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If you are going to take courses abroad, perhaps studying in Malta is not your first option. But don’t be too hasty! Check out this definitive guide to learn about the opportunities for study and beach life that this jewel of the Mediterranean has in store for you.
Even if Malta wowed you with its beaches and iconic sites, you’ve come to the right place! Here you will find everything about the requirements, visas and steps to live the best study experience on this European island.
And if you are eager to travel this 2021, we show you our top experiences. They are designed for you to launch yourself to learn English and even study postgraduate degrees. Read on and discover how to have the best experience in Malta!
8 reasons to study in Malta
Do you know someone who went to study in Malta? Maybe not, but that is surely because it is out of the spotlight that famous countries have to emigrate. However, this small island holds great surprises
If you choose this European country, you are guaranteed a first-rate education and a very original adventure. we give you 8 reasons why you should study in Malta. And we fall short, but you are going to love them.
You receive a quality education
Malta welcomes thousands of foreign students every year. And this is not only due to its landscapes. The Maltese education system germinated in the light of British-American pedagogy, and stands out for its robust and up-to-date curriculum.
For that reason, Valletta, its capital, has little to envy of other more famous ones. By studying in Malta, you gain access to world-famous institutions such as the London School of Commerce Malta, Middlesex University Malta, and the International Maritime Law Institute.
You learn English with native speakers
Until 1964, Malta was a British colony and that is why English is one of its official languages. It is the language used in higher and university education.
Due to its Anglo-Saxon heritage, studying in Malta is an excellent choice for those who want to take an English course. And if you already know the language, this country is perfect for pursuing higher education in front of the beach.
We will not leave you with the intrigue: the other official language is Maltese. In addition, two-thirds of the population speak Italian, the official language until 1934 and in force in Italy thanks to the popularity of Italian television.
You live in one of the cheapest countries in Europe
Another reason to study in Malta is the low cost of living compared to other English-speaking countries. Here you can live and have fun on an unimaginable budget in the United Kingdom or the United States.
Just to give you an idea: the cost of renting a room when studying in Malta ranges from 350 to 500 euros per month… with services included! Those prices are impossible if you choose to study in England or Germany, for example.
Later, we will give you more details about the costs of studying in Malta. You will see that the maintenance and the courses are less expensive than in other destinations, such as Australia or Canada.
You discover a movie country
Did you know that in 1925 the first film was shot on Maltese soil: Sons of the Se a? Since then, the island has been the scene of more than 100 productions. Among them is The Da Vinci Code, The Count of Monte Cristo and Troya.
One of the attractions of Malta is visiting the Popeye Village. In addition, The Pub, in Valletta, rose to fame after the actor Oliver Reed died there, during the filming of Gladiator.
When studying in Malta, don’t miss a visit to Mdina, a walled city that transports the Middle Ages. And escape for at least a weekend to the fishing village Marsaxlokk. Everything is less than an hour from Valletta!
But it’s not just the landscapes that make Malta shine. Its cultural and historical legacy make humanity a great debt to this island. Here there are more than 3,000 years of history in cities and archaeological sites.
An example is the Ggantija temple, on the island of Gozo. Built in 3,700 BC, it is the oldest known open-air megalithic building. He was already 700 years old when the first stones of Stonehenge were erected!
In addition, due to its coveted geopolitical location, Malta has been enriched by the most diverse civilizations for centuries. Through this archipelago, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Christians, French and British passed and ruled.
Try mouthwatering dishes
Qaghaq, imqaret, stuffat tal-fenek… No, we passed out on the keyboard. We simply mention some of the dishes of the typical Maltese food that you will only find there.
Maltese gastronomy is influenced by food from Spain, Great Britain, France, Arabia, Africa and Italy. So when studying in Malta you expect familiar flavors, mixed with spices and an unmistakable Maltese touch.
Try rice, fish and rabbit dishes for dinner. For dessert, try almond cakes, pastrizzi ( empanadas with goat and sheep cheese) and timpana (stuffed macaroni). Oh, and let’s not forget the excellent wines.
Enjoy the best parties
The islands are ideal places for parties. Ibiza, Barbados and, of course, Malta knows it. To begin with, all year round there are festivals dedicated to the patron saints of each town. And the Maltese love to celebrate them in a big way.
But the Maltese appeal is not just international DJs. Malta is special because of the people. In general, people are passing through for a few months, with the intention of enjoying the time to the fullest.
In addition to the religious calendar, when studying in Malta you can not miss the electronic nights at the Glitch Festival, the candlelit streets at the Birgu Fest and the Malta Fireworks Festival pyrotechnic show over Valletta.
Explore the underwater world
The seventh reason to study in Malta is because it is a mecca for water sports and, in particular, diving. Its waters have visibilities that exceed 40 meters and its temperature reaches 15 degrees… in winter!
The Maltese archipelago is world famous for its ‘wrecks’. These are ships sunk during the Second World War like the “HMS Maori”, bombers, submarines and fishing boats.
