Navigating Student Life in Malta
Living in Malta as an international student offers a unique Mediterranean experience characterized by a low cost of living compared to Northern Europe, a vibrant international community, and a robust support network. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the Maltese government and educational institutions have maintained several initiatives to assist foreign students, including free public transportation and integrated wellness services.
Success in Malta depends on understanding the administrative requirements for residency, the specific rules for part-time employment, and the availability of institutional support. This guide provides a factual overview of the essential components of student life for Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) and EU/EEA citizens.
Cost of Living and Accommodation
Malta is generally considered an affordable destination, though prices in high-density areas like Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Msida have increased. Students should budget for the following monthly expenses:
- Accommodation: Shared rooms typically cost between 400 EUR ($420 USD, Jan 2026) and 600 EUR ($630 USD, Jan 2026). A private studio apartment ranges from 700 EUR ($735 USD, Jan 2026) to 900 EUR ($945 USD, Jan 2026).
- Utilities: Electricity, water, and internet usually cost approximately 120 EUR ($126 USD, Jan 2026) per month.
- Food and Groceries: A typical monthly grocery bill for one person is around 250 EUR ($263 USD, Jan 2026).
- Miscellaneous: Personal expenses and leisure activities generally require an additional 100 EUR ($105 USD, Jan 2026).
Most students choose to live in private shared apartments near their campus. Universities like the University of Malta also offer residence hubs with specialized student rates and amenities.
Support Services and Healthcare
Foreign students have access to various academic and personal support systems. Institutional support is often centralized through student unions and wellness centers.
Academic and Mental Health Support
The University of Malta’s Health and Wellness Centre provides free professional counseling and mental health services to registered students. These services are confidential and designed to help students manage the transition to living abroad. Additionally, the University Students' Council (KSU) offers a student solidarity fund for those facing unexpected financial hardship.
Medical Care and Insurance
Healthcare access depends on your nationality and visa status:
- EU/EEA Nationals: Entitled to free public healthcare at state-funded hospitals like Mater Dei upon presentation of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Third-Country Nationals (TCNs): Private health insurance is mandatory for the e-Residence permit. TCNs can access public emergency services, but non-emergency care must typically be covered by private providers or paid out-of-pocket.
Transportation and Working Rules
Malta offers specific financial incentives for students regarding transport and employment, though strict regulations apply to non-EU citizens.
Free Public Transport
All students with a personalized Tallinja Card can travel for free on day and night bus services across Malta and Gozo. To benefit from this, students must apply for a Student Tallinja Card. A one-time registration fee of 25 EUR ($26 USD, Jan 2026) and a postage fee of approximately 3.85 EUR ($4 USD, Jan 2026) are usually required.
Employment Regulations
International students often seek part-time work to supplement their budgets. The rules for 2026 are as follows:
- EU/EEA Students: Can work without a permit and have no hourly restrictions.
- TCN Students: May work up to 20 hours per week. This permission is usually granted after the first 90 days of residency. You must apply for an Employment License through Jobsplus. This requires a formal job offer from a registered employer. The application fee for a student employment license is approximately 230 EUR ($242 USD, Jan 2026).
Note: Students must maintain a minimum of 15 hours of classroom attendance per week to remain eligible for their work permit and visa status.
