Education opportunities in Malta
There’s growing recognition that education opportunities in Malta are wide-ranging. Universities and institutes now offer courses in areas like business, technology, health sciences and the creative arts, all aligned with modern workforce demands.
According to Times Higher Education (2024), Malta’s education system emphasises employability, with internships and industry collaborations built into most programmes. This practical approach helps students gain real-world experience while studying.
For European students, the appeal lies not only in the curriculum but also in the accessibility of the system: no language barriers, flexible admission pathways and globally recognised degrees.
Top subject areas for international students in Malta:
- Business and management
- Computing and artificial intelligence
- Tourism and hospitality
- Health and social care
- Finance and accounting
Malta’s educational ecosystem is designed for mobility, enabling students to pursue further study or work anywhere in Europe with minimal red tape.
Study abroad in Malta: The affordability advantage
A major draw of higher education in Malta is affordability. Tuition fees are considerably lower than those in the UK or northern Europe, averaging €1,000-€1,500 per year for EU students (StudyEU, 2024).
Even for non-EU students, Malta remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the European region. On average, living costs hover around €1,400 per month, covering accommodation, food, and transport (Numbeo, 2024).
| Expense category |
Estimated monthly cost (€) |
| Accommodation |
650–900 |
| Food |
300–400 |
| Transport |
50–70 |
| Miscellaneous |
100–150 |
When combined with strong academic quality and English-taught courses, these costs make study abroad in Malta a value proposition that’s hard to match.
European students studying in Malta: the attraction
European students are increasingly drawn to Malta because it feels both familiar and refreshingly different. As part of the European Union, Malta follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), meaning qualifications are portable across EU borders.
The Mediterranean lifestyle, safe environment, and welcoming local culture make it easy for newcomers to settle in. According to the Global Peace Index, Malta consistently ranks among the safest nations worldwide – a reassuring fact for students and parents alike.
Why European students choose Malta:
- English-medium education within the EU.
- Globally recognised degrees.
- Diverse student community (over 30% international enrolment).
- Affordable, student-friendly lifestyles.
- Sunny weather and relaxed pace of life.
These elements combine to make studying in Malta both academically and personally rewarding.
A safe and welcoming environment
Safety is a significant factor in why European students studying in Malta continue to grow. The country ranks among the top 10 safest in the world, with extremely low crime rates and a high sense of community trust (Global Peace Index, 2024).
For students moving away from home for the first time, peace of mind matters. Malta’s warm hospitality and close-knit culture make integration easy, while its multicultural society offers a genuine European experience in a smaller, friendlier setting.
Why students feel comfortable living in Malta:
- English-speaking environment
- Supportive academic culture
- Reliable public transport
- Low crime rate
- Strong student services and accommodation support
The island’s relaxed pace of life complements its academic intensity, a combination many international students value deeply.
Career prospects after graduation
One of the strongest reasons to choose education opportunities in Malta lies in its job market. With an unemployment rate of just 2.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024 (NSO, 2024), Malta’s economy consistently outperforms regional averages.
Many graduates find work in Malta’s expanding industries, particularly ICT, finance and tourism. The government actively supports international graduates through initiatives that make post-study work permits straightforward.
According to Malta Enterprise (2024), around 65% of international graduates secure local employment within six months. Companies appreciate the strong bilingual skill set of graduates and the emphasis on practical learning embedded in Maltese higher education.
In-demand graduate roles in Malta:
- Data analysts and software developers
- Financial officers and compliance managers
- Healthcare professionals
- Project coordinators
- Hospitality and tourism managers
For students looking to gain EU work experience without facing competitive visa barriers, Malta’s open labour market offers an ideal launchpad.
Cultural riches and quality of life
Beyond academics, study abroad in Malta brings cultural depth and quality of life. The island’s history, cuisine and architecture are distinctly Mediterranean yet layered with British, Italian and Arabic influences.
