Studying in Malta

Tuition, living costs, visas and how to apply, from the European Commission's official profile — with student numbers from Eurostat and the Erasmus Mundus master's you can take here.

At a glance

Tuition · EU/EEA students

Doctoral studies €600 – €2,000 a year

Tuition · non-EU/EEA students

Doctoral studies €5,000 – €11,000 a year

Fees — more detail

Bachelor's degrees €1,000 – €9,000 a year and master's €2,000 – €12,000, varying by institution, level and nationality.

Living costs

€900 – €1,400 a month

Students in Malta

Tertiary students · 2024

22,276

From abroad · 2024

7,92035.6% of all students

Of whom from the EU · 2024

3,18140.2% of students from abroad

Largest countries of origin: India (2,351), Italy (1,416), Germany (658), France (336), United Kingdom (303).

“From abroad” means degree-mobile students — enrolled for a whole degree, having gained their previous qualification in another country. Exchange students on Erasmus aren't counted.

Tertiary students by year
201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
12,57412,61013,21613,76414,51115,51016,44217,43018,33619,03521,12022,276

Tuition fees and living costs

Tuition fees

Fees vary by institution, degree level, and whether you are an EU/EEA or non-EU/EEA student.

On average, tuition fees are:

  • Bachelor’s degrees: €1 000 - €9 000/year
  • Master's degrees: €2 000 - €12 000/year
  • Doctoral (PhD) studies:
    • EU/EEA: from €600 - €2 000/year
    • Non-EU/EEA: €5 000 - €11 000/year

Living costs

Living costs in Malta are estimated at €900 - €1 400 per month covering accommodation, food, utilities, transport, and personal expenses.

Some institutions, such as the University of Malta (University of Malta fees and funding) and the Institute of Tourism Studies (Institute of Tourism Studies tariffs and fees), give a detailed breakdown of fees.

Visa requirements

EU/EEA students

No visa is required. Students staying longer than three months need to register their residence.

Non-EU/EEA students

A long-stay Student Visa (D-visa) is required before travelling to Malta. Students studying for one academic year or longer must also apply for an e-Residence Permit after arrival.

More information on visas and residence permits in Malta

Education system

Malta’s higher education system follows the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) English is the primary language of instruction across most institutions. Tertiary education in Malta includes public universities and private universities.

Degree options

  • Bachelor’s degree (3 - 4 years)
  • Master’s degree (1 - 2 years)
  • Doctorate (PhD) (3 - 4 years)

Other study opportunities

  • Short-term studies and exchange programmes (including Erasmus+)
  • Language and summer courses

Application procedure

Application deadlines vary by institution and programme. For programmes starting in autumn (October), deadlines usually fall between June and July.

In general, applying to study in Malta involves:

  1. searching for recognised study programmes
  2. checking academic and English-language requirements
  3. submitting an online application and paying the application fee
  4. receiving a letter of acceptance
  5. completing visa or residence procedures (if required)
  6. preparing accommodation, insurance, and arrival arrangements

Scholarship opportunities

Malta offers access to national, institutional and European funding schemes, depending on eligibility.

Funding opportunities may include:

Student life in Malta

Malta offers a safe, English-speaking and international student environment with a Mediterranean lifestyle. Students benefit from year-round cultural events, beaches, and historic sites in the country.

Read what the University of Malta has to say about student life in Malta

Frequently asked questions

Are programmes taught in English?

Yes, most higher education programmes in Malta are fully taught in English.

Browse the study programmes available

Can I work while studying in Malta?

Yes, EU/EEA students may work without restrictions. Non-EU/EEA students may work up to 20 hours per week after obtaining an e-Residence Permit.

Is health insurance required?

Yes, EU/EEA students can use the European Higher Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU/EEA students must have private health insurance covering their stay.

How can I find housing in Malta?

Students may choose between student residences and private rentals. Due to demand, early securing your accommodation is strongly recommended. Find more information on the website of your preferred host university.

Source: Study in Malta – higher education, costs and application, last updated 8 July 2026.

Erasmus Mundus master's with a university in Malta

Joint master's taught by several universities in different countries, open to students from anywhere, with EU-funded scholarships on many of them.

Country guidance adapted from the European Commission’s Study in Europe country profiles, © European Union, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Condensed, restructured and combined with other data by CollegeMatcher.

Student numbers: Eurostat, tables educ_uoe_enrt01 (tertiary enrolment) and educ_uoe_mobs02 (degree-mobile students from abroad).

Programmes: the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA); partner institutions from the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform. © European Union, CC BY 4.0.

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