official Website · accessed on ↩