Student Mobility
Several national initiatives exist to facilitate student mobility to European countries, particularly targeting undergraduate and postgraduate students. These programmes aim to promote specialisation and foster stronger connections with European educational frameworks. By supporting studies at ISCED levels 6-8, they contribute to producing highly qualified graduates, enhancing employability in key sectors of Malta's knowledge-based economy.
While most of these schemes are provided by the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR), this section will also highlight additional opportunities offered by other entities.
The schemes offered include:
ENDEAVOUR II Scholarships Scheme (2021-2027)
The Scholarships Unit within MEYR, manages this initiative, partly funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). It is designed to ensure high-quality tertiary education, supplying the Maltese job market with skilled individuals and increasing competitiveness. The scheme aims to support students to succeed in their education and contribute effectively to the economy. It is intended for young students and adults pursuing postgraduate studies at MQF Level 7 and MQF Level 8, whether at local or foreign institutions. Each year, the scheme benefits approximately 70 to 100 individuals.
The European University Institute (EUI), located in Florence, Italy, is a leading transnational institution dedicated to interdisciplinary research and higher education. Each year, the EUI offers fully funded, full-time PhD programmes in Economics, History and Civilisation, Law, and Political and Social Sciences.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, EUI will award two new scholarships to Maltese students as part of the EU's 'Widening Countries' initiative, which aims to increase enrolment from regions with lower participation rates. Admission to the EUI PhD Programme requires a Master’s degree equivalent to Level 7 on the Malta Qualifications Framework. Additionally, the Maltese Grant Authority provides full coverage of programme fees and a monthly grant of €1,500 for the first three years of the PhD, which includes travel, insurance, and allowances for children. EUI funds the fourth year of study. This programme fosters international research collaboration and seeks to enhance global academic engagement.
Get Qualified Incentive Scheme
The Malta Enterprise Corporation oversees the 'Get Qualified 2017-2024' initiative, reducing the financial burden of accessing fee-paying higher education by offering a tax credit covering 70% of tuition costs, received upon successful course completion. This incentive applies to courses taken both locally and abroad, leading to certifications, diplomas, degrees, or postgraduate degrees, in areas relevant to the needs of Maltese industries, with eligibility determined by the Malta Enterprise Corporation.
In 2023, the number of beneficiaries reached 5,619, with a total of €11,784,649 disbursed in tax credits. In 2024, 5,285 students benefited by August, with €10,914,209 allocated in tax credits.
Live the Language Scholarship Scheme
MEYR launched the Live the Language Scholarship Scheme in 2022 to allow young people aged 14 to 30 to immerse themselves in language courses, of at least 15 hours, in countries where the language is natively spoken. Participants can select any language offered in compulsory education, with each grant providing up to €850 to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and flights, reimbursed based on receipts. The scheme opens annually and is funded until resources are exhausted. Since the launching of the scheme, 118 beneficiaries have travelled across Europe and South America, gaining invaluable cultural and language experiences.
This scheme supports exceptionally talented individuals in advancing their professional skills in various art forms. Priority is given to these theatre, music, dance, design, creative writing, film, and visual arts or their combination. Recipients are required to pursue programmes, courses, or qualifications that are recognised by The Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and must start their courses by December 31 of the relevant year. Each year, around 20 individuals benefit from such funding (ranging from 18 to 22, depending on the cost of courses chosen by the applicants).
Malta Government Undergraduate Scheme (MGUS)
The Students' Maintenance Grants Board, offers Students Maintenance Grants to support students in higher education in Malta (MQF Levels 4 to 6). Students pursuing such studies overseas are similarly supported through the Malta Government Undergraduate Scheme (MGUS). From academic year 2024/2025, MGUS has been expanded to include Diplomas/Advanced Diplomas/Qualifications at MQF Level 4 (excluding the standard post-secondary qualifications), further extending its reach. This new incentive can also support students pursuing stand-alone MQF Level 4 qualifications, even if these do not directly lead to higher MQF Level qualifications.
