ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants who intend to apply for a scholarship must meet the entry requirements set out by the University of Malta and the conditions for joining the specific programme indicated above at the time of application. Applicants who can only be considered on a conditional basis (i.e. are not in a position to provide proof of attainment of the academic qualifications required to join the programme) at the time of application cannot be considered for the scholarship.

Applicants will be required to attend an online interview.

Applicants for other courses cannot be considered for this scholarship.

Applicants must be nationals of Small Island Developing States eligible for Official Development Assistance. Dual nationals who also hold EU/EEA or non-SIDS nationality are not eligible. 

Candidates employed in public office or working actively with NGOs in their home country will be preferred.

The scholarship holder will be requested to enter into an agreement with the University of Malta and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Malta, for the duration of their studies. This agreement will be binding in terms of the observation of rules and regulations of the University of Malta, to seriously engage in studies, register monthly progress with his academic tutor/coordinator, and complete the set programme within the established time frame.

Only applicants who have obtained a full acceptance will be considered for the scholarship award. 

Applicants who have a conditional acceptance cannot be considered for the award of the above scholarships. 

Admission requirements for the Master of Arts (Research in Islands and Small States) are available here. 

English Language Proficiency:

Applicants are required to present an internationally recognised English Language Proficiency Certificate at the required level. Further information about English language requirements for the 2026-27 academic year entry is available here. 

Candidates are expected to have the necessary IELTS results by the very latest 1^st July 2026.

Expressions of interest for Masters by Research must reach the Islands and Small States Institute by 30 April 2026 by email.

BENEFIT:

Three scholarships will be awarded at Master’s level for academic year 2026-27.

These scholarships will cover:

University of Malta Tuition Fees

A EUR 1,000 research grant is available for a maximum of twelve (12) months only to cover costs for fieldwork (travel, primary data collection, and software licenses to analyze the data) against receipts.