There is a small European country in the heart of the Mediterranean that many Saudi students overlook when searching for a study destination — and that is exactly what makes it an advantage for whoever discovers it.
Malta: an EU country where English is an official language, with an ideal Mediterranean maritime climate, hosting a campus of Queen Mary University of London — one of Britain’s most prestigious universities — offering a European version of its degree.
In this article, the Future Way Academy team reviews everything a Saudi student needs about studying in Malta for Saudis: from the programs of Queen Mary University Malta to costs, daily life, the visa, and Saudi recognition.
| 🇪🇺 EU An EU country since 2004 | 🇬🇧 English The primary official language | 300+ days Days of sunshine per year | QMUL A Queen Mary London degree | Recognized Saudi recognition available |
| 💡 Why is Malta an unconventional destination worth attention? Malta brings together three rare features in one place: the British degree (QMUL), a location in the EU, and English as an official language. This makes it a strategic choice for anyone who wants a British degree at a lower cost than London, in a warm European environment. |
Why choose Malta as a study destination?
English as an official language — an exceptional advantage
It is rare to find an EU country where English is an official language. Malta is one of these few, which means the Saudi student will not face a language barrier in daily life outside the university walls — not in restaurants, not in hospitals, not in dealing with official bodies.
EU membership — a degree recognized across Europe
The degree issued by Queen Mary University Malta carries a double weight: it is a British degree from the prestigious QMUL, and it is granted in an EU member state, which makes recognition across the Union easier and strengthens prospects for residency and work in Europe in the future.
To compare with the cost of studying in other European countries, you can read our article on the cost of studying in Europe.
The Mediterranean climate — the warmest in Europe
Malta is one of Europe’s warmest and sunniest countries — its annual sunshine days exceed 300. The weather is mild in winter (10–18°C) and lively in summer (28–35°C). For someone coming from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this is a climate far closer to home than what they would find in Britain, Germany, or the Baltic states.
Comparing Malta with competing study destinations
| Criterion | Malta | Cyprus | Italy | Britain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official language | English | Greek / English | Italian | English |
| EU membership | Yes | Yes | Yes | Brexit |
| Average annual tuition (QMUL) | €14,000 – 17,000 | €8,000 – 12,000 | €8,000 – 15,000 | £22,000 – 36,000 |
| Monthly living costs | €700 – 1,100 | €600 – 900 | €700 – 1,000 | £1,200 – 2,000 |
| Climate | Hot and sunny | Hot and sunny | Varied | Cold and rainy |
| Saudi recognition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Degree quality | British — QMUL | Varied | Varied | British, directly |
| When is Malta the optimal choice? Malta suits the student who wants a British-quality degree (QMUL) in a warm European environment at a lower cost than London. It also suits anyone who values quality of life, climate, and safety during their study years. It does not suit anyone looking for the cheapest prices — there are lower-cost Eastern European options. |
Queen Mary University Malta — the British degree in the heart of the Mediterranean
When students talk about studying in Malta for Saudis, Queen Mary University of London — Malta Campus tops the available options. Queen Mary is a prestigious British university founded in 1887, holding advanced positions in global rankings, and it chose Malta as the location for its European campus thanks to the island’s suitable educational environment and international openness.
What makes the Queen Mary Malta degree special?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| The degree | An official Queen Mary University of London degree — no different from the main campus degree |
| Academic accreditation | Accredited by the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) |
| Language of study | Fully English |
| Geographic location | The Malta campus — an island in the heart of the Mediterranean |
| Link with the main campus | Possibility of mobility and exchange with the London campus |
| Saudi recognition | Recognized — a British university listed in the recognition lists |
Is the Queen Mary Malta degree equal to the Queen Mary London degree?