Financial assistance in 2024 is structured as follows:
- General Degrees (MQF Level 6): Students receive a fixed rate of €113.35 every four weeks (December to August), an annual grant of €565.87 for each year of the course, and a one-time grant of €465.87 at the start of their studies.
- Prescribed Degrees (MQF Level 6): Students receive €193.53 every four weeks, an annual grant of €798.81, and a one-time grant of €698.81.
- National High Priority Degrees (MQF Level 6): Students benefit from €381.75 every four weeks, an annual grant of €798.81, and a one-time grant of €698.81.
- Undergraduate Diplomas/Qualifications (MQF Level 5): Students receive €113.35 every four weeks and an annual grant of €565.87.
- Undergraduate Diplomas/Qualifications (MQF Level 4): Students receive €113.35 every four weeks and an annual grant of €332.94.
Malta Sports Scholarships Scheme
The Sports Scholarship Scheme aims to advance sports at a professional level and nurture high-performance athletes to represent Malta in global competitions. Applicants must be nominated by a representative from a National Sports Organization or Club. Recipients are required to pursue programmes, courses, or qualifications that are recognised by The Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), which courses of the relevant year. Each year, around 20 individuals benefit from such funding, depending on the cost of courses chosen by the applicants. The scheme targets two main student categories:
a) Sports Specialisation Scheme: for athletes seeking professional qualifications, both locally or abroad, to enhance their skills and performance in their chosen sport or to pursue careers in coaching and training.
b) Professional and Vocational Qualification Scheme: for students pursuing academic qualifications, both locally or abroad, in sports with recognised Higher Education Institutions.
Launched in 2023, the Reach High II initiative aims to provide recent doctoral graduates with the opportunity to propose research projects in key priority areas at Higher Education Institutions, both locally and internationally. Selected projects will receive a Post-Doctorate Research Grant, aimed at fostering research excellence in areas that align with the National Research and Innovation Strategy. This contributes to Malta's efforts to increase participation and success in post-doc research, fostering innovation, driving economic development and growth, and enhancing the well-being of citizens.
TESS – Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme
The Tertiary Education Scholarships Scheme (TESS) aims to strengthen high-quality tertiary education at both MQF Level 7 and MQF Level 8, while also fostering the development of skilled individuals to meet the needs of the Maltese labour market. This initiative supports students on their educational journey, both locally and abroad, ensuring their success in academic achievement and effective contribution to the economy.
The scheme typically supports 80 to 100 awardees each year, depending on available funding.
Veterinary Scholarships Scheme
The Veterinary Studies Scholarships Scheme aims to provide financial support to students undertaking a Veterinary Studies course abroad, leading to registration as a Veterinary Surgeon (MQF Level 7) as determined by the Board of Veterinary Surgeons. Furthermore, maintenance grants are provided through the Malta Government Undergraduate Scheme (MGUS).
Launched in 2020, this scheme provides a comprehensive financial package for the full five-year duration of the course, ensuring students receive support throughout their studies. Each year, the scheme typically awards between 15 and 20 scholarships.
Training and Development Support Scheme
The Training and Development Support Scheme offered by Arts Council Malta focuses on nurturing creative potential and professional development. Launched in 2022, the scheme supports activities such as short-term training courses, workshops, masterclasses, internships, apprenticeships, residencies, job shadowing, auditions, and networking opportunities. It also promotes participation in international events like festivals, competitions, and exhibitions, aiming to professionalise the cultural sector and encourage entrepreneurship among creatives.
Strand 1 is available to 18 years and older Maltese or Malta-based artists, creative professionals, voluntary organisations, groups, or cooperatives in the arts, as well as students who are already pursuing education in a creative or artistic field. For students, the proposed training must complement their studies without replacing any part of their formal or informal education programme.
In 2023, Strand 1 had 19 beneficiaries.
Additionally, Arts Council Malta supports international cultural exchanges through the International Participation Scheme, launched in 2024, and the International Cultural Exchanges Scheme, launched in 2021. Both schemes focus on the outgoing mobility of Maltese and Malta-based artists over 18 years of age, as well as their artworks and cultural productions.
