The University of Malta, University of Malta, is over 400 years old and offers subjects in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. A large part of the teaching takes place in English. If you are pursuing a vocational education, you can get an internship in Malta.
According to Countryaah, Malta is an island republic located in the Mediterranean Sea 90 km south of Sicily. Due to its strategically important location, Malta has historically been under changing foreign rule. From 1814 to 1947 Malta was a British colony. In 1947 the island gained autonomy, and in 1964 the island was declared an independent state.
The governments of Malta have alternately pursued a Western-oriented and a Western-critical policy, but when the Nationalist Party took power in 1998, Malta applied for EU membership. The country became a full member of the EU on 1 May 2004.
Malta’s subtropical Mediterranean climate with very hot and dry summers makes the island a popular tourist attraction. More than a million tourists visit Malta every year, and therefore the tourism sector is also the largest and accounts for approx. 25% of gross domestic product.
Maltese is the national language of Malta, but both Maltese and English are official languages. In primary school, both languages are taught, at the university, however, mostly in English.
Worth knowing
Vocational training in Malta
Vocational education in Malta is taken mainly at Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, MCAST. MCAST offers, among other things, educations in design, electronics, trade and communication technology.
A vocational education lasts 1-4 years, depending on which direction you choose. The educations are offered at upper secondary level and as post-secondary educations. On MCAST’s website you can find a very good description of the vocational educations as well as a list of the institutes that offer these. You can also get more information about fields of study, duration and admission requirements.
Internship
If you are thinking of taking all or part of your own internship abroad, read the section on internships abroad for vocational education under the section Primary school and upper secondary education.
Higher education in Malta
Institutions
In Malta, one can take a higher education at either university or college.
Malta has one university, the University of Malta, which was founded by the Jesuit order in 1592. The university has approx. 9500 students, of which 610 foreign. The university offers educations in areas such as architecture, humanities, communication, economics, social sciences, medicine, theology and agriculture.
At Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, MCAST, you can, among other things, study communication technology, business economics and electronics. Malta Center for Restoration offers university-level studies in restoration.
The website of the Maltese Ministry of Education contains further information on the above-mentioned educational institutions and on the educations they offer.
The academic year runs from October to June and is divided into two 2 semesters: October-January and February-June.
Degrees at university level
The following degrees can be obtained at university level in Malta:
- Bachelor degree (undergraduate studies) usually lasts 3 years (however 5 years if you choose a medical degree).
- Master, MA (postgraduate studies), usually lasts 1-2 years after the bachelor’s degree. The education ends with the preparation of a graduation project.
- Doctorate (PhD), usually lasts 3 years on the basis of a master’s degree. The education ends with a doctoral dissertation.
Application for higher education
Applications for higher education must be sent directly to the individual educational institutions. A list of educational institutions in Malta can be found on the website of the Maltese Ministry of Education.
Admission requirements
A Danish upper secondary education provides access to higher education in Malta. In some cases, specific levels and disciplines will be required.
Language proficiency
In addition to the entrance examination, a foreign student must be able to document a good knowledge of English. There are various tests, including the TOEFL test (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
At the University of Malta you can also take a pre-semester language course to become better at English. The application must be sent to the University of Malta, International Office, and the deadline is 15 May at the start of studies in October of the same year and 30 October at the start of studies in February of the following year. However, applications can be sent at any time before and one is encouraged to be on time. You can find more information on the University of Malta website.
Application deadlines
You must contact the individual educational institutions for information on application deadlines.
Internship in higher education
Paragon Europe is a Maltese company that, among other things, offers help in arranging internships in Malta.
Recognition of foreign educations in Denmark
If you have completed a publicly recognized education abroad, you can have it assessed by the Danish Agency for Research and Education.
Economics and education
In general, the cost of living is lower in Malta than in many other European countries. Approx. DKK 3,200 a month should be enough to cover, rent, food, transport and books.
The tuition fee is on average around DKK 25,000 for a year of studies at undergraduate level, but the price varies greatly from subject to subject. A year of study at postgraduate level costs on average around DKK 35-40,000, but here too the price varies a lot.
Work in Malta
The minimum wage in Malta is NOK 3,500 per month. On average, you work 39.3 hours a week and are entitled to approx. 28 days off depending on when the holidays fall.
Unemployment in Malta in February 2013 was 6.6%.
Job search
EU citizens are free to work in Malta.
You can receive unemployment benefits for 3 months while applying for a job in Malta. See more about this in the article Job search abroad under the folder Paid work.
You can get information about working in Malta from the EURES Advisers at the country’s Job Centers.
In addition, you can also search for e.g. this job database: www.careerjet.com.mt
Work-and residence permit
As a Dane, you are free to stay in Malta for 3 months. If the stay extends beyond 3 months, you must apply for a residence permit.
If you want to work in Malta, you must always apply for a work permit.
At the Embassy of Malta you can find information on the applicable rules for work and residence permits. Read more about this in the article Visas, work and residence permits.
Practical conditions
Other accommodation options:
There are good opportunities for language courses at one of Malta’s 40 language schools.
Guide School Service & Co. holds courses in Malta.
Facts about Malta
Population: Approx. 397,000
Languages: Maltese and English.
Employment: Unemployment is 6.4% (EUROSTAT, December 2013).
Residence permit: Applied for after 3 months.
