When thinking about studying abroad, Malta is probably not the first country to come to mind. After all, a warm, exotic island on the Mediterranean sounds more like a place for vacations, not studying. And yet, get ready to be surprised! Because studying in Malta is not only possible but a fantastic, enlightening adventure.
Wait, then Malta is not an exotic paradise? It absolutely is! But that does not dampen its academic possibilities in the slightest. Thus, studying in Malta makes the perfect blend between life experience and professional growth. Still hesitant? Good thing we know our business. Stay with us and find out all the reasons why this island may be your next destination and how to get it done.
8 Reasons for Studying in Malta
How many people who have studied in Malta do you know? The most common answer is “zero”. But this number means absolutely nothing. Keep in mind that it is a very small country. Also, that it does not receive as much publicity as others. Which, if you think about it, is highly favorable.
If you decide to study in Malta, you have the guarantee that you will enjoy a first-class education. At the same time, you will live a very original adventure. Here, at GrowPro we’ve limited ourselves to choosing 8 reasons why you should study in Malta. It falls short, but it allows you to unveil its mysteries on your own.
1. Quality education
Malta welcomes thousands of foreign students every year, and not just for its beautiful landscapes. The Maltese education system germinated in the light of British-American pedagogy. And stands out for its robust and up-to-date curriculum.
For that reason, Valletta, the capital city, has little to envy other more famous ones, such as London or New York. In Malta, you can study at many world-famous institutions: the London School of Commerce Malta, the Middlesex University Malta, and the International Maritime Law Institute, among others.
2. English is one of the official languages in Malta
Until 1964, Malta was a British colony and that is why English is one of its official languages. It is the language used in higher and university education. In this way, Malta is an excellent destination to further your education in English.
Of course, the other official language is Maltese. However, two-thirds of the population also speak Italian, the official language until 1934 and in force today thanks to the popularity enjoyed by Italian television.
3. It’s a cheap place to live
We will talk about it in detail later in this post. But another reason why you should study in Malta is its low cost of living. Unlike other English-speaking countries, you can live there on a modest budget. The courses, rents, and daily expenses are cheaper than in other destinations such as Australia or Canada.
4. You will live in a movie set
There are several must-see places in Malta. Tourists know it, and film directors know it. In 1925, Sons of the Sea, the first film shot on Maltese soil began production. Since then, it has been the scene of more than 100 productions. For example, The Da Vinci Code, The Count of Monte Cristo, Troy, World War Z, and Assassin’s Creed.
In fact, one of the attractions of Malta is visiting the set where Popeye, starring Robin Williams, was filmed in 1980. Also, The Pub, in Valletta, rose to fame after the death of actor Oliver Reed, who was in Malta filming Gladiator.
5. Unique dishes in Malta
Qaghaq, imqaret, stuffat tal-fenek…No, we didn’t pass out on the keyboard. We just mentioned some typical Maltese foods! Dishes so rare you won’t find them anywhere else. Maltese gastronomy has been influenced by Spain, Great Britain, France, Arabia, North Africa, and Italy.
So, you will be able to taste the infinity of dishes based on rice and fish, and almond cakes. You will get the know the pastizz, their typical puff pastry empanadas. Besides, goat and sheep cheese, tympana, stuffed macaroni, super fleshy olives, and a variety of rabbit preparations. Oh, and let’s not forget their excellent wines.
6. Great parties take place in Malta
Islands are just the best places for parties. The Maltese attraction is not only the international DJs and climate, ideal for beach celebrations. Malta is special because of the people, who in general are passing through for a few months. Thus, they have the sole intention of enjoying the time to the fullest.
7. Diving!
The seventh reason you should study in Malta is that it is a diving mecca. Its waters have visibilities that exceed 40 meters and its temperature reaches 15 degrees in winter! For this reason, it is a highly valued destination worldwide. It’s famous for its “wrecks”, ships sunk during the Second World War. Such as the “HMS Maori”, bombers, submarines, and fishing boats.
8. Pleasant weather all year (if you love the heat)
There is only one reason why you might not want to study in Malta. And we need to mention it or we wouldn’t be completely honest. The climate in Malta is tough. By this we mean the heat in the summer is intense.
