Study in Malta for Indian Students

Why Study in Malta?

• English-speaking EU country: English is an official language of Malta, and most university programmes are taught in English.
• Focused sectors: Malta's economy includes financial services, iGaming, information technology, tourism and maritime industries, which shape many postgraduate programmes.
• Part-time work: Non-EU students can usually work up to 20 hours a week after their first 90 days, with an employment licence through Jobsplus.
• Post-study job search: Graduates can apply once for a residence permit of up to nine months to look for work in Malta.
• Mediterranean lifestyle: A warm climate, compact size and good connections to the rest of Europe make Malta an easy place to live and travel from.

Masters in Malta for Indian Students

Master's programmes in Malta usually last one to two years full-time, depending on the course. Some are taught and research-based, and many University of Malta courses run over three or four semesters with a dissertation. Some programmes are offered in the evening for working professionals, so check the timetable and full-time status when you apply.

The University of Malta assesses your bachelor's degree against the course's entry requirements, which differ by faculty. MCAST and licensed private institutions also offer Master's-level programmes, often with an applied or industry focus.

The GRE is not usually required. For postgraduate study, the University of Malta asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (with at least 6.0 in each component) or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT.

• Typical duration: 1 to 2 years, depending on the course
• Main intake: October; a few courses start in February
• English tests: IELTS Academic (UM: 6.5 overall), TOEFL iBT
• GRE / GMAT: Not usually required
• Student visa: Long-stay D visa, then e-Residence permit
• Work after study: One-time permit of up to 9 months to seek work

Popular Master's programmes in Malta

• MSc Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Computer Science
• MSc Information Systems
• Data Science and Business Analytics
• International MBA
• Banking and Finance
• International Hospitality Management
• Maritime and Logistics programmes
• MSc Digital Games
• International Relations and European Studies

Best Universities in Malta for International Students

Malta has one public university and a small number of public and licensed private institutions. These are the main options for Master's study.

Private higher-education institutions in Malta must be licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) — check an institution's licence and a programme's accreditation before you apply.

• University of Malta (UM) (Msida): ICT and artificial intelligence, business, law, sciences, digital games
• Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST) (Paola): Applied engineering, IT, business, maritime
• Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) (Luqa): Tourism, hospitality and culinary management

Popular Courses to Study in Malta

• IT, AI & Computer Science: Programmes in artificial intelligence, computer science and information systems at the University of Malta.
• Business, Finance & MBA: Programmes linked to Malta's financial-services and business sectors.
• Tourism & Hospitality: Postgraduate study connected to one of Malta's largest industries.
• Maritime & Logistics: Courses related to shipping, ports and logistics in the Mediterranean.
• Digital Games & Creative Technologies: Specialist programmes in games design and digital media.
• International Relations & European Studies: Programmes on EU affairs, diplomacy and the Mediterranean.

Cost of Studying in Malta

Costs depend on the institution and course. Figures below are approximate for non-EU students.

The University of Malta notes that the minimum visa and permit funds are not enough to cover real living costs, so budget above them.

Tuition fees in Malta

• University of Malta — taught Master's: approx. €10,000+ for the full course (e.g. MSc Artificial Intelligence: €13,400 total for non-EU students)
• MCAST and private institutions: fees vary widely by programme — check each institution's current fee schedule

Living expenses in Malta

• Funds required for the e-Residence permit: at least €950 for each month of stay, excluding tuition
• Accommodation: approx. €550 per month recommended by UM, excluding utility bills
• Food and personal expenses: approx. €450 per month for food and €300 for other essentials (UM guidance)
• Health insurance and permit fee: comprehensive health insurance required; €50 e-Residence permit fee

Eligibility to Study in Malta

Entry requirements are set by each institution and course. Indian applicants for a Master's in Malta usually need:

• Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree in a relevant subject that meets the course's entry requirements.
• Grades: Minimum classifications vary by faculty and course; some courses have additional subject requirements.
• English proficiency: University of Malta postgraduate courses ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component) or an accepted equivalent.
• Statement or interview: Some courses request a personal statement or hold an interview.
• Work experience: Usually expected for MBA and executive programmes.

