For Indian students, studying in Malta without taking IELTS exam can be possible. Many private, licensed institutions offer alternative ways to prove English proficiency. As of mid-2026, Malta’s Central Visa Unit, Identità, does not list one standardised language test among its core student visa requirements. However, skipping IELTS does not mean skipping English requirements. You must still show that you can understand lectures, complete assignments, and manage academic work in English.
The sections below explain the accepted English options, universities and institutions, study programmes, application process, and student visa requirements for studying in Malta without IELTS in detail.
Alternatives to IELTS Accepted in Malta
You may be able to study in Malta without IELTS if your institution accepts another English test or proof of your previous education. The exact rules depend on the university and course, so check the official admission page before applying.
Common alternatives include:
TOEFL Exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Checks reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
PTE Test (Pearson Test of English Academic): Measures English communication skills through a computer-based test.
Cambridge English certificates: Assess different levels of English through reading, writing, listening, and speaking papers.
ISET (International Student English Test): Tests reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills.
Trinity ISE (Integrated Skills in English): Checks how well you can use English in practical academic and everyday situations.
MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter: Confirms that your earlier course was taught in English.
English-medium education proof: Shows that English was the language used for teaching in your school or university.
Internal interview or assessment: Checks your communication and understanding through a short conversation or test.
The accepted option and required score depend on the university, course, and level of study.
So, studying in Malta without IELTSdoes not always mean you can apply without showing English proficiency. Before applying, check whether your chosen institution accepts another test, an English-medium education certificate, or a formal exemption.
Colleges & Universities in Malta That Accept Students Without IELTS
Many institutions in Malta accept more than one way to prove English ability. Depending on the course, you may submit TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English Test, an English-medium education certificate, or an internal interview instead of IELTS.
The score is not the same everywhere. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses may have different requirements, and some institutions review applications individually.
The table below gives useful indicative score ranges, but confirm the exact requirement before applying:
Before applying, check the official course page or contact the admissions team to confirm whether your chosen alternative is accepted.
College/Institutions Accepting IELTS Alternatives
IELTS Alternatives & Indicative Scores
University of Malta
TOEFL iBT: 80–95
PTE Academic: 65–71
Cambridge English Test: B2 First/C1 Advanced
Trinity ISE: Level II/III
ISET: Band 5–6
MCAST
TOEFL iBT: 60–80
PTE Academic: 55–65
Cambridge English: B2 First
English proficiency certificate: Course-specific
American University of Malta
TOEFL iBT: 70–85
PTE Academic: 55+
Cambridge English: B2 First or equivalent
MOI proof: Previous education taught in English
Global College Malta
TOEFL iBT: 72–94
PTE Academic: 59–75
Cambridge English: B2 First
St Martin’s Institute
TOEFL iBT: 65–80
PTE Academic: 50–58
Cambridge English: B2 First, Grade C or higher
GBS Malta
TOEFL iBT: 72–85
PTE Academic: 51–58
Middlesex University Malta
TOEFL iBT: 72–95
PTE Academic: 59 in each component
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced, usually 169+
Queen Mary University of London, Malta Campus
TOEFL iBT: 92–100+
PTE Academic: 65–71+
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency
London School of Commerce Malta
TOEFL iBT: 65–80
PTE Academic: 50–58
Cambridge English: B2 First
IDEA College Malta
TOEFL iBT: 72–90
PTE Academic: 51–60
One important point: university admission and visa requirements are not always the same. Check both requirements before making your application.
How to Apply to Study in Malta Without IELTS for Indian Students
Applying to study in Malta without IELTS is not very different from applying to any other international course. You first choose a programme, check its entry rules, and submit your academic and personal documents. The main thing to confirm is how the institution will assess your English if you are not submitting an IELTS score.
Here is the step-by-step process for the application:
1. Choose a course and institution
Compare the course content, entry requirements, tuition fees, duration, and intake dates. Check whether the institution accepts applications from students without IELTS.
2. Check the English requirement
Read the official course page carefully. It will explain how the institution will assess your English and whether you need a test, interview, or exemption.
MQRIC statement for certain non-Maltese qualifications
4. Submit the application
Apply through the institution’s official website or application portal. Upload clear copies of all documents and pay the application fee, if applicable.