Erasmus+
Erasmus+ offers students and staff at various Maltese Higher education institutions the chance to participate in international mobility studies and placements that align with their academic programs. In 2021, 559 participants took part in a mobility experience for studies or traineeships, designed to foster personal and professional growth through study or work abroad. In 2022 and 2023, the National Agency awarded a total of 1772 mobilities which were funded by the internal policy fund. Another 223 mobilities have been awarded through the external policy fund. Each institution customises its offerings to meet the unique needs of its students and staff.
Institution of Tourism Studies (ITS)
At the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), students have the opportunity to participate in global mobility placements, which are an integral part of their degree programs and funded by Erasmus+. For students pursuing degrees in International Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts, this includes a three-month study mobility experience, aligned with the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) principles and contributing to the European education area. Additionally, students undertake a 14-week international placement, offering practical experience with global companies, also supported by Erasmus+.
These mobility experiences are embedded within the curriculum, providing students with valuable international exposure. ITS further strengthens these opportunities through Erasmus+ inter-institutional agreements, facilitating KA131 Higher Education staff and student mobilities with partner institutions in countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, Finland, and Poland.
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
The ERASMUS+ Projects and Mobility Office at MCAST identifies international opportunities, fostering collaborations and agreements through Erasmus+ Key Action 1 (KA1) and Key Action 2 (KA2), Centres of Vocational Excellence (COVE), European Universities Alliance and EU Capacity Building projects. The office coordinates mobilities for students and staff, leveraging partnerships with European institutions to facilitate study and work placements, and providing training opportunities.
The University of Malta offers extensive Erasmus+ mobility opportunities aimed at enriching students' language skills, intercultural awareness, and employability. Students can engage in study or traineeship mobilities, with funding provided for travel and living costs. Study mobilities last between 2 to 12 months, with credits earned abroad recognised as part of the UM degree. Traineeships, also lasting 2 to 12 months, are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, and can be recorded in the Europass Mobility Document.
These programs collectively contribute to the broader goal of fostering international educational experiences for Maltese students, enhancing their academic and professional trajectories.
Digital Opportunity Traineeship Initiative
This EU-funded initiative equips students and recent graduates with essential digital skills through traineeships in areas such as digital marketing, software development, IT systems management, cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI. Activities like generic customer support, data entry, or office tasks are excluded.
The University of Malta offers a range of additional initiatives to enhance students' educational and professional development. These initiatives provide unique opportunities for hands-on experience, specialized research, and international exposure.
Fahrenheit Scholarship Programme
The Fahrenheit Scholarship Programme targets PhD students engaged in interdisciplinary research, especially those preparing doctoral dissertations and contributing to scientific publications. This opportunity is open to students interested in a year-long internship at top universities in Gdansk, Poland.
The Mayor of Gdansk oversees the programme in collaboration with Fahrenheit Universities, including the University of Gdansk within the SEA-EU network. Its objectives are to inspire young scientists to pursue their research interests, foster interdisciplinary collaboration among PhD students, provide international exposure, and facilitate knowledge exchange. Benefits include coverage of travel expenses, a monthly scholarship, accommodation, and the chance to forge new connections within the academic community.
European University of the Seas (SEA-EU)
The European Universities Alliances, led by the European Commission, promote international collaboration in higher education. The European University of the Seas (SEA-EU) unites 9 universities from coastal regions in 9 countries. This alliance supports students and staff, creating a vibrant, cross-border educational environment. The participating universities are located in Malta, Spain, France, Germany, Croatia, Poland, Italy, Portugal, and Norway.
SEA-EU offers diverse mobility options for students, such as virtual exchanges, short-term study programmes, and full academic year placements across European countries. These opportunities are further enriched by joint teaching, research, and innovation projects, providing students with valuable experiences and fostering international collaboration. The recognition of qualifications and credits across participating universities is facilitated through the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), ensuring seamless academic progress. To further support students, SEA-EU provides access to micro-credentials. While these are included in students' transcripts, their integration into academic progression requires prior approval. Additionally, graduates receive a Diploma Supplement in line with the Bologna Process, ensuring a transparent record of their academic achievements.
