International students should study in Malta for its high-quality education, affordable living costs and excellent post-graduation employment opportunities.
Why should international students choose Malta as their ultimate study destination?
As stated above, Malta is known as one of the safest countries in the world and is a great place for international students.
It provides high-quality education and many employment opportunities, making it a popular choice for studying. Additionally, living costs in Malta are lower than in other parts of Europe, making it a good option for students on a tight budget. There are even more reasons to study in Malta, so keep reading!
Get quality education in Malta
Higher rate of employment in Malta
If you're an international student studying in Malta, you're probably eager to explore professional career opportunities. Fortunately, Malta provides an excellent environment for your growth. With the second-highest employment rate in the EU, at 78.1 percent, Malta surpasses many other European countries.
Unlike some of its European counterparts, such as Italy, which faces challenges with a lower employment rate of 61.2 percent, Malta's vibrant job market offers promising prospects for both local and international talent.
In October 2023, Spain topped the highest unemployment rate in European countries, reaching 12 percent, followed closely by Greece at 9.6 percent. In stark contrast, Malta boasted the lowest unemployment rate in European countries, standing impressively low at 2.5 percent.
Furthermore, Malta boasts a higher percentage of employed individuals with tertiary education compared to countries like Germany, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Italy and Romania.
On the other hand, Romania and Bulgaria reported the lowest job vacancy rates in Europe, both at a mere 0.8 percent. In contrast, Malta's job vacancy rate was notably higher, standing at 2.9 percent. This means that students have great career opportunities to prosper in Malta.
| Job vacancy rate | |
| Belgium | 4.70% |
| Netherlands | 4.40% |
| Austria | 4.20% |
| Germany | 4.10% |
| Malta | 2.90% |
| France | 2.30% |
| Luxembourg | 1.70% |
| Greece | 1.60% |
| Spain | 1.0% |
| Poland | 0.9% |
Cost of living affordability compared to other European countries
When compared to other European countries, Malta offers a more affordable lifestyle. For international students, living in Malta doesn't put an extra burden on their savings.
|
Aspect |
Malta |
Comparison to Europe |
|
Cost of living |
Average |
Cheaper than central and northern European countries |
|
Monthly expenses for a single person |
€1,450 |
Germany: €1,700 |
|
Property prices (per square meter) |
€3,475 |
Sweden: €6,507 |
|
Basic utilities cost (per month) |
€100 |
Germany: €245 |
For instance, the average cost of living in France is $1528 (approximately €1,410), which is 6% more expensive than in Malta, where it's $1443 (approximately €1,333). In the list of the most expensive countries in the world, France ranks 30th while Malta ranks 34th.
The monthly rent in Malta typically amounts to around 550EUR, a relatively low price considering the picturesque tropical setting.
Furthermore, despite its strong connections with the UK (more expensive than Malta), Malta offers remarkably affordable tuition fees for international students, influenced by various factors. Even for students from outside the EU, the annual tuition costs are only approximately 1080 EUR to study in Malta.
Here, students can enjoy a high standard of living at reasonable costs. Additionally, students benefit from various advantages that help lower their expenses, such as discounted public transportation.
Quality education
Malta's high-quality education system is highly regarded by international students. Moreover, graduates have the option to remain in the country for employment opportunities post-graduation, opening doors to a bright future after completing their studies in Malta.
Furthermore, the country boasts some of the finest higher education providers, including international institutions such as GBS Malta, attracting a diverse range of students to study in Malta. Additionally, these institutions offer a wide range of courses to cater to the needs and interests of students.
Malta is an English-speaking country
In most European countries, learning the local language is a requirement. However, Malta stands out in this regard. Unlike other nations, Malta has two official languages which are Maltese and English — due to its history as a former British colony.
Unlike in Italy, where the language barrier can pose major challenges for international students, Malta’s bilingual population eases the concern. International students in Italy who are not proficient in Italian (Italy’s official language) may struggle to grasp lectures, engage in class discussions and communicate with peers and professors. Additionally, navigating daily life in Italy, such as grocery shopping or interacting with landlords, can prove challenging without knowledge of the language.
In contrast, approximately 88% of Malta's population is proficient in English, making it an ideal destination for students seeking higher education in English.
Higher overall experience of life than France, Germany, Spain and other EU countries
Among the European Union countries, Malta has distinguished itself with a notable score of 7.4 on a scale of 0-10. This achievement places it ahead of other well-known international education destinations within the EU, including France, Italy, Germany and Latvia.
Malta's high rating highlights its commitment to excellence in education. It also emphasises its growing reputation as an ideal destination for international students, particularly those from visa-free countries, who are seeking quality education opportunities.
Free public transport
Malta introduced a free travel scheme starting on 1 October 2022. Under this scheme, holders of the personalised public transport card, known as the 'Tallinja Card', are granted free access to day routes, night routes and special services.
Tallinja Direct (TD) routes are subject to a fare, which varies depending on the type of card utilised. While day routes, night routes and special service journeys do not require credit, passengers must ensure their personalised Tallinja Card has sufficient credit for Tallinja Direct or Tallinja On Demand trips.
The registration fee for adults/students is €25. In addition to bus services, the Tallinja Card can be used for other transportation options, such as the Valletta Ferry Services connecting Valletta to The Three Cities and Sliema, which is complimentary with the card. The Tallinja Card can also grant access to the Barrakka Lift and Tallinja Bike services, each requiring a fare dependent on the type of Tallinja Card used.
By offering free public transport, Malta not only enhances affordability for students but also promotes accessibility, allowing them to fully engage in their studies and explore the cultural richness of the island.
Get quality education with GBS Malta
GBS Malta is a leading higher education institution known for its specialist courses in different sectors.
GBS HE Malta holds a license as a higher education institution (MFHEA Licence Number: 2022-010) granted by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), an independent, transparent and internationally recognised authority. The bachelors and masters courses provided by GBS Malta comply with both the Malta Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework.
GBS Malta aims to enrich students’ educational experience by providing a range of benefits. From offering 50% scholarships for MBA programmes to facilitating a vast network of over 40,000 diverse students, GBS Malta ensures unparalleled avenues for growth and success.
Additionally, GBS Malta offers British qualification for academic success, ensuring students receive a world-class education that challenges them to reach their full potential. Affordable accommodation options are readily available and fully equipped to cater to the needs of international students.
With unmatched quality of education at affordable course fees, GBS Malta remains committed to supporting talented students in their educational pursuits. Furthermore, except for level 4 courses, GBS Malta offers a post-study work visa for nine months, providing students with valuable opportunities to gain work experience after completing their studies.
With all these advantages, GBS Malta emerges as the ideal destination for students to pursue their educational and career goals.
To know more about GBS Malta. Contact the student support team.
Frequently asked questions about international students in Malta
1. Why Malta is a great place to study for international students?
2. What is the unemployment rate in European countries?
In October 2023, Spain had the highest unemployment rate among European countries, reaching 12 percent, closely followed by Greece at 9.6 percent. In contrast, Malta had the lowest unemployment rate among European countries, impressively standing at just 2.5 percent.
3. Does Malta offer quality education?
Yes, Malta offers quality education with its well-known institutions and adherence to international standards.
4. What’s the rate of employment in Malta?
Malta has the second-highest employment rate in the EU, at 78.1 percent.
5. Where can I pursue quality education in Malta?
You can pursue quality education at GBS Malta. GBS Malta is a well-known higher education institution known for its specialist courses.