Quick Answer to Study in Malta for Indian Students
Indian students study in Malta by getting an offer from a licensed institution such as the University of Malta or MCAST, paying the course fee, then applying for a national long-stay (Type D) study visa through VFS in India at least 9 weeks before the course starts. You need funds of at least 75% of Malta's minimum wage for each month of study, €30,000 Schengen health cover and 14 nights of booked accommodation. After arrival, you apply to Identità for a study residence permit.
Malta, a small English-speaking island nation in the Mediterranean, is an EU and Schengen member that is steadily gaining popularity with Indian students. It offers English-taught degrees recognised across Europe, a safe and international student community, and a clear visa route. This guide covers what Indian students need for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 intakes: the main institutions, fees, the visa and residence permit, the funds you must show, and your work options during and after study. Figures were checked against official Maltese government and university pages at the time of writing, and they change, so confirm them before you apply.
If you want expert guidance in planning your studies abroad, consulting the best overseas education consultant in Rajkot can help you stay on the right track.
Study in Malta at a Glance (2026-27)
| Item | What applies at the time of writing |
|---|---|
| Visa type | National long-stay (Type D) visa for study, followed by a study residence permit from Identità in Malta |
| Where to apply in India | VFS Global Malta visa centres; the appointment for a student visa is booked by your educational institution |
| When to apply | At least 9 weeks before the course start date; VFS says long-stay visas need a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks to process |
| Visa fee (age 12 and above) | €100 standard or €150 extended service |
| Funds for the visa | At least 75% of Malta's national minimum wage for every month of study |
| Health insurance | Valid for the Schengen area, minimum €30,000 medical cover, valid for study purposes |
| Accommodation | Proof for at least the first 14 nights in Malta |
| Passport | At least 10 months' validity |
| Part-time work | Up to 20 hours a week after your first 90 days, with an employment licence obtained through Jobsplus |
| After graduating | A one-time, non-renewable permit of up to 9 months to look for work related to your field |
How Indian Students Apply to Study in Malta: Step by Step
- Choose a licensed course: The course should be offered by an institution licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). For a study residence permit, full-time higher education courses at MQF level 5 or above are the usual route.
- Apply and get your enrolment letter: The letter must show the institution name, full course name, MQF level, ECTS credits, duration, weekly hours and the address where you will study.
- Pay the course fee: Proof of payment (a receipt or invoice) is part of the visa file.
- Prepare your funds and documents: The last 3 months of bank statements with a recent bank certificate, a copy of the international bank card you will use in Malta, Schengen health insurance of at least €30,000, a flight itinerary arriving no more than two weeks before the course starts, and accommodation proof for 14 nights. If a parent sponsors you, add their bank statements, a signed declaration and their ID.
- Submit at VFS: Your institution books the student visa appointment. Apply at least 9 weeks before your course begins.
- Apply for the residence permit in Malta: After arrival, apply to Identità for the study residence permit. At this stage the funds rule is 60% of the annual national minimum wage or the poverty line, whichever is higher, for the length of your studies.
Why Study in Malta?
Malta offers a good mix of quality education and a pleasant lifestyle. English is an official language and the main language of teaching, so there is no language barrier for Indian students. Qualifications are referenced to the Malta Qualifications Framework, which links to the European Qualifications Framework, helping graduates use their degree across Europe. Malta is a safe and welcoming country with a diverse international student community, and as a Schengen member it puts the rest of Europe within easy reach. Students can work part time after their first 90 days and can apply for a job search permit after completing their studies.
Top Institutions in Malta for Indian Students
Malta has a small number of established institutions. The main options for Indian students are:
| Institution | Location | Known for | Non-EU fees at the time of writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Malta (UM) | Msida | Engineering, medicine, business, ICT, sciences | Varies by course; for 2026-27, for example, €10,800 a year for the BSc (Hons) Computing Science and Mathematics and €26,000 a year for the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery |
| Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) | Paola | Applied sciences, engineering, ICT, business, health and creative arts | Fees apply to non-EU students; MCAST publishes its fee structure for non-EU candidates |
| Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) | Luqa | Hospitality, culinary arts and tourism management | Non-EU students pay a registration fee and course fees listed on the ITS website |
The University of Malta is the country's oldest and largest university. It lists the fee for each course in the course overview, separately for EU and non-EU students, and charges a €100 application processing fee for applicants with overseas qualifications before the first deadline (€200 for late applications where a course still accepts them). MCAST's 2026-27 window for non-EU applicants living outside Malta closed on 30 June 2026, and MCAST says details for 2027-28 admissions will follow in January 2027.
