Top Universities and Higher-Education Institutions in Malta

Malta has been gradually positioning itself as a strategic destination for higher education for international students seeking globally accredited degrees, industry-focused study programmes, and competitive costs within the EU. Although Malta is very famous for its academic excellence in business and management studies, its higher-education ecosystem also encompasses finance, ICT, logistics, hospitality, digital technologies, health, and applied sciences.

The comprehensive guide provides an overview of the top universities and higher education institutions in Malta. 

Why Study in Malta?

Malta's appeal extends well beyond its Mediterranean lifestyle and climate. Indeed, being a stable country and an EU member with a "pro-education and pro-business" regulatory framework, Malta can serve as a living laboratory for applied learning, particularly in business, technology, and service-related disciplines. Malta has focused its efforts on being a "hub" for foreign investments and digital innovation and on developing specialised services with direct alignment between higher education and labour-market demand.

The major economic activities that contribute to shaping academic programmes and influencing graduate employability include:

• Financial Services and Accounting, supported by a strong regulatory and compliance framework.

• iGaming and Digital Entertainment, whereby Malta is recognised as a global licensing hub.

• Fintech, blockchain, and digital assets, with the impetus of progressive legislation and start-up environments.

• Logistics, Aviation, and Maritime Trade, with strong roots in Malta's geographical location between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

• Tourism, Hospitality, and Events are vital industries with global brands and year-round demand.

• ICT, cybersecurity, and software development, driven by governmental digitalisation policies.

From an educational perspective, English is the main language of instruction; thus, there are no language barriers for international students. The class sizes are generally smaller compared to the large universities in mainland Europe. This enables greater academic interaction, personalised supervision, and practical engagement. Tuition fees also remain considerably lower when compared to those in the UK, Ireland, or Northern Europe, with qualifications fully aligned to EQF/MQF frameworks, which ensure recognition both in Europe and globally.

Furthermore, Malta provides a pathway through which internships, part-time employment (subject to visa regulations), and access to the EU job market can be gained. This makes it an attractive destination for students seeking both academic credentials and real-world professional exposure within a compact, internationally connected environment.

 

1. University of Malta

Positioning: Research-led national university

The University of Malta is actually the oldest and most comprehensive institution of higher education within the country, being the backbone of Malta's higher-education system. The institution provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees in the following disciplines: business, economics, management, finance, ICT (information and communication technology), engineering, health sciences, law, education, and arts. All this is supported by a resilient research infrastructure.

The university is accredited by the MFHEA and is following the MQF and EQF standards. It has maintained extensive Erasmus+ agreements for mobility, as well as research centres that are EU funded. Academic delivery at the institution covers theoretical foundations, critical inquiry, and policy relevance.

Fees: For non-EU postgraduate programmes: from €11,000 to €14,000 total, depending on the programme.

Culture and Careers: A strong academic culture providing a clear trajectory towards pathways into public policy, consulting, finance, academics, and EU institutions, supported by career services and research-led employability.

Official Page: um.edu.mt

 

2. Malta Business School

Positioning: Executive, professional, and corporate education

Malta Business School (MBS) is a specialised educational institution with the main focus on career-orientated business education. They offer diplomas, bachelor's degrees, MBAs, and executive MBAs, including prestigious collaborations with Henley Business School. These courses are designed specifically for working professionals and conducted through evening, weekend, or blended schedules.

It is an MFHEA-accredited institution, and the programmes are aligned with MQF/EQF. Malta Business School focuses on leadership, strategy, project management, human resources, finance, and entrepreneurship, along with assessments that are related to actual organisational challenges.

Fees: The fees are approximately €7,000 for diplomas and €20,000+ for executive MBAs.

Culture and Careers: Corporate-orientated and outcome-based. It is best suited for mid-career advancement, leadership roles, and executive progression.

Official Page: mbs.edu.mt

 

3. Global Business School Malta (GBSB Global)

Positioning: Innovation-driven international education

GBSB Global Malta provides bachelor's, master's, and MBA degrees that reflect the real-world conditions of modern, technology-driven economies. Some of the main academic fields are digital business, fintech, entrepreneurship, innovation, management, analytics, and data-driven decision-making. The education system follows an experiential "learning by doing" approach that comprises case studies, group projects, and business labs.

With accreditation by MFHEA and recognition across Europe, GBSB Global attracts an extremely diverse and international student population, encouraging multicultural collaborations and global thinking.

Fees: MBA programmes at GBSB Global are in the range from €9,900 to €10,900.

Culture and Careers: You can find that the culture is entrepreneurial and start-up orientated, with strong connections to fintech, iGaming, digital marketing, and innovation-driven startups.

Official Page: global-business-school.org

 

4. Swiss School of Management

Positioning: International management and executive studies

The Swiss School of Management offers BBA, MBA, and DBA programmes with a strong focus on global strategy, leadership development, organisational behaviour, and international business operations. The academic model integrates theory with executive case analysis and strategic decision-making frameworks. 

