Is Malta a good place to study? 9 reasons international students choose Malta

Why Malta is a good place to study — and who it's best suited for

Thousands of international students choose Malta every year. Most come for a combination of reasons: the English-language environment, affordable costs relative to Western Europe, EU-recognised degrees, and the appeal of a warm Mediterranean island. But is Malta right for you? Here's an honest breakdown.

1. English is an official language

Malta is one of only two EU member states where English is an official language (the other is Ireland). All university programmes, professional diplomas, and English language courses are delivered in English. For students from non-English-speaking countries, this removes the language barrier that makes studying in France, Germany, or Spain significantly harder.

2. Degrees are EU-recognised

All accredited programmes in Malta are certified on the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF), which aligns directly with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Your degree is recognised across all 27 EU member states for employment, further study, and professional licensing — the same weight as a degree from any other EU country.

3. Tuition fees are significantly lower than the UK or Ireland

A bachelor degree in Malta starts from around €7,500 per year. A comparable programme in the UK costs £9,250–£15,000 per year for EU/international students (post-Brexit). Ireland charges €10,000–€25,000. Malta delivers EU-quality, English-medium education at a fraction of the cost.

4. Cost of living is manageable

Most students budget €700–€1,100 per month for rent, food, transport, and personal expenses. Shared accommodation in areas like Birkirkara or Mosta runs €350–€420 per person. Bus is free for students enrolled at accredited institutions — a Tallinja card is issued on registration. Malta is more expensive than Eastern Europe but comfortably cheaper than Dublin, Amsterdam, or London.

5. You can work while studying

International students on a valid student visa and residence permit can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during holidays. EU students have unrestricted work rights. Outreach Recruitment Agency Malta actively connects students with part-time placements in hospitality, customer support, healthcare, and retail.

6. The island is safe and easy to navigate

Malta consistently ranks among the safest countries in Europe. The island is small — you can cross it in 40 minutes by car — and well-connected by bus. Students from countries with higher crime rates typically notice the difference immediately. The compact geography means you're never far from campus, the beach, or the city centre.

7. Mediterranean climate

Malta has over 300 days of sunshine per year and average winter temperatures of 15–18°C. If you're coming from Northern or Eastern Europe, the climate difference is significant. The sea is warm enough to swim from May through November. Students consistently mention quality of life as one of their top reasons for choosing Malta.

8. A genuinely international student community

Malta's student population is highly international — students from over 100 nationalities study here. The island's English-language environment and open culture make it unusually easy to build a diverse social network, which matters both personally and professionally.

9. Real career support

Outreach Recruitment Agency Malta doesn't just help you enrol — we actively connect students with part-time work during their studies and graduate placements in Malta and across Europe after completion. Our network includes employers in healthcare, finance, IT, hospitality, and logistics.

Who Malta is best suited for

Malta is an excellent choice for students who want an EU degree in English without the cost of the UK or Ireland, or who want to study and work simultaneously. It works especially well for students from Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Colombia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East — non-EU nationals who want EU entry points, EU degree recognition, and English-medium instruction. You can browse available programmes to see exactly what's on offer at each qualification level.

Who Malta might not be the right fit for

Malta is a small island with a compact higher-education sector. If you specifically need a large-campus university experience, a narrow specialist programme that only a handful of institutions worldwide offer, or a research-intensive PhD environment, Malta's smaller institutions may not be the best match. Its affordability and lifestyle come with a smaller student population and fewer campus facilities than you'd find at a large UK or German university — a trade-off worth being honest with yourself about before you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malta a good place to study for international students?

For most international students, yes. Malta offers English-medium, EU-recognised degrees at a lower cost than the UK or Ireland, the right to work part-time while studying, and a safe, compact island that's easy to navigate. It suits students prioritising affordability and EU access over large-campus facilities. You can apply now or browse the programmes on our Study in Malta page first.

How much does it cost to study in Malta compared to the UK or Ireland?

A Bachelor's degree in Malta starts from around €7,500 per year. A comparable UK programme costs £9,250–£15,000 per year for EU/international students, and Ireland charges €10,000–€25,000. Malta delivers EU-quality, English-medium education at a fraction of the cost.

Can I work while studying in Malta?

Yes. International students with a valid student visa and residence permit can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during official academic holidays. EU students have unrestricted work rights.

Is Malta safe for international students?

Malta consistently ranks among the safest countries in Europe. The island is small — under 40 minutes to cross by car — and well-connected by bus, so students are rarely far from campus, accommodation, or the city centre.

Do I need to speak Maltese to study in Malta?

No. English is an official language of Malta, and all accredited university programmes, professional diplomas, and English language courses are taught in English. Maltese is not required for study or daily life as a student.

What are the downsides of studying in Malta?

Malta's higher-education institutions are smaller than major UK or German universities, so it may not suit students who need large-campus facilities or highly specialised, research-intensive programmes. It's a genuine trade-off for the lower cost, English-medium teaching, and lifestyle Malta offers.