University Of Malta Is Offering A Fully Funded Scholarship For 2026

The University of Malta has announced its postgraduate scholarship scheme for the 2026 academic year, targeting high-achieving international students from non-EU and non-EEA countries. This merit-based scholarship offers partial to full tuition fee waivers for research-focused Master’s and Ph.D. programmes.

The scholarship offers tuition fee waivers ranging from partial to full coverage, depending on academic merit and evaluation.

Scholarship Overview

The scholarship provides tuition fee waivers ranging from 40% to 100% based on academic merit and evaluation performance. Awards cover only the normal programme duration, with no guarantee of extensions. Bench fees may still apply even when tuition waivers are granted.

Eligibility Requirements

Qualified Applicants Must:

Be non-EU/non-EEA citizens

Hold an unconditional admission offer

Be enrolled in Master’s by research (60+ ECTS dissertation/project) or Ph.D. programmes

Study full-time or part-time

Excluded Programmes:

Professional Doctorates

MBA-type programmes

Taught Master’s programmes with dissertations under 60 ECTS

Award Coverage

The scholarship covers tuition fees only. It does not include living expenses, accommodation, travel, visa fees, or health insurance. Applicants must prove independent financial capacity for living costs.

Students with full scholarships from other organizations covering both tuition and living expenses are ineligible. Those receiving partial funding or living-cost grants may apply if disclosed during the application process.

Award Structure

Fee waivers are determined by interview scores:

80-100%: Full waiver (100%)

70-79%: 80% waiver

60-69%: 60% waiver

50-59%: 40% waiver

Below 50%: No waiver

Selection Criteria

The UM Ph.D. and Master Degree Scholarship Selection Board evaluates applications using weighted criteria:

Academic Ability and Research Proposal (60%): Includes academic record, publications, references, research quality, originality, and citation relevance.

Motivational Letter (10%): Assessed on language quality, connection between research and career goals, and demonstrated commitment.

Interview Performance (10%): Evaluates English communication skills, response clarity, and research temperament suitability.

Personal Circumstances and Financial Need (10%): Considers career stage, alternative funding, and completion likelihood without the scholarship.

Contribution to University and Malta (10%): Examines research’s academic value, alignment with Malta’s priorities, and contribution to the university community.

Application Process

Step 1: Obtain unconditional admission to an eligible programme.

Step 2: Email the International Office with subject line “University of Malta Postgraduate Scholarship Application” including your UM Applicant ID, Email; scholarships@um.edu.mt

Step 3: Attach required documents: unconditional acceptance letter, detailed CV, motivational letter, and passport copy.

Step 4: The International Office requests an Academic Recommendation Form from your Head of Department, Supervisor, or Director.

Step 5: Eligible applicants attend an online interview with the Selection Board.

Critical Deadlines

Applications must be submitted within one month of receiving the unconditional offer and no later than April 30, 2026, for October 2026 programme starts. Late submissions are not accepted.

Recipient Obligations

Scholarship recipients must engage seriously in studies, register monthly progress reports with supervisors, and complete programmes within the official timeframe. All applicants receive formal email notification of outcomes.

Additional Considerations

International students should familiarize themselves with visa requirements, residence permits, health screening, English language requirements, banking, accommodation options, and living conditions in Malta through the International Office.

Conclusion

The University of Malta’s 2026 postgraduate scholarship provides a structured, merit-based opportunity for non-EU/EEA students pursuing research degrees. With tuition waivers up to 100%, it supports academic excellence through rigorous selection standards. Prospective applicants should prepare early, verify eligibility, and use only official university sources when applying.