Malta Sees 27% Surge in International Higher Education Students

By Daniel November 12, 2025
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Malta is emerging as a significant player in the global education market, with new statistics confirming a dramatic surge in international student enrolment. Data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) shows that the number of foreign students in the country’s further and higher education sector shot up by 27% during the 2023/24 academic year compared to the previous year.

The increase brought the total number of international students in tertiary education to 8,252, meaning foreign nationals now account for a substantial 37% of all higher education enrolments. This growth is primarily driven by non-EU nationals, who make up 21.9% of the tertiary student population.

Students from India led this boom, with enrolments from the country skyrocketing by over 130% in a single year. Significant increases were also recorded among students from other nationalities, including Nigeria, France, and Libya, underscoring Malta’s diversifying appeal as a study destination.

Malta’s growing attractiveness is attributed to several factors. As an English-speaking EU country, it offers a more affordable alternative to traditional study hubs, with a generally lower cost of living and tuition fees. The country also actively provides post-study opportunities for graduates.

International students are often drawn by the possibility of claiming back a portion of their tuition fees upon securing local employment. Non-EU graduates who have completed an MQF Level 7 (Master’s) or Level 8 (Doctoral) course in Malta can also apply for a 12-month post-study residence permit to search for a job, facilitating their transition into the Maltese labour market. This combination of competitive education costs and career prospects is positioning Malta as a key destination for global talent.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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