How to apply for UM Doctoral Studies    

How to apply for Masters by Research*  

*Masters Programmes ‘mainly by research’ refers to programmes where the dissertation/project is assigned 60 ECTS or more.

Students are to submit a request to be considered for a fee waiver by sending an email to the International Office indicating the UM Applicant ID (student number) as shown in the letter of acceptance and ‘University of Malta Postgraduate Scholarship Application’ in the subject line.

Requests for these scholarships will be evaluated by an UM Ph.D. and Masters (by research) Degree Scholarship Selection Board whose decision shall be final.

The following documents should be attached to the application email:

• Copy of the Acceptance Letter
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae, and
• A motivational letter, and
• Copy of Passport (details page)

For each candidate, the International Office will request an Academic Recommendation Form from the Head of Department, Supervisor or Director of the academic area concerned.  This document seeks to provide insight to the academic aspects of the research.

Candidates that meet the necessary eligibility requirements will be invited to attend an online interview with the Ph.D. and Masters (by research) Degree Scholarship Selection Board.  

Scholarship applications from students who have already started their programme of studies at the UM cannot be considered.

Requests are to be submitted within one month of receipt of the unconditional letter of acceptance,taking into consideration also the deadlines indicated below:   

Deadlines to submit the application are:

31 January

31 May

31 October

The UM Ph.D. and Master (by Research) Degree Scholarship Award Criteria approved by Senate are as follows:

• Academic ability of the applicant and the quality of the research proposal (60%):

Academic ability: academic track record; evidence of academic excellence and rigour; publications; strong academic reference (if available); ability of the candidate to undertake the proposed research and bring it to a successful completion

Research proposal quality: validity of the hypothesis; relevance of research; relevance and currency of any citations and references

• The quality of the motivational letter (10%):

quality of language and syntax; connection of research proposal to candidate’s current or intended occupation and career demonstration of knowledge about and commitment and passion for research topic

• Performance during the interview (10%)

clarity of communication in the English language; ability to follow and answer questions; suitability of temperament and evidence that candidate will be able to proceed along the designated research plan

• Candidate’s personal circumstances and financial need (10%)

taking into account the stage in the career of the candidate, other means of support and the possibility to undertake the programme of studies without the scholarship. 

• Contribution to the UM and to Malta as a result of the research being undertaken (10%).

the benefit of any generated added value to Malta and the UM.

The percentage score achieved during the interview will be translated into an equivalent percentage fee waiver based on the following ranges:

In determining whether the candidate should be granted a full or partial fee waiver (see the percentages awarded in the table above), the Scholarships Selection Board should be guided by these considerations:

• Will the candidate’s research interests, skills, experience and/or competences bring significant added value to the UM research community?
• How do the candidate’s personal circumstances make them more or less likely to proceed on their studies at UM without a waiver?
• What other means of support are available to the applicant since this scholarship covers tuition fees only?
• Is the nationality and/or place of habitual residence of the candidate a priority area for the foreign and/or economic policy of the Malta Government? (This includes those countries in receipt of official Overseas Development Assistance).

Requests for scholarships will be evaluated by a Scholarships Selection Board to ensure awards are granted to deserving candidates.  The decision of the Scholarships Selection Board shall be final.

These scholarships are available to non-EU/EEA applicants who have been accepted unconditionally to read for a Master by research or a Ph.D. on full-time and part-time basis.

Scholarship applications from students who have already started their programme of studies at the UM cannot be considered.

Applicants for Professional Doctorates are not eligible to apply.

The UM PG Scholarships Board will require an online interview with the applicant.

The scholarships consist of the waiving of the annual tuition fee applicable for the Master by research or Ph.D. Programme being followed.  The Scholarship does not provide support for travel cost to and living costs in Malta.  The applicants will need to ensure they have the means to support themselves throughout their studies in Malta.

Applicants who are in receipt of a full scholarship (covering tuition fees and living costs) from another sponsoring organisation are not eligible to apply.  However, applicants who hold a partial scholarship or maintenance grant to cover living costs from another organisation may be considered.  Such a scholarship should be disclosed to the Selection Committee when applying.

Students are requested to familiarise themselves with the information available on the International Office website which provides information regarding visa, residence permits, bank accounts, health screening, English language requirements, and other details relevant to studies at the University of Malta and living in Malta.

All applicants are notified through a formal letter that is sent by email. Students who are awarded a fee waiver shall be required to commit themselves to seriously engage in their studies, register monthly progress with their academic supervisor/course coordinator and complete the approved programme within the established time frame.