Study in Malta from Pakistan can open doors to high-quality European education in a friendly, English-speaking environment. For Pakistani students, Malta offers internationally recognized universities and a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle. English is an official language there, so you won’t face a language barrier, and tuition fees are relatively low (often around €2,000–€9,000 per year). In this guide, we cover everything a Pakistani student needs: top universities, costs, visa steps, scholarships, and practical tips for a smooth application process.
Why Choose Malta for Pakistani Students
Malta is a small EU country known for its sunny climate and safe campuses. Its universities consistently offer high-quality programs in English. For example, the University of Malta and other institutions teach most courses in English, so Pakistani students can focus on learning without needing a new language. The cost of living is also affordable. Monthly living expenses are roughly €650–€1,150, with rent around €300–600 and groceries €200–300 per month. Tuition fees are similarly budget-friendly; many undergraduate and graduate degrees range from about €2,000 up to €6,000 per year. Even professional degrees remain reasonable – for instance, a medical degree can cost up to €13,000/year and an MBA up to €20,000/year.
These factors – English instruction, low fees, and affordable living – make Malta ideal for Pakistani students. On top of academics, Malta’s strategic Mediterranean location means easy travel to Europe, and its rich history offers a great cultural experience. With over 300 sunny days a year and modern campuses, Malta can feel both familiar and exciting to young students.
Top Universities for Pakistani Students
Malta has a mix of public and private colleges that welcome international students. Key institutions include:
- University of Malta: The largest public university (est. 1769), offering programs in engineering, medicine, social sciences and more. Admission usually requires strong academics (around 6.0 IELTS or equivalent). Tuition for international students is modest, and the acceptance rate is about 50%.
- American University of Malta (AUM): An American-style private university near Valletta, known for IT, Business, and Engineering programs. Courses are taught in English with practical, career-oriented curricula. AUM typically requires IELTS 6.0 and charges higher fees (around €5,000/year).
- Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST): A large vocational institution offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in technology, arts and business. MCAST provides hands-on training and is popular for engineering and computing fields.
- Other Institutes: Malta also has specialized schools like the Institute of Tourism Studies, Saint Martin’s (information technology), and the Queen Mary University London campus in Malta for niche fields.
Each university has its own application deadlines. The main intake is October (apply by July–August) and a smaller intake in February (apply by Dec–Jan). Plan ahead to meet these deadlines. Some programs may not require IELTS if you have a degree taught in English; instead they might accept TOEFL, PTE or internal English exams.
Tuition Fees and Living Costs
Malta is known for being budget-friendly. Tuition fees depend on the program: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees typically run €2,000–6,000 per year for many fields, while top programs (medicine, business) can cost more (up to €13,000–20,000 as noted above). Doctoral programs are even cheaper (around €5,000/year).
Student life costs in Malta are also manageable. A typical budget might include: rent (€300–600), groceries (€200–300), transport (€50–100), and utilities (€50–75) per month. Overall, most students spend about €650–1,150 per month on living expenses. Compared to many Western countries, Malta offers a very affordable cost of living and tuition.
For the visa, Pakistani applicants must also prove funds. It’s recommended to show around €5,000–7,000 in savings to cover initial tuition and living costs. Many students provide a bank statement of about €10,000 to be safe. Planning your budget early will make the visa process smoother.
Visa Process and Eligibility
Pakistani students need a Malta Study Visa to enroll. Longer programs (over 90 days) require the Long-Stay Type-D visa, while short courses (up to 90 days) use the Type-C Schengen visa. The basic steps are: obtain admission, gather documents, apply at the Malta embassy, and wait (the visa usually takes 6–8 weeks to process).
Required documents include: a valid passport (plus recent photos); a completed visa application form; and your Acceptance Letter from a recognized Maltese university. You’ll also need proof of finances, such as bank statements showing sufficient savings. Other typical requirements are travel insurance, accommodation details (rental agreement or dorm reservation), and a cover letter explaining your study plan and intent to return home. If you receive a scholarship or sponsorship, include the official award letter to show how your expenses are covered.
Eligibility criteria generally require a good academic record and a clean criminal history. Many Maltese programs expect the equivalent of a 60–65%+ score (around a 2.5 GPA) from your previous education. Note that Malta is quite flexible about past study gaps – as long as your academics are strong, having taken a break is usually fine.
Visa fees currently range from about €100–120 for a Type-D student visa (and €60–80 for a short-stay Schengen visa). Apply 3–4 months before your course starts to allow enough time for processing. If an interview is required, be prepared to discuss your study plans and post-graduation goals.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are several funding options for Pakistani students in Malta. Key scholarships include:
- Malta Government Scholarships: Merit-based awards that can cover tuition fees, living costs and accommodation for outstanding international students.
- University of Malta Scholarships: The University of Malta offers merit scholarships for Master’s/PhD students, including assistance with living expenses.
- MCAST Scholarships: The Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology provides both merit- and need-based scholarships for full-time students, often covering most or all tuition (some include a stipend).
- Commonwealth Scholarships: These UK-funded scholarships support postgraduate study in Malta for citizens of Commonwealth countries (including Pakistan). They typically pay full tuition, round-trip airfare and a living stipend.
Aside from these, Pakistani students can look into Erasmus+ exchanges (for short study programs) or contact individual universities about any available grants. As a rule, scholarship deadlines may be earlier than admissions deadlines, so start researching them as soon as you get your admission offer.
Working Part-Time in Malta
Pakistani students in Malta are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week during semesters. To do so, you’ll need a Maltese work permit (your employer usually applies on your behalf). These permits generally take effect after you’ve been in Malta for a few months and last for the duration of your contract. The application fee for a student work permit is about PKR 69,551 (paid in Pakistan). Part-time earnings (around €6–8 per hour) can help cover personal expenses or food. This allowance means you can both study and gain some local experience at the same time.
Application Timeline and Tips
Plan Early: Start planning at least a year before your intended start date. Research courses and gather transcripts, English test scores, and other documents well in advance. Remember the two intakes: the main intake begins in October (apply by July–August) and a secondary one in February (apply by Dec–Jan). Meeting deadlines is crucial.
Check English Requirements: Many schools accept alternative English proofs; if you studied in English, you might not need IELTS. Instead you may submit TOEFL, PTE or a letter from your previous school confirming English instruction.
Maintain Grades: Aim for strong academic performance. Maltese universities look for solid grades (often a 60–70% equivalent, ~2.5 GPA). A clear criminal record and health certificate are also required for visa approval.
Financial Readiness: Open a Pakistani bank account or plan how to show the required funds (~€10,000). Shop around for accommodation early – student housing or shared flats in cities like Valletta, Msida or Sliema usually cost €300–600 monthly.
Document Checklist: When you apply for admission, be ready with certified copies of your transcripts, degree certificates, passport, photographs, and any language test results. After admission, assemble your visa documents as listed above.
By staying organized and seeking help when needed (many educational consultants specialize in Malta), you can navigate the process smoothly.
Conclusion: Your Malta Journey Awaits
Study in Malta from Pakistan can be an exciting and affordable way to earn an internationally-recognized degree. With English-language programs, reasonable fees, generous scholarships, and a warm student community, Malta offers a strong support system for Pakistani learners. By preparing early choosing the right university, securing finances, and applying for your visa on time you can turn your study-abroad dreams into reality. Start your Malta education journey today, and unlock a future full of academic growth and cultural adventure.
