Malta follows British traditions and shares the same educational system as the UK, allowing immigrants to Malta to enjoy free public education. Immigrants studying in Malta have access to public, church, and private schools, with English as the primary language of instruction. Among Commonwealth countries, the University of Malta is the oldest university outside of the UK, possessing a sound and rigorous academic and research tradition, and enjoying a high international reputation.
I. UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
The University of Malta is the only public university in Malta. Its long history dates back to 1592, spanning over 400 years. The university currently has three campuses: the main campus is located in Msida, while the other two are situated in the capital, Valletta, and on the island of Gozo. The University of Malta enjoys a high international reputation, with teaching standards comparable to prestigious Western universities. Diplomas obtained by the children of immigrants to Malta at this institution are recognized by all Western countries.
The University of Malta has over 11,500 students, including more than 1,000 international students from 92 other countries and children of immigrants to Malta. The campus features 14 faculties, 19 institutes, 11 centers, a School of Performing Arts, and an International School of Foundation Studies (offering university preparatory courses). The campus is spacious and equipped with advanced facilities.
II. Advantages of Studying at the University of Malta
1. English as the Primary Language of Instruction
English is one of Malta's official languages, and it is used for both coursework and daily life at the University of Malta. Therefore, compared to other European countries, students who immigrate to Malta face no additional language barriers. Through their studies and daily life, they can acquire fluent British English, facilitating further education at higher levels. In addition, the University of Malta provides assistance with language, studies, and daily life to newly enrolled students who may face language barriers, helping the children of immigrants to Malta integrate smoothly into university life.
2. High Quality of Teaching
The University of Malta is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the European University Association, the International Association of Universities, and other international organizations. It also participates in the Erasmus+ higher education program. Many graduates of the University of Malta are admitted to master's and doctoral programs at other universities, such as Harvard, Princeton, Edinburgh, Oxford, and Cambridge. Therefore, through the educational advantages and channels provided by immigrating to Malta, students can successfully apply to world-class institutions, which is more advantageous than applying from within China.
3. Numerous International Exchange Programs
Every year, a large number of students from the University of Malta go on exchange to countries in Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia. At the same time, the university welcomes students from universities around the world to study in Malta (there are 450 exchange students on campus). Xiamen University, Shanghai Maritime University, and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China all have exchange activities with the university. These numerous exchange activities can greatly enrich and broaden the horizons of the children of immigrants to Malta.
4. Low Tuition and Living Expenses
Tuition fees at the University of Malta are cheaper than at universities in many other countries. Undergraduate tuition is approximately €8,500/year, postgraduate tuition is approximately €10,800/year, and doctoral tuition is €11,100/year (tuition for each stage and discipline is subject to the fees charged by the university for that year; the above information is for reference only). Undergraduate tuition in the UK and the US is generally over €15,000/year. Meanwhile, accommodation costs are only €500/month, and average meal costs are €250/month, which is far lower than the cost of living in other countries such as those in Europe and the US. Therefore, immigrating to Malta for education has significant cost advantages.
5. Free Access to Schengen Countries
Malta joined the Schengen Area in January 2008 and began using the Euro. Immigrants to Malta can travel freely in and out of all Schengen countries with a Schengen visa without the need for additional visas, allowing them to fully experience and learn from Europe's rich historical and cultural heritage and modern scientific and technological information.
6. Safe Campus Environment
Malta is a country with a high level of social security, and the social environment is harmonious and peaceful. The Maltese people are very friendly and helpful. The University of Malta has a safe campus environment where teachers and students are friendly to one another. The university specifically provides Chinese-speaking student advisors to guide Chinese students and the children of immigrants to Malta in all aspects of their life and studies.
7. Rich and Diverse Culture
Malta is located at the intersection of Asia, Europe, and Africa and has a history of over 7,000 years, with a rich cultural and historical background. The original site of the University of Malta was located in the capital, Valletta. Immigrants to Malta studying at the University of Malta can immerse themselves in this cultural heritage and fully experience the integrated development of various cultures from Europe, the Mediterranean, Western Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, which plays an important role in promoting personal cultural development.
After obtaining a residence permit through the Malta investment immigration program, the children of immigrants to Malta can enjoy the same educational rights as locals and receive free public education services. In addition, if parents plan to transfer their children's education to other European countries, immigrating to Malta is undoubtedly the best stepping stone for their children's academic advancement, especially for those who face barriers when applying directly to schools in developed European and American countries.