First-cycle programmes in Malta are offered at MQF Level 6 and primarily lead to the award of a Bachelor’s degree, including both general and Honours degrees. These programmes are delivered by a range of higher education institutions, notably the University of Malta, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), and the Institute for Education (IfE).

Within the Maltese system, first-cycle programmes can be broadly categorised into two main types:

• Academic bachelor’s degrees, primarily offered by the University of Malta, which emphasise theoretical knowledge and disciplinary specialisation, and may also include professional pathways (e.g. in education, engineering, or health sciences).
• Vocational and professionally oriented bachelor’s degrees, offered by institutions such as MCAST and ITS, which combine academic study with practical training, work-based learning, and strong links to industry.

Bachelor’s degrees typically require 180 ECTS credits (three years) or 240 ECTS credits (four years) depending on the programme structure, specialisation, or professional requirements. Honours degrees may involve deeper specialisation, additional credits, or extended duration. While most programmes are offered on a full-time basis, some programmes offer part-time and blended-learning routes.

Short-cycle higher education programmes, such as certificates, diplomas, and higher diplomas, are also an important component of the system and may provide progression pathways into first-cycle programmes, particularly within MCAST and the University of Malta.

The following sections provide more detailed information on:

• Bachelor’s degree programmes (6.2.1), including their structure, admission requirements, curriculum, and certification across institutions; and
• Short-cycle higher education programmes (6.2.2), including their role in progression to first-cycle studies.