Studying in Europe on a budget: Malta vs Italy and other EU countries

Monthly living costs compared across five European cities

Let's compare study abroad in Malta versus other options.

Same lifestyle assumptions, same student budget reality:

Malta occupies a middle ground. Not the cheapest option available.  

Definitely not the most expensive.  Living costs in Barcelona are slightly lower, but not by much. 

The real hidden costs you must plan for when studying in Europe 

This part may catch you completely off guard. Budget for these expenses or you'll be messaging home for money by December: 

Health insurance requirements: 

• Malta: €150-€400 yearly (mandatory for non-EU students) 
• Italy: Often included with enrolment fees for EU students; €500-€900 yearly for everyone else 
• Germany: €110 monthly (legally required, no exceptions, statutory student insurance) 
• Spain: €50-€100 monthly for private coverage 

Visa and permit renewals: 

• Malta: €66-€230 annually depending on permit type 
• Italy: €100-€150 including Permesso di Soggiorno processing 
• Spain: €150-€200 for a TIE card 

Textbooks and materials: €300-€600 yearly across Europe (unless you're clever with PDFs and library access) 

Weekend travel: Budget flights run €50-€150 per trip. Most students travel four to six times a year, totalling €200-€900. You're in Europe, you'll want to explore. 

Does cheaper mean worse when you study in Malta vs Italy? 

Fair question deserving honest answers. 

Malta's several private institutions follow a British-style education. Smaller class sizes (20-40 students), more discussion-based learning, professors who actually know your name. 

Degrees are recognised across the EU and internationally. 

Italy's public universities offer incredible value, but classes can balloon to 200+ students. Less personal attention. Some programmes teach partially in Italian despite being listed as 'English-taught', verify this carefully before committing. 

Germany's free education is legitimate and high-quality, but housing shortages in cities like Munich or Berlin mean you might live far from campus. Language barriers exist outside of classrooms. Daily life requires more German than expected. 

Spain offers good middle ground, affordable fees, decent quality and liveable cities. Similar to Malta in many respects, slightly cheaper in smaller cities outside Barcelona and Madrid. 

How to decide where to study in Europe based on your real budget – The GBS Malta perspective 

When planning your studies abroad, the first step is to look at your actual available funds, not what you hope to save or might borrow later. What truly matters is what’s verifiable and accessible today. 

At GBS Malta, we encourage all students to calculate their real education budget using this simple formula: 

Tuition + (Monthly costs × 12) + Hidden expenses + Emergency buffer (€1,000 minimum) = Your Real Number. 

Once you have that figure, apply it to each country you’re considering. You’ll notice the differences immediately: 

• Germany and Italy often have lower tuition fees but higher living costs, especially in major cities. 
• Malta and Spain offer clearer financial structures with moderate total expenses and manageable living costs. 
• The Netherlands and popular German cities tend to have the highest overall costs, even if tuition seems affordable at first glance. 

The key is to base your decision on your total yearly cost, not just an appealing tuition rate. When you factor everything together, you’ll see how Malta consistently offers one of the most balanced options in Europe, combining affordability, safety, English-language education, and a Mediterranean lifestyle. 

Making the comparison work for you 

At GBS Malta, we don’t claim to be the affordable and that’s not the goal. What we offer is a quality British education in Europe at a total cost you can realistically manage without constant financial strain. 

Peace of mind matters. When you’re not stressed about next month’s rent or juggling too many part-time jobs, you can focus on what truly counts, learning, networking, and building your future. 

Choosing between Malta, Italy, or other European destinations comes down to your personal priorities: 

• Total yearly cost 
• Language comfort and communication ease 
• Programme quality and career outcomes 
• Lifestyle and safety 

For students comparing options across Europe, honest self-assessment is far more valuable than chasing prestige or popularity. 

So, run your real numbers. Be transparent with yourself about hidden costs. Choose a destination where your budget allows you to live and learn comfortably. 

At GBS Malta, we help you plan your education journey with clear financial understanding, so you can invest in your future with confidence, not anxiety. 

Apply Now and take the first step toward your European education experience that’s smart, sustainable, and fully within your reach.