Residence, shared flat or studio: the options for housing in Malta while you study, rents and budget, neighbourhoods near the university and lease rules.
Studying in Malta means first finding a roof on an island where housing demand exceeds supply. You have three options: a room in a student residence, a shared flat in an apartment, or a studio for yourself. For most students, a shared flat is the most accessible option: the University of Malta estimates a shared room at between €550 and €700 per month, against €800 to €1,600 for individual housing, residence or apartment.
The university itself recommends booking housing as soon as you receive your admission letter, because of the strong demand. Rents continue to rise: according to the Central Bank of Malta, advertised rents rose by 4.9 to 5.3% over one year in the first quarter of 2026.
This guide compares the three options, points out the neighbourhoods to target around the university, details the rules of the Maltese lease and the precautions to take before paying anything.
For international students, the University of Malta strongly recommends the Campus Hub residence, located right next to the main campus in Msida. It is booked online, and the university gives two arguments: you avoid the risks of scams and missing documents, and you simplify your residence permit application. A private apartment means supplying additional documents (Housing Authority forms, lease, sometimes notarised), which can delay the e-Residence Permit file of students from outside the European Union. Campus Hub is run by a private operator, unrelated to the university: read its terms before booking.
This is the most widespread option among students and young professionals. The university uses €550 to €700 per month for a room, based on two or three people sharing an apartment. Homes are almost always rented furnished, which makes settling in for a year easier.
Before committing, check how many people live in the home and who signs the lease. Be wary of an offer that crams flatmates into a small apartment: the number of occupants of a rented home is regulated by Maltese law.
A studio rents for between €750 and €1,200 per month depending on the area, a two-bedroom between €1,000 and €2,000. In the most sought-after neighbourhoods, Sliema and St Julian's, a standard apartment runs around €1,500 per month. The neighbouring island of Gozo is clearly cheaper, with two-bedrooms from €500 in some areas, but the journeys to the Msida campus are long.
On top of rents, according to the university's estimates:
Public transport is free for holders of an e-Residence Permit.
The main campus of the University of Malta is in Msida, in the centre of the urban area. The most convenient neighbourhoods are those from which you can get there on foot or by direct bus.
Central and well served by transport, Msida offers a good balance between price and amenities. It is the logical choice if you want to do everything on foot.
Next to Sliema, with a view over the marina, Gzira is a little cheaper and highly sought after by students and young professionals. Shared flats go quickly there.
A central and well-connected town, Birkirkara suits those who want to avoid tourist areas and pay less, while staying close to Msida.
Seafront, shops, nightlife and online gaming and tech companies: these two neighbourhoods are the most in demand on the island and the most expensive. They remain feasible in a shared flat with several people.
Residential, close to St Julian's and a little cheaper, they suit students who prefer quiet to activity.
Maltese landlords rarely ask for payslips or a guarantor: a valid ID document is most often enough. Also prepare your admission letter, useful for the residence and for your residence permit if you come from a country outside the European Union.
On move-in, generally expect to pay the first month's rent, the deposit and, if you go through an agency, its commission. If you book remotely, a month in advance is often requested: always demand a receipt.
In every case, start early. Good homes go within a few days in sought-after areas, and advertised rents, while rising more slowly than the double-digit increases of 2023 and the first half of 2024, keep going up. Allow four to six weeks of searching before you arrive.
If you are preparing your start of term from France, a Remoters home finder based in Malta can search for you according to your campus and budget, view homes, check the listing and the landlord, put together your application and review the lease before signing. The first conversation and the quote are free.
Short answers to the questions our readers ask, written to stand on their own.
Sources cited in this article
A Remoters home finder on site visits for you, negotiates, and secures the lease. No commitment.
Find a home in Malta4.8 / 5 · 1,100+ Google reviews
Français
English
Español