The International Foundation Year (IFY) programme is a level 3 qualification equivalent to British A-levels. From September 2025, BSC Education are excited to be offering the option of studying this fantastic bridging course, accredited by NCUK, at our beautiful Malta college. But why study in Malta? Read on to find out.
International Foundation Year
Designed to support non-native speakers of English, the course is a bridge between school and university study. You will develop academic and language skills needed for higher education.
Students can study on an IFY programme linked to a specific university, however, many choose a programme like NCUK’s IFY course. An NCUK IFY programme allows you to explore thousands of courses across more than 60 universities. You will have support with applying to university, including advice about different types of universities, what you study on different courses, and finding the perfect option for you.
A new destination for this course is the English-speaking island of Malta, right in the heart of the Mediterranean.
English as an official language
Students in Malta benefit from a British-based education system, where English is an official language. This means that they will be immersed in English at all times, not only when they are in the classroom. You will also benefit from hearing English being spoken in a variety of accents. This will be a huge boost when you start university.
Outside the classroom, you won’t need to readjust your ears to another language. You can concentrate on your studies rather than switching between the language you learn in and the one you speak in outside class.
Study and Learning in Malta
Studying in Malta is becoming more and more popular with international students. The fantastic weather, high-quality education system and fascinating history make it an exciting place to learn. Depending on your nationality, it is also possible to work in Malta whilst you study.
Malta is a fantastic study destination for young people, with over 31,000 students studying in further and higher education levels in recent years. International students make up almost a quarter of this number, meaning that students on our International Foundation Year programme will be in good company.
Sliema, where BSC Malta is located, is a lovely area for long-term students. You will find it less busy than nearby St Julien’s – and full of local cafes and outdoor places to study. One example is Bookbites, overlooking Manoel Island.
We also love the Upper or Lower Barraka Gardens in Valletta. The Lower Gardens has less tourists, but both have shaded benches, easy access to food and drink and – most importantly – stunning views of the harbour.
The Maltese government promotes lifelong learning for all. This is when adults of all ages as well as young people are encouraged to continue studying. Lifelong learning is not limited to academic-based study, but promotes developing other skills too. One of the fantastic programmes the government offers is the national Continuous Development Program. Here, people can study from a wide range of vocational and skills-based courses. These are often free for Maltese citizens and Long-Term residents.
Academic Support at BSC Malta
Our teaching team at BSC Malta are highly qualified, with particular academic expectations and requirements for all IFY tutors. This means you can be sure that the people leading your classes are trained to guide you on your journey to university.
Studying on the IFY programme at BSC Malta means that your course is accredited by NCUK and recognised by their 60+ partner universities. In addition to the academic programme, you will have lots of support with university applications. This includes considering the type of university that is best fit for you, looking at different degree options and considering the location you want to study in. Our trained university advisors are here to help!
As well as studying English for Academic Purposes, all IFY students take three modules:
- Business Studies
- Global Studies
- Economics or Maths for Business
Economics is a great option if you are considering a degree such as Law or Hospitality. For those of you with a good head for numbers, Maths is the choice for you! Both pathways are highly regarded by all NCUK partner universities.
If you have a question about which option is the best fit for you, please contact our team who are here to help.
Don’t worry if you have questions on academic life as a student in a UK university – our weekly Academic Masterclass series will help guide you through. With topics like Academic Integrity, Understanding the Rubric and Critical Thinking, you will feel fully prepared for future academic life!
Pastoral Support at BSC Malta
It can be challenging to be away from home for a continued amount of time, especially when you have to study. Homesickness is completely normal and all BSC colleges have trained Mental Health First Aiders to support students.
Additionally, IFY students benefit from weekly Pastoral Support sessions. During these, we look at areas such as relaxation, nutrition and hygiene, as well as topics like consent.
Becoming a Global Citizen
Having international learning experience will stand out on your CV, potentially making you more attractive to future employers.
You will be exposed to many different cultures and educational backgrounds when studying in Malta. The improved social and communication skills you develop are vital for those thinking about a business or hospitality based career.
Additionally, the people that you meet may open doors for further learning and work opportunities!