Popular Courses and Fields of Study
Malta offers programmes that suit a range of career plans. Popular choices for Indian students include:
- Business and management
- Information technology and computer science
- Engineering and renewable energy
- Medicine and health sciences, including the University of Malta's five-year Doctor of Medicine and Surgery
- Hospitality and tourism management
- Creative arts and design
- Maritime studies
Course choice is narrower than in larger destinations, so confirm that your exact programme is offered, licensed and open to non-EU applicants for your intake before you apply.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities
Full scholarships for Indian degree students in Malta are limited, so plan to fund most of your studies yourself. Options worth checking:
- Institution funding: Check the fees and funding pages of the University of Malta and your chosen institution for any awards or reductions open to non-EU students.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: EU-funded master's programmes run by groups of European universities, open to Indian students, with scholarships for selected candidates.
- Research funding: Postgraduate research students may find funded positions linked to specific projects.
Keep your grades strong and apply early, because funding deadlines usually come before admission and visa deadlines.
Cost of Studying and Living in Malta
Tuition depends on the institution and course. At the University of Malta, the 2026-27 non-EU fee is €10,800 a year for the BSc (Hons) Computing Science and Mathematics, and €26,000 a year for the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery. Its fees page lists €11,000 a year for full-time doctoral study by non-EU students, at the time of writing. Check the course overview page for your exact programme.
For living costs, use the official funds rule as your minimum: 75% of the national minimum wage for every month of study for the visa. Check the current minimum wage on the official Maltese government site before you file. Rent is usually the biggest expense and varies by area and whether you share, so budget above the minimum and keep money aside for insurance, the residence permit, transport and emergencies.
Student Visa and Application Process
Indian students on courses longer than 90 days need a national long-stay (Type D) visa for study before travelling. Applications are submitted at VFS Global Malta centres in India, and the student visa appointment is booked by your institution. The Central Visa Unit asks for the application at least 9 weeks before the course starts, and VFS advises a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks for processing. The visa fee for applicants aged 12 and above is €100 for a standard appointment or €150 for the extended service, at the time of writing. All documents must be in English, and any translations must come from Identità's list of authorised translators. Be ready for additional document requests, and apply as early as your offer allows.
Student Life and Cultural Adaptation
Studying in Malta lets you experience a lively, diverse international community. A few tips to help you settle in:
Embrace cultural diversity: Get involved with both local and international students.
Balance study and social life: Join university clubs, events and sports.
Stay connected: Keep in touch with family and friends at home to manage homesickness.
Be open minded: Maltese life blends Mediterranean traditions with modern European habits.
Malta's safe atmosphere and English-speaking culture make it easier for Indian students to feel at home.
Part-Time Work and Post-Study Options
After your first 90 days in Malta, you can work up to 20 hours a week. Your employer must obtain an employment licence for you through Jobsplus before you start, and working without one can put your residence permit at risk. After you complete your studies, you can apply once for a permit of up to 9 months to look for work related to your field; it cannot be renewed. Qualifications from Maltese institutions are recognised across the EU, which helps if you later study or work elsewhere in Europe. Sectors such as IT, tourism, business and healthcare are important to the Maltese economy.
Tips for Indian Students in Malta
Check that your institution and course are licensed by MFHEA. Plan your budget for fees, daily expenses, travel and emergencies. Attend orientation sessions to settle in faster. Submit visa and funding applications as early as possible, and do not start any job until your employment licence is approved.
Get Help With Your Malta Application
Malta suits students who want an English-taught European degree and a clear visa route, as long as the course fits their goals. Many students rely on the best overseas education consultant in Ahmedabad to make sure their application and visa process go smoothly. Global Colliance has almost 20 years of experience guiding students, with offices in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Delhi. Our Europe student visa consultant in Gujarat team can compare Malta with other European options and check your funds and documents. Book a free counselling session or call 75740 33366.
Official Sources Checked
- Identità Central Visa Unit: documents required for a student national visa
- Identità: study permit FAQs (funds, work, post-study job search)
- VFS Global: Malta visa information for India
- University of Malta: fees and funding
- University of Malta: Doctor of Medicine and Surgery 2026-27
- MCAST: application windows
Ready to apply? Our guide to the Malta student visa for Indian students explains the Type D visa, the residence permit and the documents you need.
