Study Abroad on a Budget: Why Malta Should Be Your Top Choice

Malta's rich cultural heritage, warm climate, and English-speaking environment make it an attractive destination for students seeking a unique study abroad experience without compromising on quality or affordability.

International students prefer to study in Malta because of its high-quality education, affordability, excellent living standards, great career options, and world-class education. It has some of the best universities in the country, and it offers a cost-effective study option for international students.

Higher education in Malta is future-oriented and has a strong global reputation. It attracts students from over 80 countries, mainly because English is the medium of instruction, and institutions rank well in international rankings.

Read on as we take you through why Malta should be your top choice for studying abroad on a budget. Let's start!

Understanding the Cost of Living in Malta

International students must pay attention to the cost of studying and living in Malta. Both cases are affordable, as Malta is home to private and state-run public universities for international students.
Here's a snapshot of the cost of living in Malta:

The tuition fees are economical, while for EU students and citizens of Malta, university education is free. Non-EU students will be required to pay tuition fees, which is approximately 2,000 EUR.
The Tuition fees in Malta depend on your nationality, the type of university (public vs private), and the type of program you want to study for.
At public universities, the cost ranges between 9,000–27,000 EUR/year for EU/EEA students for specialized programmes and between 2,000–31,000 EUR/year for non-EU/EEA students
Science-based and business-related programmes are the most expensive. At private universities in Malta for international students, tuition fees are even higher. Accommodation requires an additional amount.

Monthly Cost of Living

Here are some of the critical expenses that international students may have to incur living in Malta for a month.

Accommodation expenses: Prices vary, but it's cheaper than renting a flat. Rent: EUR 700–1500
Household Utilities: EUR 80
Food and Groceries: 150–250 EUR
Monthly Transportation: EUR 26 (only local)
Cost per Meal: EUR 8–10
Internet: EUR 34
Other major expenses, including health insurance, are 300 EUR

Here's a comparison of the cost of living in Malta as compared to other countries:

Accommodation:

In Malta, the typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment remains between €600 and €900; in London, it can be between £1,200 and £2,000; in Berlin, it can be between €700 and €1,200; and in Madrid, it is about between €700 and €1,200.

Food:

Monthly grocery expenses for a single person in Malta are around €200 to €300 per month, which are almost the same in other places in the UK, Germany, and Spain

Transportation:

The average monthly cost of public transportation in Malta is approximately €26, while this can increase to €40 to €200 in other places in the UK, Germany, and Spain.

Miscellaneous expenses

Costs for entertainment, dining out, and other activities could amount to €200 to €300 per month in Malta, and approximately €200 to €400 in other places in UK, Germany, and Spain.

Academic Excellence at Affordable Prices

Universities in Malta for international students offer some of the most sought-after study programmes in subjects like Arts, Science and Technology, Health Sciences, Economics, Management, Education, Engineering, Law, and more. The students enroll in full-time or part-time study programs, and the courses are offered at diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels. Vocational and professional training is also available.

Here are some critical details about the best universities in Malta for international students.

Malta's education system generally follows the British system. The universities in Malta offer a global-standard education and unique courses at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. The Malta universities for international students are renowned for their research options and adaptability to fast-changing opportunities.

Top Universities:

Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
University of Malta
STC University
London School of Commerce, Malta
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) in Malta
American University of Malta
St Martin’s Institute of Higher Education
Advenio eAcademy

Some of the most popular courses are:

PhD in Malta
Medicine in Malta especially at Queen Mary University and University of Malta - MBBS (5 Years),
Nursing Courses Malta
Psychology Courses Malta

Top 5 Universities to Study in Malta Without IELTS

American University of Malta
Global College of Malta
MCAST
London School of Commerce
Learn Key Institute

General application procedure to study in Malta

Follow these steps to seek admission to the top Malta courses for international students.

Step 1: Look for the best academic program you want to study in Malta

Step 2: Examine the qualifying standards to determine whether you fulfill the prerequisites for admittance. International students attending universities in Malta must provide documentation of their proficiency in the language, and these official English tests are accepted:

Step 3: Pay the application fee and submit your documents (translated into English).

Step 4: Consult the Students’ Advisory Services for advice and information and attend information meetings

Step 5: Apply for scholarships, if available

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students in Malta

Malta universities for international students offer financial aid to international students. Students can refer to the following sources:

Scholarship options for international students in Malta universities can be merit-based, need-based, or for international students from specific countries or regions.
The government of Malta also offers scholarships to international students through schemes like the Malta Government Scholarship Scheme.
Private organizations may offer scholarships to international students pursuing specific fields of study in Malta
For students undertaking research-based programs or projects, there are funding opportunities available.
International students from EU and EEA countries may be eligible for funding through EU programs like Erasmus+.

