The University of Malta

In 2024, there are around 12,000 students, including around 1,900 international students from 127 different countries and 1000 visiting students, following full-time or part-time degree and diploma courses, all of which run on the modular and ECTS credit system. 

A basic Foundation Studies Course enables international high school students who have completed their secondary or high school education overseas and are eligible for admission to a university in their country but who do not have the necessary University of Malta entry requirements, to qualify for admission to undergraduate degree courses.

Around 3,600 students complete awards in various disciplines annually. The degree courses at the University are designed to produce qualified professionals, with experience in research, who are meant to play key roles in industry, commerce and public affairs in general.

Established in 2001, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is the country’s leading vocational education and training institution. Through the six institutes in Malta and the Gozo Campus, MCAST offers over 190 full-time courses and over 300 part-time vocational courses ranging from certificates to degrees (Malta qualification Framework (MQF) Level 1 to Level 8). Students are prepared for careers in different sectors of the economy or for higher education. 

MCAST collaborates closely with local industries to ensure that the knowledge, skills and competencies within the curricula are appropriate and relevant to a dynamic and forward-looking economy. Programmes are flexible, relevant and responsive to the aspirations of students and the needs of industries, which are constantly evolving to meet the challenges of a changing global economy. 

 Within the Malta Qualifications Framework, MCAST provides Level 1 and 2 programmes for students who may have left formal schooling without any formal qualifications with the aim of helping them to at least achieve a Level 3 Vocational qualification and possibly even more. MCAST also provides Level 4 courses to students who may wish to enter employment at the technician level or who may aspire to continue their studies at a higher degree level. Additionally, MCAST offers courses at Level 5 and 6 in which students aim to achieve a first degree. In 2019, MCAST introduced Apprenticeship degrees in 7 programmes. In 2021 MCAST embarked on a first Doctoral Programme at MQF Level 8.

Available VET qualifications at MCAST: 

• Certificate and Award courses at EQF/MQF Introductory Level A and B, levels 1 or 2, giving access to programmes at the next EQF/MQF level in the same field: these are introduction and foundation certificate programmes, which include a component of work experience and work-based learning: for learners without a qualification; 
• Certificate courses at EQF/MQF level 1, 2 and 3, comprising a percentage of work-based learning, which provide access to programmes at the next level: for foundation certificate holders and those with an EQF/MQF level 2 compulsory education qualification; 
• Advanced diploma courses at EQF/MQF level 4 (two- to three-year duration); for learners with a general education or VET EQF/MQF level 3 qualification. These courses include mandatory work experience through apprenticeship schemes. 
• Higher diploma courses at EQF/MQF level 5 (one- to two-year duration): for learners with an EQF/MQF level 4 VET qualification; 
• MCAST also offers a suite of tertiary qualifications at bachelor and master levels.
• Doctoral programme - Professional Research Doctorate (DRes) on the Competitive Behaviour of Small Organizations

ITS is a higher education institution aimed at meeting the evolving needs of the tourism and hospitality industry. Established in 1987 and consolidated by the Institute of Tourism Studies Act (2016) under the Laws of Malta, ITS’s main responsibility is to provide the tourism sector with skilled professionals who can ensure high standards of products and services within the tourism and hospitality industry.

Offering programmes from Level 2 (Foundation) up to Level 7 (Master’s Degree), ITS provides students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Hands-on training is facilitated through ITS’s teaching restaurants, as well as through Local Industrial Trade Practice (LITP) and International Internship Trade Practice (IITP).

Additionally, ITS offers a process of Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL). This allows individuals to receive exemptions or credits within nationally recognised qualification courses based on learning outcomes or competencies gained through formal, non-formal, and informal learning. RPL is an assessment process that recognises a person’s skills, knowledge, and competences acquired through previous training, education, work, and general life experience. The benefits of RPL include reducing the time a student needs to spend attending classes, completing assessments, or relearning material they already know. 

ITS Vision 

The Institute of Tourism Studies will lead the transformation of tomorrow’s international tourism industry by focusing its resources on:

• Creating a comprehensive and systematic knowledge through high-quality research..
• Developing innovative and relevant higher and further education and training programmes that combine technical, generic, and behavioural skills.
• elivering these programmes through a student-centred and inclusive learning environment, integrating theory and practice whilst promoting modern leadership approaches.
• Providing expert advice to established industry players.
• Mentoring entrepreneurs to successfully commercialise innovative business concepts n the tourism industry.

ITS Mission 

ITS mission is to shape excellence and innovation in tourism through teaching, learning, quality research, expert advice, and the realisation of innovative business concepts, where:

Where:

• By 'shape': , we mean proactively leading the change process in the tourism industry.
• By 'excellence' , we mean being at the forefront of supporting professionals, business concepts, and the industry in achieving the highest levels of quality.
• By 'innovation' , we mean fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and key fundamental attributes within the tourism industry.
• By 'teaching'  and 'learning' we mean that remaining committed to providing our students with high-quality education and training programmes that meet the current and future needs of the industry.
• By 'quality research', we mean transitioning from a teaching-based institution to a research-lead institution, striving to generate relevant, comprehensive, and systematic content, concepts, and publications.
• By 'expert advice' , we mean supporting and assisting the tourism industry in enhancing its management, standards, processes, and systems to improve excellence and operational and financial performance.
• By ‘realisation of innovative business concepts’, we mean assisting promising start-ups in the tourism industry in developing and implementing their business ideas.

The Institute for Education was originally setup as an Institute in April 2015 by virtue of Legal Notice 140 of 2015 as amended by Legal Notice 240 of 2015. The Institute was reconstituted as an agency by virtue of Legal Notice 243[JS1] of 2017.

Guided by a commitment to quality in education, the IfE seeks to equip individuals with the values and competences needed to shape and enrich the lives of children and young people in line with its mission statement.‘The Institute for Education is committed to personalised, transformative learning that drives change for diverse professionals and individuals across the education sector. We cultivate communities of practice guided by values that keep the child at the heart of all we do.'

The Institute for Education (IfE) is licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) as a higher education institution in accordance with the Second Schedule of Subsidiary Legislation 327.433. It is publicly funded and open to all who have the requisite qualifications. 

The IfE welcomes all individuals who are interested in contributing towards the development of the person  by encouraging professionals such as educators, psychologists and professionals who contribute in this sector  to explore fresh approaches towards their professional growth. Such individuals drive positive change and explore methodologies aimed at increasing impact on the student’s learning experience. Course participants at the IfE also have the opportunity to reflect on learning, set goals, provide evidence of learning, give and receive feedback, analyse performances, and improve practice through self-assessment. .

 The IfE provides programmes ranging from MQF Levels 3 to 7, offering opportunities for initial qualifications, specialisations, and professional advancement across the education, psychology and related professions. Its learning environment promotes personalised, transformative experiences designed to inspire reflective practice, collaboration, and growth.These programmes offer a different learning experience to course participants as they are delivered through a mixture of face-to-face sessions, online learning, and blended teaching approaches. All courses at the IfE are offered part-time, enabling students to find a better work-life balance while upgrading or acquiring their qualifications. 

There are around 400 students following part-time degree and post-graduate diploma courses, all of which run on the modular and ECTS credit system. The IfE offers these courses from its Pembroke campus and through its VLE. Through its online platform, the IfE also offers an online library that provides access to thousands of peer-reviewed journals and academic books. On-site, there is also a readily available library for course participants and academic staff.

The academic year at the IfE starts on September 16th and ends on September 15^th. The Institute for Education does not follow a traditional semester modality but rather works on a modular basis.