Rights to a free education for EU citizens
Note (2026): Malta’s former Citizenship by Investment program has been replaced by the Citizenship by Merit framework.
August 2019. Updated 2024: Is attending high school or university
free for EU citizens?
Answer: Yes. EU citizens enjoy free access to world-renowned,
public education programs in any of the EU member countries.
This includes kindergarten to high school to public university.
To use a concrete example: You recently filed for Malta
citizenship for yourself, your spouse, and your children.
Your application has been processed, approved, and the passports
have been issued. Now, Malta has excellent (English language)
schools, including the University of Malta, which are available to you.
Also see our article about
the Malta education system here. 
There are several options to get your children educated
in the EU. Here are three of the most popular procedures:
First, in order to enjoy entirely free (or very low) tuition/fees
in any EU member country you would become a resident of
this EU member country. This means you would move there
with your family so that your children become local residents.
To continue our example case, if you prefer the public education
system of Germany you would move your family to Germany
and then enroll your children in any public school there.
The second option entails not moving to Germany, but sending
your kids to school there. In other words, you have received
your new EU passport, but wish to continue living in your
original country of residence. This is fine as well, and
you can still enroll your children in a German university,
but in this case you might have to pay a higher “international
student” tuition rate and fees.
The third option is the Erasmus Program. This program allows
students to start their studies in one country, but then
change universities to study for up to one year in another
country. As of 2024, more than 5,000 higher institutions
across 37 countries are participating in the Erasmus program,
which means your children could start school at your present
location and then switch to a German university participating
in the Erasmus program.
As there are many options available please don’t hesitate
to contact us with your specific questions.
MALTA INFORMATION CENTER
Everything you need to know about Malta citizenship, residency, and real estate.
Malta Citizenship
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A Comprehensive Guide to Malta Citizenship by Merit
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Does Malta allow dual citizenship with the USA?
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Do you get citizenship if you buy real estate in Malta?
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How easy is it to get Malta citizenship?
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How long does it take to get the Malta citizenship?
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What is the cost of obtaining Malta citizenship?
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What is the difference between residency and citizenship of Malta?
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What are the benefits of Malta citizenship?
Malta Residency
Malta Real Estate
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A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Real Estate in Malta
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A Comprehensive Guide to Renting Property in Malta
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A Comprehensive Guide to Relocation to Malta
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Discover the Malta Lifestyle
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Investing in Malta Commercial Real Estate
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Investing in the Malta Residential Real Estate
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What are Malta Special Designated Areas (SDA)?
Click here for the Malta citizenship by merit framework. Click here for the Malta residency programs.
To start the application process online please register here.
For a detailed cost estimate or to schedule a confidential consultation please use our contact form.
