Study in Malta Without IELTS (2027 Guide): Intensive English, Accredited Degrees & Schengen Visa

For thousands of international students, the stress, expense, and rigid score thresholds of standard English exams like IELTS or TOEFL represent a major hurdle to studying abroad. If you want to earn an internationally accredited qualification taught 100% in English while living in the European Union, there is an exceptional alternative: Malta. As an English-speaking EU nation located in the sun-drenched Mediterranean, Malta allows international students to enroll in intensive English courses and progress into accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s, or MBA degrees without an official IELTS certificate. This definitive 2027 guide explains how the pathway system works, tuition fees, the Schengen student visa process, and your legal rights to work while studying.

How to Study in Malta Without an IELTS Certificate

Unlike universities in the UK or Canada that often require rigid IELTS band scores (6.0 to 6.5 minimum) before granting admission, Maltese educational institutions offer three flexible, compliant pathways:

Pathway 1: Intensive English Course to Higher Education Pathway

Students with beginner or intermediate English proficiency can enroll in an accredited English language program (12 to 36 weeks). These programs are certified by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) and the Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations Malta (FELTOM). Upon completing the required level (usually B2 Upper-Intermediate), you transition directly into your chosen Bachelor’s or Master’s degree without ever having to sit for an official IELTS exam.

Pathway 2: Institutional Online English Assessment

Many private and independent higher education institutes in Malta administer their own diagnostic online English test. The test evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking via a brief online interview with the admissions faculty. If you achieve the required score, the institution issues an unconditional acceptance letter for your degree program.

Pathway 3: Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate

If your previous high school or university degree was taught primarily in English, you can provide an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate issued by your graduating institution. Many Maltese colleges accept this document in place of standardized tests.

Degree Programs Available in Malta (MQF Levels 5 to 7)

Malta’s educational system is aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) through the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF). This guarantees that your credits and diplomas are fully recognized across Europe and internationally:

Cost of Living & Student Budget in Malta

Compared to northern and western European study hubs like Dublin, London, Paris, or Amsterdam, Malta offers one of the most affordable living budgets in the European Union:

• Student Accommodation: Shared flats or student residences in popular areas such as Msida, Gzira, Sliema, and Birkirkara range between €250 and €450 per month (including utilities and Wi-Fi).
• Food & Groceries: Monthly supermarket expenses (Lidl, Welbee’s, local markets) average €180 to €250.
• Public Transportation: Registered students holding a personalized *Tallinja Card* travel for free on all public buses across Malta and Gozo.
• Total Realistic Monthly Budget: Approximately €550 to €800 per month covers all typical student expenses.

Working While Studying: The Jobsplus Student Work Permit

One of the major attractions of studying in Malta is the legal right for non-EU international students to work part-time:

• The 90-Day Rule: Under Maltese immigration law, third-country nationals enrolled in a course exceeding 90 days are entitled to apply for an official employment license through Jobsplus starting on their 91st day of lawful stay.
• Allowed Working Hours: Up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during official semester breaks and summer holidays.
• Typical Hourly Wages: Student jobs in hospitality, hotels, restaurants, retail, digital marketing, and tech customer support pay between €6.50 and €10.00+ per hour.
• Self-Funding Opportunity: Earning €500 to €800 per month allows students to cover a significant portion—if not all—of their monthly living costs while studying.

The Malta Student Visa (National D Visa) Requirements

To enter Malta for long-term study, non-EU students apply for a National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) through the official Maltese visa agency (Identità / Central Visa Unit) and authorized submission centers (such as VFS Global):

Why Choose Education Club for Your Malta Application

While Malta offers a streamlined pathway, securing an error-free admission letter and navigating Identità / VFS visa requirements requires professional guidance. Education Club supports international students at every phase:

1. Program Matching & Internal Test Registration: We evaluate your academic background and register you for institutional English evaluations, bypassing external IELTS testing.
2. Guaranteed Admissions with Partner Colleges: We maintain official partnerships with top licensed Maltese colleges and business institutes, ensuring fast offer letters within 3 to 5 business days.
3. Financial File Pre-Screening: We review your bank statements and sponsorship affidavits to guarantee total alignment with Identità’s daily subsistence rules.
4. Full Visa Dossier Preparation: We organize your VFS appointment, certified lease registration, insurance, and cover letter for maximum approval probability.