How to study, work and live in Malta

Malta offers one of the most direct visa applications, which is a big catch for international students. Malta, located in the southern Mediterranean between Europe and North Africa, is quickly establishing itself as a study hub. Its universities follow the Bologna process and a range of programs are taught in English. This post will provide you with information on how to study, work, and live in Malta.

Malta’s higher education system is built on the British model, and it offers a wide range of programs. International students benefit from this. Students seeking a low-cost education, high-quality education, and a low cost of living can consider studying in Malta.

International students tip Malta as a fascinating country. There aren’t many universities in Malta; however, the numbers may be irrelevant because the few that are there are regarded as among Europe’s best. Malta is a full-fledged member of the European Union and the Commonwealth, with close relations to the United Kingdom. It’s also a part of the European Higher Education Area.

There are lots of benefits to studying in Malta. If you are planning to pursue a degree in any of its universities or colleges, check out some of these reasons and other things you need to know about studying in Malta.

Why study in Malta?

• Cheap standard of living
Malta is a small country in Europe; living in the country is generally cheap. Housing, transportation, food, and the internet are very affordable. Malta provides a high standard of living with moderate costs.
• Study in a variety of English courses
There are a growing number of international students studying in Malta, all thanks to the variety of English programs offered by Maltese universities and colleges. Being a former British colony, a large number of Maltese people speak English. International students who desire to study in Malta will have no reason to worry about the language barrier; moreover, you have the opportunity to select a course taught in English. Please note that some institutions might request that you write a proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL.
• Ease of getting a permanent residency after graduation
After completing your studies in Malta, obtaining a permanent residency is relatively easy when compared to other European countries. First, citizens from Non-EU countries are allowed to stay back in the country for six months, after which they can extend their stay and eventually, get permanent residence.
• Cheap tuition fee
There is no free tuition fee in Malta for international students; however, these universities and colleges offer very cheap tuition fees for citizens from third-world countries. Courses like economics, accountancy have lower tuition, while courses like Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Engineering are usually expensive.
• A safe place to study at
The Maltese are extremely nice people. International students studying in Malta get along swimmingly with the locals, who speak English to a large extent. Malta enjoys a high level of peace since it boasts one of Europe’s most stable political systems.

How to apply for admission to Malta

1. Select your study program
Usually, the first step is to select the program and the university. There are lots of programs available in Maltese and English. Go through the website of your preferred school to see the admission requirements.
2. Arrange the documents
Carefully arrange all the documents. It may seem easy, but if you fail to follow the instructions of the university, it can ruin your chance of getting admission. For example, if the school says a passport with a colored background, and you provided a white background, you didn’t adhere to the instruction and can mar your chance of getting admission.
Take your time to gather all the admission requirements. Make sure you have your proficiency test results available before applying.
3. Provide the entrance requirements
There is no central application portal to submit or apply for admission in Malta. Each school may have its specific admission requirements. The general admission requirements include the following.
Entry requirements to study in Malta
Your passport ID
Passport photos
Proof of English proficiency test Example TOEFL
Transcripts of your past education
Academic results- Notarized

4. Submit your application
The selected university will direct you on how to submit your application. Usually, there is an apply button on the website. Click on the button and afterward, a confirmation page or link will be sent to you. You may be asked to upload your scanned documents. After completing the steps, you will wait to see the outcome of the application.
5. Get your admission letter
The school will forward you an offer letter if you’re offered admission. Once you get it, start the visa application immediately.
6. Apply for a study visa
Non- EU citizens must obtain a visa to study in Malta, while EU citizens do not need a visa to study in Malta. Generally, most schools in Malta will expect you to provide the following documents for visa application.
A valid Passport
Two recent 2 x 2 passport photographs.
Proof of acceptance by the university or educational institution.
Proof of sufficient funds
Duly filled Malta visa application form
Medical certificate
HIV test certificate
Copy of the birth certificate
Proof of accommodation in Malta.
Health insurance (minimum coverage of 30,000 euros).
Payment of the visa application fee
Please note that all documents must be in English.

Universities in Malta

You can apply to any of these universities in Malta. They include the following.
University of Malta
Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST)
Middlesex University Malta
American University of Malta
St Martin’s Institute of Higher Education
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) in Malta
STC University
London School of Commerce Malta

What are the language requirements?

Maltese and English are the country’s official languages. However, English is the primary language of instruction at the majority of the country’s universities and institutions. Therefore, prospective applicants who desire to study in an English-taught course must take the English proficiency tests to establish their English competence.

Tuition fee

There is no precise fee in Malta. The tuition fee is set by each university and it is determined by a students’ nationality and the intending program. In the case that you have to pay a tuition fee, do not worry so much, they are still inexpensive and international students can apply for scholarships programs.
Tuition fees are billed on a semester-by-semester basis. On average, it cost between €1100- 1500 per semester for third-country nationals. While, Maltese citizens, as well as EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals are exempted from paying any fee.
Take note: A payment of between €240 to €1100 is required before arriving in Malta.

Cheap Universities in Malta for international students

1. University of Malta
2. Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology
3. Middlesex University Malta
4. London School of Commerce Malta

Can international students work in Malta?

Malta permits international students to work in the country for a set length of time. International students from outside the EU are only permitted to work at least 20 hours a week. This is only feasible 13 weeks after you arrive with your student visa in the nation.

Can international students stay back in Malta after graduation?

Non-EU students who have been enrolled in a higher education program for more than 90 days will be permitted to stay back after graduation. Upon completing their studies, these students will be entitled to stay in Malta for up to six months to hunt for work.

Conclusion

Malta offers an excellent educational system with various public and private universities offering full-time programs in a range of areas to international students. The country is welcoming to international students as they get to benefit from a high standard of life, particularly at a reasonable cost, as well as inexpensive tuition fees and other perks.
Certificates issued by Malta’s institutions are, surprisingly, internationally recognized.