Italy has played an important role in academia, fostering the reform of European higher education through the Bologna Process. Students pursuing an education in Italy will gain valuable knowledge in the classroom, and important cultural competency in one of Europe’s youngest republics

1. Moving as a Student: The actual process of moving is relatively simple, especially if you are from a country that is part of the Schengen agreement, in which case you won’t need a visa. Your nearest Maltese embassy or consulate can give you all the information and advice you’ll need.

2. Italy Life: Life on this lovely island has a lot to recommend it, from the lively festivals to the regular outdoor plays and concerts. Don’t miss the jazz festival in July, or the summer festival with its food and firework displays. The nightlife centers of Paceville and St Julian’s offer clubs of all kinds, while restaurants and cafes sell traditional delicacies such as pastizzi and ftira bread.

3. Familiar Education System: For British students, the education system will seem very familiar. The primary school takes six years, the secondary school takes five, and this is then followed by college or sixth form to take the Matriculation certificate, which is very similar to British A-Levels.

4. English-Speaking Locals: Most of the locals are bilingual, speaking perfect English as well as the local language. It is rare to find a Maltese person who isn’t happy to speak English with you.

5. Constant Sunshine: With around 300 days of sunshine per year, there’s little danger of rain spoiling your plans. Spend some time sunbathing on the many beaches, and make your friends and family jealous of your amazing tan when you return!

6. Low Cost of Living: Prices on the island are generally very reasonable, whether you’re looking at rent, tuition, food, transport, or general living expenses. They’re certainly cheaper than other places you might choose to study, such as the UK or the Americas, meaning you can save a lot of money on your studies.

When a student thinks of studying abroad different steps should be faced within the duration provided. Let’s take a look at the following steps for your understanding what is coming after…

Step 1: Attend a Counselling Session

Attend a counseling session at Benchmark to find out your options relating to study destination, courses available, and recommended institutions.

Step 2: Register with Benchmark
Register with Benchmark to start the admission and visa process. We can help you navigate through the various processes and make studying overseas easier.

Step 3: Apply for admission
Once you have decided what and where you want to study, we will help you complete the application to the institutions of your choice. At the time of application for admission you will be required to submit several documents including proof of previous academic qualifications and in most cases proof of your English language ability. We will also provide you with a checklist for the documents you will need to provide when the time comes to apply for your visa.

Step 4: Pay the Tuition Fee
To accept the Confirmation of Enrollment from an education provider, you must pay the tuition fee. Most institutions require you to pay the first-semester fee only. You can choose to pay this fee through either Bank Transfer or Credit Card. Benchmark can help you arrange either of these payment methods.

Once the institutions have received and processed your tuition fee payment, they will issue a Confirmation of Enrollment. Once we have received this, we will notify you that it is now time to come back with your required documents and start the visa application process.

Step 5: Visa Lodgement
To lodge your visa application you will need to provide the documents outlined in the checklist we provided you before. Just like your admission application, Benchmark will keep you updated as to the progress of your application and take the hard work out of tracking your application by keeping in contact with the visa office on your behalf.

Step 6: Visa Outcome
We will notify you as soon as we know the outcome of your visa application so you can come in and collect your passport. In most cases, this is a positive response and it means you can also start planning your travel and accommodation for your prepared destination!

Step 7: Travel Assistance
At Benchmark, we can help you organize your travel arrangements to begin your new student life in the prepared country. Air ticketing, insurance, and foreign exchange can all be arranged through us to make studying overseas easier!

Once you have decided what and where you want to study, we will provide you the checklist required to get admitted at the university you choose. Here is the list of documents to start the admission process.

Scan copy the passport

All academic documents required to make attestation

Photograph

Reference Letter

Job Certificate / Studentship Letter

IELTS score min 6.0

Updated CV