Study in Malta 2026: Complete Guide for Indian Students — English-Speaking EU, Fees, Visa & Jobs

Study in Malta for Indian students is one of the smartest emerging choices for 2026. As the only English-speaking country in the EU outside Ireland, Malta offers a unique combination: affordable European education, English-medium instruction at all levels, EU Schengen access, a 12-month post-study job search permit for master's graduates, and a growing demand for skilled professionals in iGaming, fintech, tourism, and IT — sectors where study in Malta for Indian students leads directly to employment opportunities. With tuition fees ranging from just €5,000–€12,000 per year at the University of Malta, a minimum wage of €229.44 per week (2026), and a Mediterranean climate that rivals Goa, Malta punches far above its weight as a study abroad destination. In this comprehensive 2026 guide, EEC — with 28+ years of experience and 50,000+ students placed globally — covers everything Indian students need to know: universities, courses, fees, visa process, work rights, scholarships, and the step-by-step admission process.

Why Choose Malta for Higher Education in 2026

Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean — just 316 sq km — yet it punches far above its weight in education, employment, and quality of life. A full EU member since 2004 and a Schengen Area member, Malta gives Indian students unrestricted travel across 27 EU countries while studying. English is one of Malta's two official languages (alongside Maltese), meaning all university programmes, daily life, government services, and business operate in English. This eliminates the language barrier that Indian students face in Germany, France, or Italy — no need for TestDaF, DELF, or Italian proficiency. For Indian students comparing destinations, this English-speaking EU advantage is Malta's single biggest differentiator.

Malta's economy has been one of the fastest-growing in Europe, driven by booming sectors in iGaming (Malta is the EU's iGaming capital, hosting 300+ licensed operators), fintech, blockchain, tourism, and IT services. Major international companies including Betsson, Tipico, Evolution Gaming, and KPMG have significant operations in Malta. The unemployment rate stands at just 3.1% (2025) — among the lowest in Europe — meaning graduates face a job market that actively needs skilled workers. For Indian students planning to work after graduation, Malta offers a clear pathway: study → 12-month job search permit → Single Work Permit → long-term residency after 5 years.

The cost of studying in Malta is significantly lower than in the UK, Ireland, or Australia. Living costs range from €700–€1,000 per month, and tuition at the University of Malta — the country's flagship public institution — is €5,000–€12,000 per year for non-EU students. Combined with work rights of 20 hours per week and a minimum wage of €229.44 per week, Indian students can cover a substantial portion of their living expenses through part-time employment.

Top Universities & Institutions in Malta

Malta's higher education system is regulated by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), which ensures all institutions meet rigorous quality standards aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The University of Malta — founded in 1592 — is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the country's only public university. It offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across 14 faculties and institutes, and it is the institution most Indian students attend. All programmes at MFHEA-licensed institutions are recognised across the EU, giving graduates full mobility to work in any EU/EEA country.

The University of Malta dominates Malta's higher education landscape. Its Faculty of ICT is particularly strong, producing graduates for Malta's booming iGaming and fintech sectors. The university's Centre for Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) — the first of its kind globally — offers master's programmes in blockchain and DLT that are unique in Europe. The Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy is ACCA-accredited, and the medical school produces EU-recognised doctors. For Indian students interested in IELTS preparation, Malta is also one of the world's top destinations for English language courses, with over 40 licensed language schools.

Popular Courses & Tuition Fees for Indian Students

Tuition fees in Malta are significantly more affordable than in the UK, Ireland, or Australia. At the University of Malta, non-EU students pay between €5,000 and €12,000 per year depending on the programme — compared to £15,000–£30,000 in the UK or €10,000–€20,000 in Ireland. Private institutions like AUM charge €9,000–€16,000 per year. In INR, a full master's degree at the University of Malta costs approximately €10,000–€24,000 total (₹9–22 lakh at current exchange rates) — making it one of the most affordable EU education options available to Indian students in 2026.

The most in-demand programmes among Indian students in Malta are IT, AI, blockchain, business, and finance — fields directly aligned with Malta's job market. Malta's unique positioning as the EU's iGaming and blockchain hub means graduates in these fields face strong demand from employers. The MSc in Blockchain & Distributed Ledger Technologies at the University of Malta is particularly noteworthy — it was the world's first such programme and attracts students from across the globe. For Indian students exploring affordable European options, education loan support is available through EEC's banking partners.

