The University of Malta Postgraduate Scholarships scheme is a prestigious program designed to draw skilled international researchers from countries outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).

Instead of providing traditional stipends, this initiative lowers financial barriers by offering considerable tuition fee reductions ranging from 40% to 100%.

This scholarship is intended for students enrolled in Master by Research and PhD programs. Candidates must submit a compelling research proposal and perform well in a competitive selection interview.
By alleviating the financial burden of tuition, the university fosters a diverse and globally engaged research environment that supports Malta’s academic growth.

About the of the University of Malta Scholarship, The University of Malta seeks to attract outstanding students from non-EU/EEA countries who might otherwise struggle to afford postgraduate research education.

These merit-based scholarships target candidates who demonstrate excellent academic records and a research focus that benefits the university as well as the broader Maltese community.

The funding covers tuition fees for the standard program duration, allowing students to focus on their research without the strain of high international tuition costs.

Here is the official link for Malta Scholarships

 

Malta Scholarships

 

1. Benefits of the Malta Scholarships

2. Eligibility Criteria for Malta Scholarships

3. Documents required for Malta Scholarships

4. How to Apply for the Malta Scholarships

5. Deadlines for Malta Scholarships

6. FAQs about the Malta Scholarships

 

1. Benefits of the Malta Scholarships

 

Tier 1: Full Tuition Fee Waiver (100%)

This top award is given to the most outstanding applicants. Candidates scoring 80–100% in the interview qualify. The scholarship fully covers annual tuition fees for the entire Master by Research or PhD program, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies and research.

Tier 2: Partial Tuition Fee Waivers (60%–80%)

This tier offers substantial support to candidates demonstrating strong academic ability.

• Scores 70–79% → 80% fee reduction
• Scores 60–69% → 60% fee reduction

Although not covering all costs, this support significantly reduces the overall educational expense.

Tier 3: Foundation Support Waiver (40%)

This basic funding level is for applicants who meet minimum requirements and show satisfactory potential.

Scores 50–59% → 40% tuition waiver, providing meaningful financial assistance.

 

Check our ultimate guide about New Zealand Government Scholarship.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Malta Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria:

Residency:  Applicants must be nationals of non-EU and non-EEA countries.

Admission:  Must hold an unconditional offer for a full-time or part-time Master by Research or PhD program at the University of Malta.

Study Status:  Open only to new applicants; current students are not eligible.

Program Exclusions:  Professional doctorates (e.g., Pharmacy doctorates) and MBA-style programs are excluded.

 

3. Documents required for Malta Scholarships

 

3.1.  Academic documents

3.2. Valid passport, Birth certificate & NIC

3.3. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

3.4. Recommendation letters / Letters of Reference

3.5.  CV

3.6. Statement of Purpose or Letter of Motivation

3.7. Research Plan / Proposal (Optional)

 

 

3.1.  Academic documents

This includes all your certificates & academic record like

A: Bachelor’s transcript & certificate

B: Master’s transcript & certificate (if the student is applying for 2nd Master or fellowship)

C: Metric & FSC transcripts (10-12th Grade) (A level) (DMCs) and certificates (Supporting academic documents)

D: Course summary (to explain your courses & how your previous courses & studies resemble your future studies to which you are applying)

NOTE:

All of the above documents should be attested by respective boards.

Also, attest them from issuing authority of home countries. The respective university must attest university documents.

In the case of Pakistan, The above-mentioned documents must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.

Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.

HEC office attests to bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD documents.

3.2. Valid passport, Birth certificate & NIC

The passport of the applicant must contain at least one full blank page on both sides.
The passport must be valid at the time of visa application and on arrival to Switzerland

A birth certificate or national ID card is also important to attach.

3.3. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

Meeting the English language requirements set by the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is an important step toward achieving your bigger goal.

Generally speaking, Students with IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL above 100, are considered good.

Nevertheless, these requirements may vary from course to course and degree to degree.

 

3.4. Recommendation letters / Letters of Reference

The applicants must provide up to 2 letters of recommendation. from the previous university, (Depending upon courses).

It is advised to provide a letter of recommendation from the HOD (Head of the department or Relevant course head) who should be a PhD.

The referees need to write their contact details (Email, phone number) at the end of the letter.

The letter must include an official letterhead, signature, and official stamp and must be of the current date.

Ask your Referees to write about your academic achievements & discuss their confidence in you that you are fully compatible with the project or course you wish to pursue.

The referees must also mention how long they know the applicant & when was the last time they came in contact with the applicant.

If you want to study in the UK for free, find out our detailed guides about Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships.

