Study in Malta from Nigeria is now more accessible than most Nigerian students realize. In fact, for the July 2026 intake, Pikinic Study Abroad is actively simplifying the entire process from application to arrival.

Moreover, Pikinic Study Abroad has partnered with eie European Business School, Malta’s licensed and MFHEA-accredited institution, to give Nigerian students direct access to this year’s intake. Through this partnership, Nigerian students can earn a fully EU-accredited degree in five high-demand fields with no mandatory IELTS requirement and no age limit. In this guide, therefore, you will find everything you need to understand the opportunity, the requirements, and exactly how to apply.

Why Malta? What Nigerian Students Need to Know

Most Nigerian students researching study abroad options typically focus on the UK, Canada, and Australia. As a result, they often overlook Malta entirely and that is a significant oversight.

Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, located about 80 kilometers south of Italy. Importantly, it is a full member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. For Nigerian students, this matters because a degree earned in Malta carries EU-standard recognition, which universities, employers, and professional bodies across Europe and beyond accept. In addition, it stands out as the most affordable EU destination on Pikinic’s network for tuition, living costs, and visa fees.

So, what exactly makes Malta worth considering?

English Is an Official Language

Firstly, Malta is one of only two EU member states where English is an official national language. All teaching at eie European Business School takes place in English. Therefore, you do not need to learn a new language, sit for additional language tests beyond basic requirements, or adjust to a non-English academic environment.

EU-Standard Degree Recognition

Secondly, eie European Business School holds full licensing from the MFHEA (Malta Further and Higher Education Authority) under Licence No. 2005-TC-001. All programmes align with the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). As a result, your degree receives recognition across all 27 EU member states.

Furthermore, the school is a Business Education Alliance member of the AACSB, one of the most prestigious global accrediting bodies for business education. Member institutions include Harvard, Stanford, and London Business School.

Schengen Access

Another key advantage is mobility. As a Schengen Area member state, Malta allows students to travel freely across 26 European countries without additional visas. For example, during holidays and semester breaks, you can visit France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and other European destinations using the same permit.

Lowest Tuition and Living Costs

From a financial perspective, Malta offers a strong advantage. Tuition at eie starts from €6,000 per year which is significantly lower than fees in the UK, Canada, or Australia for comparable programmes. At the same time, shared student accommodation typically costs between €400 and €500 per month. Overall, living expenses, transport, and food remain considerably lower than in most Western European cities.

High Visa Approval Rate

In terms of accessibility, Malta maintains one of the highest student visa approval rates in Europe. IELTS is recommended but not mandatory, study gaps are acceptable, and there is no age limit. Additionally, students with previous visa refusals from countries like the UK, Canada, or Australia can still apply successfully.

Part-Time Work and Post-Study Rights

Finally, Malta supports students beyond academics. You can work up to 20 hours per week during your studies, earning an average of €5 to €7 per hour. After graduation, your visa extends for nine months, giving you time to explore job opportunities across the European labour market.

About eie European Business School

eie European Business School has been providing higher education in Malta since January 2000—marking over 26 years of continuous academic operation. Its campus is located in St. Julian’s, Malta’s most vibrant business district, surrounded by financial services firms, international gaming companies, hotels, and restaurants. As a result, students study with panoramic views of the Mediterranean while also gaining access to professional networks concentrated in one of Malta’s most internationally connected areas.

The institution holds the following verified credentials:

• Licence: MFHEA Higher Education Licence No. 2005-TC-001 — verified at www.mfhea.mt
• Accreditation: Business Education Alliance Member, AACSB International — the world’s leading business school accreditation body
• MQF/EQF Alignment: Programmes are accredited on the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) at Levels 5, 6, and 7 and aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
• ACCA Recognition: BA in Accountancy and Finance and MBA in Accounting and Finance are recognised under the ACCA Exemptions Framework. Consequently, eligible students receive exemptions from ACCA professional examinations
• Malta Chamber Membership: Corporate Member, Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (est. 1848)
• SME Chamber Membership: Corporate Member, Malta Chamber of SMEs — representing over 7,000 business members

For full accreditation details, you can visit the official website at: www.eie.business

Programmes Available for July 2026 Intake

MQF Level	Qualification	Duration	Entry Requirement
Level 5 (EQF 5)	Undergraduate Higher Diploma	2 Years	WAEC/O-Level pass
Level 6 (EQF 6)	Bachelor of Arts (BSc)	3 Years	WAEC/O-Level pass
Level 7 (EQF 7)	MBA / Master of Arts	2 Years	Bachelor’s degree

Courses available across all applicable levels:

1. Health and Social Care Management — Extended Diploma (MQF L5, 120 ECTS, 2 Years)
2. Business Administration — Higher Diploma (L5), BA (L6), MBA (L7)
3. Accountancy and Finance — Higher Diploma (L5), BA (L6), MBA in Accounting and Finance (L7) — ACCA recognised
4. Information Technology — Diploma (MQF L5, 120 ECTS, 2 Years)
5. Tourism and Hospitality Management — Higher Diploma (L5), BA (L6), MBA (L7)

The Accountancy and Finance pathway carries ACCA professional exemptions at both BA and MBA level — a significant advantage for Nigerian students targeting international finance careers.

