Overview of Higher Education Admissions
The admission process for higher education in Malta is standardized yet varies slightly depending on whether the institution is public or private. The primary public institutions are the University of Malta (UM) and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). Foreign nationals, particularly those from non-EU/EEA countries (Third Country Nationals), must follow specific timelines to allow for both academic processing and subsequent visa or residence permit applications.
Most academic years begin in October, with a secondary intake occasionally available in February for specific postgraduate programs. Applications are typically submitted online through the respective institution's student information management system.
The Application Process Step-by-Step
To secure a place at a Maltese educational institution, applicants generally follow these stages:
- Course Selection: Verify that the chosen program is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA).
- Online Submission: Complete the digital application form. For the University of Malta, this is done via the SIMS portal.
- Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable application fee. For 2025/2026, the standard application fee for non-EU applicants at public universities is approximately 95 EUR ($100 USD, Jan 2026). Late applications, if accepted, may incur a fee of 125 EUR ($131 USD, Jan 2026).
- Document Upload: Submit scanned copies of original certificates and their professional English translations.
- Letter of Acceptance: Successful candidates receive an Unconditional or Conditional Letter of Acceptance, which is required for the student visa application.
Deadlines for International Students
Non-EU/EEA applicants are advised to apply by the end of June or July for the October intake. This early deadline is necessary to accommodate the 8–12 week processing time often required by the Central Visa Unit at Identità.
Standard Document Requirements
While specific courses may have unique prerequisites, the following documents are universally required for foreign applicants:
- Identification: A valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay).
- Academic Records: High school diplomas (for undergraduate) or Bachelor’s degrees (for postgraduate), accompanied by full official transcripts.
- English Proficiency: Proof of language competence (see below).
- Curriculum Vitae: An updated CV, often required for mature students or postgraduate applicants.
- References: Two academic or professional letters of recommendation.
- Personal Statement: A letter of intent explaining the motivation for choosing the specific course and Malta as a destination.
Note: Documents not issued in English must be accompanied by a certified translation from a registered translator. Some institutions may also require an MQRIC recognition statement to verify the level of the foreign qualification.
English Language Proficiency
As English is an official language and the medium of instruction in Malta, proficiency is mandatory. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide one of the following internationally recognized certificates:
- IELTS Academic: Typically a minimum overall score of 6.0 for undergraduate and 6.5 for postgraduate studies.
- TOEFL iBT: Generally a minimum score of 80 (undergraduate) or 95 (postgraduate).
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE) certificates.
- PTE Academic: Minimum scores usually ranging from 55 to 65.
The test results must usually be no more than two years old at the time of application. Some exemptions may apply if the student has completed their previous full-time education in a country where English is the native language.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Mature Students: Applicants who do not meet standard entry requirements but are over the age of 23 (by the start of the academic year) may apply under the "Mature Student" clause. This often involves an interview and an assessment of relevant work experience.
Transfer Students: Students wishing to transfer credits from another international university must provide detailed syllabi of their previous modules for a compatibility assessment by the Faculty Admissions Committee. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Health Care Programs: Applicants for medical, dental, or nursing courses may be required to undergo health screening and provide immunization records before full admission is granted.