Cost of Studying in Malta in 2026/27: University Fees, Living Costs and a First-Year Budget

A non-EU student at the University of Malta (UM) pays $9,650 (€8,500) or $12,260 (€10,800) a year for most bachelor's degrees in 2026/27, and $29,520 (€26,000) a year for medicine or dental surgery. Most full-time master's programmes cost $12,260–15,220 (€10,800–13,400) for the whole course, and the one-year Foundation programme costs $7,490 (€6,600). UM itself estimates living costs in shared accommodation at $1,540–1,850 (€1,360–1,630) a month. A first year on a bachelor's degree at $9,650 (€8,500) a year, including rent, food and mandatory fees, comes to roughly $28,520–32,200 (€25,120–28,360) before flights and insurance.

This guide lists UM's official 2026/27 fees by level, the charges that sit on top of tuition, the difference between the "visa minimum" and a realistic budget, five first-year scenarios and legitimate ways to cut costs without putting your residence permit at risk. For the country overview, see studying in Malta.

What the budget is made of

University of Malta tuition fees for 2026/27

UM publishes fees on each programme page, separately for EU/EEA nationals and everyone else. The figures below are non-EU fees for 2026/27.

Two patterns stand out. Most humanities, business and law bachelor's degrees cost $9,650 (€8,500) a year, while IT, psychology and health programmes cost $12,260 (€10,800). Master's fees are quoted for the whole course, and for many programmes the full amount falls due in year one.

Across five years, MD tuition adds up to $147,620 (€130,000); with the medical Foundation year the total is $165,780 (€146,000) before living costs. Going from a school certificate to a bachelor's degree at $9,650 (€8,500) a year via the standard Foundation year costs $36,450 (€32,100) in tuition alone.

What tuition does not cover

• Bench fees. Research master's degrees and doctorates may carry charges for consumables and lab facilities. UM only publishes historical ranges: $3,410–11,360 (€3,000–10,000) for an M.Sc. by Research in Engineering, $2,270–13,630 (€2,000–12,000) in Health Sciences and $680–22,140 (€600–19,500) for a PhD in Health Sciences. Several taught ICT master's programmes have no bench fees. Ask for the figure for your programme in writing before you accept.
• Repeating a year. A bachelor's student who repeats a year pays the full annual fee again. A student who fails individual units but still progresses pays a pro-rata charge based on ECTS.
• Master's and PhD extensions. Each extra year to finish a dissertation costs $450 (€400) at master's level and $680 (€600) at doctoral level.
• Changing course after applying. A change-of-course request costs $28–51 (€25–45) depending on timing.

Other institutions: MCAST and Queen Mary's medical campus

MCAST. The college's only published fee table for non-EU students covers 2024/25. It listed a three-year level-6 bachelor's at $22,140 (€19,500), of which $14,760 (€13,000) was payable because the final year is free; a four-year bachelor's was $29,520 (€26,000), with $19,700 (€17,350) payable. Confirm current figures with the college before budgeting.

Queen Mary University of London in Malta. The MBBS on Gozo costs $44,850 (€39,500) a year for all students starting from September 2026, with annual inflation-linked increases. Students can pay the full amount before enrolment or half before enrolment and the rest by 31 January.

For a comparison of these institutions' status, entry requirements and specialisms, see universities in Malta.

Housing and living costs

UM publishes a monthly guide and states plainly that these amounts are higher than the minimum required for a visa or residence permit, and closer to reality.

With a shared flat this adds up to $1,540–1,850 (€1,360–1,630) a month, or $18,530–22,210 (€16,320–19,560) over 12 months. Budget for the full twelve months: Identità expects a lease covering the whole academic year, usually September to September.

Campus Hub, a residence right next to UM's main campus, is the option the university recommends to international students. A private flat requires a lease registered with the Housing Authority and a lawyer-certified form, and collecting that paperwork can delay the residence permit. In September 2026 Campus Hub listed a place in a twin room from $24 (€21) a day, or about $720 (€630) for 30 days; a single room with shared bathroom from $26 (€23) a day and a studio with private bathroom and kitchen from $49 (€43) a day, with bills included. UM stresses that Campus Hub is run by a third-party operator, so your contract is with the operator, not the university.

The visa minimum is not a real budget

Maltese authorities check a minimum bank balance, but that minimum does not cover life on the island.

