Want to study in Europe without taking IELTS? Malta can be an attractive option for international students because English is one of the country’s official languages, and some universities may accept alternative evidence of English proficiency instead of IELTS.
For 2026, international students can explore government scholarships, university funding, postgraduate research opportunities, and other study options in Malta.
However, one important point should be clear: “Without IELTS” does not mean that English-language requirements are automatically waived. Each university and program has its own admission requirements and may accept alternatives such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, another recognized English test, or an interview.
This guide explains the major scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, funding options, application process, and alternatives to IELTS for students planning to study in Malta.
🇲🇹 Why Study in Malta?
Malta is a small European country located in the Mediterranean Sea and is a member of the European Union.
It is particularly attractive to international students because English is an official language alongside Maltese.
Some potential advantages of studying in Malta include:
- English-taught study programs
- European Union location
- Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD opportunities
- Government and university scholarships
- International student environment
- Mediterranean climate and lifestyle
- Opportunities to study in an English-speaking environment
For students who have previously completed their education in English, some institutions may accept alternative proof of English proficiency instead of IELTS.
🎓 Can You Study in Malta Without IELTS?
Yes, in some cases.
However, there is no universal “Malta without IELTS” rule.
Whether IELTS is required depends on:
- The university
- The specific degree program
- Your previous education
- Your nationality
- The university’s English-language policy
- The type of evidence you provide
Some universities may accept an English Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter if your previous degree was taught entirely in English.
Other institutions may accept:
- TOEFL
- PTE Academic
- Cambridge English qualifications
- Duolingo English Test
- University language assessments
- Interviews
Therefore, students should always check the official admission requirements of their chosen program before assuming that IELTS is not required.
🇲🇹 Best Scholarships in Malta Without IELTS 2026
Below are some scholarship and funding opportunities that international students can investigate for 2026 and upcoming intakes.
Important: Scholarship availability, deadlines, eligibility and English-language requirements can change. Always verify the current call directly with the scholarship provider or university.
1. Malta Government Scholarships — Endeavour II Scheme
The Endeavour II Scholarship Scheme is a Maltese government-funded initiative supporting postgraduate education and skills development.
It has been designed to support students pursuing higher-level qualifications and can be particularly relevant for students interested in Master’s-level and doctoral study.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Malta 🇲🇹 |
| Study Level | Mainly postgraduate |
| Target Students | Eligible applicants meeting the scheme requirements |
| Funding | Depends on the specific scholarship call |
| Application | Official scholarship portal |
| IELTS | Check current university/program requirements |
Students should review the current call carefully because eligibility and funding conditions can differ between application cycles.
Official Scholarship Portal
Malta Government Scholarship Portal
2. University of Malta Scholarships
The University of Malta is Malta’s major public university and offers a variety of funding and scholarship opportunities.
International students may find opportunities connected to:
- Master’s programs
- Research Master’s degrees
- PhD programs
- Research projects
- Specific faculties or departments
Scholarship availability depends heavily on the program and current funding opportunities.
Potential Study Areas
Students may find programs in fields such as:
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering
- Business
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Research disciplines
English Requirements
The University of Malta has specific English-language requirements for its programs.
Do not assume that an MOI letter will automatically replace IELTS for every program.
Check the admission requirements for the exact course you intend to apply for.
Official Website
3. Malta Arts Scholarship Scheme
Students pursuing creative disciplines may also investigate Malta’s arts-related scholarship opportunities.
These can support areas such as:
- Music
- Theatre
- Dance
- Visual arts
- Film
- Other creative disciplines
Funding depends on the specific scholarship call and eligible program.
Applicants should generally expect to demonstrate their artistic ability through relevant materials such as a portfolio, performance record or showreel where applicable.
Official Information
Malta Arts Scholarship information
4. Commonwealth Scholarships
Malta’s Commonwealth connections can make Commonwealth scholarship opportunities relevant to eligible students.
However, applicants should distinguish between Commonwealth scholarships administered through the UK Commonwealth Scholarships Commission and scholarships offered directly by Maltese institutions.
Eligibility depends on the specific scholarship program and participating countries.
For students interested in Commonwealth funding, check the current official scholarship database.
Official Resource
Commonwealth Scholarships Commission
5. Middlesex University Malta Scholarships
Middlesex University Malta offers degree programs connected to the wider Middlesex University system.
The institution may offer scholarships, bursaries or tuition discounts depending on the academic year and applicant category.
Students should check the current funding opportunities before applying.
Important
A scholarship or tuition discount does not necessarily mean that IELTS is waived.
English-language requirements should be checked separately for the specific program.