Fees and Costs

Fee	Amount	Notes
Application Fee (General)	€275	Non-refundable. Offer letter issued within 2 working days.
Application Fee — IELTS 6.5+	Waived	Full fee waiver for valid IELTS 6.5 or above
Application Fee — IELTS 6.0	€100	Reduced fee
Tuition — Year 1	€7,500	Same for all programmes and levels
Tuition — Year 2	€6,000	€1,500 scholarship applied automatically
Tuition — Year 3 (BSc)	€6,000	€1,500 scholarship applied automatically
Malta Visa Fee (aged 12+)	€100	Standard appointment
VFS Slot Booking	€150	Paid on the Identità portal
Shared Accommodation	€400 – €500/month	Facilitated by eie

A full 3-year bachelor’s degree costs €19,500 before scholarships and €16,500 after eie’s Year 2 and Year 3 scholarship – compared to £45,000 – £66,000 for a UK equivalent.

Eligibility Requirements

eie’s entry requirements are deliberately inclusive. In other words, they ensure that academically qualified Nigerian students are not turned away due to administrative barriers.

• Academic Qualification: You need an overall pass in WAEC/NECO (for UGD and BSc entry) or a Bachelor’s degree (for MSc/MBA entry). Notably, there is no strict minimum grade threshold beyond a general pass.
• English Language: IELTS is recommended but not mandatory. Therefore, students without an IELTS score are not automatically disqualified.
• Study Gaps: These are acceptable. So, even if you have been out of formal education for several years, you remain eligible to apply.
• Age Limit: There is none. As a result, students of any age can apply without restriction.
• Previous Visa Refusals: These are accepted. Importantly, if you have experienced visa refusals from destinations such as the UK, Canada, or Australia, you can still apply to Malta without this affecting your eligibility.

Overall, this represents one of the most accessible entry profiles among accredited European institutions. Simply put, if you have WAEC results and a valid passport, you already meet the foundational requirements for a competitive Malta application.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

The application process for eie European Business School runs through Pikinic Study Abroad. To ensure a smooth experience, follow these steps in order.

1. Submit Academic Documents and Passport

First, upload your academic transcripts and a copy of your passport directly to the eie application portal: https://eieebs.com/

2. Pay the Application Fee (€275) and Receive Your Offer Letter

Next, pay the €275 non-refundable application fee to reserve your intake seat. Once payment is confirmed, the school issues offer letters within two working days. However, if you hold a valid IELTS score of 6.5 or above, this fee is waived, while an IELTS score of 6.0 reduces the fee to €100.

3. Pay First-Year Tuition (€7,500) and Receive Your Letter of Acceptance

After that, pay your first-year tuition fee to eie (Malta) Ltd. This payment triggers the issuance of your official Letter of Acceptance (LOA), along with all required visa documentation—including your tuition receipt, course modules, and timetable—within 48 hours. At this stage, contact Pikinic Study Abroad for guidance on making payments from Nigerian bank accounts.

4. Book Your VFS Visa Appointment

Then, book your biometrics and file submission appointment through the Identità portal: https://identita.gov.mt/. Select “Long Term Extended” as your appointment category. The booking fee is €150. Importantly, you must submit your application at least 9 weeks before your course start date, although applying 12 weeks in advance is strongly recommended.

5. Prepare Your Visa File and Submit

Finally, assemble your complete documentation file according to the Malta Central Visa Unit (CVU) checklist and submit it on your scheduled VFS appointment date. On the day of submission, carry at least €150 in cash. Visa decisions typically take up to 40 working days.

Malta Student Visa — Documents Checklist

The following checklist is drawn directly from the official Malta Central Visa Unit requirements and eie’s file preparation guidelines. Importantly, all documents must be submitted in English. If any document is not in English, you must translate it through an authorised translator from the official Identità approved list.

Core Visa Application Documents

• Fully completed and signed Visa Application Form (computer-typed, colour printout), available on the Identità portal
• Valid passport with a minimum of 10 months validity from the date of application, including full pages and a colour copy attested by a notary
• One passport photograph that meets ICAO photographic standards
• VFS appointment confirmation letter (colour printout)
• GDPR form, properly completed and signed

Enrolment Documents from eie

• School Enrolment Letter from eie, clearly stating: institution name as registered with MFHEA, full course name as listed on the MFHEA website, MQF level, number of ECTS, course duration in months, course hours per week (including contact hours), lecture address, and any course hiatus periods
• Proof of tuition payment (receipt or invoice from eie confirming payment)
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA), coloured and complete, issued within 48 hours of tuition payment
• Course modules and timetable (full colour copy)
• Covering Letter (one page, signed by the student, explaining the purpose of travel)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP), maximum of 2 pages and signed by the student

Financial Documents

• Bank statements for the last 3 months, supported by a recent bank certificate showing sufficient funds. Specifically, funds must equal at least 75% of Malta’s national minimum wage for each month of study
• Copy of an international bank card (front and back) that you will use to access funds in Malta

