About the university
The Institute of Tourism Studies is Malta's public institute for hospitality, tourism and culinary education. Tourism is one of Malta's biggest industries, and ITS trains many of the island's chefs, hotel managers and tourism professionals, with courses that combine classroom study, practical kitchens and industry placements.
ITS offers a full ladder of qualifications, from foundation and certificate courses to diplomas, bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. English entry levels rise with each level: B2 (roughly IELTS 5.5–6.5) for diplomas and bachelor's degrees and C1 (IELTS 6.5–8.0) for master's.
International students apply online, pay a non-refundable application fee, and after acceptance pay the first semester's tuition, after which ITS sends details to Identità (Malta's immigration agency) and issues an acceptance letter and visa checklist. Students also buy their own uniforms, aprons and kitchen tools. ITS runs a student peer referral scheme for international students.
For Indian students interested in hospitality or culinary careers, ITS offers a public, practical route in an English-speaking EU country with a strong tourism sector. Check each course page for the fee, the exact entry requirements and how the course meets Malta's study-visa rules.
- Founded
- 1987
- Type
- Public institute specialising in tourism, hospitality and culinary arts
- Levels
- Foundation (MQF 2) to bachelor's (MQF 6) and master's (MQF 7)
- Language of teaching
- English
- Fees
- Set per course and shown on each course page; payable per year or per semester
- Visa refusal
- Tuition is refunded if the visa is formally refused (with the refusal document)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
Not ranked in major global rankings (specialist institute)
Popular courses with Indian students
- Undergraduate
Bachelor in Culinary Arts (Hons)
- Fee / year
- €9,233
- Duration
- 3 years (6 semesters plus two industry placements), 240 ECTS
- Intakes
- September (non-EU applications open about March to May)
- English
- B2 level: IELTS 5.5–6.5 or TOEFL 60–93 (ITS international entry requirements)
- Undergraduate
Bachelor in International Hospitality Management (Hons)
- Fee / year
- €7,900
- Duration
- 3 years (6 semesters plus two work placements), 240 ECTS
- Intakes
- September (non-EU applications open about March to May)
- English
- B2 level: IELTS 5.5–6.5 or TOEFL 60–93 (ITS international entry requirements)
- Undergraduate
BSc in Diving Safety Management
- Fee / year
- €6,238
- Duration
- 3 years full time (6 semesters plus two work placements)
- Intakes
- September (non-EU applications open about March to May)
- English
- B2 level: IELTS 5.5–6.5 or TOEFL 60–93 (ITS international entry requirements)
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (EUR) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Culinary Arts (Hons) | 3 years (6 semesters plus two industry placements), 240 ECTS | €9,233 | ≈ ₹9.8 lakh |
| Bachelor in International Hospitality Management (Hons) | 3 years (6 semesters plus two work placements), 240 ECTS | €7,900 | ≈ ₹8.4 lakh |
| BSc in Diving Safety Management | 3 years full time (6 semesters plus two work placements) | €6,238 | ≈ ₹6.6 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Institute of Tourism Studies with similar universities in Malta.
Scholarships
- International students
ITS student peer referral scheme
Value: Set by ITS; see the scheme page
Eligibility: Current international students who refer new applicants, under the scheme's rules.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Choose a course on its.edu.mt and apply as an international student; each course page lists its entry requirements.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee and submit your details.
- If accepted, pay the first semester's tuition; ITS then sends your details to Identità and issues an acceptance letter and visa checklist.
- Book a VFS Global appointment to apply for the visa.
- If your qualifications are not Bologna-aligned, ITS recommends an MQRIC equivalency report.
Postgraduate
- Master's degrees (MQF 7) require a relevant bachelor's and C1-level English (IELTS 6.5–8.0 or TOEFL 94–109, depending on the course).
Documents
- Passport
- Academic certificates and transcripts (with an MQRIC report if advised)
- English test result
- Proof of funds, accommodation and health insurance for the Maltese study visa
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Diplomas (MQF 4) | IELTS 4.0–5.0 or TOEFL 32–59 (B1) |
| Undergraduate and higher diplomas (MQF 5) | IELTS 5.5–6.5 or TOEFL 60–93 (B2) |
| Bachelor's (MQF 6) | IELTS 5.5–6.5 or TOEFL 60–93 (B2) |
| Master's (MQF 7) | IELTS 6.5–8.0 or TOEFL 94–109 (C1) |
Accommodation and living costs
ITS's international office helps with housing questions; most students rent rooms or flats. Figures are the University of Malta's Malta-wide living-cost estimates.
| Item | In EUR | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Room in a shared flat (2–3 people)University of Malta estimate | €550–700per month | ≈ ₹58,300 – ₹74,200 |
| Single room or own apartment | €800–1,600per month | ≈ ₹84,800 – ₹1.7 lakh |
| Food and groceries | €400–500per month | ≈ ₹42,400 – ₹53,000 |
| Electricity and water | €50–100per month | ≈ ₹5,300 – ₹10,600 |
| Mobile and internet | €30per month | ≈ ₹3,180 |
Campus and location
ITS trains students in practical kitchens, restaurants and hospitality facilities in Malta, a country where tourism is a leading industry.
- Training kitchens and restaurants for culinary and service skills.
- Courses include industry placements in Maltese hotels and restaurants.
- Uniforms, aprons and kitchen tools are bought by students.
- Full-time students may work up to 20 hours a week once the employer has a Jobsplus employment licence for them.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Malta's tourism and hospitality sector is a large employer, and ITS courses build in industry placements. Graduates can request a one-time post-study permit of up to 9 months to look for work.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| English level for ITS bachelor's degrees | B2 (IELTS 5.5–6.5) | ITS international entry requirements |
| Post-study job-search permit in Malta | Up to 9 months, once | Identità Malta |
Studying in Malta
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in Malta. Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
How much does ITS cost for international students?
ITS sets fees per course. Recent listings for non-EU students show about €3,100–€4,600 per semester for the bachelor's degrees (see the course table). Tuition can be paid for the year or per semester, and it is refunded if your visa is formally refused.
What IELTS score do I need?
Roughly IELTS 5.5–6.5 (B2) for diplomas and bachelor's degrees and 6.5–8.0 (C1) for master's, depending on the course.
Do I pay anything apart from tuition?
Yes: a non-refundable application fee, plus uniforms, aprons and kitchen tools for practical courses.
How does the visa process start?
After acceptance you pay the first semester's tuition, ITS informs Identità and sends your acceptance letter and visa checklist, and you then book a VFS Global appointment.
Sources
- ITS: international students (opens in a new tab)
- ITS: entry requirements and application process (opens in a new tab)
- ITS: tuition and other fees (opens in a new tab)
- ITS: visa process (opens in a new tab)
- ITS: study programmes (opens in a new tab)
- ITS prospectus 2025–2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Keep Me Posted (Malta): ITS Bachelor in Culinary Arts (Hons) (opens in a new tab)
- Keep Me Posted (Malta): ITS BSc Diving Safety Management (opens in a new tab)
- Educatly: ITS Bachelor in International Hospitality Management (Hons) (opens in a new tab)
- University of Malta: living costs (Malta-wide estimates) (opens in a new tab)
- Identità: study and post-study permits (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.its.edu.mt (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details