5. Attend an interview, if required
Some institutions may arrange an online interview to check your communication skills and interest in the course.
6. Wait for the admission decision
If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter. Read the conditions carefully and complete any pending requirements.
7. Accept the offer
Pay the required deposit or tuition instalment to confirm your place. Keep the payment receipt and offer letter safely.
8. Prepare for the visa application
Once your offer is confirmed, start arranging your finances, accommodation, insurance, and other documents needed for your move to Malta.
Can I Get a Malta Student Visa Without IELTS?
Yes, it may be possible to apply for a Malta student visa without IELTS. IELTS is not the only factor considered in a visa application. Your admission letter, academic documents, financial proof, accommodation, insurance, and overall application are also important.
For courses lasting more than 105 days, non-EU students generally need to apply for a Malta Study D-Visa before travelling through the Central Visa Unit’s approved process.
To apply without IELTS, you should first receive admission from an approved Maltese institution.
The institution must accept your English ability through the proof it allows.
Your visa file may also include:
Valid passport with at least 10 months’ validity
Admission or enrolment letter
Proof of tuition-fee payment
Bank statements for the last three months
Recent bank certificate showing sufficient funds
Copy of the international bank card you will use in Malta
Accommodation proof for the first 14 nights
Medical and travel insurance
Flight itinerary
Academic certificates and transcripts
Passport photographs
Visa application form and appointment documents
Police Clearance Certificate, if requested by the visa office
Getting admission without IELTS does not guarantee visa approval. The visa authorities may review your documents separately and ask for further information.
Conclusion
Studying in Malta without IELTS can be possible, but the process depends on the institution and course you choose. You may still need to provide another form of English proof and meet the academic, financial, and visa requirements.
Before applying, check the official course page, prepare your documents early, and confirm that your admission and visa requirements match. This can help you avoid delays later.
1. Can Indian students study in Malta without IELTS?
Yes, Indian students may be admitted without IELTS if the chosen institution accepts another form of English proof. The student must still meet the course, academic, financial, and visa requirements set by the institution and Maltese authorities.
2. Can I use a Medium of Instruction letter instead of IELTS?
Some institutions accept a Medium of Instruction letter if your previous course was taught in English. The letter should be issued by your school or university and clearly mention the language of teaching. Acceptance is not automatic.
3. Does Malta accept TOEFL iBT as an IELTS alternative?
Several Maltese institutions may accept TOEFL iBT, or the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test. The required score depends on the institution, course, and study level, so check the official course requirements.
4. Does Malta accept PTE Academic for admission?
Some universities and colleges accept PTE Academic, or Pearson Test of English Academic, instead of IELTS. They may set minimum overall and section-wise scores. Confirm the required score directly with your chosen institution before submitting the application.
5. Are Cambridge English certificates accepted in Malta?
Cambridge English certificates may be accepted by some institutions in Malta. The accepted certificate and grade can differ by course. Common options include B2 First and C1 Advanced, but applicants should confirm the exact requirement.
6. Can Class 12 English marks replace IELTS for Malta admission?
Class 12 English marks may support an exemption request, but they do not automatically replace IELTS. The institution may also ask for a Medium of Instruction letter, an interview, or another recognised form of English proof.
7. Does an English-medium degree help with IELTS exemption?
Yes, a degree taught fully in English may help you request an IELTS exemption. You may need to submit a formal letter from your university along with transcripts. The final decision rests with the institution reviewing your application.
8. Do English test scores expire for Malta applications?
Many English test scores are normally valid for two years, but the rule can differ between institutions. Check the test date requirement before applying, especially if your course starts several months after you submit your application.
9. Can a university ask for IELTS after issuing an offer letter?
Yes, an offer may be conditional. If the institution later finds that your English proof does not meet the course requirement, it may ask for IELTS or another approved test before confirming your admission.
10. Can an English interview replace IELTS in Malta?
Some institutions may use an interview to assess your speaking and communication skills. An interview is accepted only when the institution allows it as part of its admission process. It is not a universal replacement for IELTS.
11. Is IELTS required for a Malta work permit?
IELTS is not a standard requirement for every Malta work permit. However, an employer, professional regulator, or licensing body may ask for English proof depending on the job, industry, or role.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT,...
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