Yes. The degree granted by the Malta campus is the Queen Mary University of London degree itself — no difference in name or in the standing of the degree. The curricula are designed to London standards, and the faculty members are in direct contact with the main campus. This is what makes it a genuine opportunity to obtain the value of the British degree at a far lower cost.
| A direct comparison by the numbers International student tuition at the main campus in London ranges between £22,000 and £36,000 per year. At the Malta campus it ranges between €14,000 and €17,000. The degree is the same — the difference is in cost and location. |
Programs available at the Malta campus and tuition
Undergraduate programs available — bachelor’s
| Program | Field | Annual tuition (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | Computer science and programming | 14,000 – 16,000 | 3 years |
| Business Management | Business administration and marketing | 14,000 – 16,000 | 3 years |
| International Business | International business and trade | 14,000 – 16,000 | 3 years |
| Electronic Engineering | Electronic engineering | 15,000 – 17,000 | 4 years |
| Mathematics | Mathematics and statistics | 14,000 – 16,000 | 3 years |
| Economics & Finance | Economics and finance | 14,000 – 16,000 | 3 years |
Postgraduate programs — master’s
| Program | Annual tuition (€) | Duration | Language of study |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Computer Science | 15,000 – 18,000 | One year – one and a half years | English |
| MSc Data Science & AI | 15,000 – 18,000 | One year – one and a half years | English |
| MSc Business Analytics | 14,000 – 17,000 | One year | English |
| MSc International Finance | 14,000 – 17,000 | One year | English |
| ⚠️ An important note about the available programs The programs available at the Malta campus are less varied compared with the main campus in London. Medical specializations, law, and some humanities are not currently available in Malta. Always check the university’s official website to confirm the availability of your specific specialization. |
To review the degrees of Lincoln University and its programs available in Europe — a parallel option for some British specializations outside London — please visit its detailed page on our site.
The cost of study and living in Malta for Saudi students
Annual tuition
| Item | Amount (€) | Amount (approx. SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual bachelor’s tuition | 14,000 – 17,000 | 56,000 – 68,000 |
| Annual master’s tuition | 14,000 – 18,000 | 56,000 – 72,000 |
| Application fee (one-time) | 50 – 100 | 200 – 400 |
| European residence permit fee | 300 – 500 | 1,200 – 2,000 |
Monthly living costs in Malta
| Item | Monthly cost (€) | Monthly cost (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (shared apartment) | 350 – 600 | 1,400 – 2,400 |
| University housing (if available) | 400 – 650 | 1,600 – 2,600 |
| Food and groceries | 200 – 350 | 800 – 1,400 |
| Transport (public bus) | 25 – 50 | 100 – 200 |
| Phone and internet | 15 – 30 | 60 – 120 |
| Entertainment and activities | 100 – 200 | 400 – 800 |
| Estimated monthly total | 690 – 1,230 | 2,760 – 4,920 |
◈ Total cost of a 3-year bachelor’s in Malta
| Item | Amount (€) | Amount (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Total tuition (3 years) | 42,000 – 51,000 | 168,000 – 204,000 |
| Total living (3 years) | 24,840 – 44,280 | 99,360 – 177,120 |
| Travel, visa, and miscellaneous expenses | 3,000 – 5,000 | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Full estimated total | 69,840 – 100,280 | 279,360 – 401,120 |
| A quick economic comparison The same degree in London would cost between SAR 330,000 and 500,000 for a bachelor’s (3 years) after accounting for the very high living costs. In Malta the bill is between SAR 280,000 and 401,000 — a real saving with a degree bearing the same name. |
Daily life for the Saudi student in Malta
Food and halal options
Malta is a small country but multicultural thanks to its tourist character. Halal restaurants and halal butcher shops are available in several areas of the capital Valletta and in the city of Sliema, where many international students are concentrated. Seafood and Mediterranean dishes are natural options for anyone who cannot find their preferred choices.
Safety and the social environment
Malta is consistently classified among the safest countries in Europe. It is a small island (316 km²), which means everything is close and easy to reach. The social atmosphere is friendly and open to international students, who form an important part of its economy.
Tourism and recreation — Malta is not only for study
Malta’s recreational advantages cannot be ignored: clear beaches, historic sites dating back thousands of years, varied cultural festivals, and its proximity to Sicily, Italy, and Tunisia make it an ideal launch point for exploring the region during holidays.
