Scholarships in Malta for Indian Students 2026: Government, University & EU Funding Guide

Scholarships in Malta for Indian students in 2026 are limited compared to larger destinations like the UK, Australia, or Germany — but they do exist, and when combined with Malta's already-low tuition fees (€5,000–€12,000/yr), they can reduce the total cost of studying in this English-speaking EU nation to remarkably affordable levels. The scholarships in Malta landscape includes the Malta Government Scholarship Scheme (MGSS), Erasmus Mundus joint programmes, University of Malta fee waivers, and private institution merit awards. In this 2026 guide, EEC — with 28+ years of experience identifying scholarship opportunities across 40+ countries — provides a complete breakdown of every available funding source, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and expert tips for Indian students to maximise their chances. Whether you are pursuing a master's in AI, a degree in business, or a programme in fintech, understanding the scholarship landscape is essential to making Malta even more affordable.

Scholarship Landscape in Malta for Indian Students 2026

Malta is a small country with a small higher education system — the University of Malta is the sole public university, and total international student enrollment is modest compared to the UK or Australia. This means the scholarship pool is smaller in absolute numbers but also less competitive. Indian students who apply strategically — with strong academic records, clear SOPs, and timely applications — have a genuine chance of securing partial funding. The most important thing to understand is that most scholarships in Malta cover partial tuition (20–50% fee reduction) rather than full rides. However, since Malta's base tuition is already €5,000–€12,000/yr — a fraction of UK or Irish fees — even a partial scholarship brings the cost down to extraordinarily affordable levels.

The key funding sources for Indian students studying in Malta in 2026 are: (1) the Malta Government Scholarship Scheme (MGSS), (2) Erasmus Mundus joint programmes that include Malta partner institutions, (3) University of Malta merit-based fee reductions, (4) private institution scholarships at AUM and Global College Malta, and (5) external scholarships from Indian government schemes (like the National Overseas Scholarship) that can be used at Maltese universities. Combined with Malta's low cost of living, even small scholarships make a significant impact on the total budget.

Malta Government & EU-Funded Scholarships

The Malta Government Scholarship Scheme (MGSS) is administered by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and provides funding for postgraduate studies. While primarily designed for Maltese nationals studying abroad, select awards are available for international students studying IN Malta in fields aligned with Malta's national priority areas: digital economy, fintech, blockchain, health, and environmental sustainability. Indian students pursuing master's or doctoral research in these fields should check the MFHEA website for the latest MGSS call for applications (typically published in January–March each year).

Erasmus Mundus is particularly noteworthy for Indian students. Several Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) programmes include the University of Malta as a partner institution. These programmes are fully funded — covering tuition, a monthly living allowance of €1,400, travel costs, and insurance. Indian students are classified as "Partner Country" candidates and receive the highest funding category. The competition is significant (hundreds of applications per programme), but Indian students with strong academic records and relevant research experience have been selected in past cycles. EEC helps identify which Erasmus Mundus programmes include Maltese partners and assists with the application process.

University of Malta Scholarships & Fee Waivers

The University of Malta offers several merit-based and research-based funding opportunities for international students. While these are not always large individual scholarships, they can meaningfully reduce the already-affordable tuition fees. The main opportunities include:

The University of Malta's merit scholarship is the most accessible funding option for Indian students — it is often awarded automatically based on your academic record at the time of admission, without requiring a separate application. Students with strong Indian degree results (70%+ aggregate or equivalent) are typically considered. The research assistantship is particularly valuable for master's and PhD students — it provides a monthly stipend of €400–€600 in exchange for 10–15 hours of research support per week, and this does NOT count against the 20-hour work limit since it is an academic appointment rather than external employment.

“I received a 30% tuition reduction from the University of Malta based on my first-class degree from Mumbai University — I didn't even apply separately. My MSc in Blockchain ended up costing less than ₹7 lakh in tuition total. No other English-speaking EU university could match that.”

— Arjun P., MSc Blockchain & DLT, University of Malta (2025)

Private Institution & External Scholarships

Private institutions in Malta — including the American University of Malta (AUM), Global College Malta, and London School of Commerce Malta — offer their own scholarship and discount schemes to attract international students. These typically range from 10–30% tuition discounts for early applicants or students with strong academic records. AUM, in particular, has been expanding its scholarship offerings to compete with the University of Malta for international talent.

External scholarships that Indian students can use for study in Malta include: the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship (for students from developing countries), the Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships, and various corporate scholarships from Indian companies like Tata, Infosys Foundation, and Reliance Foundation that support overseas education. Additionally, the IELTS and PTE test bodies occasionally offer scholarships for high scorers studying abroad. Contact EEC for a comprehensive scholarship match based on your profile.

How to Apply: Tips for Indian Students

Securing a scholarship in Malta requires strategy, timing, and presentation. Here are EEC's expert tips based on our experience helping Indian students secure funding across 40+ countries:

Top 8 Scholarship Application Tips

Alternative Funding: Loans, Part-Time Work & Sponsorships

For Indian students who don't secure a scholarship, Malta is still remarkably affordable thanks to alternative funding options. Education loans from Indian banks (SBI, HDFC Credila, Avanse, Prodigy Finance) cover tuition and living costs for recognised programmes in Malta. EEC's loan assistance team helps with loan applications, collateral guidance, and interest subsidy schemes (Vidyalakshmi portal for loans up to ₹10 lakh with interest subsidy).

Part-time work in Malta is a genuine funding source — not just pocket money. Indian students working 20 hours per week in iGaming or IT support roles earn €800–€1,200 per month, which covers living costs entirely. Combined with a family sponsorship for tuition fees or an education loan, the total out-of-pocket cost for an Indian family can be managed within ₹15–25 lakh for a full master's degree. For comparison with scholarship and cost options in other countries, see our complete Malta guide or compare with Ireland and the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most common scholarship-related questions Indian students ask about studying in Malta. For personalised scholarship guidance, book a free consultation with EEC.