The climate is a bonus, with over 300 days of sunshine per year (World Meteorological Organisation, 2024), making it one of Europe’s most comfortable study destinations. Students enjoy coastal weekends, open-air festivals and a blend of urban and seaside lifestyles.
Students enjoy a strong sense of community, both on and off campus. English-speaking locals make integration seamless, while affordable public transport and compact geography mean everything, from university to seaside, is within easy reach.
Weekend trips to Gozo, Valletta’s cultural events, and vibrant student nights in Sliema all add to the appeal. It’s a study destination that balances work and leisure perfectly.
Lifestyle highlights for students:
- Year-round mild weather
- Affordable leisure activities
- Strong expat and student communities
- Proximity to other EU destinations (two to three hour flights)
This balance between serious study and quality downtime explains why student satisfaction rates are consistently high.
Government and EU support
Malta’s government actively supports higher education expansion through partnerships and funding. The National Higher Education Strategy (2023–2030) prioritises international collaboration, digital learning and AI-driven teaching tools (Government of Malta, 2024).
EU-backed initiatives like Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe make it easy for European students to study or transfer to Malta. This alignment with EU education frameworks ensures that Maltese degrees maintain credibility across Europe and beyond.
Comparing Malta with other European destinations
When compared with popular study hubs like France, Germany or Spain, Malta higher education system offers something unique: smaller class sizes, direct access to faculty, and shorter administrative queues.
| Factor |
Malta |
Germany |
France |
Spain |
| English-taught courses |
80% |
60% |
45% |
55% |
| International students (%) |
37% |
21% |
14% |
19% |
| Employment rate (EU avg.) |
78.4% |
76% |
74% |
72% |
These figures highlight Malta’s growing status as one of the EU’s most accessible and forward-thinking education destinations.
Why Malta is becoming Europe’s next education hub
With rising tuition fees across Western Europe and a growing demand for English-taught degrees, Malta stands out as a modern, safe and affordable option within the EU.
Institutions like GBS Malta have strengthened this momentum by offering globally relevant business and management, Information Technology (IT) and Health & Social Care programmes tailored to international learners. Malta’s consistent economic growth, stable governance and expanding education infrastructure make it a serious contender in the European academic landscape.
In short, studying in Malta gives students access to quality education, real-world experience and a lifestyle that’s both inspiring and sustainable.
Why GBS Malta stands out in Malta’s higher education system
Among the institutions driving the growth of higher education in Malta, GBS Malta has emerged as a hub for ambitious international students. Its English-taught programmes, practical learning model, and strong industry ties mirror the strengths that make education opportunities in Malta so appealing.
GBS Malta bridges global standards with local accessibility, offering accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across business, management, IT and healthcare disciplines. Its teaching approach blends classroom knowledge with hands-on skills that enhance employability across Europe.
| What makes GBS Malta distinct |
Student outcome |
| UK-validated degrees |
International career mobility |
| Work-integrated learning |
Industry experience |
| Small class sizes |
Personalised academic support |
| Career-focused modules |
Strong post-study employment |
As a result, European students studying in Malta often view GBS Malta as their preferred choice, combining affordability with academic excellence in one of Europe’s most welcoming destinations.
GBS Malta: shaping future-ready graduates in Malta and beyond
At its core, GBS Malta is committed to preparing students for the realities of today’s interconnected world. The institution’s academic model reflects Malta’s reputation for quality, accessibility, and employability, key traits that define the Malta higher education system.
With programmes designed to match market trends and EU-recognised qualifications, GBS Malta provides an ideal platform for students aiming to advance their education and career goals across Europe.
Through its supportive campus culture and focus on real-world learning, GBS Malta exemplifies what makes study abroad in Malta such a rewarding experience, global opportunities, cultural diversity and the confidence to succeed anywhere.
GBS Malta's got your back, with tailored support from day one. Let's make that vision real. Your adventure starts with one click.
Apply Now for the February, May or September 2026 intake at GBS Malta.
