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Malta Study Guide 2026

Masters & MBA in Malta 2026 — Long-Stay Visa & English-Medium EU Degree

Masters & MBA in Malta 2026: this guide compiles current tuition fees, top universities, student visa requirements, scholarships and post-study work rights for international students applying for Malta's next intake. Updated for 2026 with the latest visa rules and tuition figures.

Last updated: July 2026 · Reading time: 6 minutes · Verified by: Passport 2 Degree counselors

Quick Facts — Study in Malta 2026

CapitalValletta
CurrencyEuro (€ / EUR)
Tuition (Postgraduate)€7,000 – €15,000/year
Living Cost€700 – €1,000/month
Popular IntakeOct / Feb
Primary VisaNational Long-Stay (D) Visa
English
Official Language
€7K–€15K
Tuition Per Year
Schengen
EU Member State
Est. 1592
University of Malta

Why Choose Malta for Masters or MBA?

Fully English-Speaking EU State

English is an official language — all teaching, admin and daily life run in English, unique in southern Europe.

A 430-Year-Old University

The University of Malta (est. 1592) is the island's internationally recognised flagship with 11,000+ students.

iGaming & Finance Job Market

Malta hosts Europe's iGaming capital plus strong fintech and maritime sectors — industries that actively hire international graduates.

Safe, Compact, Mediterranean

300 days of sunshine, low crime and Schengen access — a soft landing for first-time international students.

Top Universities in Malta for International Students

These institutions consistently rank in QS, Times Higher Education and ARWU global tables and actively admit international Masters and MBA students.

University of Malta Msida campus — top university in Malta
University of Malta — founded 1592, the island's flagship institution
  • University of Malta
    Est. 1592

    The national university — Business, ICT, Engineering, Law and Medicine.

  • MCAST
    Applied Sciences

    Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology — vocational Master's and applied degrees.

  • American University of Malta
    US-Style (Private)

    American-model degrees in Business and Engineering at Cospicua campus.

  • GBSB Global Business School Malta
    Digital Business

    English-taught MBA and MSc in Digital Business and Innovation.

  • London School of Commerce Malta
    UK-Linked (Private)

    UK-affiliated MBA and business Master's at Malta prices.

  • Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
    Hospitality Specialist

    Tourism and hospitality degrees with paid industry placements.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in Malta (2026)

CategoryIndicative RangeNotes
University of Malta Master's€8,000 – €13,600/yearNon-EU rate, program-dependent
MCAST / Applied Master's€6,000 – €10,000/yearVocational and applied tracks
MBA (UM / GBSB / LSC)€10,000 – €20,000 (full program)English-taught, 12–18 months
Tourism & Hospitality (ITS)€7,000 – €12,000/yearIncludes industry placement
Cost of Living€700 – €1,000/monthShared flats €400–€600; buses cheap with student card
Health Insurance€150 – €300/yearRequired for the visa

Most Popular Courses for International Students in Malta

The highest-demand Master's and MBA programs at top Malta universities, ranked by international enrolment volume.

  • iGaming & Digital Business
  • Tourism & Hospitality
  • Finance & Banking
  • ICT & Software
  • Maritime Studies
  • Business Administration
  • English Studies
  • Public Health
  • Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Law
  • Data Analytics

Step-by-Step Application Process for Malta

The standard timeline runs 9–14 months from shortlisting to landing in Malta. Start at least one intake cycle ahead of your target start date.

Maltese coastline — student lifestyle in Malta
Maltese coastline — student lifestyle in Malta
  1. Shortlist universitiesResearch English-medium Master's and MBA programs at top Malta institutions and identify 4–6 target universities by fit and ranking.
  2. Take English language testIELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT as required. Many universities accept PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test.
  3. Prepare and submit applicationSubmit transcripts, CV, Statement of Purpose, recommendation letters, and any GRE/GMAT scores required.
  4. Receive admission letter and pay depositUniversities issue an admission/offer letter after evaluation. Pay the tuition deposit to confirm your seat.
  5. Apply for the student visaFile the Malta student visa application with the embassy/consulate; bring admission letter, financial proof, accommodation proof, health insurance and passport.
  6. Travel and register on arrivalWithin the first weeks of arrival, register your address with local authorities and apply for a residence permit if required.

Student Visa Requirements for Malta

Maltese passport and Long-Stay Visa for Masters in Malta
Maltese passport and Long-Stay Visa for Masters in Malta

Non-EU students need Malta's national long-stay (D) visa: admission letter, proof of funds (about €9,600/year — 75% of minimum wage rule), accommodation proof, health insurance (€30,000+ coverage), return-ticket ability and passport, filed via Identità/VFS. On arrival you receive a residence permit tied to your course; renew annually with proof of academic progress.

Top Scholarships for International Students in Malta

Government and university scholarships open to international applicants — most are merit-based and require a separate application alongside admission.

  • Endeavour II Scholarships Scheme (Malta/EU funds)
  • University of Malta Merit Awards
  • Erasmus+ Mobility
  • Commonwealth-linked bursaries (selected programs)

Post-Study Work and PR Pathway from Malta

International students in Malta may work up to 20 hours/week after the first 90 days of their stay. After graduating, Malta allows a 6-month stay to seek employment; iGaming, financial services, maritime and tourism companies sponsor work permits (single permit system) for graduates, and English-speaking workplaces make the transition easy.

FAQs — Study in Malta for International Students

What language do I need to study in Malta?
Everything runs in English — IELTS 6.0+/TOEFL is the entry requirement, and no other language is ever needed on or off campus.
How much does a Master's in Malta cost?
Master's tuition runs €7,000–€15,000/year and living costs €700–€1,000/month — mid-range for the EU, offset by easy part-time work in an English-speaking economy.
Can I work while studying in Malta?
Yes — up to 20 hours/week once you've been in Malta 90 days.
What is the post-study work option in Malta?
Malta grants a 6-month post-study stay to find a job; iGaming and finance employers then sponsor the single work permit.
Is Malta good for Indian students?
Malta suits Indian students who want an English-speaking EU base — no language barrier, Schengen mobility and a job market built around English.
How do I apply to universities in Malta?
Apply directly to the University of Malta or private institutions (rolling, aim 4–6 months before the October intake to leave visa time).

Ready to Apply for Malta?

Our Passport 2 Degree counselors have personally studied abroad and have placed students into top universities in Malta since 2020. Book a free 30-minute call to start your application.

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