If you are sponsored by a parent or guardian, include the following:

• Sponsor’s bank statements (last 3 months)
• Signed declaration or affidavit of sponsorship
• Copy of sponsor’s identification card (front and back) or passport bio-data page

Travel and Accommodation

• Flight itinerary to Malta, showing your name, travel date, and all transit points. Ensure the entry date is no more than two weeks before your course start date
• Proof of accommodation for the first 14 nights from your arrival date, in your name. This can be provided through an eie accommodation letter, a registered lease agreement, or a hotel/short-term rental booking covering at least 14 consecutive nights

Medical Insurance

Insurance requirements vary by programme level:

• For MQF Level 5 and above: Insurance must be valid across the Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000, covering at least 91 consecutive days from your first entry, and must explicitly state validity for study purposes
• For MQF Level 4 and below: Insurance must meet the same €30,000 minimum coverage but remain valid for your entire stay—from entry to exit in the Schengen area

Additionally, ensure your insurance certificate clearly states that it is valid for study purposes. If it does not, you must provide a table of benefits document to support it. Pikinic advisors can guide you to approved insurance providers.

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Gap clearance certificate (if required)
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — optional but recommended
• For minors: birth certificate (original, legalised, and translated into English), copies of parents’ passports, and a parents’ consent letter (original and translated into English)

Visa Interview Preparation

The embassy may call applicants for a personal interview within 15 days of submission. Being well-prepared reduces the likelihood significantly.

Typical questions include:

• Why did you choose to study in Malta from Nigeria?
• Why eie European Business School specifically?
• What course are you enrolled in and what does it cover?
• What are your career plans after completing the programme?
• Who is funding your education and stay?
• Do you plan to return to Nigeria after your studies?

The visa officer is assessing genuine study intent. Your answers must be consistent, specific, and credible. Pikinic advisors prepare students for this interview as part of the full application support process.

After Graduation: Work Rights and Career Opportunities

Part-Time Work During Studies

From the first year, students at MQF Level 5 and above can work up to 20 hours per week. An employment permit is linked to your residence permit. The standard hourly wage is €5 to €7.

9-Month Post-Study Visa Extension

After graduation, your visa is extended for nine months to explore European job opportunities. Once a job offer is secured, the work permit can be extended annually without restriction.

Career Pathways by Course

Course	Graduate Career Pathways
Business Administration	Sales Executive, Marketing Executive, Business Development Executive
Accountancy and Finance	Finance Executive, Management Accountant, Financial Analyst, Internal Auditor
Information Technology	Software Developer, Data Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, Web Developer
Tourism and Hospitality	Hotel Duty Manager, Travel Agency Executive, Events Management, Cruise Liners
Health and Social Care	Elderly Carer, Assistant Nurse, Hospital Health Carer, European care market roles

Refund Policy

eie’s refund policy is straightforward and student-protective. In particular, it reduces financial risk for international applicants:

• Visa Refusal: If the Malta embassy refuses your student visa, you will receive a full refund of your first-year tuition fee (€7,500). To initiate this, you must submit the official visa refusal letter along with a completed refund request form.
• Processing Time: Refunds are processed within 2 weeks if you paid through a Bulgarian bank account. However, if payment was made to a Maltese bank account, processing takes approximately 10–14 weeks.
• No Refund Condition: If your visa is approved and you later decide not to proceed with your studies, the school will not issue any refund under any circumstance.
• Application Fee: The €275 application fee remains strictly non-refundable in all cases.

Apply Through Pikinic Study Abroad

Pikinic Study Abroad handles the full application process for Nigerian students applying to eie European Business School for the July 2026 intake. From start to finish, the team provides structured, hands-on support at every stage:

• Profile Assessment and Programme Selection: First, advisors evaluate your academic background, career goals, and budget to recommend the most suitable programme.
• Application Submission and Offer Coordination: Next, they manage your application and coordinate directly with eie to secure your offer letter efficiently.
• Tuition Payment Guidance: They then guide you through the payment process, including clear instructions for making international transfers from Nigeria.
• Complete Visa File Preparation: In addition, they support you in compiling a strong visa file—providing a detailed document checklist, assisting with SOP writing, and reviewing your covering letter.
• VFS Appointment Booking Guidance: They also walk you through booking your appointment on the Identità portal to ensure accuracy and proper timing.
• Embassy Interview Preparation: Where required, they help you prepare by practising likely interview questions and refining clear, credible responses.
• Post-Arrival Guidance: Finally, they assist you after arrival with residence permit applications, work permit processes, and accommodation setup.

Ultimately, this end-to-end support ensures that your application is not only complete but also strategically prepared to meet Malta’s visa and admission requirements.

To get started or speak with a Pikinic advisor about your eligibility, contact the team directly. Book a free 30-minute consultation and speak with a Pikinic advisor who knows the UK visa process inside out. Visit studyabroad.pikinic.ng or call +234 902 252 5013 to book your free consultation today.