3.5.  CV

Europass CV can be easily made here.
The Cv must contain all the latest & relevant information about your occupation & interests.
A perfect CV must be hand signed.

3.6. Statement of Purpose or Letter of Motivation for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

Technically SOP (Statement of purpose) and  LOM (Letter of Motivation) are the same things.

It’s a Short biography to tell the panelist about yourself:

A letter of motivation or SOP could be a tricky part while applying for a Swiss Government scholarship.

In this letter, you are asked to write about your personal and professional reasons why are you applying for a course & scholarship.

The maximum length of this letter is three pages, But it is advised to make it short & concise to one page.

How to write a perfect letter of Motivation

If you are interested in writing your LOM on one page concisely, then follow this exact method.

LOM consists of three parts.

3.9.1.  Introduction (one paragraph)

3.9.2.  Body (3 paragraphs)

3.9.3. Conclusion (1 paragraph)

Let’s explain these three things one by one.

3.9.1. Introduction:

The introduction is the gateway to the rest of the letter. Try to capture their interest in the first few sentences. Be original & creative.
Make it personal & full of enthusiasm.

TIP: Try to initiate a story about yourself relevant to the scholarship you are applying for & then expand it to the first paragraph of the body.

3.9.2.  Body:

In the first paragraph of the body, try to tell about your relevant academic & experienced background to the course.
And your professional goals attached to the Switzerland & university. Share your expectations of the scholarship.

In the 2nd paragraph be more precise & focus on the specific achievement related to the scholarship & course.

In the 3rd paragraph expand on what you are currently doing & the interesting things you look forward to.

3.9.3. Conclusion:

Tell them why you are the best candidate for the Swiss Government Excellence scholarship. Don’t sound needy or use pompous language instead focus on why you deserve it.

Tell them how this scholarship will help you or the future of your community.

 

3.7. Research Plan / Proposal (Optional)

Research publications/ Achievements (conference papers, article review, abstract of thesis)

The research proposal is mostly required for postdocs or PhD students. (Depend upon the courses)

It asks you to write about the research project you agree upon completing with the assigned academic advisor.

Your research proposal should be a brief description of your research goals and objectives, the methods with which you wish to process that research, the outcomes you desire, the timeline and budget you have estimated, and the area of study you wish upon exploring.

It shall be a brief document yet explain the entire vision to the reader so that those analyzing your application could know of your objectives and grant you the scholarship if they match the program’s criteria and eligibility.

Taking help from an external party is strictly prohibited and violation in this regard could lead to your disqualification no matter how incredible your proposal is.

 

4. How to Apply for the Malta Scholarships

 

Application Process:

Step 1:  Apply for a Master by Research or PhD program through the official University of Malta system and obtain an unconditional acceptance letter.

Step 2:  Email the International Office with the subject line: “University of Malta Postgraduate Scholarship Application” once you receive your Applicant ID.

Step 3:  Attach the following documents:

• Unconditional Acceptance Letter copy
• Comprehensive CV
• Motivation letter outlining academic objectives
• Passport information page copy

Step 4:  Participate in the online interview if shortlisted. The Scholarship Selection Board will discuss your research plans, academic experience, and future goals.

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5. Deadlines for Malta Scholarships

 

For the 2026 academic intake, postgraduate research scholarships at the University of Malta are primarily available to non-EU/EEA international students. The application deadline is April 30, 2026, for programs starting in October 2026.

6. FAQs about the Malta Scholarships

 

1. Which programs are eligible for this scholarship?

Only Master by Research and PhD programs are eligible, typically those involving a dissertation or research project of 60 ECTS credits or more. Professional doctorates (e.g., DBA), taught Master’s degrees, and MBAs are not included.

2. What is the application process?

First, apply for admission and receive an unconditional offer letter.

Next, email the International Office with the subject line: “University of Malta Postgraduate Scholarship Application”, attaching your CV, motivation letter, and passport copy.

Finally, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview.

3. Does the scholarship cover living expenses?

No, it covers only tuition fees (either partially or fully). Students must manage their own travel and living costs while studying in Malta.

4. Can current students apply?

No, the scholarship is open only to new applicants. Students already enrolled at the University of Malta are not eligible.

5. How are tuition fee waivers determined?

The waiver percentage depends on interview performance:

80–100% → 100% waiver

70–79% → 80% waiver

60–69% → 60% waiver

50–59% → 40% waiver

6. Is IELTS required?

Yes, while the scholarship primarily evaluates research ability, applicants must provide an IELTS or equivalent Secure English Language Test (SELT) score to receive an unconditional admission offer.