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Universities in Malta

Universities in Malta by City:

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About universities in Malta

Higher education in Malta is fully funded by the state, and it is delivered, almost exclusively, at the University of Malta and Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). The structure of higher education in Malta is as per the Bologna process framework wherein programs lead to bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees. Higher education in Malta comes under the purview of National Commission for Higher Education, whose primary responsibility is to liaise between the government and institutions of higher education in Malta.
 
University of Malta has been given full autonomy in developing its course and program structure and content. Higher education in Malta is taught in English, except in subjects where Maltese or another language is necessary to the course. The academic year at higher education institutions in Malta is divided into two semesters, as per the Bologna system.
 
Higher education in Malta is divided into two cycles, as per the Bologna framework. The first cycle comprises the undergraduate studies and leads to Certificates, Diplomas or Bachelor degrees. Certificates are unclassified; diplomas are awarded ‘With Distinction’ or ‘Pass’ while Bachelor degrees can be awarded  First Class Honors, Second Class Honors (Upper Division), Second Class Honors (Lower Division) or Third Class Honors. Master degree courses, upon successful completion entitle the student to the conferment of Master of Philosophy. Finally, successful defense of original research work by will entitle the student to the conferment of Doctor of Philosophy.
 
Bachelor’s degree in Malta

A bachelor’s degree course is the first cycle of higher education in Malta and usually takes three to four years to complete, depending on the specialization selected. The University of Malta requires candidates to have received the Matriculation Certificate based on six subjects – two completed at advanced levels and four at intermediate, including Systems of Knowledge. Candidates are also required to have cleared their Secondary Education Certificate at least at Grade 5 in Maltese, English and Mathematics. Some undergraduate degree courses in Malta have specific criteria such as qualifications in information technology or proficiency  in Maltese or English.
 
Master’s degree in Malta

Master’s degree courses in Malta take one to two years, when taken full-time and three years when taken part-time. Admission to a master’s degree course in Malta requires the candidate to have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree course, with no less than second class honors (upper division). Doctoral studies in Malta are highly research focused and can take anywhere between three to eight years, depending on the course being done full-time or part-time. Admission to doctoral degree course in Malta requires the candidate to have successfully completed a Master’s degree course.
 
With the intention to promote higher education in Malta, the university runs most degree courses in Malta without class size restrictions, except courses leading to Bachelor of Dental Surgery course, Diploma in Health Science (Dental Technology), Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Physiotherapy and certain master’s degree courses. Higher education in Malta is, further, greatly encouraged through financial assistance from the government. Students from Malta and EU, enrolled in undergraduate degree courses in Malta, do not have to pay any tuition and also receive financial support covering basic expenses. The university and institutions in Malta also make available career guidance to their students.