Malta offers English-taught higher education programs, a Mediterranean lifestyle, and access to travel across Europe. Before you make the move, it’s important to understand the full cost of studying and living there. This guide covers tuition fees, monthly living expenses, accommodation, student work rights, and the financial requirements you may need to meet for a Maltese student visa in 2027.
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Disclaimer: This guide provides general budgeting information, not financial, legal, or immigration advice. Tuition fees, living costs, and government requirements can change. Always confirm the latest requirements with your institution and the relevant Maltese authorities before applying.
Tuition Fees in Malta: Public Universities vs. Private Institutions
Tuition fees in Malta depend on your institution, degree level, nationality, and chosen program. The European Commission’s Study in Malta country profile provides the following indicative annual tuition ranges:
These are general estimates, not guaranteed prices for every program or institution. Some courses cost more, and certain programs may charge different fees depending on your student status.
Note: Want to see how public and private schools work in Malta? Read our guide: Public vs Private Universities in Malta: Which Is Right for International Students?.
Monthly Cost of Living in Malta for International Students
In addition to tuition, you will need money for accommodation, food, utilities, personal expenses, and other everyday costs.
The European Commission estimates that students in Malta should budget approximately €900–€1,400 per month for living expenses, including accommodation, food, utilities, transport, and personal spending. Your actual costs will depend on your location, housing arrangements, and lifestyle.
The following table is an illustrative budgeting guide for 2027, not an official price list.
Tip! Malta offers free bus rides for students who have a Tallinja Card. You just have to pay a one-time €25 fee to sign up and get the card. Read more: Getting Around Malta: A Student's Guide to Public Transport and the Tallinja Card.
Affordable Student Accommodation: How to Save Money on Rent
Accommodation is often one of your largest monthly expenses in Malta. Rent varies according to location, property type, room occupancy, proximity to campus, and whether utilities are included.
Areas to consider
Higher-cost coastal and central areas
- Sliema
- St. Julian's
- Swieqi
These locations can offer access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment, but rental prices may be higher.
More affordable areas (inland towns away from the coast):
- Birkirkara
- Mosta
- Qormi
- Żabbar
Depending on the property and transport connections, these locations may offer alternatives to the more expensive coastal areas. However, you should compare current listings rather than assume every inland town is cheaper.
For 2027 planning, use €400–€900 or more per month as a broad allowance for accommodation, with the lower end more likely to suit some shared arrangements and the higher end more appropriate for certain private or higher-cost options.
The Malta Housing Authority publishes rental-market reports that can help you understand registered rents. Compare these figures with current room listings, and confirm whether advertised prices include electricity, water, internet, and other charges.
Ways to manage your housing costs
- Consider a shared apartment. Sharing rent and household bills can reduce your individual expenses.
- Compare the full cost of different locations. Lower rent may be offset by additional commuting costs or longer travel times.
- Check the rental agreement. Confirm the deposit, lease duration, included utilities, and conditions for ending the tenancy.
- Arrange accommodation carefully before travelling. Verify the property, landlord, and contract rather than relying solely on photographs or informal messages.
- Check residence-permit requirements. Identità may require evidence of suitable accommodation. Its general non-EU residence-permit guidance explains documentation requirements, including lease validity.
Related Resource: For more guidance, see our full guide: Affordable Living in Malta: Best Localities for Student Housing on a Budget (2026).
Malta Student Visa and Residence-Permit Financial Requirements
If you're a non-EU/EEA student, you may need a national D study visa before travelling to Malta, followed by a residence permit for longer stays. Check Identità's official visa guidance for the requirements that apply to your course.
You may need to provide the following documents:
Proof of Funds: Show that you have sufficient money to support yourself. Identità assesses financial means based on the applicable income threshold, household circumstances, and length of stay. Check the official student residence-permit guidance for the current calculation and accepted evidence.
Tuition Payment: Provide proof of enrolment and tuition payments as required by your institution and visa application.
Mandatory Health Insurance: Many non-EU students must meet insurance requirements for their visa or residence permit. Identità's residence-permit rules include a minimum coverage of €100,000 for many applicants.
Related Resource: Learn more about money rules in our guide: Maltese Student Visa Financial Requirements: 2026 Guide.
FAQ: Costs of Studying in Malta
- The European Commission estimates that students should budget approximately €900–€1,400 per month to cover accommodation, groceries, utilities, transport, and personal expenses.
- Actual expenses vary depending on your lifestyle and housing choice, with rent being the largest variable (typically ranging from €400 to over €900 per month).
- Indicative annual tuition ranges from €1,000 to €9,000 for bachelor’s degrees and €2,000 to €12,000 for master’s degrees.
- Doctoral degree fees depend heavily on nationality: EU/EEA students typically pay €600–€2,000 per year, while non-EU/EEA students pay between €5,000 and €11,000 annually.
- Yes, eligible bus journeys are free (€0) if you have a registered, personalised Tallinja card.
- Students only need to pay a one-time €25 registration fee to obtain the card, though certain specialized transit services are excluded from free travel.
- Non-EU/EEA students must provide proof of sufficient funds to meet Identità's income threshold, alongside proof of program enrolment and tuition payments.
- Applicants must also hold compliant health insurance coverage, which requires a minimum coverage limit of €100,000 for many residence-permit applicants.
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