How much do you know about the tiny Mediterranean island called Malta? Although it’s known for its rich history, stunning cathedrals, warm weather, beautiful beaches, and wild parties, Malta is not only your dream vacation destination but also offers excellent education standards. It boasts some of the best institutions of higher learning globally. It also offers a high but affordable standard of living, rich culture, and exciting career opportunities. In fact, it is well-loved by thousands of international students; small island hosts students from nations like the UK, US, India, Canada, and Australia, among others (some 92 countries in total).
Want to know more? Here are a few reasons why an overseas course in Malta is the best decision you can make:
1. The University of Malta is one of the oldest and most respected academic institutions
The University of Malta traces its roots back to 1592, making it the oldest university in the world outside of Britain. It is very highly ranked as a University, especially when weighing all the other elements that come along with studying in Malta! Also, if you reside in the European Union and apply for an undergraduate course, it is free to attend the UM.
However, the University of Malta is not the only option for quality education in Malta; here’s a list of all the higher education institutions on this small island:
- American University of Malta (AUM)
- Global College Malta
- Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
- EEC-ITIS Malta Tourism and Languages Institute
- MX Institute
- Learn Key Institute
- Advenio eAcademy
- Institute of Tourism Studies-ITS
You can browse through their websites to see exactly what they offer and how you can be eligible to study at each of these institutions.
2. English is one of the official languages
If you come from an English-speaking region, or are comfortable speaking in English, you will feel right at home in Malta. The official languages are Maltese and English. Therefore, English-speaking students will be able to communicate with the locals, read signs, ask questions, purchase items etc., without any language barrier. In fact, Malta is also very well-known for its English language schools and courses, with over 75,000 international students enrolling every year to learn English in Malta.
Because of all this, Malta is home to many expats and offers you the chance to mingle with many different and exciting cultures without experiencing a language barrier. The locals themselves are also very friendly and tend to be loud – don’t mistake this for anger!
3. Affordable cost of living
A high cost of living deters most students, as they do not have a stable source of income. However, living in Malta is comparatively cheaper than in many other EU countries. The prices are very reasonable whether you are looking at rent, food, transport, or other general living expenses.
You are also allowed to work for 20 hours per week while studying – the national minimum wage in Malta is €700 per month.
4. Lovely weather and culture
Malta enjoys warm temperatures all year round. Summer brings with it hot sun, blue skies, and sparkling waters, while the winter brings with it mild daytime temperatures that range from 15°C to 20°C. Although Malta experiences some rainy days, they’re certainly fewer and further in between than in other EU countries. For reference, Malta gets around 300 days of sunshine a year. Such comfortable weather lets you explore all corners of the island in winter without having to be afraid of the chill.
The Maltese culture is also very warm and welcoming. In terms of food, you’ll always find something to eat, as Maltese cuisine is a mix of European dishes with a heavy emphasis on Italian foods such as pizza and pasta, and American dishes such as burgers. There are also many other cuisines that feature on the island as a result of its rich expat community – Indian, Chinese, Thai, Greek, Japanese, and many other diverse and exciting cuisines.
5. Amazing job opportunities
The Maltese economy is the fastest growing in Europe, with Malta being the first EU state to regulate the online gaming and blockchain industries. This has led to many exciting opportunities for students in various fields, including marketing, writing, tech, finance, and many other diverse courses of study. It also has a favourable tax rate for businesses, making it the ideal location to start up your own company.
Malta has also introduced a tax break for postgraduates who enter the workforce. Anyone with a Master’s degree gets a one-year break from paying tax. This also applies to graduates who studied part-time, although they are only eligible for a 50% discount on income tax.
6. Very safe country
Malta is one of the safest countries in the world. The crime rate on this island is one of the lowest in Europe, and the island is listed as one of the safest countries in the world to live in with respect to natural disasters. Having said this, keep an eye out for the usual and more common forms of crime and dangers: pickpocketing, theft of your bag on beaches while you’re swimming, and reckless driving.
Conclusion
To conclude, Malta is a fantastic place to enrol as a student. There are many advantages to this small island in the middle of the Mediterranean, including quality education, lack of language barrier, affordable cost of living, lovely weather and culture, amazing job opportunities, and the fact that Malta is a very safe place to live.
If you are enrolling at the University of Malta, you can apply for onsite student housing. The cheapest room would cost you around €650 per month at the Campus Hub, the newly built student village. Here, you’ll be living right next to the University, and have access to amenities such as a student lounge and study area, student bar, gym and swimming pool, post office, parking and bike storage, food and retail outlets, as well as a place to do your laundry. You can find out more here.
