Malta Government Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded
Most students chasing European education think Germany, France, or the Netherlands. They scroll past Malta without a second look. That is a mistake, and one that quietly benefits every student who takes the time to read past the headline.
Malta is a full European Union member. English is an official language and the primary medium of instruction at Maltese universities. Tuition fees and living costs are significantly lower than in most Western European countries. And the government runs multiple fully funded scholarship programs that cover everything from undergraduate arts diplomas to doctoral research. Also apply for Central Queensland University RTP Scholarship 2027
I have tracked European scholarship programs for years. Malta government scholarships are among the most underutilized on the continent, which means the competition pool is smaller and the odds for well-prepared applicants are better than almost anywhere else in Europe.
Here is the complete picture.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Malta, Europe |
| Funded By | Malta Government, Ministry of Education, Universities, Independent Organizations |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral |
| EU Member | Yes |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| English Test Required | Generally not required |
| Number of Programs | Multiple (Arts, Endeavour, University Research, and more) |
| Application | Online via official Malta scholarship portal |
Why Malta Deserves Your Attention
Before getting into the scholarship programs, a few facts about Malta that most scholarship guides skip entirely.
Malta is a European country and a member of the European Union. Malta’s educational system has very high ratings. Apart from tuition fees, Malta offers significantly lower accommodation and other expenses in comparison to other countries. Every year, universities in Malta accept hundreds of international students and offer them top-notch instruction in a range of subject areas.
The University of Malta aims to build a globally diverse academic community by supporting high-calibre students whose research interests align with Malta’s national priorities and the university’s strategic research areas.
One thing I tell every student who asks about European scholarship options: do not underestimate the cost of living advantage. A scholarship stipend in Malta covers your actual expenses. The same stipend in Munich or London does not. That gap matters enormously over a two or three year degree program.
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Complete List of Malta Government Scholarships 2026
Malta does not offer one scholarship. It offers a portfolio of programs covering different academic levels, disciplines, and student profiles. Here is each one explained clearly.
1. University of Malta Postgraduate Scholarship
The University of Malta Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme is a competitive, merit-based funding initiative designed to attract outstanding international researchers from non-EU countries. Rather than offering stipends, the programme removes financial barriers by providing substantial tuition fee waivers ranging from 40% to 100%. This opportunity is open exclusively to applicants enrolling in Master by Research and PhD programmes.
The oldest and most modern university in Malta is the University of Malta. Additionally, it is the oldest university in the world outside of Britain. It offers an extensive and varied curriculum for students.
The fee waiver applies for the normal duration of the program. If you need to extend your study period, the waiver does not automatically carry over. Plan your timeline carefully and stay within the standard program duration.
Who it is for: International researchers from non-EU countries pursuing Master by Research or PhD programs.
What it covers: Tuition fee waiver of 40% to 100% depending on the scholarship award.
Application process: Shortlisted applicants are invited to an online interview with the Scholarship Selection Board. The interview evaluates your research proposal, academic profile, and motivation.
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2. Malta Arts Scholarship Scheme
The Malta Arts Scholarships Scheme seeks to offer more chances for people with outstanding talent to develop professionally in the arts. Priority is given to theatre, music, dance, design, creative writing, film, visual arts, or any mix of those.
This scholarship is available for undergraduate diplomas, second degrees, first degrees, joint degrees, or postgraduate qualifications. The amount of the tuition fee could be as high as €20,000, depending on the qualification awarded.
Available fields of study under this program include fashion, acting, film, fine arts and design, photography, architecture, dance and choreography, music, theatre studies, and creative writing.
This program covers one of the widest ranges of creative disciplines I have seen in any government scholarship scheme. Most government programs prioritize STEM or business. Malta’s Arts Scholarship explicitly values creative talent and funds it at a meaningful level.
Who it is for: Students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in arts-related fields.
What it covers: Tuition fees up to €20,000 depending on your qualification level.
3. Endeavour II Scholarship Scheme
This is the flagship postgraduate scholarship from the Malta government and the one with the most structured application process.
The Malta Government Endeavour Scholarships Scheme is intended to support good quality tertiary education at MQF Level 7 and MQF Level 8 to ensure that the Maltese labour market is supplied with the right individuals and to guarantee that it is in a better position to compete at an international level.
The key objectives of the Endeavour II Scholarships Scheme are to assist people in pursuing further levels of academic research, reduce skills mismatches within priority economic sectors, support further research in science and technology, and increase the capacity and level of research, innovation, and development activity in Malta.
The Endeavour II Scholarships Scheme 5th Call 2026 application period opens from 27th April 2026 to 5th June 2026 at 12:00 PM local time.
Who it is for: Students pursuing Master’s (MQF Level 7) or doctoral (MQF Level 8) programs. Both fresh graduates and adult learners are welcome.
What it covers: Tuition fees, living expenses, and other essential study costs.
Important eligibility note: If you already hold a Master’s degree, you are eligible to apply for the PhD, but not for another Master’s or lower-level postgraduate certificate or diploma.