History and Culture in Malta
Do you love history? Malta’s unique location in the heart of the Mediterranean means that no country has a history quite like it! With archaeological evidence of inhabitants since 5900 BC, the island has over 7,000 years of history to explore and delight in. Maltese culture has influences from the Romans to the Phoenicians; from the Arabs to the British. You can see this in the architecture of places like Valletta and Mdina. Look out for British-style red postboxes and phone boxes!
One way to both explore Maltese history and culture and to practise your listening skills is to go on a walking tour. Here, trained guides will introduce you to parts of the island that visitors don’t always see! Learn new facts and benefit from listening to someone talking in a real-world context. You could even try a food-based walking tour, and get some local suggestions for delicacies to try! This is true immersive learning!
Our particular historical recommendations include:
St. Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat, dating back to Roman times. These are where the Romans who lived in Malta buried their dead, and are huge!
There are seven different megalithic temples between the islands of Malta and Gozo. They are protected as UN World Heritage sites, and have a number of examples of Bronze Age construction.
There are almost as many churches in Malta as there are days of the year (359!). Many of these beautiful buildings are where you can find outstanding works of art as well as get involved with worship. In particular, make sure you visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, where you can see paintings by artists like Caravaggio.
Festivals in Malta
Malta has two different carnivals: one just before Easter and one in the summer. Although traditionally a religious festival, the modern carnival mixes the old and the new, with lots of music, colourful costumes and parades. Make sure that you try prinjolata: a special carnival desert which involves biscuit, cake, icing, nuts and meringue!
Are you a foodie? If so, the Malta International Food Festival, which takes place every August, is a must-go for you!
The Notta Bianca festival takes place on the first Saturday in October. This festival celebrates live arts: music, dancing and performance. Make sure you visit Valletta, Malta’s capital city, today, as the city comes alive!
Food and Drink in Malta
You will never tire of the food scene wherever you are in Malta! The fusion on North African and Mediterranean cuisine means that new and exciting flavours are everywhere.
Seafood lovers can delight in the amazing variety of fresh produce available. Locals and tourists particularly recommend Marsaxlokk, a small fishing village in the south of the island. Here, you can visit the fish market, discover regional dishes and see the colourful boats (or luzzijiet) your lunch has been caught on.
Pastizzi – a flaky, ricotta-filled pastry – is a must-try food. These can be bought all over Malta – but for a local recommendation, try one of the many bakeries in Mdina.
Rabbit is used in a lot of traditional Maltese cooking. Stuffat tal-Fene is a slow-cooked rabbit stew, dating back to the Knights of St John.
Many Maltese dishes are influenced by Italy – you’ll find plenty of olives, tomatoes as well as herbs and spices commonly used in Italian cooking.
Kinnie – a slightly bittersweet, orange flavoured fizzy drink is a popular soft drink in Malta. The island produces its own liquors, such as Bajtrija, (made from prickly pear) and Lumicetta ta’ Mari (lemon). There are many local beers, including Cisk. As in the UK, the legal drinking age in Malta is 18.
Exploring the outdoors
You can enjoy the weather all-year round in Malta! In the winter, the average temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius, rising to around 30 degrees in summer months.
As an island, water sports are very popular, with windsurfing, swimming, snorkeling and and kayaking among the most popular. There are numerous amazing beaches and swimming spots. Try the Blue Lagoon for a brilliant swimming experience or Għajn Tuffieħa for sunbathing. Those of you who are brave could try Għar Lapsi – and experience leaping into beautiful water from the cliffs.
Land-based activities include rock climbing, hiking and horse riding. All three allow you to take in Malta’s fantastic and unusual landscape.
Safety
As always when travelling in a new location, make sure you keep an eye on your valuables.
Malta is a very safe country to live, work and study in, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. This means students and their parents can feel secure. The community around you, including BSC Malta, will support you.
We hope this article has been helpful. Learn more about our International Foundation Year, or if you need any more advice our expert team will be happy to help you decide on your best option for study. Contact us today or follow BSC Education on Instagram or TikTok to see more from us.