Documents usually required

• Passport
• Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts
• English test score report
• CV and personal statement (where requested)
• Letter of acceptance and proof of fee payment
• Bank statements showing sufficient funds
• Comprehensive health insurance

Intakes in Malta

Most Master's programmes in Malta start in October:

Apply several months ahead: the long-stay visa can take six to eight weeks, and you need your acceptance letter and fee payment first.

• October intake (main): classes start October; apply UM deadline for non-EU applicants who need a visa: 1 July (2026 cycle)
• February intake: classes start February; apply Limited courses — check each institution's deadlines

Scholarships in Malta for Indian Students

Scholarships for Indian students in Malta are limited — Government of Malta scholarships are aimed at local students. Options to explore include:

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's: EU-funded joint programmes open to Indian applicants; check the catalogue for programmes that include a Maltese partner.
• University of Malta research-funded places: Research entities at UM occasionally publish funded postgraduate and doctoral positions as part of research projects.
• Indian government and state overseas scholarships: Schemes such as the National Overseas Scholarship support eligible categories of students; check whether your chosen university and course qualify.

How to Apply to Universities in Malta

• 1. Choose your course: Compare Master's programmes, duration and timetable (day or evening).
• 2. Shortlist institutions: Check that the institution is licensed and the programme accredited.
• 3. Check eligibility: Confirm the degree, grade and subject requirements.
• 4. Take an English test: Book IELTS or an accepted alternative early.
• 5. Prepare documents: Transcripts, CV, statement and passport copies.
• 6. Apply online: Submit before the non-EU visa deadline (1 July for UM's October 2026 intake).
• 7. Accept your offer: Pay the required fees to receive your acceptance letter.
• 8. Arrange funds and insurance: Keep three months of bank history and buy comprehensive health insurance.
• 9. Apply for the D visa: Book an appointment and submit your application through VFS Global in India.
• 10. Arrive and apply for your e-Residence permit: Enrol, then apply online to Identità and complete biometrics in Malta.

Malta Student Visa for Indian Students

Indian students on courses longer than three months need a long-stay national (D) visa. Applications are lodged in person at VFS Global centres in India and decided by the Central Visa Unit of Identità in Malta; processing typically takes six to eight weeks.

For the visa you show a bank statement with at least three months of transactions and a balance of at least 75% of Malta's national minimum wage for each month of study, or €18 per day (€26 per day if accommodation is not yet paid), excluding tuition.

After arriving and enrolling, you apply for an e-Residence permit through Identità, showing at least €950 for each month of your stay (excluding tuition) and comprehensive health insurance. The application fee is €50.

Maltese immigration and work rules change regularly. Check identita.gov.mt and your university's international office before applying.

Visa document checklist

• Valid passport
• Letter of acceptance from a Maltese institution
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Bank statements with three months of transactions
• International debit or credit card linked to that account
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Accommodation details

Working while studying in Malta

Non-EU students can usually work up to 20 hours a week after their first 90 days in Malta. Your employer must obtain an employment licence for you through Jobsplus before you start.

Working after your studies

After completing your studies, you can apply once for a non-renewable residence permit of up to nine months to look for work. You must apply before your student permit expires, and you need a work permit once you find a job.

Living in Malta as an Indian Student

• Accommodation: Most students rent shared flats; rents are highest around Msida, Sliema and St Julian's.
• Food: Supermarkets and Indian grocery shops are available, and there are Indian restaurants in the main towns.
• Transport: Buses cover the whole island, and ferries link Malta with Gozo.
• Indian community: Malta has a growing Indian community, and Indian cultural and student groups are active on the island.
• Student support: The University of Malta's International Office helps with visas, residence permits and orientation.