Official Scholarship Information
Middlesex University Scholarships and Bursaries
6. Maltalingua Scholarship Program
Students who specifically want to improve their English rather than pursue a university degree may also find language-learning scholarships in Malta.
The Maltalingua Scholarship Program, for example, has offered English-language study opportunities that can include:
- English classes
- IELTS preparation
- Accommodation
- Airport transfer
This type of opportunity is different from a university Master’s or PhD scholarship.
Students should therefore consider it primarily as an English-language study opportunity, rather than a postgraduate degree scholarship.
Official Website
Maltalingua Scholarship Program
📚 Alternative English Tests for Studying in Malta
If your university does not accept an MOI letter, you may be able to satisfy the English requirement through another recognized examination.
Possible alternatives can include:
| English Test | May Be Accepted? |
|---|---|
| IELTS | ✅ Depending on program |
| TOEFL | ✅ At some institutions |
| PTE Academic | ✅ At some institutions |
| Duolingo English Test | ✅ At some institutions |
| Cambridge English | ✅ At some institutions |
| MOI Letter | ✅ Where specifically accepted |
| University Interview/Test | ✅ In some cases |
Acceptance is university- and program-specific.
Never rely solely on a third-party website claiming that a university accepts “any alternative to IELTS.”
📝 What Is an MOI Letter?
MOI stands for Medium of Instruction.
An MOI letter is an official document issued by your previous educational institution confirming the language in which your degree or studies were taught.
For example, the letter might confirm that the student’s degree was taught entirely in English.
Students who want to apply without IELTS can contact their:
- University
- College
- School
and ask whether they can issue an official English-medium instruction certificate or letter.
Important
An MOI letter is not universally accepted.
Before relying on it, confirm with the university that the document satisfies its English-language requirement.
🎯 Who Can Apply for Scholarships in Malta?
Eligibility varies considerably between scholarships.
Depending on the opportunity, applicants may need:
- A recognized academic qualification
- Strong academic performance
- Admission to an eligible program
- Proof of English proficiency
- A valid passport
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal for research programs
- Recommendation letters
- Portfolio for creative programs
- Evidence of financial or other eligibility requirements
Some scholarships are specifically designed for postgraduate students, while others target particular fields or applicant groups.
🎓 What Degree Levels Are Available?
International students can explore opportunities at different academic levels.
Bachelor’s Degree
Undergraduate applicants can search for university-specific scholarships and tuition assistance.
Master’s Degree
Master’s applicants can look for:
- Government scholarships
- University scholarships
- Tuition waivers
- Research funding
- Faculty-specific awards
PhD
Doctoral applicants should also investigate:
- Research scholarships
- Supervisor-funded positions
- University doctoral funding
- Research projects
- Government-supported opportunities
For PhD applicants, contacting potential supervisors can be particularly useful.
💰 Are Malta Scholarships Fully Funded?
Not necessarily.
This is an important distinction.
Some scholarships may provide substantial financial support, while others may only cover part of the tuition fee.
Possible forms of funding include:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Partial tuition fee waiver
- Living allowance
- Research expenses
- Travel support
- Accommodation support
- Other study-related allowances
Do not assume that every scholarship described as a “Malta scholarship” is fully funded.
Always check exactly what the scholarship covers.
🧾 Documents Required
Although requirements vary, international applicants may commonly need:
Academic Documents
- Degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Previous qualification certificates
Identification
- Passport
- Passport-size photographs where required
Application Documents
- CV/resume
- Motivation letter
- Personal statement
- Research proposal for research degrees
English-Language Evidence
Depending on the university:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- PTE
- Duolingo
- Cambridge qualification
- MOI letter
- Other approved evidence
Additional Documents
Some programs may require:
- Recommendation letters
- Portfolio
- Work experience documents
- Publications
- Professional certificates
- Research papers
Always follow the exact document checklist published by the university.
🪜 How to Apply for Scholarships in Malta Without IELTS
Here is a simple step-by-step approach.
Step 1 — Choose Your Degree
Decide whether you want to study:
- Bachelor’s
- Master’s
- Research Master’s
- PhD
Step 2 — Find Suitable Universities
Search for programs that match your:
- Academic background
- Career goals
- Budget
- Research interests
- English-language situation
Step 3 — Check English Requirements
Before applying, visit the official university website and determine:
Does this program require IELTS?
If yes, check whether the university accepts:
- MOI
- TOEFL
- PTE
- Duolingo
- Another approved alternative
Step 4 — Check Scholarship Availability
Look specifically for:
- University scholarships
- Government scholarships
- Faculty scholarships
- Research funding
- Tuition waivers
Step 5 — Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your:
- Passport
- Degree
- Transcripts
- CV
- Motivation letter
- English-language evidence
- Recommendation letters
- Research proposal, if required
Step 6 — Apply Before the Deadline
Scholarship deadlines can be significantly earlier than university admission deadlines.