• For the D visa. The last three months of bank statements must show at least 75% of the national minimum wage for every month of study. With the 2026 minimum wage at $260 (€229.44) a week, that threshold is about $850 (€746) a month and $10,160 (€8,950) for 12 months. UM also quotes a daily alternative: $20 (€18) a day if accommodation is already paid, $30 (€26) a day if not. Tuition is excluded.
• For the residence permit. Identità defines the threshold as 60% of the national equivalised income threshold; UM's residence permit guidance gives a concrete figure of $1,130 (€994) for each month of stay, about $13,550 (€11,930) a year. UM's visa guidelines also mention a lower figure of $1,080 (€950) a month, so it is safer to hold the higher amount.

These funds must be in the account when you apply. They are not a fee, but they are not tuition money either. Document requirements are covered in our Malta student visa guide.

Five first-year scenarios

Each scenario includes the $110 (€100) application fee, a $170 (€150) visa fee, the $57 (€50) residence permit fee and 12 months of living costs in shared accommodation based on UM's figures. Flights, visa insurance, health screening and a rental deposit are extra.

UM prices single accommodation at $910–1,820 (€800–1,600) a month compared with $620–790 (€550–700) for a shared room; choosing it adds $1,360–14,310 (€1,200–12,600) a year. A full-time UM master's usually runs for three semesters, roughly 16 months, so add about four more months of living costs, $6,180–7,400 (€5,440–6,520). Programme details are in our guide to master's degrees in Malta.

Can part-time work cover the costs?

Full-time students on programmes at MQF level 5 or above may work up to 20 hours a week under a Jobsplus employment licence that the employer applies for and that is tied to one job. Identità's pages link the start of this right either to the residence permit or to the first 90 days in Malta, so do not count on earnings in the first three months. At the 2026 minimum wage of $260 (€229.44) for a full week, even the maximum permitted hours will not pay for rent and food, and Identità re-checks your own funds at every renewal. Treat work as a supplement, not part of the required budget. Foundation students (MQF level 4) may not work on a study permit.

Scholarships and discounts

UM does not offer ready-made bachelor's scholarships for nationals of Russia, Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan. Its scholarship page lists schemes for Tunisian and Palestinian nationals and Islands and Small States Institute scholarships; funding for research master's and PhDs appears as calls tied to research projects. Some master's programmes offer early-payment discounts, such as $2,270 (€2,000) off the M.A. in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security for a deposit paid by 15 May 2026. MCAST waives the final-year fee on bachelor's degrees. For a wider overview, see scholarships abroad in 2026.

Legitimate ways to save

1. Choose a public institution. UM, MCAST and ITS students are exempt from Identità's requirement for private health insurance with at least $113,550 (€100,000) of cover. At private institutions you buy that policy for your whole stay.
2. Compare Campus Hub and a flat on total cost. Include bills, deposit, lease registration and the time the residence permit paperwork takes.
3. Use free public transport. Buses are free for e-Residence holders, so a room further from the coast can save money without costing much time on a small island.
4. Pass the English test first time. Missing the SELT deadline pushes admission to the next intake and adds a semester or a year of costs.
5. Apply before the first deadline. Late applications cost twice as much, and visa applicants cannot use the late window at all.

Paying tuition from Russia

UM accepts payment through its online form and by bank transfer; bank details and deadlines are in the acceptance letter and invoice. If your budget depends on a scholarship or a sponsor who pays later, the finance office may agree an instalment plan, but arrange it in advance. Legal payment routes are covered in our guide on how to pay for studies abroad from Russia. Check the route before you apply: proof of payment is needed for the visa.

FAQ

Sources

• University of Malta 2026/27 programme pages with non-EU fees: Foundation Humanities, Psychology and Sociology, Foundation Medical and Dental, European Studies and IR, Laws, Business and IT, IT Software Development, Psychology, Pharmaceutical Technology, MD, Strategic Management and Digital Marketing, Economics, Artificial Intelligence, Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security, International MBA — checked 29.09.2026
• University of Malta: fees and funding, scholarships, bench fees (PDF) — checked 29.09.2026
• University of Malta: living costs, accommodation, visa and e-Residence, Extended Service guidelines — checked 29.09.2026
• Campus Hub: rooms and prices — checked 29.09.2026
• Identità: student D-visa checklist (PDF), Form N.01 (PDF), study permit FAQ — checked 29.09.2026
• DIER: 2026 national minimum wage page — checked 29.09.2026
• MCAST: fees for non-EU candidates and 2024/25 payment schedule (PDF) — checked 29.09.2026
• Queen Mary in Malta: programme costs — checked 29.09.2026
• ECB rate of 29.09.2026: €1 = $1.1355. Rounding step: $1 below $100, otherwise $10.

Budget planning for a specific programme, checks of financial documents for the visa and residence permit, and help with finding housing are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Fees are set by the institution, visa and residence decisions are made by Identità, and tenancy terms are set by the landlord or residence operator.

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.