Malta is a Southern European island nation in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Sicily (Italy) and close to Tunisia and Libya. The small country is home to a population of roughly 440,000 people. Due to its history as a former British colony, 90% of the Island’s population speaks English. This has made Malta a study destination for international students from English speaking countries. There are things about this Mediterranean island that you may not know.
So today, we share with you, 25 things you did not know about studying in Malta. This post and videos below are brought to you by After School Africa. If you are new to this, you are welcome. Consider subscribing on all social media platforms – including Youtube – to continue exploring opportunities.
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Table of Contents
1. Most of the locals speak English
Most of the locals are bilingual, speaking perfect English as well as the local language. It is rare to find a Maltese person who isn’t happy to speak English with you. This is great if you are from an English speaking country.
2. There is constant sunshine
With around 300 days of sunshine per year, there’s little danger of rain spoiling your plans. Spend some time sunbathing on the many beaches, and make your friends and family jealous of your amazing tan when you return.
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3. International students make up almost 20% of the Island’s population
In 2018 there were 87,000 international students in Malta. That means almost 20% of the island’s 440,000 population are foreign students.
4. The locals are welcoming and warm
If you’re worried about a cold reception when studying abroad, this is an ideal place for you. The locals are laid-back and happy to help newcomers, especially compared to other English-speaking countries. The island is one of the safest places in the world for international students.
5. University of Malta is the highest ranked Maltese university globally
There are not many Maltese universities on the Times Higher Education global best rankings. The University of Malta is the highest ranked university in the country and sits in the 601-800 column.
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6. Courses are mostly taught in English
The majority of university courses in Malta are held in English. There are however, a limited number of Maltese language courses available.
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7. Malta offers free tuition for her citizens and citizens of other EU countries
Full-time undergraduate courses are free of charge to citizens of Malta and other EU countries. This is good news to international students from Europe. Fees are only charged when studying higher courses and for non-EU nationals.
8. Tuition fees are high in Malta
If you are from a non-EU country, you may find it costly studying in Malta. The state owned University of Malta is one of the cheapest universities for international students. Tuition fees here range from $1,010-$6,030. Tuition fees in other universities on the island can cost as much as $17,000.
9. Cost of living is relatively low
As an international student, your monthly living expenses can come around 500 Euro per month including food, transportation, and leisure activities. This is cheaper when compared to other countries in Western Europe.
10.Malta offers diversity
One of the best places to meet other international students, the Maltese islands are home to thousands of students from all over the world. As well as making a diverse group of friends, you can easily find people from your own country to make friends with and fend off homesickness.
11.Malta is the safest place in Europe
While the more tourist areas of Malta do attract pickpockets and scammers (just like most tourist destinations), Malta is largely crime-free and is known as being one of the safest destinations in all of Europe. You can be rest assured of your safety during your study.
12.Work-study options is limited
Just like most countries in Europe, Malta allows international students to work for a specific period of time. Non-EU international students are only allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week. This is only possible 13 weeks after your arrival in the country with your student visa.
13.Get health insurance for the duration of your stay
International students from Non-EU member states who are registered with a university are entitled to free treatment at Malta’s state hospitals and health centers. Such students are advised to take out a personal health insurance for the duration of their stay in Malta.
14.Italian students love Malta
Italians continue to be the largest proportion of Malta’s International students. In 2018, they made up 29.5% of the total students and with a 36% increase over 2017.
15.There are two admission intake periods in a year
Maltase universities have two main intakes; October & February. The October intake usually receives the highest number of applications. There are however, some universities that offer April, May, June intake as well depending on the admission spaces available.
16.Malta is crowded
Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. A population of 440,000 people crammed into an area one-fifth the size of Greater London. Most inhabitants live on the congested island of Malta, with a few more spread onto the calmer Gozo, and the rest on Comino. If you are not a fan of crowds, best you get used to seeing and mingling amongst them.
17.The small Island has 359 churches
Malta has a church for every day of the year. That’s what they say, but the number is actually somewhere around 359. Still, it’s a big number for such a small country.
18.You are allowed to stay for up to six months after graduating
International students who complete a full-time course at higher-education level can have their stay extended by up to six months after the completion of their course. During this time they can find employment and put into practice their studies. For the Maltese government, it is an opportunity to benefit from the students’ newly acquired skills regardless of their country of origin.
19.Your student’s visa grants you access to 26 European countries
Your student’s visa not only grants you access to Malta, it allows you travel to 25 other countries in Europe. If you love adventures, this is a great opportunity to explore as much of Europe as you can while you study.
20.Avoid political conversations
You may want to face your studies and the other beautiful things Malta has to offer and leave politics alone. People in Malta take politics very personal and emotions can run high pretty fast. The Labour and Nationalist parties have a passionate following and you don’t want to get mixed up with the locals in heated arguments of a political nature. During elections, some establishments ban talk of politics and even put up sings forbidding it.
21.You can buy your citizenship in Malta
This is probably not on your radar as a student, but if becoming a citizen of Malta and the European Union is on your mind, congratulations! The fee is outrageous though. The criteria includes passing a “Fit and Proper” test, contributing €650,000 into a National Development & Social Fund, making an investment in property of at least €350,000 or investing €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years. Now, do you still want to buy that citizenship?
22.Most of the universities are in the capital
Most of the colleges and universities in Malta are clustered around capital Valletta, on the north-east coast of Malta Island. The largest of these is the University of Malta, a publicly funded university which has around 11,000 students, including about 700 international students.
23.Malta is dotted with beautiful and ancient landscapes
There are so many gorgeous spots to visit and have a good time. It is almost impossible to name the most beautiful places in Malta. For such a tiny country on the crossroads of European cultures, Malta boasts a wealth of amazing destinations. Gorgeous cityscapes and natural wonders, architectural highlights and pretty man-made attractions, there is something for everyone to discover here.
24.Malta is the second most religious country in Europe
According to Wikipedia, 92% of Malta’s population are theists while only 2 percent are atheists. This makes Malta the second most religious country in Europe after Romania which has only 1% atheist population.
25.Malta is the 5th smallest country in Europe
With a land area of 316 Square kilometre, Malta holds the title of the fifth smallest country in Europe by land area.
There you have it, the 25 things you probably did not know about studying in Malta. Are you planning to study in Malta? Do you have experience studying in Malta? Tell us about it in the comments section. If you are yet to subscribe to the After School Africa channel, now is a good time to subscribe. Until next time, YOUR SUCCESS MATTERS!
