An island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta has a long history dating back to around 5900 BC. In the past, Malta has been an important naval base, due to its location. The majority of the colleges and universities are located around Valletta. Institutions offer a wide variety of courses, so any international student will find something of interest!
Malta is one of the sunniest nations in the world, and benefits from over 300 days of sunshine a year. Partner this with the fact that you can explore all of the three islands of Malta due to their size, and you have a perfect environment for a wonderful higher education experience. A member of the European Union since 2004, the country enjoys close ties with other European countries.
There are both public and private institutions in Malta, some offer traditional courses, and others are specialist and offer courses such as tourism. Some of the most prestigious universities are the University of Malta, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). The university system is similar to that of other European countries, as is the academic year.
The EU nation of Malta has a mix of public and private universities along with several higher education institutions, some offering traditional courses, and others are specialist and offer courses focused on areas such as tourism, business, arts and technology.
The University of Malta is the country’s only public university, and was established in 1592 initially as a Jesuit college. These days it is a modern university with campuses in Valletta, Gozo, Marsaxlokk and Msida. It is a well regarded institute, the highest ranking university of Malta, which features in the Time Higher Education World University Rankings.
There are several privately owned and run universities in Malta including the European Graduate School, Global College Malta and Triagon Academy in Malta.
Students can also study at higher education institutes in Malta, including the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology and the GBSB Global Business School.
International students from non-EU/EEA countries need a D-type National Visa to study in Malta for courses exceeding 90 days. They should apply at the Maltese Embassy or consulate in their country or through the Central Visa Unit’s website if no Maltese representation is available​​​​​​.
For more information about visas, see our International Student Visas advice article.
| Capital City | Valletta |
|---|---|
| Currency | EUR, Euro |
| Language(s) | Maltese, English |
| Major Student Cities |
Malta has three official languages; Maltese, Maltese Sign Language and English. Another common language you will hear is Italian, which is spoken and understood by 66% of the population.
Courses in Malta are offered in either Maltese or English, but institutions such as the University of Malta offer courses only in English. If you choose to study in a non-native language, you may have to provide evidence of your language proficiency. If you do not meet the required standards, it common for your university to offer language courses to help you improve.
Even if you study in English, you should still make an effort to learn as much Maltese or Italian as possible. Communicating with the locals and other students is a perfect way to practice. Not only will this make your everyday life more enjoyable, it is also a skill that looks great on your CV/resume!
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