Which institutions provide higher education in Malta?

The University of Malta is a state-funded, self-accrediting institution with broad academic and research programmes. Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology provides public applied, technical and professional education, while the Institute of Tourism Studies focuses on tourism, hospitality and culinary studies; licensed private and foreign providers offer additional programmes.

How can I check whether a higher-education programme in Malta is properly authorized?

Check the provider's Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) licence and the separate accreditation status of the programme. The Malta Qualifications Database lists information such as licence status, MQF level, ECTS, duration, study mode and teaching location; a provider licence does not automatically prove programme accreditation.

What admission requirements apply to undergraduate study in Malta?

Requirements depend on the institution and programme. The University of Malta generally expects a Matriculation Certificate and SEC Level 3 results or Grade 5 or better in English, Maltese and Mathematics, together with any programme-specific subjects; Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology and the Institute of Tourism Studies apply their own criteria.

What application deadlines and fees applied to University of Malta study in 2026?

For regular 2026 applications, the University of Malta deadline was 22 July 2026 at 14:00, with late applications potentially accepted until 15 September 2026 at 14:00. Applicants needing a visa for October 2026 generally had to apply by 1 July 2026 at 14:00; application fees ranged from EUR 35 to EUR 75 for local applicants and from EUR 100 to EUR 200 for overseas applicants, and fees were not automatically refundable.

Which funding options can support full-time higher education in Malta?

Students' Maintenance Grants can include one-time and yearly grants, stipends, top-ups, supplementary support and single-parent grants under the applicable rules. Eligibility can depend on admission to full-time higher education, study progress, at least five years of residence and completed compulsory education; other options include MQF level 5 to 7 material grants, TESS for MQF levels 7 and 8, institutional scholarships, research studentships, possible Get Qualified tax benefits and Erasmus+ funding.

How are higher-education studies organized and assessed in Malta?

Programmes use study units with lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork and self-study, followed by formative or summative assessment such as examinations, theses or dissertations. Full-time University of Malta programmes generally use two semesters with 14 teaching weeks, recess periods and examination periods, while part-time study usually takes about twice as long; progression and resit rules depend on the provider.

Study in Malta

Higher education in Malta includes regulated tertiary programmes that usually lead to qualifications at Malta Qualifications Framework levels 5 to 8. Students can choose academic, applied, professional, taught or research programmes at public, private or foreign institutions. Programme length, admission requirements, tuition fees and study modes depend on the institution and programme.

Tip

Choose the institution and programme by the qualification you need, the subject's academic or practical focus, the study mode and the programme's verified status. Compare the full cost and time commitment with possible funding, and treat admission requirements and deadlines as fixed planning points. Keep written evidence of accreditation, fees, workload and progression rules before applying.

byGiulia&Ben

Malta's higher-education system includes certificates, diplomas, higher diplomas, bachelor's degrees, postgraduate qualifications, master's degrees and doctorates. The Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) help describe qualification levels, workload and comparability. One academic year normally represents 60 ECTS. A certificate at MQF level 5 commonly carries 30 to 32 ECTS and takes about one semester; a diploma commonly carries 60 ECTS over two semesters; and a higher diploma commonly carries 90 or 120 ECTS over three or four semesters. A bachelor's degree at level 6 commonly requires 180 or 240 ECTS over six to eight semesters. At level 7, postgraduate certificates commonly carry 30 ECTS, postgraduate diplomas 60 ECTS, and master's degrees 90 or 120 ECTS over three or four semesters. A level 8 PhD usually takes about three years, while a professional doctorate commonly carries 180 ECTS over about three years. Medicine and Dental Surgery follow special structures.