Cost of Studying in Malta 2026: Tuition Fees in INR, Living Expenses & Complete Budget

The cost of studying in Malta is among the lowest in the EU for English-medium education, making it an increasingly attractive destination for Indian students in 2026. With tuition fees at the University of Malta ranging from just €5,000 to €12,000 per year, monthly living costs of €700–€1,050, and part-time work rights allowing students to earn €229.44 per week at minimum wage — the total cost of studying in Malta for a full master's degree is approximately €15,000–€25,000 (€13.5–22.5 lakh INR). This is 50–70% cheaper than studying in the UK, Ireland, or Australia. In this forensic 2026 breakdown, EEC — with 28+ years of experience counselling Indian students — provides every cost detail: tuition by programme, living expenses by category, one-time visa costs, and practical earning potential through part-time work.

Tuition Fees at Malta Universities in 2026

Tuition fees in Malta vary by institution and programme level. The University of Malta — the country's only public university and the institution where most Indian students enrol — charges non-EU students between €5,000 and €12,000 per year. Master's programmes typically cost €5,800–€7,200 per year for 1.5-year programmes. Private institutions like the American University of Malta (AUM) and Global College Malta charge higher fees ranging from €9,000 to €16,000 per year. In INR terms, a full University of Malta master's programme costs approximately ₹9–12 lakh total — a fraction of what students pay for comparable programmes in the UK or Ireland.

The University of Malta offers the best value-for-money among MFHEA-licensed institutions. Its master's programmes in high-demand fields like AI, blockchain, IT, and finance cost just €7,200 per year — significantly cheaper than equivalent programmes at Irish universities (€12,000–€25,000) or UK universities (£15,000–£30,000). For Indian students on a tight budget, the cost of studying in Malta is hard to beat within the English-speaking EU. EEC recommends applying to the University of Malta as the first choice for most Indian students — it offers the strongest degree recognition, lowest fees, and best employment outcomes in Malta. For financing options, explore education loan options through EEC's banking partners.

Monthly Living Costs Breakdown in EUR & INR

Living costs in Malta for Indian students range from €700 to €1,050 per month depending on accommodation type, location, and lifestyle. Malta is a compact island — transport costs are minimal (a monthly student bus pass is just €21), and shared accommodation near the University of Malta in Msida is among the most affordable on the island. Indian students who cook at home, share apartments, and use public transport can comfortably live on €700–€800 per month — making the total cost of studying in Malta among the lowest in Western Europe.

Accommodation Options & Costs

Accommodation is the largest expense for Indian students in Malta. The most popular areas are Msida (closest to the University of Malta), Gzira, Sliema, and Birkirkara. Shared rooms in these areas cost €300–€450 per month, while private rooms in shared apartments run €450–€650. Studio apartments are the most expensive option at €600–€900 per month. The University of Malta does not have on-campus dormitories, so all students must find private accommodation. EEC provides pre-departure accommodation guidance and connects students with verified landlords and flatmate groups.

Total Budget: 1-Year Master's vs 3-Year Bachelor's

The total cost of studying in Malta depends on the programme duration and institution. Here is a realistic total budget for Indian students at the University of Malta — the most affordable option:

A full master's degree at the University of Malta — including tuition, living, visa, insurance, and travel — costs approximately ₹23–29 lakh total. This is comparable to the cost of a single year of study in the UK or Ireland. For a 3-year bachelor's, the total investment is ₹41–54 lakh — still significantly cheaper than equivalent programmes in the UK or Australia. When you factor in the 12-month post-study job search permit and earning potential in Malta's booming economy, the return on investment is compelling.

“My entire 1.5-year MSc at the University of Malta — including tuition, rent, food, and flights — cost me under ₹25 lakh. My friends studying similar programmes in the UK spent ₹40 lakh for just one year. Malta was the smartest financial decision I made.”

— Sneha M., MSc Finance, University of Malta (2025 Graduate)

Visa, Insurance & One-Time Costs

Beyond tuition and living expenses, Indian students must budget for several one-time costs when studying in Malta. The Type D student visa application fee is approximately €80–€100. Mandatory travel/health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 (Schengen requirement) costs €200–€500 per year depending on the provider. Flight tickets from India to Malta (via connecting flights through Istanbul, Dubai, or a European hub) typically cost ₹30,000–€50,000 one way.

The financial requirement for the Malta student visa is €9,000–€10,000 in bank balance to cover the first year's living costs, plus proof of tuition payment or scholarship. You also need travel insurance with a minimum €30,000 coverage — this is a standard Schengen visa requirement. For detailed visa process information, read our Malta student visa guide. EEC assists with insurance selection and financial documentation to ensure visa approval.

Part-Time Earnings: Offsetting Your Costs

Indian students in Malta can work up to 20 hours per week (after the 90-day waiting period). With the minimum wage at €229.44 per week (2026), students working 20 hours earn approximately €460–€500 per month at minimum wage rates. Students in iGaming customer support, IT roles, or hospitality often earn above minimum — €12–€15 per hour is common. This means part-time work can cover 50–70% of your monthly living costs.

Indian students in Malta have a natural advantage in the iGaming and customer service sectors due to their English fluency and IT skills. Malta hosts over 300 licensed iGaming companies — Betsson, Tipico, LeoVegas, Evolution Gaming — many of which specifically hire English-speaking part-time staff. IT-related part-time roles pay well above minimum wage and provide valuable industry experience. For more on work opportunities, see our complete Malta study guide. For scholarship opportunities that can further reduce costs, see our dedicated guide.

Malta vs Ireland vs UK: Cost Comparison

How does the cost of studying in Malta compare with other popular English-speaking destinations? The table below provides a clear side-by-side comparison for Indian students choosing between Malta, Ireland, and the UK — the three primary English-medium options in Europe.

Malta is clearly the most affordable option among English-speaking EU countries. While Ireland and the UK offer longer post-study work permits and larger job markets, Malta's total cost is 40–60% lower. For Indian students with budget constraints who still want an English-medium EU degree, Malta offers the best value. The 12-month post-study job search permit, combined with Malta's low unemployment rate (3.1%) and booming iGaming/fintech sectors, means employment outcomes are strong despite the smaller market size. Contact EEC for a personalised cost comparison based on your profile and target programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most common cost-related questions Indian students ask about studying in Malta. For personalised budget estimates, book a free consultation with EEC.