2026 Complete Guide for Nepali Students
Study in Malta
A Growing Study Destination Offering Quality Education, Affordable Tuition, and a Vibrant Mediterranean Lifestyle.
Overview
Study in Malta from Nepal in 2026
Malta doesn’t always make the first list of study destinations Nepali students consider, but it probably should. Tucked into the Mediterranean, this small island nation has built a genuinely solid reputation as an English-speaking, EU member state offering quality education at a fraction of what you’d pay in the UK, Australia, or Canada. For students looking for somewhere sunny, safe, and considerably more affordable without giving up on a recognized European degree, Malta is worth a serious look.
English is one of Malta’s official languages, and its education system carries a strong British influence, which means Nepali students walk into lecture halls that already feel somewhat familiar. Maltese universities and colleges are steadily building international credibility, particularly in business, tourism, health sciences, and IT, and because Malta is part of the EU, a degree from here opens doors across the wider European education and job market too.
This guide breaks down what Nepali students actually need to know about studying in Malta in 2026 costs, visa requirements, top institutions, intakes, work rights, and the full application process. As Kathmandu’s trusted Australia education consultancy, Aussie Study Global also guides students through Malta applications from our office in Chuchepati, Chabahil, near KL Tower in Kathmandu, helping you figure out whether Malta is the right fit and walking you through every step if it is.
Why Malta
Why Study in Malta?
Malta’s appeal comes down to a fairly simple combination: it’s English-speaking, it’s part of the EU, and it’s noticeably cheaper than most other European study destinations while still delivering a British-influenced education system. Add to that one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, a genuinely welcoming multicultural community, and over 300 days of sunshine a year, and it’s easy to understand why more international students are starting to take notice.
For Nepali students specifically, the absence of a language barrier is a big deal lectures, paperwork, and daily life all run in English, which makes settling in considerably less stressful than in many other European countries.
Best courses
Top Programs to Study in Malta
Maltese institutions have shaped their course offerings around both global industry demand and the country’s own economic strengths tourism, finance, maritime trade, and a fast-growing tech and iGaming sector. Here’s where most international students, including those from Nepal, tend to focus their applications.
Business Administration and Management
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Health Sciences and Nursing
Maritime Studies
Engineering
Blockchain and Fintech
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Blockchain and Fintech in particular stand out as fairly unique to Malta the country has positioned itself as something of a regulatory hub for digital finance in Europe, and its universities have built programs to match that reputation.
Destinations
Popular Malta Cities
Total cost
Cost of Studying and Living in Malta
One of Malta’s biggest selling points is just how manageable the overall cost is compared to studying in the UK, mainland Europe, or further afield. Tuition and living costs both come in noticeably lower, without much compromise on quality.
Tuition Fees
| Program | Cost (EUR/year) |
|---|---|
Bachelor’s |
6,000 – 10,000 |
Master’s |
8,000 – 10,000 |
Living Costs
Average living expenses fall between EUR 7,000 and 11,000 a year, covering accommodation, meals, transport, and general day-to-day costs. Student residences and homestays are common in Malta and tend to be a comfortable, budget-friendly choice for newly arrived international students.
€7,000–10,000
Tuition per year
€8,000 – 10,000
Living costs per year
€20,000–28,000
Average graduate income
Institution
Choosing the Right Institution in Malta
Malta’s higher education sector is small but growing fast, with an expanding network of EU partnerships and exchange programs giving Maltese qualifications more international weight every year.
The University of Malta remains the country’s flagship public institution and is widely regarded as the most well-resourced and prestigious option, but it’s far from the only one worth considering. A handful of private and international colleges have built strong reputations of their own, particularly for vocational and industry-aligned courses.
Leading Institutions in Malta
- Learn Key Institute - A leading private institution in Malta offering career-focused, industry-relevant education.
- EEC-ITIS Malta Tourism & Language Institute - A leading institute in Malta specializing in tourism, hospitality, and English language education.
- Malita International College (MIC) - A modern institution offering globally focused education in a diverse learning environment.
- Avanza Training Academy -A professional training institution in Malta offering career-focused courses and skills development programs.
- Cross College Malta - A forward-thinking institution in Malta focused on practical learning and student development.
- Advisory 21 - An innovative educational institution focused on academic growth and professional development.
Most of these institutions design their courses around EU employment standards, which means graduates typically leave with qualifications that translate well into the wider European job market not just within Malta itself.
English tests
English Proficiency Requirements
Since English is the language of instruction across nearly all programs in Malta, international applicants need to demonstrate proficiency through a recognized test.
- IELTS: 6.0 overall
- TOEFL iBT: 70–80
- Duolingo English Test or an institution’s own English assessment may also be accepted in some cases
If you’ve previously studied in English-medium schools or colleges, some Maltese institutions may waive the English test requirement altogether it’s worth checking directly with your chosen university, since policies vary.
Scholarships
Intakes and Scholarships
Malta follows the standard European academic calendar, which means intake timing is a little more limited than in countries with three or four intakes a year.
- January – The primary intake, with the widest range of programs available.
- March/ April – A smaller spring intake, open for select courses only.
- September – The main autumn intake in Malta, offering the widest range of programs and the highest availability of courses for international students.