Malta has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. In July, August and September, it barely rains. And there are days when the thermal sensation reaches 40ºC. Furthermore, the humidity is usually high. The good news is that Malta has beautiful beaches to cool off and get on with your routine.
What Can I Study in Malta?
Different types of studies can be carried out in Malta’s leading institutions and at an affordable price.
Bachelor’s, Master’s PhDs
As we mentioned before, Malta places many big universities at your disposal. It even has one of the oldest universities in the world, The University of Malta, founded in 1592. Also, you’ll find the Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST). Both offer a wide variety of vocational courses, all taught in English.
You can get certifications or master’s degrees. It all depends on the time you have and the investment you are willing to make. Or, if you are looking for something more focused on informatics, tech, or business, consider Middlesex University. It is the top university in those fields. And, its architecture is delightful.
Requirements for Studying in Malta
The requirements to study in Malta vary depending on the length of the course you intend to take. In the next section, we will see the specific issue of visas; but even if you don’t need one, you must have:
- Valid passport during the period of your stay.
- The round trip tickets.
- An invitation letter or the booking of your accommodation.
- Health insurance.
- Proof of financial means to pay for your studies and cover your expenses.
How to Get a Visa to Work and Study in Malta
If you have European citizenship, you can skip this section. Otherwise, you may need a study visa, depending on the duration of your course (less than three months, or more).
Less than 90 days
If you want to study in Malta for a maximum of three months, likely you will not need a visa. Just in case, check out the full list of exempt countries. In case your country does not make up this list, you must apply for a Short-stay Schengen visa. It happens that Malta belongs to the Schengen area, so it applies the same immigration regulations as that entire block.
Over 90 days
On the other hand, if you intend to do a course in Malta that lasts more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a student visa. But, the process must be started once you are in the country. Among the requirements, they will ask you:
- A valid passport.
- Health insurance.
- Proof that you have been accepted by an educational institution for a full-time course.
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to live, pay the tuition, and cover the expenses of the return trip.
The student visa is valid for one year or the duration of the course. Besides, you can apply for an employment license to work a maximum of twenty hours per week.
How much does it cost to study in Malta?
One of the biggest advantages of Malta is that it is one of the cheapest English-speaking countries to study and live in. In fact, the Government encourages discounts for foreign students in restaurants, transportation, tourist activities, sports clubs, and countless other items.
In total, you will need between 500 and 700 euros per month to live in Malta. This includes accommodation and meals. Consider, for example, that sharing a flat in Valletta costs about 350 euros.
Finally, public transport has special offers for students. Although you can surely cover almost all distances on foot. You rarely have to travel in a radius of more than 3 or 4 kilometers.
Steps for Studying in Malta
If you are interested in studying in Malta, now it is just a matter of a few steps to follow.
Select the city you want to live in
Yes, Malta is a very small country, but it still has a wide variety of cities to offer. Even if you can cross the whole island in a day! We have prepared a list of the most appealing cities in Malta. But, for now, keep in mind that depending on the city, your accommodation, work, and course options may vary.
Select the program and the duration
A vocational course or an entire Bachelor’s degree? Depending on what you choose, you will know how long you will have to stay studying in Malta. Then you must choose the institution with the best program and enrollment according to your budget. To know when the adventure will begin, you will need to listen to what your savings suggest.
Make a pre-registration
Ok, you know in which city you want to live, what to study and when you are going to do it. Now, you should start the corresponding registration procedures at the institution you have chosen.
Pack your bags!
If you’ve already solved all of the above, it’s time to book your flights and pack your bags. It is not necessary that you wear too many layers and do not forget the bathing suit. It’s time to put your fears aside and prepare to expand your comfort zone.
Come Study in Malta with GrowPro
Studying in Malta is an excellent decision, but also a very brave one. Not everyone is willing to live the adventure of traveling to an unknown country. Many young people want to live the experience, but they get lost in the maze of requirements. To avoid that, at GrowPro we decided to help young travelers from all over the world to fulfill their dreams.
If you decide to go with us, we will help you all the way. One of our Student Advisors will answer all your questions. Also, will prepare for you a detailed quote of what you will have to invest in this new adventure. We will also give you advice on accommodation and schools. Last but not least, we will help you with all the paperwork you have to carry out.
Now that you have no more excuses, will you dare to take the big step? We hope so! Choose an experience and get your free quote today!?
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