Skip to main content
Financial Planning

Managing Your Student Finances in Malta

Plan your budget effectively with this guide to tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, and financial requirements for studying in Malta.

Malta Student Money Guide

Fees, living costs and money rules for 2026-27, in euro (EUR)
Monthly Budget Overview
€
Accommodation€550 to €700
Food & GroceriesAbout €450
TransportationFree on all day and night routes
Utilities & InternetAbout €50
Personal & Leisure€200 to €300

Example Tuition

€6,600 for the UM foundation year (a course before a bachelor's); €8,000 a year for an AUM bachelor's; €10,800 to €13,400 for the whole UM master's

Fees for students from outside the European Union (EU), such as India and Pakistan: University of Malta (UM) fees for 2026-27, and American University of Malta (AUM) fees.
Budget Overview

Planning Your Budget

Your biggest costs are tuition and rent.

Monthly Costs in Malta
A month for one student

Essential Monthly Expenses

Accommodation
€550 to €700

A room in a shared flat for 2 or 3 people (a month).

Food & Groceries
About €450

Food and drinks, not eating out (a month).

Transportation
Free on all day and night routes

With a personalised tallinja card (Malta's bus card).

Utilities & Internet
About €50

Electricity and water, basic rate (a month).

Phone and Wi-Fi: €30 a month.

Personal & Academic
€200 to €300

Toiletries, cleaning products, stationery (a month).

Costs vary significantly based on location and lifestyle. Figures are estimates and subject to change.
Money Management

Banking in Malta

UM students staying more than six months may be able to open a local bank account.

Banks UM Works With
Options for University of Malta (UM) students
Bank of Valletta (BOV)
You need a student letter from UM, your passport, visa and proof you applied for your student residence permit (the card that lets you live in Malta as a student).
  • Student accounts for UM students studying at least 6 months.
  • You can apply before your residence permit card arrives.
APS Bank
Opened at the Sliema branch; first deposit of €25.
  • International Student Savings Account for UM students.
  • Visa debit card.
BNF Bank
With only a passport, you book a branch appointment.
  • Branch at Campus Hub, near UM.
  • Online opening if you have a Maltese residence permit card.

What Banks Usually Ask For

  • Passport.
  • Letter confirming you are registered at your university.
  • Tax Identification Number (TIN, a Maltese tax number).
  • Proof of address, if your ID does not show it.
Money Transfer & Payment Methods
Options for receiving and sending money internationally

Money Transfer Options

Bank Wire Transfers

Traditional bank-to-bank transfers using SWIFT/BIC codes.

Secure
Reliable
Higher fees

Money Transfer Services

Services like Wise, Remitly, Western Union, and MoneyGram.

Lower fees
Better exchange rates
App-based tracking

Common Payment Methods

Cash

Keep some cash on hand for small purchases and emergency situations. ATMs are widely available.

Smart Financial Tips

Expert advice to help you manage your finances effectively while studying in malta

Planning

Keep your tuition receipt for your visa and your residence permit.

After you arrive, keep the money you showed for the permit in your account.

Housing

Share a flat to pay less rent.

Book housing as soon as you are accepted.

Pro Tips for malta

Currency Management

  • • Monitor exchange rates and transfer money when rates are favorable
  • • Use multi-currency cards to avoid conversion fees
  • • Keep some local cash (€) for emergencies

Local Financial Culture

  • • Learn about local tipping customs and practices
  • • Understand tax obligations for international students
  • • Explore local student financial support programs

Remember: Financial planning is key to a successful study abroad experience. Start planning early and don't hesitate to seek advice from financial advisors or your university's international student services.

Plan Your Budget

Calculate Your Study Costs in Malta

Use our interactive calculator to get a personalized estimate of tuition fees and living expenses for your specific program and city.

Use Cost Calculator