20 Hours/Week Work Rights & €229/Week Minimum Wage

International students in Malta can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. However, there are two important conditions Indian students must understand: (1) you must wait 90 days from the start of your course before you can begin working, and (2) you must have received your e-Residence Permit (e-RP) before taking up employment. The 90-day waiting period is strictly enforced — working before this period is a visa violation that can lead to permit cancellation. Once eligible, students can work in any sector, though the most common student jobs are in hospitality, retail, iGaming customer support, and tourism.

Malta's minimum wage for workers aged 18+ is €229.44 per week as of January 1, 2026. At 20 hours per week, this translates to approximately €11.47 per hour — competitive by Southern European standards and sufficient to cover a significant portion of monthly living costs. Many Indian students working in the iGaming sector or in IT-related roles earn above the minimum wage — €12–€15 per hour is common for customer support roles requiring English fluency, which gives Indian students a natural advantage.

“I started working at an iGaming company in Sliema after my 90-day wait period — they specifically wanted someone fluent in English with an IT background. My salary was well above minimum wage, and I covered my entire rent from part-time work alone.”

— Karthik R., MSc IT, University of Malta (2025 Graduate)

Post-Study Work: 12-Month Job Search Permit

Graduates who complete an MQF Level 7 (master's) or Level 8 (doctoral) qualification from an MFHEA-licensed institution in Malta are eligible for a 12-month job search permit. This permit allows Indian graduates to remain in Malta and seek employment without needing an employer sponsor at the time of application. The application must be submitted within 6 months of graduation, and applicants must demonstrate either a minimum bank balance of €7,000 or a valid job offer. Once employed, graduates transition to a Single Work Permit — renewable annually — which starts the 5-year clock towards long-term EU residency.

The pathway from study to permanent residency in Malta follows a clear structure: complete master's/PhD → 12-month job search permit → secure employment (minimum €21,000 gross/year salary) → Single Work Permit (renewable yearly) → long-term EU residency after 5 continuous years. For Indian students, Malta's small size is actually an advantage — networking is easier, the job market is less competitive than London or Dublin, and employers in Malta's booming iGaming and fintech sectors actively seek English-speaking graduates with technical skills.

Malta's job market in 2026 is particularly strong for IT professionals, data analysts, compliance officers, customer support specialists (English-speaking), accountants, and gaming industry professionals. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) — the world's first dedicated iGaming regulator — licenses over 300 gaming companies, creating a steady demand for graduates with IT, business, and finance backgrounds. Indian students with programming skills or fintech knowledge are especially well-positioned. For comparison with other European destinations, see study in Ireland or study in Italy.

Admission Process & Intakes for 2026

The University of Malta operates on a two-semester academic calendar. The primary intake is October (Semester 1), with some programmes also offering a February start (Semester 2). For Indian students targeting 2026, the October 2026 intake is the main opportunity — applications typically open in January and close between March and June depending on the programme. The admission process is straightforward: submit an online application through the university portal, provide academic transcripts, English proficiency evidence, and a personal statement.

Step-by-Step Admission Process

English Language Requirements

Since English is an official language in Malta, language requirements are straightforward. Most programmes at the University of Malta require an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 overall or PTE Academic equivalent. Some programmes accept TOEFL iBT scores of 80–90. Indian students who completed their previous degree in English may be exempt from language testing — a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from their institution is accepted by several programmes. For students who need language preparation, Malta itself is an excellent destination for IELTS preparation given its English-speaking environment.

Cost of Living in Malta for Indian Students

Malta is one of the more affordable EU countries for Indian students, though costs have risen in recent years due to the island's economic boom. Monthly living expenses for Indian students range from €700 to €1,000 depending on accommodation choices and lifestyle. Shared accommodation in areas popular with students — Msida (closest to the University of Malta), Sliema, St Julian's, Gzira, and Birkirkara — costs between €300 and €500 per person for a shared room. Studio apartments are more expensive at €600–€900 per month. For a detailed breakdown, see our cost of studying in Malta guide.

Transport in Malta is remarkably affordable. The Tallinja bus system covers the entire island, and a monthly student pass costs just €21. Many students also use electric scooters or bicycles. Malta's small size means nowhere is more than 45 minutes by bus from the university. Indian food is available at several restaurants and shops in Sliema, St Julian's, and Valletta. The Indian community in Malta — though small — is welcoming and organises regular cultural events. For those considering studying in the UK or Canada, Malta offers a significantly lower cost of living with EU benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most common questions Indian students ask about studying in Malta in 2026. For personalised answers based on your specific situation, book a free consultation with EEC.