The institution is MFHEA-licensed and MQF-aligned. SSM hosts an international faculty and student community that is diverse, thus providing a learning environment that is globally immersive. 

Fees: MBA programmes at SSM usually cost around €15,000 (depending on specialisation and mode of delivery).

Culture and Careers: The culture at SSM is mostly executive-based and multicultural, which is especially relevant for international managers, consultants, and globally mobile professionals.

Official Page: ssm.swiss

 

5. EuroAmerican Institute (EAI), Malta

Positioning: International, career-focused higher education

EuroAmerican Institute Malta, provides bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programmes in business administration and computer science fields with a focus on global curriculum. The institute is licensed by the MFHEA, and its awards are recognised within the MQF/EQF frameworks, thus providing European recognition.

Fees: Tuition fees are programme-specific, generally falling under the affordable private education sector in Malta.

Culture & Careers: EAI focuses on small cohort-based learning, individual academic support, and education that can improve job prospects in international business settings.

Official Page: euroamerican.edu.mt

 

6. GBS Higher Education Malta

Positioning: UK-validated applied degrees

GBS Higher Education Malta offers Bachelor's and Master's qualifications in business management, accounting & finance, IT, health management, and related areas, with degrees validated by UK awarding bodies. A distinct feature of these courses is an emphasis on applied & practice-orientated learning, with assessment based on real scenarios, analytical reports, presentations, and case-based evaluations instead of traditional exams.

Being licensed locally by MFHEA and designed to fit the MQF/EQF standards, the GBS Higher Education institution offers the opportunity to obtain UK-framed qualifications in the EU context, combining British academic standards with Maltese regulatory oversight.

Fees: Approximately €10,000 for MBA programmes.

Culture & Careers: Strong employability-driven and appealing to students who are looking for career-ready skills, UK progression routes, and multinational corporate exposure.

Official Page: gbs.edu.mt

 

7. Ascencia Business School, Malta

Positioning: European business education

Ascencia Business School Malta offers Bachelor's, Master's, and MBA degrees in business administration, marketing, international management, and strategic leadership, which are highly influenced by European managerial and organisational culture. The academic delivery is focused on critical thinking, cross-cultural management, and application-orientated education.

Ascencia Business School Malta is licensed by MFHEA and fully aligned with the MQF. It is especially known for its small class sizes, individual academic mentoring, and strong faculty-student interaction.

Fees: Management degrees are typically priced between €9,000 and €12,000.

Culture & Careers: Student-focused and globally positioned, perfect for EU mobility, graduate employability, and European corporate careers.

Official Page: ascencia-business-school.mt

 

8. London School of Commerce Malta

Positioning: British-validated, cost-effective education

The London School of Commerce Malta delivers BSc (Hons), MBA, and MSc degrees that are British-validated through partnerships with UK universities like the University of Suffolk. The educational framework is also British-style, focusing on modular education, fast-track courses, and coursework assessment.

LSC Malta is MFHEA-accredited and attracts foreign students who want to pursue UK degrees at relatively affordable rates without sacrificing quality.

Fees: MBA - €6,950; BSc (Hons) - approximately €14,950.

Culture & Careers: Career-focused and time-effective, designed for easy transition into business, finance, management, and global corporate environments.

Official Page: lscmalta.edu.mt

 

9. Knights College

Positioning: Career-focused professional education

Knights College delivers MBA and undergraduate business programmes centred on industry-based assessments, coursework, and business skills development. The programmes are designed to address the needs of early-career professionals and those pursuing career changes.

The college is MFHEA-approved and MQF-compliant, providing recognised qualifications in Malta and the European Union. 

Fees: The MBA programme fee is €14,990 (EU) and €16,200 (non-EU), with partial fee reimbursement available through Malta's Get Qualified tax refund scheme.

Culture & Careers: Supportive and practice-driven, particularly suitable for career switchers, international students, and professionals pursuing career-enhancing business credentials.

Official Page: knights.edu.mt

 

10. Global College Malta

Positioning: Boutique professional higher education

Global College Malta offers UG, PG, and doctoral degrees in business, logistics, IT, health management, education, and applied social sciences. Most of the courses are provided in the evening or in blended delivery mode, catering to working professionals. The college is licensed by MFHEA and is MQF-aligned. It focuses on applied learning, continuous assessments, and industry-relevant skills.

Fees: UG courses range from €4,500 to €5,500 per annum; MBA courses cost around €9,000.

Culture & Careers: Small class sizes and personalised attention, with emphasis on employability, professional development, and industry-specific career outcomes.

Official Page: gcm.edu.mt

 

Conclusion

When it comes to higher studies, Malta provides a combination of education that is accredited by MFHEA and aligned with EQF standards with good industry connections and low costs, providing globally portable qualifications and excellent job prospects in a compact, EU-based study destination.