Malta draws students with its sunny beaches, English as the main language, and status as an affordable EU study spot. Compared to the UK or US, costs here stay lower while you earn a recognized degree. So, how much does it cost to study in Malta? For non-EU students in 2026, expect yearly totals around €17,000 to €26,000 for a bachelor’s, €18,000 to €30,000 for a master’s, and €20,000 to €32,000 for a PhD. These figures blend tuition and living expenses, based on 2024-25 data with 5-10% inflation added.
You’ll see breakdowns for tuition at key schools, monthly budgets for rent and food, plus extras like visas. Prices vary by program, university, and lifestyle; always check official sites such as the University of Malta fees page or Identity Malta for updates. Real student examples show smart choices keep totals down. This guide gives you clear numbers and tips to plan your budget right.
Quick Answer: Total Costs at a Glance
Get the big picture fast. Non-EU students face higher fees than EU ones, but totals beat many spots.
- Bachelor’s: Tuition €7,000-€15,000/year; total with living €17,000-€26,000.
- Master’s: Tuition €7,000-€20,000/year; total €18,000-€30,000.
- PhD: Tuition €10,000-€20,000/year; total €20,000-€32,000.
- Monthly living: €600-€1,000 (low end €650 in shared spots).
- Yearly living: €7,200-€12,000.
- Visa/residence: €60-€116 + permit fees.
- Low-budget total: €14,000-€18,000/year possible with scholarships and frugal habits.
These ranges fit 2026 estimates. Public unis charge more for popular fields like medicine.
Tuition Fees Breakdown by Degree and University
Non-EU students pay full rates at public schools, often 3-5 times EU fees. Private options cost less but check quality. For 2026, add 5-10% to current figures. University of Malta leads as the top public choice; others like American University of Malta (AUM) offer US-style programs cheaper.
| Degree Level | University of Malta | AUM/MCAST/Global College | Average 2026 (Non-EU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | €8,500-€10,800 | €4,150-€8,500 | €7,000-€15,000 |
| Master’s | €10,000-€26,800 | €5,000-€10,000 | €7,000-€20,000 |
| PhD | €11,000+ | €7,000-€15,000 | €10,000-€20,000 |
Public schools shine for research; privates suit quick entry. More details below.
University of Malta: Main Public Option
The University of Malta hosts most internationals. Bachelor’s in arts or business runs €8,500-€10,800 yearly. Engineering or sciences hit higher. Master’s fees start at €10,000; medicine jumps to €26,800. PhDs cost €11,000+, often with stipends. Program length matters: most bachelor’s take 3 years. Inflation pushes 2026 numbers up 5-10%. Students praise support, like one who got a UK visa smooth but notes similar Malta processes.
Private Unis Like AUM and MCAST
AUM charges €5,000 for bachelor’s in engineering or business. Master’s at €7,000. MCAST vocational bachelor’s: €5,400-€8,500. Global College Malta keeps undergrads at €4,150-€5,000. These draw budget seekers. Extras like labs add €500-€1,000. One student shared how counselors listed options, landing a €5,000 scholarship elsewhere; apply that here.
Monthly Living Expenses for Students in Malta
Students budget €650-€920 outside Valletta, up to €1,200 in Sliema. Yearly: €7,200-€12,000. Valletta suits history fans but costs more; Gozo saves 20%.
Shared flats keep rent low. Cook pasta and fresh fish to trim food bills. Bus passes cover islands cheap.
Accommodation and Utilities
Shared room: €300-€500/month. Private studio: €600-€900 in cities. Deposits run 1-2 months’ rent. Utilities (internet, power): €50-€150. Students split bills; one testimonial noted accommodation help eased stress.
Food, Transport, and Daily Needs
Groceries: €100-€250 (markets beat supermarkets). Eating out: €10/meal. Bus pass: €25-€40/month. Phone/internet: €20. Entertainment: €50-€100. Frugal tip: student cafes offer deals.
Extra Costs: Visa, Insurance, Books, and One-Time Fees
Add €2,000-€5,000 yearly beyond tuition/living. Flights from Europe: €200-€400; farther €500-€800. Books: €300-€600. Lab fees: €500+ for sciences.
Visa needs acceptance letter, funds proof (€8,000+ bank statement), health insurance.
Student Visa Process and Costs
Non-EU apply via Identity Malta. Fee: €60-€116. Residence permit: €100-€200 post-arrival. Docs: passport, offer letter, accommodation proof. Processing: 4-6 weeks. Students report counselors guide this, like visa teams in testimonials.
Health Insurance and Study Materials
Private insurance mandatory: €500-€1,000/year. Covers emergencies. Books/software: €300-€600. Enrollment deposits: €1,000-€2,000, deducted from tuition.
Scholarships to Cut Your Costs
Malta offers aid for non-EU talent. Government schemes like TESS or STEPS cover partial tuition. Endeavour II funds postgrads up to €10,000. University of Malta merit awards: 20-50% off for high grades. AUM has need-based grants. Apply early with transcripts, motivation letter. One student snagged €5,000; full rides rare but possible. Check scholarship guides for 2026 deadlines. Savings: €5,000-€20,000/year.
Tips to Study in Malta on a Budget
Stretch your euros smartly.
Share housing via Facebook groups; saves €200/month. Cook home meals; markets like Marsaxlokk offer cheap fish. Get student bus card; walks or bikes cut transport. Hunt discounts at museums, cinemas with ISIC card. Work part-time (20 hours/week allowed post-visa; cafes pay €5-€8/hour). Apply scholarships six months ahead. Choose Gozo over Sliema for 20% lower rent. Buy second-hand books; join uni swaps. Budget apps track spending; aim under €800/month. Compare to Italy: Malta’s English and lower fees win.
Students echo this: full support from start to visa made dreams real without breaking bank.
In recap, how much does it cost to study in Malta lands at €14,000-€32,000 yearly, value-packed for an EU degree in English. Public unis like Malta offer prestige; privates keep it cheap. Cut costs with shares, scholarships, work.
Verify all on uni sites and book a free consult at platforms like StudyIn for tailored advice. Malta waits: sunny classes, career boost ahead. Start checking offers today.

























