About the university
Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education was set up in 1985 to teach computer studies at a time when such courses were not available in Malta. It is a small private college in Ħamrun, close to Valletta, licensed by Malta's higher-education regulator, MFHEA.
Its key feature is the link with the University of London. SMI is a Recognised Teaching Centre: you attend classes in Malta taught by SMI's lecturers and sit the University of London's examinations, and the degree you receive is a University of London bachelor's. Programmes cover computing and computer science (with options in AI and machine learning, games, virtual reality, security, web and UX), and business, accounting, banking and finance. Some of the finance degrees are run under the academic direction of the London School of Economics within the University of London's international programmes.
Each degree takes three years full time and is built from 180 ECTS, starting with a diploma-level year. Teaching is in English with small classes, and the institute reports strong results in the University of London examinations. SMI is also part of the EU's Erasmus+ programme, so students can apply for funded traineeships elsewhere in Europe.
For Indian students, SMI offers a well-known UK degree at a lower annual cost than studying in London, in an English-speaking EU country. The trade-offs: it is a small institution without a big campus, University of London fees may be added on top of SMI's tuition, and Malta's post-study stay is only up to nine months. Check the full cost and how the degree fits your plans before applying.
- Founded
- 1985, originally to teach computer studies in Malta
- Type
- Private higher-education institution licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA licence 196)
- Degrees
- University of London bachelor's degrees (SMI is a University of London Recognised Teaching Centre)
- Class sizes
- Up to 30 students in lectures and 20 in practical workshops
- Tuition 2026–27
- €6,696 a year full time, plus a €1,500 non-EU administration fee for students who need a visa
- Intake
- October (autumn trimester)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
Not ranked in major global rankings (small private college; degrees are awarded by the University of London)
Popular courses with Indian students
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- €6,696
- Duration
- 3 years full time (180 ECTS)
- Intakes
- October (autumn trimester)
- English
- English test accepted by SMI (IELTS 5.0 is the usual minimum for the foundation diploma level; the University of London may ask for more)
- Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
- Fee / year
- €6,696
- Duration
- 3 years full time (180 ECTS)
- Intakes
- October (autumn trimester)
- English
- English test accepted by SMI (IELTS 5.0 is the usual minimum for the foundation diploma level; the University of London may ask for more)
- Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
- Fee / year
- €6,696
- Duration
- 3 years full time (180 ECTS)
- Intakes
- October (autumn trimester)
- English
- English test accepted by SMI (IELTS 5.0 is the usual minimum for the foundation diploma level; the University of London may ask for more)
- Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Business Administration with International Business
- Fee / year
- €6,696
- Duration
- 3 years full time (180 ECTS)
- Intakes
- October (autumn trimester)
- English
- English test accepted by SMI (IELTS 5.0 is the usual minimum for the foundation diploma level; the University of London may ask for more)
- Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Banking and Finance
- Fee / year
- €6,696
- Duration
- 3 years full time (180 ECTS)
- Intakes
- October (autumn trimester)
- English
- English test accepted by SMI (IELTS 5.0 is the usual minimum for the foundation diploma level; the University of London may ask for more)
- Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Computing with Security and Cryptography
- Fee / year
- €6,696
- Duration
- 3 years full time (180 ECTS)
- Intakes
- October (autumn trimester)
- English
- English test accepted by SMI (IELTS 5.0 is the usual minimum for the foundation diploma level; the University of London may ask for more)
- Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Business Administration with Marketing
- Fee / year
- €6,696
- Duration
- 3 years full time (180 ECTS)
- Intakes
- October (autumn trimester)
- English
- English test accepted by SMI (IELTS 5.0 is the usual minimum for the foundation diploma level; the University of London may ask for more)
- Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Computing with Information Systems
- Fee / year
- €6,696
- Duration
- 3 years full time (180 ECTS)
- Intakes
- October (autumn trimester)
- English
- English test accepted by SMI (IELTS 5.0 is the usual minimum for the foundation diploma level; the University of London may ask for more)
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (EUR) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) Computer Science | 3 years full time (180 ECTS) | €6,696 | ≈ ₹7.1 lakh |
| BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence | 3 years full time (180 ECTS) | €6,696 | ≈ ₹7.1 lakh |
| BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance | 3 years full time (180 ECTS) | €6,696 | ≈ ₹7.1 lakh |
| BSc (Hons) Business Administration with International Business | 3 years full time (180 ECTS) | €6,696 | ≈ ₹7.1 lakh |
| BSc (Hons) Banking and Finance | 3 years full time (180 ECTS) | €6,696 | ≈ ₹7.1 lakh |
| BSc (Hons) Computing with Security and Cryptography | 3 years full time (180 ECTS) | €6,696 | ≈ ₹7.1 lakh |
| BSc (Hons) Business Administration with Marketing | 3 years full time (180 ECTS) | €6,696 | ≈ ₹7.1 lakh |
| BSc (Hons) Computing with Information Systems | 3 years full time (180 ECTS) | €6,696 | ≈ ₹7.1 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 Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education with similar universities in Malta.
