Malta University List for International Students 2026

Malta has rapidly emerged as one of Europe's premier study-abroad destinations for international students. Offering accredited English-taught degrees, affordable tuition rates compared to the UK or Australia, and access to the Schengen Area, this Mediterranean island nation attracts thousands of foreign applicants every year.

Whether you are looking for a public research university, a specialized vocational college, or a business school, this detailed guide provides the complete malta university list for international students along with current tuition fees, entry requirements, and work permit rules.

Complete List of Universities and Higher Education Institutions in Malta

Higher education in Malta is regulated by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). Institutions fall under public universities, accredited private universities, and specialized international branch campuses.

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| Institution Name                         | Type        | Primary Location      | Estimated Annual Tuition (Non-EU) |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-----------------------+----------------------------------+
| University of Malta (UM)                 | Public      | Msida                 | €4,000 – €13,400                 |
| MCAST                                    | Public      | Paola                 | €1,800 – €9,000                  |
| Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)   | Private/UK  | Gozo                  | €22,000 – €30,000                |
| American University of Malta (AUM)       | Private     | Cospicua              | €4,700 – €8,900                  |
| Global College Malta (GCM)               | Private     | Kalkara               | €5,000 – €10,000                 |
| London School of Commerce (LSC) Malta    | Private/UK  | Floriana              | €4,500 – €7,500                  |
| St. Martin's Institute of IT             | Private     | Hamrun                | €4,000 – €8,500                  |
| Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)       | Public/Gov  | Luqa                  | €2,500 – €6,500                  |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-----------------------+----------------------------------+

In-Depth Overview of Top Maltese Universities

1. University of Malta (UM)

The University of Malta is the highest-ranked public research institution in the country, holding a history of over 400 years.

Best For: Medicine, Law, Engineering, Humanities, and Natural Sciences.
Key Highlight: EU/EEA students often study tuition-free, while non-EU students benefit from globally recognized qualification standards.
Tuition Fees: €4,000 to €13,400 per year (varies by faculty).

2. Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST)

MCAST is Malta’s leading public vocational and technical college, offering vocational certificates up to Master's degrees.

Best For: Information Technology, Applied Sciences, Engineering, Creative Arts, and Business.
Key Highlight: MCAST offers some of the most affordable tuition rates in Europe for non-EU international applicants.
Tuition Fees: €1,800 to €9,000 per year.

3. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) - Malta Campus

A prestigious branch campus of the Russell Group's Queen Mary University of London, located on the island of Gozo.

Best For: MBBS (Medicine).
Key Highlight: Students earn a UK-accredited medical degree while studying in the Mediterranean climate.
Tuition Fees: €22,000 to €30,000 per year.

4. American University of Malta (AUM)

Located in Cospicua, AUM provides an American-style liberal arts and degree curriculum.

Best For: Business Administration, Game Development, Software Engineering, and Maritime Management.
Tuition Fees: €4,700 to €8,900 per year.

Eligibility Requirements for International Students

To apply to a Maltese university, non-EU and international candidates must meet standard academic and linguistic criteria:

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's):
- Higher Secondary Certificate / High School Diploma (12 years of formal education).
- Minimum overall GPA equivalent to 55% - 60%.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each band) or TOEFL iBT equivalent.
Postgraduate Programs (Master's):
- Accredited Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
- Academic transcripts and two Letters of Recommendation (LOR).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) outlining academic and career motivation.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall.

Note: Some universities accept proof of prior education in English (Medium of Instruction certificate) in place of IELTS for specific regions.

Cost of Living and Student Visa Work Rights in Malta

Monthly Living Expenses

Malta offers a moderate cost of living compared to Western European study destinations:

Shared Apartment / Student Housing: €350 to €600 per month.
Food & Groceries: €150 to €250 per month.
Public Transportation: Free for registered students holding a valid Tallinja Card.
Total Estimated Cost: €700 to €1,100 per month.

Part-Time Work Rights

In-Study Work: Non-EU international students on a valid National Type D Student Visa can legally work up to 20 hours per week after their initial 90 days of residence.
Post-Study Work Visa: Non-EU graduates from Maltese institutions can apply for a 9-month post-study stay-back visa to seek employment within Malta and the broader Schengen area.