The Arab community in Malta
There is an Arab community in Malta, though smaller than in Britain or France. Arab students studying at Queen Mary Malta form a relatively supportive student community. The island’s general international openness makes adapting easier.
| 🗣️ A Saudi student’s testimonial in Malta “I chose Malta over London because the degree is the same and the cost is lower. Life here is very comfortable — the climate, the safety, the openness. The only challenge is the small size of the island; you can feel a sense of repetition after a few months. But being able to fly to Italy or Tunisia within an hour solves that.” |
The student visa for Malta — procedures and requirements
Malta is a Schengen member, and a Saudi student wishing to study there must obtain a Student Residence Permit, not merely a tourist visa.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of permit required | Third Country National Student Residence Permit |
| Responsible authority | Residency Malta Agency |
| Duration | Renewed annually throughout the study period |
| Fees | ~€300 per year |
| Processing time | 4 – 8 weeks — apply early |
| University admission condition | An official acceptance from the university is required first |
| Bank account condition | Proof of sufficient financial means for living |
| Health insurance | Required throughout the residence period |
Documents required for the student permit
- Official acceptance letter from Queen Mary Malta
- Valid passport (at least one year)
- Bank statement proving financial capacity
- Comprehensive health insurance document
- Rental contract or housing document
- Personal photos on a white background
- Completion of the electronic application form via the Residency Malta website
| A note from the Future Way team The student permit procedures in Malta take 4–8 weeks. Do not wait until the admission decision — prepare the documents in advance and apply as soon as the acceptance letter arrives. A delay in the permit may hinder starting your studies on the scheduled date. |
Saudi recognition of the Queen Mary Malta degree
Queen Mary University of London is a British university recognized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The degree issued by the Malta campus is the Queen Mary London degree itself, and therefore it follows the same recognition and equivalency path.
For full details on the equivalency procedures and what Saudi recognition requires in terms of documents and steps, please see our article: equivalency of European certificates in Saudi Arabia.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Is the university in the Saudi recognition lists? | Queen Mary London is recognized |
| Is the Malta degree equal to the London degree? | Yes — the same degree |
| Listed in the international WHED | Yes |
| Most-recognized specializations | Engineering, computer science, business, economics |
| Estimated equivalency time | 3 – 6 months (with complete documents) |
You can also check the possibility of applying through the Saudi external scholarship, since Malta is a European EU country and the QMUL degree is an accredited British degree.
Steps to apply to Queen Mary Malta from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| Step | Action | Suggested timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the suitable program and confirm its availability at the Malta campus | 8 months before the start of study |
| 2 | Prepare the application documents (certificate + transcript + passport + language) | 6 – 7 months before |
| 3 | Submit the admission application via the official Queen Mary Malta website | 5 – 6 months before |
| 4 | Wait and respond to any inquiries from the university | 4 – 6 weeks |
| 5 | Receive the official offer letter | 4 – 5 months before |
| 6 | Pay the confirmation fee and reserve your seat | As soon as the offer is received |
| 7 | Apply for the student residence permit in Malta | 3 – 4 months before |
| 8 | Arrange housing, travel, and prepare for arrival | One month before the start of study |
| Future Way handles these steps with you Our team prepares the application file, communicates with the university in English, follows the application through to admission, and guides you in the residence-permit procedures. You do not need to deal with these steps alone. |
Frequently asked questions — studying in Malta for Saudis
Is Queen Mary University Malta recognized in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Queen Mary London is a British university recognized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Malta campus degree is the Queen Mary London degree itself. Saudi recognition applies to the university and its core specializations. Verifying the specific specialization before enrolling is advised.
What is the difference between Queen Mary London and the Malta campus?
The degree is the same and the curricula are unified. The difference is geographic location and cost. The London campus is larger and more varied in programs and offers a direct British experience. The Malta campus is smaller but offers a warm Mediterranean environment and a lower cost. In the end the degree bears the name Queen Mary University of London.
How much does studying at Queen Mary University Malta cost per year?
Bachelor’s tuition ranges between €14,000 and €17,000 per year, equivalent to SAR 56,000 – 68,000. Adding living costs in Malta (€700 – 1,100 per month), the estimated annual total ranges between SAR 98,400 and 130,200.
Is Malta a good destination for Saudi students?
Yes, with conditions. Malta is very suitable for anyone who wants a British degree at a lower cost than London, in a safe, warm, English-speaking environment. But it is a small island that may feel somewhat limiting after a while. Anyone who values a wide social life and many options may find a more varied environment in Lisbon or Berlin.
How do I apply to Queen Mary Malta from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?
Applications are submitted electronically via the official Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) website. The Malta campus is selected as the study location during the application process. The required documents are uploaded digitally, with originals sent later. The Future Way team handles the guidance and follow-up at every stage.
| Malta is waiting for you — Future Way opens the door From assessing your academic profile to welcoming you in Valletta, the Future Way Academy team accompanies you at every step toward the British degree in the heart of the Mediterranean. |
