What You Need to Know Before You Study Medicine in Malta

What You Need to Know Before You Study Medicine in Malta

With a steadily rising education system based largely off of that found in the UK - the system that ranks 2nd in the world, Malta is quickly becoming an increasingly popular study destination for many students from around the planet. The sudden interest of students and subsequent rise in the number of international students coming to the archipelago to study there has inspired the opening of a slew of campuses in the past few years. Major universities from around the globe, though mostly from the UK, have begun opening campuses in the country, which has only a single university of its own - the University of Malta.

Now, however, the country is home to range of universities and campuses with different specializations, programs, and emphases. Among these, is medicine. Students from all backgrounds - even those from countries boasting the most rigorous medical programs like the US and the UK - travel to study medicine in Malta for a variety of reasons.

Before you decide where you want to take your medical studies, here are a few things you should know about Malta and its medical universities:

Cost

One of the primary reasons students turn to destinations like Malta for their medical education comes down to the cost. Programs in the US and the UK can be incredibly expensive, and while they offer some of the highest quality courses, professors, and programs, many of the brightest students are unable to afford the cost of tuition, let alone housing, international fees, textbooks, etc.

So what do they do? They turn to places like Malta, which has a growing number of reputable institutions setting up campuses on its most populated islands, many of which stress an emphasis on medical education. Fees tend to come to an annual average of between 5000 USD and 8400 USD - a fraction of what students pay in other destinations for comparable programs, degrees, and curricula. Overall, degrees for medical programs in China are achieved for fees that amount to 70% less than those in the US. These fees, of course, depend upon a student’s chosen degree within the field of medicine. Luckily, Malta offers almost anything you could want.

With programs recognized the world over and degrees accredited and accepted in the same major countries as US and UK medical schools, it’s no wonder Malta is a top option for international students looking to study medicine. You can learn more about the best universities, colleges, and institutions in Malta by checking out “The Best Universities in Malta” [link to article].

English

Because English has become widely recognized as the world’s universal language, having the opportunity to be taught by an English-speaking professor or doctor can provide students with an enviable advantage. Luckily, English is one of the official languages on Malta - in fact, most of Malta’s medical university campuses and extensions offer world-class medical education in English.

With English courses and programs at all levels, from 6-year undergraduate programs to 4- or 5-year graduate programs, and even to PhD programs, Malta has everything students interested in medicine need. The fact that its primary university and those that have opened campuses on the archipelago use English to conduct their lectures only serves to increase both the quality of education and the accessibility of the programs.

Application

The application can be the most daunting part of choosing which medical university you wish to attend in Malta. Overall the process is considered relatively straightforward; however, it should be noted that each program, university, and degree level requires unique aspects to the application process.

Some universities require that prospective students submit a variety of components to their applications: the online portion, a non-refundable interview fee, transcripts from prior educational institutions, letters of recommendation, and health information such as immunization records. Other universities might additionally require an in-person interview at an international location or a video interview via Skype.

If this sounds overwhelming, don’t panic! Companies like Yes Atlas exist to help students through their application and international study process, every step of the way. Simply reach out and connect with an admissions guide to begin your application process.

International Experience

Students of all backgrounds, especially those pursuing a medical degree, benefit from international experience. Having the opportunity to learn a new culture, engage with locals, and work in a new setting prepares medical students for the world of healthcare into which they hope to enter.

Maltese universities not only expose students to an alternative culture and one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, which will help them as they advance through their educations and careers, but also align with some of the top programs in the world - in other words, the universities in Malta are in compliance with the Maltese and EU standards of teaching, the US Department of Education (Stafford Loan Program), and the Medical Board in the US. This means that students can apply for residency and continued education opportunities in these locations and a slew of others.

The University of Malta

While the archipelago set in the middle of the Mediterranean is witnessing a surge in universities opening campuses on the islands in recent years, there is no doubt that the University of Malta remains the most popular option for students coming to the islands to study, especially for those looking to study medicine.

The university is home to approximately 11,500 students, including around 1000 international students from 92 different countries. The school’s medical program is divided into two faculties: Dental Surgery and Medicine and Surgery. The latter is the most popular for international students, and boasts 12 departments responsible for all the teaching and training of medical and pharmacy students.

The university’s four departments (Physiology and Biochemistry, Anatomy, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and the Department of Pharmacy) are sited on the main University campus. Additionally, Malta offers 8 clinical departments (Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Family Medicine, Paediatrics, Pathology, Psychiatry, Public Health, and the Department of Surgery), which are stationed at the Medical School within Mater Dei Teaching Hospital.