Malta vs Ireland for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering English-language study in a compact island setting in Malta alongside one-year taught programmes in technology, business and life sciences in Ireland. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For Malta, start with English-language study in a compact island setting; for Ireland, compare one-year taught programmes in technology, business and life sciences. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): University of Malta — taught Master's: approx. €10,000+ for the full course (e.g. MSc Artificial Intelligence: €13,400 total for non-EU students); MCAST and private institutions: fees vary widely by programme — check each institution's current fee schedule

Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €550 per month recommended by UM, excluding utility bills; Food and personal expenses: approx. €450 per month for food and €300 for other essentials (UM guidance); Health insurance and permit fee: comprehensive health insurance required; €50 e-Residence permit fee

Typical Master's duration: 1 to 2 years, depending on the course

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic (UM: 6.5 overall), TOEFL iBT English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's; University of Malta research-funded places Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Academic admission: Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree in a relevant subject that meets the course's entry requirements.; Grades: Minimum classifications vary by faculty and course; some courses have additional subject requirements.

Intakes and planning: October intake (main): starts October; apply UM deadline for non-EU applicants who need a visa: 1 July (2026 cycle); February intake: starts February; apply Limited courses — check each institution's deadlines

Student visa: Malta Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; Letter of acceptance from a Maltese institution

Post-study graduate route: After completing your studies, you can apply once for a non-renewable residence permit of up to nine months to look for work. You must apply before your student permit expires, and you need a work permit once you find a job.

Ireland — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Master's (taught) — most subjects: approx. €12,000 – 30,000 for the one-year course; MBA: approx. €20,000 – 40,000+

Ireland — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €600 – 1,200+ per month (highest in Dublin); Food, transport and personal: approx. €300 – 500 per month; Medical insurance and IRP registration: private medical insurance required; IRP registration fee on arrival

Ireland — Typical Master's duration: 12 months for a taught Master's

Ireland — English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Ireland — Funding routes (not guaranteed): Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES); University merit scholarships Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Ireland — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree, usually equivalent to an Irish 2.1 or 2.2 honours degree.; Grades: Universities publish minimum percentages or CGPAs for Indian degrees.

Ireland — Intakes and planning: September intake: starts September; apply Many programmes open in autumn of the previous year and close in spring or summer; January intake: starts January / February; apply Limited programmes

Ireland — Student visa: Ireland Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; Letter of acceptance from an Irish institution

Ireland — Post-study graduate route: Under the Third Level Graduate Programme, Master's (NFQ Level 9) graduates can apply for Stamp 1G for up to 24 months to work or look for work in Ireland.

Last verified 21 September 2026. Tuition is not the total cost of study; visa proof-of-funds is not necessarily the same as actual living expenses. Scholarship names are competitive funding routes to investigate, not guaranteed awards. Confirm fees, admissions, visa rules and graduate permissions with the university and the relevant authority before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Malta

Is Malta good for Indian students?

Malta suits students who want an English-speaking EU country with programmes in IT, business, finance and tourism. Non-EU students can work part-time and apply for a nine-month post-study job-search permit.

How much does it cost to study in Malta?

University of Malta Master's tuition for non-EU students often exceeds €10,000 for the full course — for example, €13,400 for the MSc in Artificial Intelligence. For the residence permit you must show at least €950 for each month of stay.

What are the fees for a Master's in Malta?

Fees vary by course and institution. Check the fees tab on each University of Malta course page, or the fee schedules published by MCAST and private institutions.

What is the eligibility for a Master's in Malta?

A relevant bachelor's degree meeting the course's entry requirements and English proficiency — the University of Malta asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall for postgraduate study.

What are the intakes in Malta?

The main intake is October. At the University of Malta, non-EU applicants who need a visa had to apply by 1 July 2026 for October 2026. A few courses start in February.

Can I work while studying in Malta?

Yes. Non-EU students can usually work up to 20 hours a week after their first 90 days, once the employer has obtained an employment licence through Jobsplus.

Can I stay in Malta after my Master's?

Yes. Graduates can apply once for a non-renewable residence permit of up to nine months to look for work, before their student permit expires.

How much bank balance is needed for a Malta student visa?

For the D visa, at least 75% of the national minimum wage for each month of study (or €18–26 per day). For the e-Residence permit, at least €950 for each month of stay, excluding tuition.

Where do Indian students apply for the Malta student visa?

Long-stay (D) study visa applications are submitted in person at VFS Global centres in India and decided by Identità's Central Visa Unit in Malta.

Are scholarships available for Indian students in Malta?

Options are limited. Government of Malta scholarships are for local students, but you can explore Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's, research-funded places and Indian overseas scholarship schemes.