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Financial Benefits Summary
| Scholarship Program | Coverage | Max Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Malta Research Scholarship | Tuition fee waiver | 40% to 100% of fees |
| Malta Arts Scholarship Scheme | Tuition fees | Up to €20,000 |
| Endeavour II Scholarship | Tuition, living costs, essentials | Varies by program |
Eligibility Criteria
Each program has specific requirements, but here are the general criteria that apply across Malta’s government scholarship programs.
University of Malta Postgraduate Scholarship:
- Must be an international student from a non-EU country
- Applying for Master by Research or PhD program
- Strong research proposal aligned with the university’s strategic areas
- High academic record from your previous degree
Malta Arts Scholarship Scheme:
- Demonstrated outstanding talent in one of the eligible arts disciplines
- Pursuing an undergraduate diploma, first degree, joint degree, or postgraduate qualification
- Must be in a recognized arts field such as music, film, design, dance, architecture, or creative writing
Endeavour II Scholarship Scheme: Applicants must not already hold a qualification at the same or higher MQF level, must not be receiving any full scholarship for the same course from other Maltese public sources, and must be eligible citizens including Maltese citizens, EU nationals with permanent residence, and third-country nationals with long-term residence status in Malta.
Applicants who are already in possession of a Level 8 doctoral degree or comparable qualification are not eligible to apply under this scheme. Applicants already in possession of a Level 7 master’s degree may apply for a PhD but are not eligible to apply for programmes below master’s degree level.
Documents Required
While exact document lists vary by program, these are the standard requirements across Malta government scholarship applications:
- Completed online application form
- Motivation letter (approximately 300 words for Endeavour, longer for research programs)
- Academic transcripts from all previous degrees
- Copy of passport or national ID
- Confirmation or admission letter from a Maltese higher education institution
- Academic CV in Europass format (for research programs)
- Research proposal (for Master by Research and PhD applicants)
- Proof of language proficiency if applicable
One practical point most guides miss: supporting documentation not available by the application deadline may be submitted later, but only if clearly indicated at the time of application. If your university admission letter is pending, you can still submit your application. Just flag it explicitly in your form.
How to Apply for Malta Government Scholarships 2026
All applications are processed through Malta’s official scholarship portal at myscholarship.gov.mt. The process is entirely online.
Step 1: Identify the right program. Are you a creative arts student? Apply for the Malta Arts Scholarship. Are you pursuing a master’s or PhD? Start with the Endeavour II Scheme or the University of Malta Research Scholarship. Do not apply for a program that does not match your academic level or field.
Step 2: Secure admission first. For most programs, especially the University of Malta Research Scholarship, you need either an admission letter or at least proof that your application is underway at a Maltese institution. Contact the university’s admissions office early.
Step 3: Prepare your motivation letter carefully. Most Malta scholarship programs require one. Vague statements about wanting to study in Europe do not work. Write specifically about your research area, your career plan, and why Malta’s academic environment serves your goals. Keep it focused and under 350 words unless the program specifies otherwise.
Step 4: Gather and organize all documents. Label every file clearly. Incomplete applications are not reviewed. Having a missing transcript or an unsigned form is one of the most common reasons otherwise strong applications fail.
Step 5: Submit through the official portal. Go to myscholarship.gov.mt and follow the specific application instructions for your chosen program. Do not email applications unless explicitly instructed to do so by the specific program coordinator.
Step 6: Track your application. After submission, monitor your email for updates. Shortlisted candidates for research scholarships are contacted for online interviews. For the Endeavour Scheme, the selection board reviews all complete applications after the deadline.
Why Malta’s Competition Pool Is Smaller Than You Think
Here is the honest strategic reality most scholarship guides will not tell you. Malta is not Germany or the UK. Students from Asia, Africa, and Latin America overwhelmingly target scholarship programs in larger countries with bigger brand names. That means Malta’s programs receive a fraction of the applications that comparable DAAD or Chevening programs do.
Smaller applicant pool with the same funding level means better odds for a candidate who puts together a strong application. I have seen students with solid but not exceptional academic records secure places at Maltese universities on scholarship simply because they targeted the right program, submitted early, and wrote a focused motivation letter.
Both fresh graduates and adult learners are encouraged to apply, and Maltese citizens, EU nationals, and students from non-EU countries are welcome to apply. That open eligibility is broader than most European government scholarship programs, which often restrict funding to specific regions or bilateral agreements.
Application Deadlines
The Endeavour II Scholarship Scheme 5th Call 2026 opens on 27 April 2026 and closes on 5 June 2026 at 12:00 PM Malta local time. The Malta Arts Scholarship Scheme and University of Malta Research Scholarships run on separate timelines. Check the official Maltese government scholarship portal and the University of Malta website directly for the most current dates, as program deadlines are confirmed closer to each application round.
Final Thoughts
Malta sits in the Mediterranean Sea with a European education system, English as an official language, lower living costs than most EU countries, and a government that actively funds international students at every academic level. Most students walk straight past it.
That is your opportunity.
Pick the program that matches your level and field. Secure your university admission early. Write a specific, focused motivation letter. Submit before the deadline, not on it.
