Study in Malta

Global College Malta, GBS Malta and more!

Malta runs multiple intakes a year — commonly February, May, September and sometimes more, depending on the programme. That flexibility is one of its real advantages: if you miss one window, the next is rarely far away. Start 4–6 months ahead.

• We shortlist MFHEA-accredited programmes and confirm the MQF level, so you know exactly what your qualification is worth in Europe.
• Credential assessment — how your diploma or degree maps to Maltese entry requirements, and whether a foundation or top-up route fits better.

• Malta is a two-stage process, and this is where most applicants get confused. You apply for a National Long-Stay (D) visa at a Maltese mission abroad, then apply for a residence permit through Identity Malta after arrival.
• We prepare both stages, book the VFS appointment, and prep you for questions. Start three to six months before your intake and plan the timeline backwards from your course start date — that single habit prevents most Malta visa problems.

A session (or three) with us before you fly, covering:

• Documents to hand-carry. The 90-day clock — the single most important thing to understand about Malta. Your residence permit application, and later your ability to work, both run on timelines that start the day you land. We give you a dated checklist.
• Packing that makes sense — Malta is hot and humid from June to September and surprisingly damp in winter, when buildings often have no central heating. Bring layers, not just summer clothes. Electronics and specialty groceries cost more on an island; medication and anything specific to your diet is worth bringing.
• Culture briefing — English everywhere, Maltese everywhere too, Catholic public holidays, a slower administrative pace than you're used to, and a genuinely warm welcome for international students.

While you study: Non-EU students on courses longer than 90 days may take up employment subject to conditions set by Jobsplus, up to a maximum of 20 hours per week after their first three months of study in Malta.

• Malta's 'Get Qualified' scheme refunds 70% of course fees, up to €10,000, as a tax refund on accredited courses.
• Malta's post-study window is shorter than Germany's or Australia's. Treat it as a launchpad into the EU labour market rather than a guaranteed multi-year runway, and start networking in your first semester, not your last.

Genuinely one of Europe's affordable options — as long as you're smart about rent.

• Most students live comfortably on €600–€1,200 per month all-in, depending on where and how you live. That's noticeably cheaper than Ireland, the UK, or most of Western Europe.
• Accommodation is your biggest line: a room in a shared apartment runs roughly €300–€600 per month, a private studio €500–€900. Sliema and St Julian's are the pricey end; inland towns are kinder.
• Utilities and internet: around €100–€150 per month. Groceries: €200–€250 — Malta imports most food by sea, so cooking at home matters more here than you'd think.
• Public buses are free once you register for a Tallinja card — one of the best student perks on the island.
• Part-time work at 20 hours a week can realistically offset a meaningful chunk of your monthly costs.
• Figures shift year to year. We confirm live numbers with you before you commit to anything.

• Do I need to learn Maltese? No. English is an official language of Malta — degrees, daily life, and paperwork all run in English. Most programmes ask for IELTS around 6.0; we confirm the exact score for your programme before you book a test.
• How much money do I need to show for the visa? Malta sets the requirement as a monthly amount reviewed regularly, shown through 3–6 months of bank statements — the published figures change and conflicting numbers circulate online, so we confirm the current official amount with you before you apply.
• Can I work while studying? Yes — up to 20 hours per week with a Jobsplus employment licence, after your first 90 days in Malta.
• Do I need health insurance? Yes. You'll need cover of at least €30,000 for the visa, valid for your whole stay. We arrange this as part of your application.
• Can I travel around Europe while studying? Yes — Malta is in the Schengen Area, so your residence permit lets you visit the rest of Schengen during breaks. Budget airlines make weekend trips genuinely doable.
• Is my degree recognised in Europe? Yes, when the programme is MFHEA-accredited with a clear MQF level — and we only work with institutions that are.
• Can I stay after graduation? Malta's post-study window is shorter than Germany's or Australia's, but switching to a work permit is realistic if you line up a job — which is why we tell students to start networking in their first semester, not their last.
• How early should I start? Six months before your intake is comfortable. Malta's multiple intakes a year mean missing one window is rarely a disaster — the next is usually close.