Are you dreaming of pursuing higher education in Europe without the overwhelming costs?
Studying in Malta is rapidly becoming one of the most popular choices for international students seeking a world-class education, an English-speaking environment, and a gateway to the European job market.
Positioned in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta offers a unique blend of high academic standards, rich cultural heritage, and incredible career prospects. Whether you are looking for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or specialized diploma, this guide covers everything you need to know about studying abroad in Malta.
Choosing the right study destination is a major decision. Here is why thousands of international students are choosing Malta over traditional destinations:
100% English-Speaking Environment: Unlike many other European countries, English is an official national language in Malta. All university programs, daily communications, and corporate operations are conducted in English, completely eliminating the language barrier.
High-Quality, Affordable Education (High ROI): Malta offers an internationally recognized, British-standard education system at a fraction of the cost. Compared to the UK, USA, or Australia, tuition fees and living expenses are highly budget-friendly, ensuring a high Return on Investment (ROI).
Gateway to the Schengen Area: As a full member of the European Union and the Schengen Zone, a Malta Student Visa allows you to travel freely across 26 European countries. This is perfect for academic trips, internships, and exploring Europe.
Booming Economy & Safe Lifestyle: Malta consistently ranks as one of the safest countries globally. It also boasts a thriving economy with massive skill shortages in IT, Artificial Intelligence, iGaming, Healthcare, and Tourism, providing excellent prospects for graduates.
Study at globally recognized universities known for academic excellence and innovation. From QS Rank 741-750 World Rank Universities!
Choose from a wide range of industry-focused programs designed for global careers. STEM, Industry ready subjects!
Experience a vibrant blend of tradition, technology, and international community.
Enjoy a high-quality lifestyle at a cost that is manageable for students.
Malta is home to highly accredited public and private institutions offering degrees aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
University of Malta (UM): The premier public institution in the country, boasting over 400 years of history. UM is globally recognized for intensive research and offers exceptional programs in Engineering, ICT, Medicine, and Business.
American University of Malta (AUM): A top-tier private university offering a rigorous, US-style curriculum. It is ideal for students seeking degrees in Business Administration, Game Development, and Accounting.
MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology): The leading vocational education and training institution. MCAST focuses on practical, industry-ready skills with programs in Applied Sciences, Creative Arts, and Engineering.
Global College Malta (GCM): Renowned for its close industry ties, GCM is an excellent choice for specialized Master’s degrees, MBA programs, and corporate leadership training.
Applying for a Malta Long-Stay (D) Visa requires strict attention to documentation. Applications must be submitted in person at the authorized VFS Global Visa Application Centre. Below is the essential checklist:
Official Acceptance Letter: An original, unconditional offer letter from a recognized Maltese educational institution stating course dates, fees, and contact hours.
Academic Transcripts & Certificates: All previous educational documents (SSC, HSC, Bachelor’s) must be officially apostilled. Students can apostille these documents via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Bangladesh. You can register using your phone number or email on the MOFA service portal and upload your certificates for processing.
Valid Passport: Must have a minimum of 10 months of validity from the VFS appointment date and contain at least three blank pages. Include clear scan copies of all passport pages.
Application Form & Photos: A completed Long-Stay Visa application form, a signed GDPR document, and two recent ICAO-standard passport-sized photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm) with a white background.
Proof of Financial Funds: You must provide original bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing a minimum balance of approximately €11,450 to cover your stay and tuition. If sponsored, include the sponsor’s bank statements, a notarized sponsorship letter, a full copy of the sponsor’s passport/ID, and their tax returns.
Medical & Travel Insurance: A valid health and travel insurance policy covering the entire Schengen region with a minimum coverage of €30,000 (covering medical emergencies, out-patient, in-patient, and repatriation).
Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed booking documents for a minimum of your first 14 to 28 nights. This can be an official hotel booking, a registered lease agreement, or a declaration of proof from the institution if they provide housing.
Flight Itinerary: A dummy flight ticket or proposed travel itinerary (e.g., via Dubai or Doha to Malta) indicating the prospective date of arrival.
Applying for a Malta National D-Visa (Long-Stay) involves a few stages. We highly recommend starting the process at least 3 months before your intake begins.
VFS Appointment Booking: Depending on the season, securing an appointment at the VFS Global center can take 1 to 3 weeks.
Embassy / Central Visa Unit (CVU) Processing: Once your application is submitted at VFS, the standard processing time by the Malta Central Visa Unit is typically 4 to 8 weeks (30 to 60 days).
Note: During peak intake seasons (September/October), processing can sometimes take up to 90 days. Applying early is your best strategy.
Malta boasts a highly encouraging visa success rate for international students, generally estimated between 75% to 85%. The Maltese government is actively welcoming international talent; however, they strictly vet applications to ensure student authenticity.
Your visa success rate jumps to near 100% if you meet the following criteria:
Flawless Documentation: All educational documents are properly legalized/apostilled by MOFA.
Solid Financial Proof: You can clearly demonstrate the required funds (€11,450+) in your or your sponsor’s bank account, supported by legitimate tax returns and a clear source of income.
Genuine Intent: Your chosen course aligns logically with your previous academic background and future career goals.
No Fraudulent Documents: Providing fake bank statements or forged certificates results in an immediate ban.
While Malta is already one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe, pursuing higher education can still be a significant financial commitment. Fortunately, there are several scholarship opportunities, fee waivers, and financial aid options available for outstanding Bangladeshi and international students.