Some of the common scholarships awarded to international students for studying in Malta are:

Scholarships provided by a university: Grant: 30,000 USD
Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants for Development: Merit-Based Grant: 5000 EUR
The Bending Spoons Women in Computer Science Scholarship Grant: 1000000 INR
Education Future International Scholarship: Merit-Based Grant: 5000 EUR
Study a Masters in Europe Scholarships: merit-based; grant: 3500 USD
Hutchison & Foreman Committing to Justice Scholarship Grant: 12,000 USD
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme: Grant: 10,000 USD
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships: Grant: 3500 USD
ACES: The Society for Editing, Grant: 3000 USD

Tips for Applying for Financial Aid:

Students must understand various scholarships early, as several funding opportunities have early application deadlines.
You must consider the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and make sure you meet the requirements.
Keep your resume ready and prepare a strong application. Ensure that you highlight your academic and non-academic achievements.
To fund your study in Malta, you must consider other options like part-time work opportunities, student loans, or sponsorships.
You can also consider funding opportunities outside of Malta, such as international scholarships, grants, or sponsorship programs.

Reach out to the experts at Affiniks Study Abroad to discover more about Malta as an ideal destination for budget-friendly studies.

The Maltese Lifestyle: A Blend of Culture, History, and Modernity

Malta is a small archipelago of 7 islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It enjoys a diverse culture that is influenced by various civilizations.

Let us take a look at the Maltese lifestyle:

The History of Malta

Malta has long benefited from its advantageous location. It was home to several ancient cultures, including the Romans, Sicilians, Phoenicians, and Byzantines. It is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964. Today, the country is a member of the European Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations.

Its capital city, Valletta, is popular for its well-preserved 16th-century architecture. The ancient city Mdina, also known as the "Silent City," is all about Malta's medieval past. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a famous archaeological site that dates back to the Neolithic period.

The Culture of Malta

Maltese culture is a blend of Mediterranean, Arab, and European cultures. The Maltese language is a unique Semitic language with significant Romance language influences.

Traditional Maltese cuisine includes dishes like rabbit stew, which is called Fenkata; pastizzi, which is savory pastries, and ftira, a popular Maltese bread.

The Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck, which takes place on February 10th, is one of the most well-known occasions for the mostly Roman Catholic Maltese people. The Malta Jazz Festival and the Malta International Arts Festival are two other events.

Modern areas of Malta are Valletta and Sliema, which offer a cosmopolitan lifestyle, with a thriving nightlife. Maltese people are known for their hospitality, which is termed as "il-ħanut" (hospitality).

Malta experiences mostly sunny, warm weather throughout the year. With enough rainfall, you might have short, chilly winters and scorching, dry summers. It is blessed with natural landscapes, and beautiful coastlines, and provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. The country's official languages are Maltese and English

Practical Considerations and How to Get Started

Some of the best Malta courses for international students are:

Master of Science (M.Sc.): 76 programs
Master of Arts (M.A.): 40 programs
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.): 4 programs

The first consideration for international students is to check the Malta student visa benefits—whether they need a student visa or not. You won't need a visa if you belong to an EU country, while students from some non-EU countries may not require an entry visa.

Here is the step-by-step process to apply for universities in Malta:

Step 1: Start accessing the websites of the embassy and consulate and understand the "visa-application" process
Step 2: Check the deadlines and find out how much time you'll have to wait for your visa.
Step 3: Start saving up money, as some applications might require you to have proof of minimum funds
Step 4: Brush up on your English skills.
Step 5: Gather the right documents and provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
Step 6: Keep the following documents handy:

Birth certificate;
Recent photos;
Your passport or national identity card;
One or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
Copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your Bachelor's degree;
Academic transcripts;
Letter of intent;
Curriculum Vitae;
Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.

Step 7: Depending on the subject, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT. International students sometimes choose to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or C1 Advanced language certificates.

Step 8: Understand the Malta student visa benefits and needs, along with healthcare needs, before you seek admission to a Malta University. International students studying in Malta are required to have health insurance coverage during their stay. If a student is from an EU or EEA nation, they can enlist in the National Health Insurance Scheme (GHIC) or purchase private health insurance.

Work While Studying in Malta

You will need a work permit if you want to combine studying with working in Malta. Here are the rules for getting a part-time work permit.

Employment License: If you are a non-EU citizen, you will be required to apply for an employment license if you wish to work in Malta during your studies.
Apply through local authorities or your employer. The employer applies on your behalf. If changing jobs or employers, students will need to apply for a new license with their new employer.
Application requirements: You can apply for a work permit if you have a valid student residence permit. Non-EU/EEA students can start working at least three months after starting their studies.
Duration of work permit: Your work permit will be valid for the duration of your contract and cannot exceed the duration of your student visa.
Max. hours of work per week: 20 hours per week.

Wrapping Up

International students across the globe are considering Malta for education, not just for its affordability but also for its quality of education and enriching life experiences.

It is an exceptional choice for its low tuition fees and living costs and the availability of reputable institutions offering a wide range of programs taught in English. Malta's small size encourages a stronger student academic community and robust professional networking opportunities. This environment is beneficial for future career prospects.

If you're on the lookout for personalized assistance with scholarships, lifestyle insights, study programs, or the application process in Malta, contact Affiniks Study Abroad. Our experts will thoroughly assist you in exploring the opportunities and challenges of studying in Malta.