SEA-EU is supported by the SEA-EU For All project (2023-2027), funded by the European Commission, and focuses on building long-term partnerships.
In 2024, a total of 32 students from the University of Malta took part in various mobility initiatives, with eight participating specifically in SEA-EU’s Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), which combines virtual and physical mobility. These mobility activities are coordinated by the University of Malta’s International Office in partnership with SEA-EU universities, primarily funded by Erasmus Mobility Funds, with additional financial support from other European programmes when needed.
Academic Staff Mobility
Erasmus+
Erasmus+ offers staff at Maltese institutions the opportunity to participate in international mobility placements for teaching and training purposes. Between 2021 and 2023, 359 higher education staff members took part in these mobilities. Funded by Erasmus+, these opportunities are aimed at enhancing professional development and fostering collaboration across European institutions.
Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
At ITS, both academic and administrative staff members are eligible for Erasmus+ mobility. The program supports teaching at MQF levels 4 to 6, with funding calculated based on the cost of living in the host country and the distance from the home country. Funding is divided into two parts: 70% is provided upfront upon submission of required documents, with the remaining 30% disbursed after the successful completion of the mobility and submission of final documents.
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
MCAST staff participate in international mobility placements through both Key Action 1 (KA1) for teaching and training purposes, as well as through Centres of Vocational Excellence (COVE), the European Universities Alliance, and EU Capacity Building projects. Additionally, MCAST actively participates in the European Universities Alliance project, which offers multiple research opportunities.
University of Malta
The University of Malta offers Erasmus+ mobility for its academic, administrative, and technical staff, with two types of mobility available: teaching and training.
-
Mobility for Teaching: Open to all resident and visiting academic staff, this must occur at a Higher Education Institution with an Erasmus University Charter and an inter-institutional agreement with UM. The duration ranges from two working days to two months, with a requirement of at least eight teaching hours per week, or four hours if combined with training on pedagogical skills or curriculum development.
-
Mobility for Training: Available to all UM staff, this can take place at any institution with an Erasmus University Charter or any organization active in the labour market or education, training, and youth fields. The duration is similar to teaching mobility, ranging from two working days to two months.
European University of the Seas (SEA-EU)
In 2024, a total of 98 staff members from the University of Malta participated in various academic mobility initiatives under the SEA-EU alliance. Mobility programmes like the International Staff Training Weeks encourage SEA-EU staff to engage in teaching and administrative exchanges, with each university hosting activities that facilitate professional development and intercultural learning. Participation rates and programme impact are closely monitored to ensure effective outcomes, with these exchanges enhancing research quality, curriculum internationalisation, and fostering institutional collaboration across the SEA-EU alliance.
Erasmus Mobility Funds, managed through the University of Malta’s International Office, provide financial support for mobility activities. Financial support covers travel costs and per diems, with specific rates set by the European Commission or national bodies like the Office of the Prime Minister for governance-level events. For projects needing additional funding beyond Erasmus Mobility, supplementary resources are provided through project-specific funds.
Recognition of achievements and professional development through these mobility programmes is assured through the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), and participants' contributions are monitored to assess impact.
Vocational Education Mobility Projects
Vocational Education Mobility Projects support VET providers and organisations in facilitating learning mobility activities for learners and staff. These activities include job shadowing, professional development courses, and long-term placements like ErasmusPro.
The projects aim to enhance inclusion, sustainability, digital education, and civic engagement through specific funding opportunities, awareness-raising, and best practices. Objectives include improving the quality of VET, fostering internationalisation, strengthening key skills, and promoting European values like inclusion and diversity.
Organisations can apply for funding through short-term projects (6-18 months) or accredited projects for ongoing mobility activities aligned with their Erasmus Plan.
From 2021 to 2023, 965 staff members and learners participated in this type of mobility experience.