Malta University Offers Fully Funded Scholarships for Islands and Small States Scholarships 2025

The University of Malta, in collaboration with the Maltese Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism (MFT), offers fully funded scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year through the Islands and Small States Institute (ISSI). These scholarships are designed for nationals of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA), providing an opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in Islands and Small States Studies. Below is a comprehensive guide to the scholarship, including eligibility, benefits, application process, and key details to help international students apply.

Programs Offered:
- Master of Arts (Research on Islands and Small States) – 3 scholarships available
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Islands and Small States Studies – 2 scholarships available
Study Mode: Full-time or part-time, fully online or blended (online and on-campus)
Academic Year: 2025–2026
Deadline: June 2, 2025 (CEST)

Scholarship Benefits

The Islands and Small States Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support to ensure recipients can focus on their studies and research. The benefits include:

Master’s Program:
- Full tuition fee waiver for the duration of the program (typically 1–2 years, depending on full-time or part-time enrollment).
- €1,000 for research-related expenses (e.g., fieldwork costs), available for up to 12 months, against receipts.
- Note: Students opting to reside in Malta must cover their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
PhD Program:
- Full tuition fee waiver for the duration of the program (typically 3 years for full-time study).
- €13,200 subsistence funding over three years to support visits to Malta (up to 4 months per visit) and travel to research sites (up to 8 months total).
- PhD students are not required to take up permanent residence in Malta, as the program can be completed online.
- PhD candidates must complete three study units from the Master of Arts (Research on Islands and Small States) during their first year.
Additional Benefits:
- Access to the ISSI’s global network of experts and practitioners in island and small state studies.
- Opportunities to participate in international conferences, seminars, and workshops.
- Membership in the University of Malta’s prestigious alumni network, enhancing career prospects.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Islands and Small States Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Nationality:
- Must be a national of a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA). A list of eligible countries can be found on the University of Malta’s ISSI website or the OECD’s ODA recipient list.
Academic Requirements:
- Applicants must have an unconditional acceptance to a Master by Research or PhD program at the University of Malta.
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field is required for the Master’s program.
- For the PhD program, a master’s degree or equivalent is typically required, along with a strong academic record.
- Applicants with conditional acceptance (e.g., pending academic qualifications) are not eligible.
English Language Proficiency:
- An internationally recognized English Language Proficiency Certificate (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL) is required at the level specified by the University of Malta. Check the university’s English language requirements for 2025/2026 for details.
Research Proposal:
- The proposed research must align with Malta’s Foreign Policy Statement or the University of Malta’s Strategic Plan 2020–2025, focusing on themes such as:
  - Sustainability
  - Security
  - Solidarity
  - Women, peace, and security
  - Capacity building
  - Climate and oceans
  - Literacy
Other Requirements:
- Applicants must not already be enrolled in a similar program at the University of Malta.
- Applicants with full scholarships covering both tuition and living costs from other organizations are ineligible. However, those with partial scholarships or maintenance grants for living expenses may apply, provided they disclose these to the selection committee.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the Islands and Small States Scholarships:

Apply for Admission:
- Submit an online application for the Master of Arts (Research on Islands and Small States) or PhD program through the University of Malta’s Course Finder.
- Pay the application fee and provide all required documents, including:
  - Academic transcripts and certificates
  - English language proficiency certificate
  - Research proposal aligned with the specified themes
  - Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  - Letters of recommendation
  - Copy of passport
- Ensure you receive an unconditional letter of acceptance from the University of Malta.
Submit Scholarship Application:
- Send an email to the Islands and Small States Institute (contact details available on the ISSI website) with the subject line “Islands and Small States Scholarship Application.”
- Include your UM Applicant ID (from the unconditional acceptance letter) and attach the following:
  - Personal statement or motivational letter outlining your academic goals and research interests
  - Detailed research proposal
  - Proof of ODA-eligible SIDS nationality (e.g., passport copy)
  - Disclosure of any partial scholarships or maintenance grants
- The deadline for scholarship applications is June 2, 2025 (CEST).
Online Interview:
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview with the Scholarship Selection Board. The interview assesses academic merit, research proposal quality, and communication skills.
Selection Process:
- The Scholarship Selection Board evaluates applications based on:
  - Academic excellence (e.g., grades, publications, references)
  - Quality and relevance of the research proposal
  - Potential impact of the research on small island states
  - Performance in the online interview
- Decisions are final, and successful candidates will be notified by the University of Malta.

Key Deadlines

Scholarship Application Deadline: June 2, 2025 (CEST)
Program Start: First semester of the 2025/2026 academic year (refer to the University of Malta’s academic calendar for exact dates)

Why Choose the Islands and Small States Institute?

The ISSI at the University of Malta is a globally recognized center for research on islands and small states, with over 30 years of academic excellence. Key advantages include:

Expert Faculty: Learn from internationally recognized scholars and practitioners.
Flexible Study Options: Fully online or blended formats accommodate students worldwide.
Interdisciplinary Focus: Explore political, economic, environmental, and cultural issues relevant to SIDS.
Global Impact: Contribute to research addressing critical challenges faced by small island communities.

Additional Notes

Visa and Residence: Students following online programs may not require a visa or residence permit. Contact the University of Malta’s International Office for guidance on visa requirements if planning to reside in Malta.
Financial Planning: The scholarship does not cover living expenses in Malta unless specified (e.g., PhD subsistence funding). Applicants must demonstrate the ability to support themselves during their studies.
Other Scholarships: The University of Malta also offers tuition fee waivers (40–100%) for non-EU/EEA students pursuing other Master by Research or PhD programs. Check the University’s scholarship page for details.

Resources

University of Malta Course Finder: www.um.edu.mt/study
ISSI Scholarship Details: www.um.edu.mt/issi/scholarships
English Language Requirements: www.um.edu.mt/international/englishlanguagerequirements
ODA-Eligible SIDS List: Available on the OECD website or ISSI scholarship page

For further inquiries, contact the Islands and Small States Institute or the University of Malta’s International Office via their official websites.

Apply Now!