Scholarships
- Full-time bachelor's
SMIFlexiPay scheme
Value: An interest-free Bank of Valletta fund settles tuition during the degree, with no monthly payments for full-time students
Eligibility: Registered SMI students; repayment terms are set by the scheme. Ask SMI whether non-EU students qualify.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - MQF level 5 and 6 courses
Get Qualified scheme (Malta Enterprise)
Value: Up to 70% of fees refunded as an income-tax credit over ten years
Eligibility: Open to EU and third-country students on completion, but only useful if you later work and pay tax in Malta.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Enrolled students
Erasmus+ traineeship grants
Value: EU grant towards travel and living costs for a 2–12 month traineeship in another EU country
Eligibility: Students of any nationality registered on a recognised SMI programme.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Class 12 (or an equivalent international qualification), assessed by SMI and the University of London; maths requirements apply to computing and finance degrees.
- Proof of English if you do not hold an English school-leaving qualification accepted by SMI; IELTS 5.0 is the usual minimum at diploma level, and higher scores may be needed to register for the University of London degree.
- An interview with the Saint Martin's Admissions and Advisory Board.
- Students short of the maths level can take free bridging maths classes at SMI.
- Non-EU students pay a €1,500 administration fee and need a full-time course for the Maltese study visa.
Postgraduate
- SMI also offers an MSc in Managing Change (action learning and research, MQF level 7). Ask SMI for the fee and entry requirements for non-EU students.
Documents
- Passport
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
- English test result
- Application form
- Proof of funds, accommodation and health insurance for the Maltese student 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 |
|---|---|
| Minimum English | SMI normally accepts IELTS with an overall 5.0 for applicants without an accepted English school qualification. |
| University of London registration | The University of London sets its own English requirement for registration on the degree; confirm the level for your programme with SMI. |
Accommodation and living costs
SMI has no halls of residence; students rent rooms or flats. Ħamrun is central and well served by buses. Figures below are the University of Malta's living-cost estimates, which also apply to students at private colleges.
| 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 |
| Health insuranceOur estimate; private-college students need cover for the residence permit | €20–50per month | ≈ ₹2,120 – ₹5,300 |
Campus and location
SMI is a city-centre college in Ħamrun, a busy town next to Valletta and Msida, on Malta's main island.
- Teaching rooms, computer labs and a games-development unit in Ħamrun.
- Small classes: up to 30 in lectures, up to 20 in workshops.
- Erasmus+ member, so students can take traineeships in other EU countries.
- Valletta, Msida and the University of Malta are a short bus ride away.
- 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
SMI does not publish graduate-employment figures that we could verify. Malta's IT, online gaming and financial-services sectors are the most relevant employers. Graduates can request a one-time post-study permit of up to 9 months to look for work.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition for a full-time year (2026–27) | €6,696 | Saint Martin's Institute, tuition fees |
| Non-EU administration fee | €1,500 (students needing a visa) | Saint Martin's Institute, tuition fees |
| 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:
Other universities in Malta
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Photo: Chell Hill, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicMalta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) (official website, opens in a new tab)
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- Public
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- Private
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FAQs
Whose degree will I receive at Saint Martin's?
A University of London bachelor's degree. SMI is a University of London Recognised Teaching Centre, so you are taught in Malta and sit the University of London's exams.
How much does it cost?
Full-time tuition at SMI is €6,696 a year for 2026–27, plus a €1,500 administration fee for non-EU students who need a visa. Ask SMI whether University of London registration and exam fees are extra for your programme.
Is Saint Martin's a licensed institution?
Yes. It is licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (licence 196). Always check the specific programme is approved before paying.
Which subjects can I study?
Computing and computer science (including AI and machine learning, games, virtual reality, security, web development and UX) and business, accounting, banking and finance.
Is there an interview?
Yes. All applicants have an interview with the Saint Martin's Admissions and Advisory Board.
Sources
- Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education: programmes, fees 2026–27 and entry requirements (opens in a new tab)
- University of London: BSc Accounting and Finance (LSE academic direction) (opens in a new tab)
- University of London: BSc Banking and Finance (opens in a new tab)
- University of London: BSc Computing and Information Systems (Goldsmiths) (opens in a new tab)
- Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) (opens in a new tab)
- Malta Enterprise: Get Qualified (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.stmartins.edu (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details