Bilateral agreements
This section provides an overview of the existing agreements with third countries that include various levels of education. These agreements are facilitated through collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFET) and the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR), and different educational institutions.
University of Malta
The University of Malta collaborates with these countries to offer opportunities for educational exchange and cooperation.
Ghana
Two scholarships under the Commonwealth and Valletta Action Plan for postgraduate studies at the University of Malta target Ghanaian nationals. Launched in 2023 and concluding in 2025, this initiative fosters bilateral cooperation in Humanitarian Action and Sustainable Energy.
Non-European Union/EEA countries
The University of Malta offers tuition fee waivers from 40 to 100% to attract students from non-European Union/EEA countries. These scholarships are exclusively for non-EU/EEA applicants unconditionally accepted for full-time or part-time Master's by research or PhD programs.
Palestine
A scholarship opportunity is available annually to Palestinian nationals. This scholarship programme, established by the Government of Malta and the University of Malta in 2014, focuses on developing young Palestinian professionals in humanitarian action and conflict resolution.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
The University of Malta's Islands and Small States Institute provides scholarships for students from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) eligible for Official Development Assistance. These scholarships fund postgraduate studies in Islands and Small States Studies, focusing on economic, social, political, cultural, and environmental dynamics unique to these regions.
The scholarships are available for students pursuing the Master of Arts (Research on Islands and Small States) programme. Research themes align with Malta's UNSC (United Nations Security Council) candidacy document and the UM Strategic Plan 2020-2025.
Tunisia
Scholarships for Tunisian nationals are available in diverse fields such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, renewable and sustainable energy, geoscience, mechanical engineering, rural and marine sciences, and humanitarian action. This ongoing call for applications in 2024 provides multiple students with opportunities to enhance their skills and expertise.
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) provides opportunities for educational exchange and networking with the countries.
Ethiopia
The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST), signed collaborative agreements with Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) and Arba Minch University (AMiT) during a trade mission in Ethiopia organised by TradeMalta. These agreements aim to enhance student exchange, upgrade teaching standards, and promote academic and cultural development. The objectives include student mobility, academic event coordination, joint research initiatives, curriculum development, and other forms of academic cooperation. MCAST actively seeks bilateral cooperation and welcomes international students to its campus each year.
Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
International higher education staff mobilities at ITS, take place through the KA171 Erasmus+ Programme. These mobilities extend to third countries, including eastern neighbourhood nations such as Armenia and Georgia, south Mediterranean countries like Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, and Jordan, as well as Central Asian states such as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Additionally, Sub-Saharan African countries, including Togo, Mauritius, Sudan, and Cabo Verde, are involved. These exchanges underscore the academic partnerships with institutions in these regions.
Cooperation and participation in worldwide programmes and organisations
China
In November 2023 MCAST inaugurated the Zheng He Education Centre in collaboration with the Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine. The centre is situated at MCAST’s main campus in Paola. Through the centre, the college is delivering courses in traditional Chinese Medicine, led by experts in the field, sent over from the partner college in Jiangsu China.
Collaboration with the Chinese Government to offer scholarships for Maltese students interested in pursuing undergraduate, Masters, Doctoral, or visiting scholar programmes at Chinese Universities. The scholarships aim to foster educational and cultural exchange between China and Malta, coordinated by the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade in Malta and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
Japan's MIRAI Programme
Partnering with Japan's MIRAI Programme to offer a short-term exchange programme for students. The primary objective of the MIRAI Programme is to enhance mutual understanding between Japan and Malta. It achieves this by providing participants with opportunities to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and society through either visiting Japan in person or attending online lessons and meetings. The programme aims to strengthen cultural ties, promote cross-cultural dialogue, and deepen knowledge of each other's countries.
Japan’s MEXT Scholarships
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT) provides two-year scholarships for Maltese graduate students aiming to pursue studies at Japanese universities. Research topics encompass various fields within Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, aligning with what is offered at Japanese universities. As research students, applicants should demonstrate a willingness to learn Japanese, a keen interest in Japan, and a commitment to enhancing their understanding of the country upon arrival. Additionally, they must be capable of engaging in study and research while adjusting to life in Japan. Applicants are also required to secure a letter of acceptance from a professor at their chosen Japanese university.