Malta as an Emerging Study-Abroad Destination: What International Students Need to Know
If you’re from Pakistan, Nepal, Nigeria, Ghana or any other emerging market country, you might have noticed that traditional destinations like the UK, USA, or Canada are getting tougher on student visas. From stricter rules to long processing delays, securing those visas is difficult. Malta might just be the hidden gem you’re looking for.
In this article, let’s explore why Malta offers a compelling, geopolitically stable study-abroad option.
Visa-Friendly and Geopolitically Stable
For many students, visa policies can make or break study plans. Recently, countries like Canada have seen visa approval rates for African students drop below 50%. Malta, on the other hand, is actively welcoming international students.
The Maltese government has streamlined its student visa process to be more user-friendly, even allowing some students to apply without in-person interviews where Malta has no local embassy. That means less red tape and stress for you!
Plus, once you’re in Malta, you’re in the Schengen Zone, so your student visa lets you travel freely to 25 other European countries for short trips. Imagine weekend getaways to France or Italy during semester breaks!
Malta’s geopolitical climate is stable, and crime rates are very low. The locals are known to be welcoming and friendly to foreigners, so you’ll feel at home quickly in this small island nation.
Affordable Living Costs & European-Quality Education
One huge advantage of Malta is the affordable cost of living. As a student, you can live on roughly €500 per month for food, transportation, and leisure, much cheaper than costs in the UK or North America.
Tuition fees in Malta also tend to be lower than in many Western countries – for example, the public University of Malta offers programs ranging from about $1,000 to $6,000 per year for some courses, a fraction of the cost of many UK/US universities. You’ll get European educational standards without breaking the bank. Malta follows the EU’s higher education framework (Bologna process), meaning degrees are internationally recognized and reputable.
English is an official language in Malta so you won’t face a language barrier in classes or daily life. Universities like the centuries-old University of Malta offer a wide range of courses in English, with high-quality programs recognized globally. This gives you a top-notch education experience similar to studying in the UK or US but in a smaller, focused setting. Moreover, Malta’s degrees and credits are aligned with European standards, so continuing your education or working in other EU countries later is smooth.
Growing Number of International Students
The country’s higher education sector is growing fast – Malta recorded the world’s fastest growth rate in international student numbers in 2018, outpacing the UK, USA, and Australia. In 2023, there were about 100,000 international students in Malta, nearly 20% of its population! This means you’ll join a diverse student community. You can easily find peers worldwide, including your home country, to share experiences and fend off homesickness. Despite being a small nation, Malta now offers 200+ programs across various fields, from IT and business to medicine and tourism, so you have plenty of choice to pursue your passions.
Work Opportunities During and Post Graduation
Malta also lets you work part-time during studies (up to 20 hours a week) to help cover expenses, similar to other destinations, but it’s good to know you have that option. After graduation, you can stay in Malta for a period of six months to seek jobs, giving you a chance to gain European work experience. While six months is shorter than the post-study work visas in the UK or Canada, it’s still a valuable window to kick-start your career in Europe or find a longer-term opportunity. Many Maltese industries like tourism, finance, and tech are thriving, so opportunities do exist in-country for graduates.
Way Forward
As you consider studying in Malta, know that Vavita ensures your financial journey abroad is just as rewarding as your academic one. You can easily make payments in your local currency, whether Nigerian Naira or Ghanaian Cedi, and Vavita handles the conversion, directly transferring your local currency to universities in Malta. Good luck, or as they say in Maltese, “Inħeġġek!”.