Malta
Academic System | Accomodation | Climate | Visa Regulations | Public Transport | National holidays
Academic System
Maltese higher education aims at improving the quality of life of people by providing professional and liberal education courses as well as advanced research and training. It is also directed at strengthening the country's reputation in the international community. Basically, higher education is provided by the University of Malta and some private institutions.
The academic year starts in the month of October and ends in the month of June. It is divided into two semesters: First semester (from October to January) and Second semester (from February to July). Students have an option of studying their courses either in Maltese or English. The governing body for higher education is the Council acting in accordance with Education Act of 1988.
Accomodation
Accommodation in Malta is easily available and mostly located near University areas. The prices of rooms vary according to the location of the accommodation. University do not provide accommodation to the students and they have to search for a suitable accommodation on their own.
Host family accommodation is cheap, safe and comfortable. Most host families live within walking distance of university campuses and bus routes. This form of accommodation is the most popular option among international students because of the warm & friendly nature of the people of Malta.
Student residences also offers fairly priced accommodation to international students. These residences are equipped with 24 hours reception areas and all rooms are finished up to hotel standards. These are popular among students who prefer to have their privacy.
Hotel accommodation and self-catering apartments are also available and these are generally hired by groups of students on a rent-sharing basis.
Climate
The climate of Malta is highly influenced by its proximity to the sea and the country has Mediterranean climatic conditions. The temperature is stable and never falls below freezing point, therefore, there is no snowfall in Malta. Precipitation is high and frequent and leads to a humid atmosphere.
Winters are pleasant with plenty of rainfall and the average temperature remains around ten degree Celsius. Most of the rainfall occurs during this season.
Comparatively, summers are warm, dry and sunny. Days are long and the temperature remains above 30 degree Celsius. Rainfall is rare but the weather is humid as Malta is an island which is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on all sides. July and August are the hottest months.
Visa Regulations
Students of the Commonwealth Countries, U.K. Dependencies, Council of Europe Members and Bilateral Agreements can stay in Malta without a visa for a period of 90 days. Other nationals must have a student visa to before entering the country. These students visas are valid for only one month and must be extended periodically. Foreign students who are pursuing a course with a duration of more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit which can then be renewed till the completion of the course.
It is very difficult for international students to get a work permit. A work permit can only be issued when the skills requested by the employer are locally absent or in short-supply.
Public Transport
The public transport system in Malta is reliant on buses and taxis. Malta is a small island therefore there is no rail service. It is connected to other countries through its only airport situated at Luqa.
The public transport association runs the system of buses and has a vast network that covers the whole island of Malta. It offers services like special night services and direct services.
Taxis are available for travel for longer distances.
National holidays
Jan 1
Feb 10
Mar 19
Mar 31
Apr 6
May 1
Jun 7
Jun 29
Aug 14
Sep 8
Sep 21
Dec 8
Dec 13
Dec 25
New Year
St Paul's Day
St Joseph's Day
Freedom Day
Good Friday
Labour Day
Sette Giugno
St.Peter Day
Assumtion Day
Victory Day
Independence Day
Immaculate Day.
Republic Day
Christmas Day
Capital City
Valletta
Population
401,880
Area
316 sq km
Currency Name
Languages
English, Maltese
Calling Code
+356
Timezone
City of Malta
Hondoq Bay
Public Square e