Janice Lozano
The American University of Malta (AUM) is a private, internationally accredited university located on the Mediterranean island of Malta. It was founded in 2016 as a collaboration between the Maltese government and American educational institutions. AUM offers a range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs in various fields, including business, engineering, humanities, and law. The university aims to provide an American-style education with small class sizes and an emphasis on interactive learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. While the exact number of students at AUM is unclear, it is considered a very small-sized institution with an enrollment range of under 250 students. The university has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, allowing for personalized attention and interaction between students and faculty members.
What You'll Learn
Student body
The American University of Malta (AUM) is a private institution offering an American-style liberal arts education. It was established in 2016 in Cospicua, Malta, with the aim of supporting the economic and social development of southern Malta.
The AUM's student body is diverse and multicultural, with students from over 35 nationalities enrolled. The university has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, allowing for personalized attention and interaction between students and faculty members. The university's initial goal was to accommodate up to 4,000 students, primarily from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. However, the AUM has faced challenges in meeting its recruitment targets and has a much smaller student body than initially anticipated.
In its early years, the AUM struggled to attract students, with an initial cohort of only 23 students in its first academic year (2017-18). The university's small student body has been a source of controversy, with critics questioning the need for a foreign university in Malta, which already has several higher education institutions. Despite these challenges, the AUM continues to offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with competitive acceptance rates.
The AUM offers a unique American-style education with small class sizes and an emphasis on interactive learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The university's diverse student body includes students from over 40 different countries, creating a global learning environment. The university also offers extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports teams, and cultural events, as well as study abroad opportunities through its partnerships with other universities worldwide.
The AUM's acceptance rate is estimated to be between 68% and 80%, making it a moderately selective institution. The university has specific admission criteria for each of its undergraduate and graduate programs, with general requirements including academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and letters of recommendation. The university offers a range of scholarships, including merit-based, need-based, and athletic scholarships, to support its students.
The AUM's diverse student body is one of its notable features, attracting individuals from various cultural and geographical backgrounds. This diversity enriches the academic experience and helps students broaden their perspectives and develop a global mindset. The university's location in the heart of the Mediterranean also adds to its appeal, providing a beautiful and vibrant setting for students to engage in their studies.
In summary, the American University of Malta has a small but diverse student body, with a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities on offer. Despite facing challenges in meeting its initial recruitment targets, the university continues to attract students from around the world, fostering a global learning community in the heart of Malta.
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Campus locations
The American University of Malta (AUM) is located in the historic city of Cospicua, Malta, with a branch campus in Marsaskala. The university's main campus is situated in Dock No. 1, in the heart of Cospicua, and features modern facilities such as a library, computer labs, and a student centre.
The AUM campus in Cospicua is known for its award-winning design, blending historic architecture with contemporary additions. The main campus is housed in the renovated British Building, originally constructed between 1841 and 1844 as a workshop within Dock No. 1 for the British Royal Navy. The building underwent extensive restoration from 2016 to 2019, with the project earning the Golden A' Design Award in 2020. The campus also includes the Knights' Building, commissioned in 1689, with alterations made in subsequent centuries.
In addition to its Cospicua campus, the AUM initially planned to establish its primary location at Żonqor Point in Marsaskala. However, due to opposition from environmentalists and local residents, the university revised its plans. As of 2022, the title of the land at Żonqor was returned to the Government of Malta, and the focus remains on developing the Cospicua campus further.
The Cospicua campus is easily accessible by public transport and is conveniently located near various amenities, including cafes, restaurants, and shops. The campus is situated in a vibrant area, close to shopping centres, libraries, and recreational facilities.
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Accreditation
The National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) played a pivotal role in the accreditation process. AUM underwent a 14-month evaluation, encompassing financial and academic assessments, culminating in its official accreditation by the NCFHE on June 30, 2016. This accreditation was a significant milestone and endorsed AUM's academic programmes, affirming their quality and rigour.
In addition to the NCFHE accreditation, AUM has also earned recognition from other entities. The university holds a licence from the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), reinforcing its legitimacy. Furthermore, AUM is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the United States, a highly respected agency for American universities. This accreditation underscores AUM's commitment to maintaining high academic standards.
The university has also received institutional recognition from the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation of Malta. This recognition attests to AUM's compliance with the necessary legal and educational requirements set by the Maltese government.