- November – A smaller intake with selected programs available, providing an additional opportunity for students to begin their studies later in the academic year.
Scholarship Options
Direct university merit-based scholarships
Erasmus+ exchange scholarships
Government and EU-funded mobility scholarships
Scholarship availability and eligibility criteria shift from one institution to the next, so it’s worth applying early and getting proper guidance on which scholarships actually fit your academic profile.
Visa
Malta Student Visa and Residency Requirements
If your course in Malta runs longer than 90 days, and you’re a non-EU/EEA citizen, you’ll need to go through a two-stage process: first a Type D long-stay visa applied for before you travel, and then a residence permit once you’ve arrived in Malta.
Visa Requirements
- An admission confirmation letter from a recognized program at a Maltese institution
- Proof of sufficient funds and confirmed accommodation
- Valid health insurance covering your stay
- A valid passport and completed visa application
Once you arrive in Malta, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit, which stays valid for the duration of your studies. This is typically handled through Identità, Malta’s central immigration authority, and most students apply for this within their first few weeks on the ground.
4–8 wks
Typical visa processing time
20 hrs/wk
Part-time work limit
4 intakes
January | March | September | November
Work in Malta
Can Nepali Students Work While Studying in Malta?
Yes, though it comes with a bit more structure than some other countries. Non-EU students are generally allowed to work part-time, up to 20 hours a week, once they’ve completed their first 90 days of residence in Malta though students enrolled in a full-time higher education program recognized by MQRIC may become eligible for work rights from the very start of their course, depending on their specific permit.
To work legally, your employer needs to apply for an employment license through Jobs plus, Malta’s national employment agency. This is an employer-driven process, so once you’ve lined up a job offer, your employer handles the paperwork on their end.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- Work permits are employer-specific switching jobs means applying for a new license.
- During scheduled academic breaks, students may be permitted to work full-time, generally up to 40 hours a week, with the right approvals in place.
- Students must maintain regular class attendance regardless of their work schedule, since dropping below the required attendance threshold can put both your study visa and work license at risk.
Post Graduation
After Graduation: Staying On in Malta
Malta doesn’t run a dedicated “post-study work visa” in the way some other countries do, but it offers something close enough in practice. Graduates can typically apply for a temporary residence permit, valid for around 12 months, that allows them to stay in Malta specifically to search for full-time employment.
Once you land a job offer, you’d generally transition to a Single Permit a combined residence and work authorization tied to your employer, renewable as long as your job and conditions remain valid. Malta’s strongest hiring sectors for international graduates tend to be IT, iGaming, finance, hospitality, and healthcare, and English-speaking graduates often have a real advantage given how international much of Malta’s business environment already is.
For students thinking long-term, continuous legal residence and employment in Malta over several years can eventually open the door to long-term residency, though that’s a multi-year path rather than something that happens quickly.
Life in Malta
Living in Malta
Life in Malta moves at a noticeably relaxed pace. The entire country is built around its coastline, and with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, outdoor life is very much part of the everyday rhythm rather than something reserved for holidays.
Students get easy access to beaches, centuries of historical architecture, lively city centers, and a calendar packed with cultural events and nightlife. Because Malta is geographically small and has a fairly reliable public transport network, getting around without a car is genuinely manageable, even for students who’ve just arrived.
And since English is so widely spoken across the island, Nepali students tend to settle in faster here than in many non-English-speaking European destinations the friendly, multicultural student community helps too.
How to apply
Step-by-Step Process to Study in Malta from Nepal
Applying to study in Malta involves a fairly clear sequence of steps, though the timeline does call for some advance planning given the limited intake windows.
Our team at Aussie Study Global, based in Chuchepati, Chabahil, near KL Tower in Kathmandu, supports Nepali students through each of these stages from shortlisting the right Maltese institution to preparing a strong, complete visa application.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Tuition generally runs between EUR 6,000 and 14,000 a year depending on your course level, with living costs adding another EUR 7,000 to 11,000 annually. All in, most Nepali students should plan for somewhere around EUR 13,000 to 25,000 a year, though the exact figure depends heavily on your program, institution, and lifestyle choices.
It's a strong option for students who want an English-medium, EU-recognized education without the higher costs associated with the UK or other major European destinations. Malta's safety, climate, and welcoming community add to the appeal. Aussie Study Global can help you assess whether Malta fits your academic goals and budget compared with other destinations you might be considering.
Most institutions look for an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score between 70 and 80. Some universities also accept the Duolingo English Test or their own internal English assessment, and certain applicants may be exempted entirely if their prior education was conducted in English.
Yes, non-EU students can generally work up to 20 hours a week part-time once they've completed 90 days of residence in Malta, provided their employer secures the required license through Jobs plus. Some higher education students may qualify for work rights earlier, depending on their specific course and permit conditions.
Malta doesn't offer a formal post-study work visa, but graduates can typically apply for a temporary residence permit, usually valid for around 12 months, to search for employment. Once you secure a job, you'd generally move onto a Single Permit tied to your employer, which can be renewed as long as your job remains valid.
Malta follows the European academic calendar with two main intake windows: October, which is the primary intake with the broadest course selection, and a smaller February/March intake limited to select programs. Given the limited windows, applying several months ahead of your intended start date is strongly recommended.