Malta offers European degrees taught in English at a fraction of what UK or North American universities cost, in a sunny Mediterranean country with easy travel connections across Europe. But moving to a new country means having a clear money plan. This guide breaks down the real costs of living and studying in Malta in 2026: tuition fees, monthly expenses, accommodation options, and the financial proof you need for your student visa.
Disclaimer: This article is only meant to help you learn about costs. Prices, school fees, and government rules can change at any time. This guide is not official financial, legal, or immigration advice.
Tuition Fees in Malta: Public Universities vs. Private Institutions
School fees change based on the type of institution you choose:
- Public universities: Students from the European Union (EU) study for free. International students from outside the EU usually pay about €6,000 to €12,000 per year for undergraduate degrees. Some master's programs can cost up to €18,000 per year.
- Private institutions: Fees are different at every school. Many private schools work with foreign universities to offer special degrees.
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
Besides school fees, you need to plan for your normal monthly expenses. Having a clear budget will help you stay comfortable while you study.
A typical international student in Malta spends between €800 and €1,300 per month for basic needs. Here is how students usually spend their money every month:
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.
Find programs that fit your budget in Malta
Browse tuition fees and entry requirements at MFHEA-licensed institutions in Malta — and apply through ApplyBoard.
Affordable Student Accommodation: How to Save Money on Rent
Rent will be your biggest monthly cost. Where you choose to live changes the price a lot.
Higher-cost areas (near universities and the coast):
- Sliema, St. Julian's, Msida
- Shared rent: €550 – €700/month
More affordable areas (inland towns away from the coast):
- Birkirkara, Mosta, Qormi, Żabbar
- Shared rent: €300 – €450/month
Living in an inland town can save you 30% to 40% on rent. Malta's bus network makes traveling to school easy and free for students.
Related Resource: See our full guide: Affordable Living in Malta: Best Localities for Student Housing on a Budget (2026)
Malta Student Visa Financial Requirements for 2026
To get a Maltese student visa, you must prove you have enough money to pay for school and live comfortably. The government visa office, Identità, looks at every student's application carefully.
Proof of Funds: You must show bank statements that prove you have a stable source of money. Usually, you need to show you have money equal to at least 75% of Malta's minimum wage for every month you plan to stay. This means having about €950 for each month, plus enough money to pay any remaining school fees.
Course Fee Deposit: Before you apply for your visa, your school will ask you to pay part or all of your tuition fee. They will give you an official paper receipt to show to the visa office.
Mandatory Health Insurance: To get your entry visa, you must have health insurance that covers at least €30,000 for emergency medical care and hospital stays. Later, when you apply for your longer residence card in Malta, you may be asked to buy a private health insurance policy that covers up to €100,000.
Related Resource: Learn more about money rules in our guide: Maltese Student Visa Financial Requirements: 2026 Guide.
FAQ: Costs of Studying in Malta
Non-EU students at public universities typically pay €6,000 to €12,000 per year for undergraduate degrees, with some master's programmes up to €18,000. Private institution fees vary by programme. Monthly living costs run EUR 800 to EUR 1,200, with public transport free on the Tallinja Card.
At least 75% of Malta's national minimum wage per month of stay, roughly €950 per month, plus tuition fees. You also need health insurance of at least €30,000 for the entry visa, rising to €100,000 for the residence permit stage.
Inland towns such as Birkirkara, Mosta, Qormi, and Zabbar offer shared accommodation from €300 to €450 per month, saving 30% to 40% compared to coastal areas like Sliema and St Julian's. The free student bus network makes commuting straightforward.
Yes. Students with a Tallinja Card travel free on Malta's bus network after a one-time €25 registration fee.
Summary: Total Costs of Studying in Malta
Malta offers a combination that is rare in European higher education — an English-speaking environment, EQF-aligned degrees, and a cost of living that remains manageable with reasonable planning. Tuition at private institutions often starts below what a single semester costs at a UK university, and choosing an inland neighbourhood and the free Tallinja Card bus network can reduce your monthly outgoings significantly.
The key practical steps before departure: gather three to six months of bank statements showing sufficient funds, arrange health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage for your entry visa, and confirm your institution's tuition deposit requirements well in advance of your intake date.
Start your affordable European degree in Malta
Browse accredited programs at Maltese institutions, check tuition fees, and apply through ApplyBoard.