AUM's accreditation journey has not been without challenges. There have been controversies and ethical concerns surrounding the institution, including allegations of unethical hiring practices and the impact of the university on the local community. However, the university continues to operate and attract students from around the world, offering them a unique educational experience in the heart of the Mediterranean.
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Tuition fees
The American University of Malta (AUM) is a private, for-profit institution offering American-style liberal arts education. It was established in 2016 in collaboration with the Maltese government and several American educational institutions. AUM is located in Cospicua, Malta, with a branch campus in Marsaskala. The university has a small student body, with an enrollment range of under 250 students.
AUM offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with affordable tuition fees. The exact fees vary depending on the program and the student's nationality. Here is a breakdown of the estimated tuition fees for different programs:
- Undergraduate programs: $2500 to $3500 per year on average
- Postgraduate programs: Tuition fees per year for postgraduate programs are provided for specific courses and range from $15072 for a Master of Science degree to $2500-$3500 per year on average.
In addition to the tuition fees, there are other costs to consider, such as accommodation, dining, and recreational activities. AUM offers on-campus housing, with rates ranging from $5000 to $6000 per year. For off-campus housing, students can expect to pay between $4000 to $7000 per year. On-campus dining options are available for meals and snacks, costing around $1200 to $2500 per year. Access to sports and recreational facilities is included in the tuition fees.
To support students, AUM offers several scholarship options, including merit-based, need-based, and international student scholarships. These scholarships can provide a reduction of up to 50% in tuition fees.
The application process for AUM involves submitting official transcripts, proof of English proficiency, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. There are multiple intake periods throughout the year, typically in Fall (September) and Spring (January).
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Student visas
The American University of Malta (AUM) is a private institution offering an American-style liberal arts education. It was established in 2016 and is located in Cospicua, Malta. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, engineering, technology, and arts. AUM is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the United States, ensuring that its academic programs meet high standards.
If you are an international student planning to study at AUM, it is important to familiarise yourself with the visa and e-residence permit requirements for Malta. Here is an overview of the visa process for international students:
Long-Stay (D) Study Visas:
Third Country Nationals (TCNs) who intend to study at AUM for at least one semester must apply for a long-stay D-Visa. If your studies will last less than one semester, and you have been issued a 91-day D-Visa, you should apply for a visa extension at the Central Visa Unit, Malta. The International Office at AUM can guide you through the visa extension process and provide the necessary support letters.
E-Residence Permit:
Upon arrival and registration at AUM, all international students planning to stay for one academic year or more should apply for an e-Residence Permit. This permit serves as an identity card and allows travel within the Schengen Area, along with a valid passport. The e-Residence Permit is renewable every year upon submission of a new application.
Short-Stay (C) Visas:
TCNs travelling to Malta for a short-term period (not exceeding 90 days) and requiring an entry visa may refer to the Visa Representation Agreements. However, it is important to note that Short-Stay visas cannot be extended or converted into a Maltese residence permit.
Visa Support Letter:
If you require a Visa Support Letter, you can complete the relevant form on the AUM website. This letter will provide information about your acceptance to the university and can be used to support your visa application.
Additional Requirements:
When planning your travel to Malta, keep in mind that there may not be direct flights from your country of residence. In such cases, you may need to transit through another country. Ensure that you check the relevant embassy for any entry/transit visa requirements for that country.
It is recommended to start the visa process as soon as you receive your unconditional letter of acceptance from AUM. Familiarise yourself with the residence permit requirements, and gather the necessary documents, such as bank statements, before your departure.
Student Accommodation:
AUM offers on-campus housing options, as well as accommodation in nearby towns such as Kalkara and Tarxien. The university provides co-ed apartments, where males and females can live in the same apartment but cannot share a bedroom unless they are a married couple.
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Frequently asked questions
The American University of Malta (AUM) has a very small student body, with an estimated 23 students in its first year and a goal to accommodate up to 4,000 students.
The acceptance rate of the American University of Malta is estimated to be between 68% and 70-80%.
The tuition fees for the American University of Malta vary depending on the program and level of study. For instance, the first-year tuition fee for the MS in Computer Science, MS in Cyber Security, and MS in Engineering Management programs is $15,072.
The general admission requirements include submitting a complete application, official transcripts, proof of English proficiency, standardized test scores (if required), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Some notable features of the American University of Malta include its state-of-the-art facilities, modern campus, diverse student body, extracurricular activities, and study abroad opportunities through partnerships with other universities.