Here are the top scholarship categories you can explore:
Commonwealth Scholarships: As Malta and Bangladesh are both members of the Commonwealth, Bangladeshi students are eligible to apply for prestigious Commonwealth Scholarships. These are typically fully funded awards aimed at Master’s and Ph.D. students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential.
Erasmus+ Scholarships: Malta actively participates in the European Union’s Erasmus+ program. Bangladeshi students applying for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) that includes the University of Malta as a partner institution can receive a fully funded scholarship covering tuition, travel, and a monthly living allowance.
Tertiary Education Scholarships Scheme (TESS): Funded by the Maltese government, this scheme supports postgraduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) pursuing studies in priority fields like STEM, IT, and Environmental Sciences.
Malta Arts Scholarships: For students pursuing creative fields, performing arts, visual arts, or design, the government offers specialized scholarships to help cover tuition and developmental costs.
Most Maltese universities offer internal, merit-based scholarships or early-bird fee discounts to attract top-tier international talent:
University of Malta (UM) Scholarships: The country’s premier institution offers excellent opportunities for postgraduate students. Outstanding non-EU/EEA applicants applying for a Master’s by Research or a Ph.D. can be awarded partial to full tuition fee waivers (ranging from 40% to 100%). These are highly competitive and are evaluated based on academic merit, research value, and financial need.
American University of Malta (AUM): AUM frequently offers internal scholarships for international students based on academic excellence and extracurricular achievements. These can significantly reduce the overall cost of their US-style degree programs.
Global College Malta (GCM): Known for its business and management degrees, GCM occasionally provides early-bird application discounts, merit-based scholarships, and flexible payment plans for international students.
Budgeting is a crucial part of planning your study abroad journey. Malta remains one of the most cost-effective destinations in the EU.
Bachelor’s Degrees (Undergraduate): €5,000 to €12,000 per year. (Public universities like UM tend to be on the lower end, while private institutes range higher).
Master’s Degrees (Postgraduate): €9,000 to €18,000 for the total program duration (typically 1 to 1.5 years).
International students should budget between €700 to €1,000 per month to live comfortably.
Accommodation: €300–€450/month for a shared apartment in popular student hubs (like Msida or Gżira). Studio apartments range from €600–€800/month.
Food and Groceries: €150–€250/month. Cooking at home significantly reduces costs.
Transportation: €0! By applying for the customized student Tallinja Card, public bus transportation across the island is completely free.
Utilities & Internet: €50–€80/month.
Gaining international work experience is a major priority for students, and Malta’s policies are highly accommodating.
Working While Studying: International students on a valid visa are legally permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week (starting after their first 90 days in the country). The hospitality, retail, and administrative sectors frequently hire international students.
Post-Study Work Visa: Graduates who complete a recognized higher education program (MQF Level 5 or above) are eligible to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa valid for up to 9 months. This grace period allows you to stay in Malta to search for full-time employment. Once hired, your employer can help transition your visa into a standard Single Work Permit.
Medicine, Healthcare & Life Sciences
Business, Management & MBA
IT, Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
Engineering & Architecture
Creative Arts, Media & Design
Academic Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate) Programs:
Educational Background: Successful completion of 12 years of formal education. For Bangladeshi students, this means passing your Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or A-Levels.
Minimum Grades:Â
Public Universities (e.g., UM): Generally require a strong academic background, typically a GPA of 3.5 to 4.0+ in HSC.
Private Universities/Colleges: Often more flexible, accepting students with a GPA of 2.5 to 3.0+ in HSC.
Foundation Programs: If your grades fall slightly below the direct entry requirement, or if you have a 11-year education background, many institutions offer a 6-to-12-month Foundation / Pathway program that leads directly into the Bachelor’s degree.
Â
Master’s Degree (Postgraduate) Programs:
Educational Background: A recognized Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 or 4 years of study) in a relevant field.
Minimum Grades: A CGPA of at least 2.5 to 3.0 out of 4.0 is standard. Highly competitive programs (like state-funded Engineering or Medicine) may require a higher CGPA.
Work Experience: While not mandatory for most Master’s programs, applicants for an Executive MBA usually need 1 to 3 years of provable, relevant managerial work experience.
Â
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Since English is the primary language of instruction in Malta, proving your language proficiency is mandatory.
Standard IELTS Requirements:
Â
Medium of Instruction (MOI) Exemption: Great news for international students! Many private institutions and specific programs in Malta will waive the IELTS requirement if you can provide an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate. This letter, issued by your previous school or university, must state that your entire curriculum was taught and examined in English.
Â
Supporting Documents for University Application
To apply for your Offer Letter, you will need to submit a digital application portal containing the following:
Â
To study in South Korea from Bangladesh, you need to choose a university, apply for admission, receive an offer letter, prepare financial documents, and apply for a student visa (D-2 or D-4).
Yes, Malta is an excellent, high-ROI destination offering affordable English-taught European degrees and strong post-study work opportunities, making it a highly attractive new option for students!
Yes, Bangladeshi students can study in Malta without IELTS by providing a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate proving their previous education was conducted entirely in English.
Studying in Malta provides affordable, 100% English-taught European degrees, full Schengen travel access, and a 9-month post-study work visa to launch your career.
Secure an admission letter from a Maltese university, apostille your academic documents through MOFA Bangladesh, and apply for your student visa via VFS Global.
StudyMax Global is more than just a consultancy firm; we are a partner in our students’ success.
Our commitment to providing personalized, expert guidance, combined with our global network and comprehensive support services, makes us the ideal choice for students aspiring to study abroad.
We are dedicated to helping students navigate the complexities of the application process and achieve their academic and professional goals on an international stage.
© 2024 - StudyMax Global | All Rights Reserved.
