2026 University of Malta Scholarships for International Students
Are you dreaming of pursuing a Master’s by Research or PhD degree in Europe without the heavy burden of tuition fees? The University of Malta is opening its doors wider to global talent through its postgraduate scholarship programme for international students for the 2026 academic year. Designed to attract high-quality students from outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), this scholarship offers substantial financial support that can significantly reduce the cost of studying at one of Europe’s most vibrant academic destinations.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the 2026 University of Malta Scholarship: what it is, who is eligible, how much you could save, the application process, selection criteria, benefits, tips to improve your chances, and key deadlines. Let’s dive in.
Overview of the 2026 Scholarship
The 2026 University of Malta Scholarship targets international students from countries outside the EU/EEA who have secured unconditional admission to a Master’s by Research or PhD programme at UM. The goal is to make education more accessible to outstanding students whose financial circumstances might otherwise limit their ability to study abroad.
This scholarship is offered as a tuition fee waiver ranging from 40% to 100%, based on academic and research merit assessed by the UM Scholarships Selection Board.
Who Is Eligible?
Before preparing your application, it’s essential to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria. To qualify for the 2026 University of Malta Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA.
- Have received unconditional acceptance to pursue a Master’s by Research or PhD programme at the University of Malta, either on a full-time or part-time basis.
- Ensure your programme is primarily research-based. For Master’s, this usually means a thesis or project of at least 60 ECTS credits.
- Not already be enrolled in the programme at UM at the time of application.
Important exclusions:
- Professional doctorates and MBA-type programmes are not eligible for this scholarship.
- Applicants who already hold a full scholarship covering tuition and living costs from another institution cannot apply for this particular fee waiver, though partial external awards may be considered if properly disclosed.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The University of Malta Scholarship focuses on reducing your tuition burden:
Tuition Fee Waiver
- The scholarship offers partial to full tuition fee waivers (40% to 100%).
- If you achieve a high assessment score during the interview and evaluation process, you could receive a full tuition waiver (100%) for the normal duration of your programme.
- Bench fees—additional research-specific charges—may apply depending on the programme.
What Is Not Covered
It’s crucial to understand that the scholarship does not cover:
- Living costs (accommodation, food, transport)
- Travel expenses
- Health insurance
- Visa costs
Applicants are advised to ensure they have adequate funds to support these expenses throughout their study period.
Fee Waiver Breakdown
Once your application is evaluated and scored, your interview score directly impacts your fee waiver level:
| Interview Score | Fee Waiver Awarded |
|---|---|
| 80–100% | Full Waiver (100%) |
| 70–79% | 80% Waiver |
| 60–69% | 60% Waiver |
| 50–59% | 40% Waiver |
| Below 50% | No Waiver |
This means even if you don’t secure a full waiver, you could still receive partial tuition support that significantly lowers your education costs.
Application Documents Checklist
To ensure a complete application, here’s what you typically need to prepare:
- Acceptance Letter from the University of Malta (unconditional).
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting your academic history.
- Motivational Letter outlining your research interests and goals.
- Copy of Passport ID Page.
- Academic Recommendation Form (often requested from your supervisor or head of department).
- Research Proposal (especially important for research-based programmes).
Submission method: You must email your request for a fee waiver to the University’s International Office, including your UM Applicant ID and clearly stating “University of Malta Postgraduate Scholarship Application” in the subject line.
Selection and Admission Criteria
The University of Malta uses a holistic and merit-based approach to evaluate applicants for the scholarship. Once you’ve secured an unconditional offer, your application will be reviewed by the UM PhD and Master’s (by Research) Degree Scholarship Selection Board.
Here’s how your submission is assessed:
Academic Ability & Research Quality (60%)
This is the most important component. The Board will consider:
- Your academic record and transcripts
- Strength and relevance of your research proposal
- Evidence of academic excellence and readiness for independent research
Motivational Letter (10%)
Your letter should clearly communicate:
- Why you chose this research path
- How the programme aligns with your goals
- Your commitment to completing the research successfully
Interview Performance (10%)
If shortlisted, you’ll be invited for an online interview with the Scholarship Selection Board. This evaluates:
- Your capacity for academic communication
- Thought process and clarity
- Overall fit for the research environment at UM
Personal Circumstances & Need (10%)
The Board will also consider:
- Personal and financial context
- Potential impact of the scholarship on your ability to complete the programme
Contribution to University & Malta (10%)
This criterion assesses how your research could benefit:
- The University of Malta’s research ecosystem
- Malta’s academic or economic landscape
Visit the official scholarship website for detailed information.
Key Deadlines for 2026
The University of Malta sets annual deadlines based on programme start dates. For most programmes beginning in October 2026, scholarship applications must be submitted by 30 April 2026.
Here’s a recommended timeline to stay on track:
January – March 2026
- Start your application for admission at UM.
- Prepare your research proposal and documents.
April 2026
- Secure your unconditional acceptance letter.
- Submit your scholarship application by 30 April 2026.
May – July 2026
- Possible interviews and communication from the Selection Board.
October 2026
- Programme commencement at the University of Malta.
It’s crucial to apply early—late submissions are typically not accepted.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Here are some strategies to strengthen your scholarship application:
- Prepare a Strong Research Proposal: For research degrees, your proposal should be clear, relevant, and demonstrate impact. Explain why studying at UM aligns with your long-term goals and how your work contributes academically.
- Highlight Academic Excellence: Good grades, strong references, and a compelling motivation letter go a long way. Make sure your documents communicate not only your qualifications but also your ambition.
- Be Early and Organized: Deadlines are strict, and late applications are typically not accepted. Submit materials well ahead of the deadline and ensure everything is complete.
- Contact the International Office: Reach out to UM’s International Office for clarification of specific requirements and guidance. They often provide helpful advice for international applicants.
Conclusion
The 2026 University of Malta Scholarship offers a valuable chance for international students to pursue advanced research degrees in a dynamic academic environment with meaningful financial support. Whether you aim for a Master’s by Research or a PhD, the opportunity to lower or eliminate tuition fees can make graduate study abroad more accessible.
While the scholarship does not cover travel or living costs, the tuition waiver alone can drastically reduce the financial barriers to postgraduate education in Europe. With careful preparation, a strong research proposal, and thoughtful application strategy, you could secure support that shapes your academic and professional future.