University of Malta, Malta

Exchange students at the University of Malta (UM) study for a semester or a full academic year in this beautiful island country in the Mediterranean Sea. UM, with about 11,000 students, is Malta's only comprehensive university. While the national language is Maltese, most residents are fluent in English and nearly all courses at the university are taught in English. UM is located in Msida, a residential neighborhood of Malta's national capital Valletta.

Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been inhabited since megalithic times. The modern city was constructed in the 16th century by the Knights Hospitaller and served as a base for the Crusades. Malta's unique culture is a blend of North African, Italian, and British influences. Its welcoming and outward-looking population takes full advantage of the year-round sunny weather, with regular street festivals and public celebrations. Famous as a holiday destination throughout the continent, Malta has cheap flights to most major European cities.

Requirements: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Students who don't meet the GPA requirement may still be eligible and should speak with OU's International Education Office prior to applying.

Application: In addition to completing an OU study abroad application on Horizons, students must apply for admission to Malta. Information about Malta's application is here. Oakland University will nominate students to Malta when their study abroad applications have been accepted.

Exchange students may come from any major and select courses from throughout UM's catalog, earning 12 to 16 credits per semester. Students may study in Malta either for the winter semester or for the academic year. Malta's fall semester extends into February, so it is typically not an option for OU students. 

UM is particularly well-regarded for history, social sciences, political science, and cultural studies, although it also has good programs in engineering, the natural sciences, and business and economics. Some departments have a small number of courses taught in Maltese or Italian, but the large majority of courses are in English.

Find more information about courses at Malta here.

The credit system at UM varies by department and students should work with OU's International Education Office to ensure they are selecting an appropriate number of courses. 

Courses at UM are given American-style letter grades. These grades become part of students' OU transcripts.

Students stay in university accommodations. Students may select either the Campus Hub, a newly-constructed residence on campus, or the Kappara Hotel, an imposing estate in a small village just outside town, with a free shuttle bus. Most rooms are single studio apartments with shared cooking facilities. High-speed wifi is available in all rooms. Both options have outdoor swimming pools. UM can connect interested students with local host families for short-term homestays, an excellent way to experience traditional Maltese culture.

UM's campus has a student cafeteria with discounted meals as well as a variety of fast food and more formal restaurants. Supermarkets and traditional food shops are in easy walking distance, and cuisine from around the world can be found on the island. Local specialties include stewed rabbit, broad bean soup, and flatbreads stuffed with potatoes, eggs, cheese, and fish.

Tuition: 12 -16 Credits

You will be charged for these credits on your eBill at your normal rate of tuition.

Additional costs: $7,305

You will need additional funds for these expenses not covered by program fee. Amounts are estimated.

• Airfare: $1,600
• Housing: $2,000
• Meals: $1,600
• Local transportation: $200
• Incidental personal expenses: $1,500
• Passport (if you don't have one): $175
• E Resident Document: $30
• Books and Supplies: $200

Scholarships and Financial Aid: You are able to use financial aid to cover your full cost of attendance to this program (tuition, program fee and additional costs). Scholarships are also available through your study abroad application.