Higher education in Malta has expanded significantly over the past decade, placing the country above the European Union average for tertiary attainment, according to the European Commission’s Education and Training Monitor. However, unequal access to education continues to limit who benefits from this growth, directly affecting poverty outcomes.

These disparities matter because education remains one of the strongest predictors of long-term economic security. In small, service-based economies such as Malta’s, higher education often determines access to stable employment, higher wages and upward social mobility.

Public institutions such as the University of Malta and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology have driven much of the growth in higher education in Malta, supported by a growing private higher education sector. Despite broader access, participation and outcomes remain uneven across socio-economic groups.

Education Attainment and Poverty Risk

Data from Eurostat shows a clear relationship between education level and poverty risk in Malta. Individuals with tertiary education face a significantly lower risk of poverty than those with only secondary or post-secondary, non-tertiary qualifications.

This gap illustrates the protective role higher education plays against poverty. University graduates are more likely to secure stable employment and higher wages, particularly in sectors such as finance, health care, education and information technology. Workers without tertiary credentials often face low wages, job insecurity and limited career mobility. 

Despite high public investment, outcomes remain polarized. Roughly 40% of adults in Malta still have less than upper secondary education, which limits access to higher education in Malta and reinforces intergenerational inequality.

Barriers To Higher Education Access

Early educational attainment plays a decisive role in determining who reaches university. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Malta underperform in literacy and numeracy, reducing their likelihood of completing secondary education and progressing to tertiary studies.

Socio-economic background further shapes educational trajectories. While public universities charge no tuition for Maltese and EU citizens, indirect costs such as housing, transportation, study materials and foregone income discourage students from low-income households from pursuing higher education.

Adult learning participation reflects similar inequality. Lifelong learning programs in Malta primarily attract individuals who already hold higher qualifications, while adults with lower education levels participate far less, limiting reskilling opportunities and increasing long-term poverty risk.

Labor Market Mismatches and Inequality

Even among graduates, outcomes remain uneven. Malta faces shortages in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, while some graduates experience underemployment due to skills mismatches. Weak alignment between education outcomes and labor market needs can undermine the poverty-reducing potential of higher education in Malta.

 To address these gaps, policymakers emphasize closer coordination between tertiary institutions and labor market demand. Strengthening vocational and technical pathways alongside traditional university degrees can broaden access to stable, well-paid employment.

Higher Education as an Anti-Poverty Strategy

The Maltese government introduced initiatives to improve access to higher education. The Get Qualified Scheme provides tax credits to individuals pursuing higher education or vocational training, reducing financial barriers and encouraging workforce upskilling.

The government also provides monthly student stipends to help cover living costs, which supports retention and reduces dropout rates among full-time students from lower-income households.

International research consistently identifies education as one of the most effective long-term strategies for reducing poverty. Tertiary education increases lifetime earnings, improves health outcomes and strengthens civic participation.

Conclusion

Higher education in Malta reduces poverty risk by improving employment stability and income potential. However, unequal access, early educational disparities and labor market mismatches continue to limit its full impact.

Expanding financial support, strengthening adult learning opportunities and aligning education with workforce needs would allow higher education in Malta to function as a true engine of social mobility and long-term poverty reduction.

– Sean Leung

Sean is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr