Call for Applications 2026
Scholarships for Palestinian Nationals offered through Official Development Assistance from the Government of Malta, through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and the University of Malta - Call for Applications 2026.
The Government of Malta and the University of Malta launched this scholarship programme in 2014. The Scholarships are designed to facilitate the formation of young Palestinian professionals in two key areas which have become increasingly recognised as critical pillars for the creation of a more sustainable future for Palestine, namely Artificial Intelligence and Cultural Heritage Management. Malta is an ideal meeting point for the realization of this goal, not only because of the relevant expertise it offers in these sectors, but also because of the strong historic and cultural ties it enjoys with the Arab world as well as with Europe.
Through its Official Development Assistance Programme, the Government of Malta aims, above all, to promote solidarity and provide assistance in a number of key areas including education and human capacity development. These scholarships provide an opportunity to a number of students to deepen their skills and know-how on important issues, thereby providing them with an opportunity to contribute towards the growth and prosperity of their own country.
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence:
The Scholarship offers an opportunity for a Palestinian national to specialise in Artificial Intelligence. The aim is to provide strong and deep understanding of AI topics and eventually either converge into a possible proposed thematic area (Big Data, Computer Vision, Robotics, Fintech or Geosciences) or simply a generic advanced AI domain, before proceeding to a dissertation
Further details about the course are available here.
Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Management:
The Scholarship offers an opportunity for a Palestinian national to specialise in Cultural Heritage Management. The aim is to provide a sound formation in the mediation of contemporary issues concerning cultural heritage resources, and practical skills that will help you become an effective leader in this field. The geographical focus of the course is the Mediterranean region, however the principles, concepts and approaches acquired will be global in scope and relevance.
Further details about the course are available here.
The Scholarships will cover:
The selected students are expected to join the programme at the start of the first Semester of the Academic year 2026/2027.
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence:
The official start date for the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence programme is Monday 5 October 2026. An orientation session for international students will be held on 29 September 2026. Details will be communicated to the student after selection.
The duration of the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence is 3 semesters of full-time study commencing on 5 October 2026 (13 months).
Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Management:
The official start date for the Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Management programme is Monday 5 October 2026. An orientation session for international students will be held on 29 September 2026. Details will be communicated to the student after selection.
The duration of the Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Management is 3 semesters of full-time study commencing on 5 October 2026 (18 months).
Only applicants who have obtained a full acceptance for the indicated courses will be considered for the scholarship award. Applicants who have a conditional acceptance cannot be considered.
Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence are available here.
Admission Requirements for the Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Management 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 2026/2027 academic year entry is available here. Prospective candidates are required to present their English Language Proficiency Certificate by the 1 July 2026.
Application deadline is 5 June 2026.
Incomplete course and scholarship applications submitted after the deadline cannot be considered.
Applicants are to follow at two-step procedure:
Applicants are to first submit an online application for their preferred course, namely Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence or Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Management and provide copies of their academic qualifications, and all other requested documentation to the University of Malta.
Only applicants who have completed the online registration, including payment, will be considered.
The online application is available here.
Regretfully, it is not possible to consider applications from Gaza, in view of the fact that at present there are no legal means by which individuals or documents can exit Gaza, thus it is impossible to obtain a visa for travel to Malta.
Apart from the online application, interested candidates are to send a separate email addressed to the attention of the Director, International Office by email.
The email should include:
The subject line should read “Scholarship Palestine 2026” and it is important that students submit all documents attached in one email and clearly indicate their selected course.
Documents, applications and requests that are submitted after the deadline cannot be considered.
Applicants who intend to apply for the 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 should be Palestinian nationals, currently residing in Palestine and show a clear intention to return to Palestine at the end of their studies in Malta. Dual nationals who also hold EU nationality are not eligible.
The applicant’s lived experience in Palestine, limits and extent of access to international opportunities, background, location and access to further education locally and abroad may be taken into consideration during the selection process.
Applicants employed in public office in Palestine, or working actively with NGOs in Palestine, will be preferred.
Preference will be given to applicants who would be unable to attend the programme without the scholarship.
The scholarship holder will be requested to enter into an agreement with the University of Malta for the duration of studies in Malta, which agreement will be binding in terms of the observation of rules and regulations of the host University and host country, to seriously engage in studies, register monthly progress with the academic tutor/coordinator, and complete the set programme within the established time-frame.
Whilst the scholarships being provided are very generous, interested students should ensure they have sufficient savings to be utilised during the settling in period in Malta, since grants are paid on a monthly basis.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the International Office, University of Malta or the Representative Office of Malta in Ramallah, Palestine.