In addition to exploring the underwater world, when studying in Malta you are a couple of hours away from one of its curiosities: the beaches of Gozo and Comino. In these two small islands you feel in paradise between turquoise waters and golden sands.
Experience a subtropical climate all year round
Like the best beach destinations, Malta has a subtropical climate most of the year. So the heat is intense in summer. But during the rest of the seasons, the weather calms down and the advantage of living near the water makes up for it.
In July, August and September, it rains very little and there are days of 40ºC. In addition, the humidity is usually high. Then the solution is easy, go take a dip in your spare time and follow your routine.
If you close your eyes and point your finger on a map, you would have a single chance in 1.6 million of choosing to study in Malta. It is the 10th smallest country in the world. But, like all precious stones, it is difficult to find.
Spain, Canada and New Zealand are also famous destinations to study and work. However, Malta abounds in affordable options and travel facilities hard to beat. Keep reading to know them!
What can I study in Malta
When you study in Malta, you take courses at leading institutions and at more than affordable prices. As if this were not enough, it is one of the best countries to learn English and work in 2021. Look at the course options at your disposal!
English courses to study in Malta
About 9 out of 10 Maltese speak English. So you learn fast because you practice in class and in your day to day. In other words, Malta assures you of a complete language immersion!
University courses to study in Malta
The British heritage in Malta is not limited to English. It also left a high-quality educational system and universities of excellence. So, after English, in Malta you can continue your studies in careers of the future.
There is a wide variety of courses taught in English, from certificates to postgraduate degrees. These are offered at British institutions based in Malta, such as the London School of Commerce. Here, live a top experience!
Requirements to study in Malta
The requirements to study in Malta vary depending on how long the course lasts and what is the objective of your trip. Even if you do not need a visa to enter the country, have these documents ready for your passage through border control:
- Valid passport during the period of your stay
- The round trip tickets.
- An invitation letter or the reservation of your accommodation
- International travel insurance
- Justification of economic income to pay for your studies
How to obtain a visa to work and study in Malta
If you have European citizenship, go to the next section. Otherwise, you may need a study visa, depending on the duration of your course (less than three months, or more). Check what is your case!
Less than 90 days
If you want to study in Malta for a maximum of three months, it is very likely that you will not need a visa. Just in case, check out the full list of exempt countries. Spoiler: there are many from Latin America!
In case your country does not make up this list, you must apply for a Short-stay Schengen visa. It happens that Malta belongs to the Schengen area, so it applies the same immigration regulations as that entire block.
More than 90 days
On the other hand, if you intend to do a course in Malta that lasts more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a student visa, which you will start to do once you are in the country. Among the requirements, they will ask you:
- A valid and valid passport that covers the entire duration of your stay
- Health insurance
- Proof that you have been accepted to a Maltese school
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to live, pay the tuition and cover the expenses of the return trip
The student visa is valid for one year or the duration of the course. Furthermore, it gives you access to a permit to study and work in Malta at the same time. You can work twenty hours a week in school period.
Steps to study in Malta
If you have already decided to study in Malta, we congratulate you. Now, you must take four essential steps. Check them out!
Choose in which city you want to study
Valletta, without a doubt, is the top option to live and study in Malta, but don’t rule out the three neighboring cities. Also, don’t be overwhelmed. Here the beach, the cities and the fun are always close!
Malta is barely 316 square kilometers. The municipality of Madrid, for comparison, occupies almost double the surface. In any case, depending on which city you choose, you will have academic offers more available than others.
Decide what course you want to do and when
Do you want to study English or a university course in Malta? Depending on what you choose, you will know how long to stay in Malta and what type of visa to process: a short-term or a student visa.
Then, choose the institution with the best program and tuition according to your budget. To start the adventure as soon as possible, check out our tips on saving for travel.
Make your registration
When you know in which city you want to live, what to study and when you are going to do it, you should start the corresponding registration procedures at the institution you have chosen.
Pack up and go on the journey
If you’ve already solved all of the above, it’s time to book your flights and pack your bags! Bring only a rain coat and don’t forget your bathing suit. And remember: the lighter you travel, you save extra payments for luggage.
For plane tickets, we recommend you buy them at least two or three months before you start studying in Mata. Also, avoid going direct with the airlines. Better, look for offers through pages like Skyscanner.
How much does it cost to study in Malta
One of the biggest advantages of studying in Malta is its affordable cost of living. To this, he adds that the prices of the courses are much cheaper than in the rest of Europe and discounts for students abound.
Although the monthly rent depends on your lifestyle and where you choose to live, we anticipate that a monthly budget of 750 euros will be enough. That’s right, nothing to do with the costs of living in other English-speaking countries!
Finally, public transport has special offers for students, although you can surely cover almost all distances on foot. It is rare that you have to travel more than 3 or 4 kilometers in a radius.