By 2026, Malta will have become a strong center for education in the Mediterranean, offering African students high-quality, English-taught programs with a number of competitive funding options. Malta is a good place to study abroad because full-ride scholarships are rare, but tuition waivers and the chance to work part-time make it a good choice.
1. The University of Malta (UM) Scholarships for Graduate Students
The University of Malta, which is the oldest and most prestigious school in the country, has a special scholarship program to bring in talented people from outside the EU and EEA for its research-based programs.
Benefits and Coverage Most of the time, these scholarships are for free tuition. For the school year 2026/2027, qualified applicants can get:
- Full or partial fee waivers can be anywhere from 40% to 100% of the total cost of tuition.
- Only Master’s by Research and PhD programmes are eligible. (Professional doctorates and MBAs are not usually included.)
- Important: These waivers don’t cover travel or living expenses. Students must show that they have enough money to live in Malta.
The Application Cycle for 2026
- The main deadline is April 30, 2026, for classes that start in October.
- Before you can apply for the waiver, you must already have an unconditional letter of admission to a master’s by research or PhD programme.
- Selection: Based on your letter of motivation, how well you interviewed (English proficiency and research suitability), and how much money you need.
2. The Malta Government Scholarship Programme
International students, including those from Africa, can take advantage of several programmes offered by the Ministry of Education and Employment, depending on what they are studying.
Endeavour II Scholarship Programme This very competitive programme helps students get their Master’s (MQF Level 7) and PhD (MQF Level 8) degrees.
- Areas of focus: the arts, humanities, health, education, and money.
- 2026 Status: While co-funded by the EU, certain calls are open to international applicants who can demonstrate a high level of contribution to the Maltese economy or research landscape.
Specialized Sector Scholarships Malta has special scholarships for certain skills:
- Malta Sports Scholarship Scheme: For top athletes or people studying sports medicine and management.
- Malta Arts Scholarship Scheme: For students who want to get a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the performing or visual arts.
3. Scholarships from the Commonwealth
Malta is a member of the Commonwealth and takes part in the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). For students from Commonwealth member states in Africa (like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa), these are often the best “full-ride” options.
Master of Arts in Helping People: The University of Malta’s MA in Humanitarian Action is one of the most well-known Commonwealth scholarships that are given out regularly in Malta.
- Coverage: Usually covers full tuition, airfare, and a monthly living allowance.
- The theme is to strengthen resilience and response to global crises.
4. Options for Private Institutions and Erasmus+
In addition to the public university system, private schools and programs across the EU offer other ways to pay in 2026.
Private colleges like GBS Malta give out “Global Citizen” and “Early Bird” scholarships.
- Incentive: International students can get up to 35% off their first year’s tuition.
- High-Achiever Award: Limited scholarships for the best high school graduates that cover up to 90% of tuition.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Malta is part of a number of Erasmus Mundus programs, including the NOHA Masters in International Humanitarian Action. These programs offer prestigious EU scholarships that pay for everything and give students from partner countries in Africa a large monthly allowance.
5. Papers Needed for 2026
You will need a well-organised digital portfolio to apply for Malta’s funding.
- Unconditional Admission Letter: Most scholarships require you to first receive acceptance from the university.
- The standard format for CVs in Malta’s academic and professional circles is the Europass CV.
- For PhD and Master’s-by-Research applicants, a research proposal is required.
- English Proficiency: You need to show proof of IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL because English is the main language of instruction.
6. Advice for applicants in 2026
The “Work-Study” Strategy: In 2026, international students in Malta with a student visa can work 20 hours a week after being in the country for 90 days. Because the cost of living is lower than in mainland Europe, many African students work part-time to pay for their living expenses and get a partial scholarship (40–60%) to help with their tuition.
It’s critical to apply early. You need an unconditional offer to apply for the state fee waivers, so you should start your university application at least three to four months before the April 30 scholarship deadline.
If you are covering part of your degree expenses, you may wish to consider the “Get Qualified” Scheme. It gives students who stay in Malta to work after graduation tax credits of up to 70% of their course fees (up to €10,000).
Final Thoughts
In 2026, Malta will offer African students a unique way to study. It will have a British-style education system and be affordable in the Mediterranean. The University of Malta’s tuition waivers are the easiest way for researchers to get help, but the Commonwealth and Erasmus Mundus programs are better for people who want a full financial package. If you get an unconditional offer by early spring, you’ll be in a favourable position to compete for the country’s most important academic awards.
Do you want to get a research-based PhD or master’s degree, or do you want to get a professional degree like an MBA or a master’s degree in humanitarian action?