Do not wait until the final day.
Step 7 — Follow Up
After submitting your application:
- Monitor your email
- Check the application portal
- Respond to university requests
- Attend interviews if required
🔎 Tips for Getting a Malta Scholarship
1. Don’t Search Only for “Without IELTS”
Instead of searching exclusively for:
“Malta scholarships without IELTS”
also search for:
“Malta scholarships for international students”
and then check each program’s English requirements.
This gives you access to more legitimate opportunities.
2. Prioritize Official Sources
Use third-party scholarship websites for discovery, but verify important information through:
- Government websites
- University websites
- Official scholarship portals
3. Contact the University
If the website is unclear about MOI acceptance, contact the admissions office.
A short email asking whether your previous English-medium degree satisfies the English requirement can save you significant time.
4. Apply Early
Scholarships can have limited funding and strict deadlines.
Prepare your documents well before the application period.
5. Research Your Program Carefully
Don’t choose a university simply because an article says:
“No IELTS required.”
The actual requirement may be different for your particular program.
⚠️ Important Warning About “Without IELTS” Scholarships
Many websites advertise scholarships as:
“Study in Europe Without IELTS — Fully Funded!”
Treat these claims carefully.
Without IELTS ≠ without English requirements.
A university may accept an MOI letter, another English test, an interview, or another form of evidence.
Similarly:
Scholarship ≠ automatically fully funded.
Some awards cover only tuition, while others may provide a stipend or additional financial support.
Always verify:
- The university
- The exact degree
- The scholarship
- The funding amount
- The English requirement
- The deadline
- The official application portal
before submitting an application or paying any fee.
📊 Malta Scholarships Without IELTS — Quick Comparison
| Opportunity | Study Level | Funding | IELTS Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malta Government Scholarships | Postgraduate | Depends on call | Check official requirements |
| University of Malta Funding | Master’s/PhD & research | Varies | Program-specific |
| Malta Arts Scholarships | Various levels | Varies | Program-specific |
| Commonwealth Opportunities | Varies | Varies | Scholarship-specific |
| Middlesex University Malta | Various | Varies | Program-specific |
| Maltalingua Scholarship | English language study | Varies | IELTS generally not the purpose of admission |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study in Malta without IELTS?
Possibly. Some universities and programs may accept alternative English-language evidence, such as an MOI letter or another recognized English test.
Is IELTS completely waived for all international students?
No. There is no blanket IELTS waiver for every university and program in Malta.
Can Pakistani students study in Malta without IELTS?
Pakistani students can apply to eligible Maltese institutions, but whether IELTS is required depends on the specific university and program.
If your previous education was taught in English, ask the institution whether an MOI letter can satisfy its English requirement.
Can I use an MOI letter instead of IELTS?
In some cases, yes. However, acceptance depends on the university and program.
Always obtain confirmation from the institution before relying on an MOI letter.
Are Malta scholarships fully funded?
Some opportunities can provide substantial financial support, but not every scholarship is fully funded.
Check exactly what is covered before applying.
Can I study for a Master’s degree in Malta?
Yes. Malta has Master’s programs across various academic fields, although available programs and scholarship opportunities vary between institutions.
Can I study for a PhD in Malta?
Yes. International students can apply for eligible doctoral and research programs, subject to university admission and funding availability.
Does Malta offer government scholarships?
Yes. The Maltese government operates scholarship schemes and funding initiatives, although specific programs and calls can change from year to year.
Is Malta part of the European Union?
Yes. Malta is a member of the European Union.
Should I apply only to scholarships advertised as “without IELTS”?
No. It is better to search broadly for suitable scholarships and then determine whether the university accepts your existing English-language qualifications.
🇲🇹 Final Thoughts
Malta can be an interesting destination for international students who want to study in an English-speaking European environment.
The possibility of using an MOI letter or another alternative to IELTS can make certain programs attractive to students who have previously completed their education in English.
However, applicants should avoid assuming that every Maltese university or scholarship offers a blanket IELTS exemption.
The best strategy is to:
- Choose your degree and field.
- Identify suitable Maltese universities.
- Check the exact English-language requirements.
- Ask whether an MOI letter is accepted.
- Search for university and government scholarships.
- Prepare your academic documents.
- Apply before the relevant deadline.
- Verify every important detail through official sources.
🔗 Start Your Malta Study Search
Use the official university and government websites linked throughout this guide to verify the latest 2026 admission requirements, scholarship calls, funding details and deadlines.
Good luck with your application! 🇲🇹🎓