Is Cyprus or Malta Cheaper for Pakistani Students? (2026)
Table of contents
First, know that Cyprus is split
Before comparing anything, one point decides the whole answer. Cyprus has two sides. The Republic of Cyprus in the south is a full EU member. North Cyprus is a separate territory with its own universities, lower fees, and a different visa system that is not part of the EU.
This matters because the two sides sit at very different price points. When people say Cyprus is cheap, they usually mean North Cyprus. When they want an EU degree, they mean the south. You can read the full picture on our North Cyprus study page and our South Cyprus study page, and Malta stands on its own as an English-speaking EU island, covered on our Malta study page.
Tuition cost comparison
Tuition is where the three options separate most sharply. Rough annual bachelor fees for 2026:
- North Cyprus: around €2,000 to €4,500 a year, and many universities offer 50 percent scholarships that push the real fee even lower
- South Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus): around €7,000 to €10,000 a year at private universities
- Malta: around €7,000 to €12,000 a year for most private programmes, with some specialised courses higher
So on tuition alone, North Cyprus is far ahead on affordability. Malta and South Cyprus sit in a similar band, with Malta often a touch higher. For a deeper look at Cyprus fees and scholarships, see our guide on how much it costs to study in Cyprus from Pakistan.
Living cost comparison
Monthly living costs follow a similar order. A realistic single-student monthly budget for 2026 looks like this:
- North Cyprus: €350 to €550 a month covering rent, food, and transport
- South Cyprus: €600 to €850 a month
- Malta: €650 to €950 a month, with rent in and around Valletta being the main pressure
North Cyprus is the clear winner again. Between Malta and South Cyprus, the two are close, though Malta rents have climbed in recent years and can edge higher than the south. Food and transport cost roughly the same across all three.
Total yearly cost side by side
Putting tuition and living together gives the number that actually matters. Estimated total first-year cost for a Pakistani student in 2026, tuition plus about nine to ten months of living:
- North Cyprus: roughly €6,000 to €9,500 for the year
- South Cyprus: roughly €13,000 to €18,000 for the year
- Malta: roughly €14,000 to €20,000 for the year
The pattern is plain. North Cyprus can cost less than half of what Malta does across a full year. South Cyprus and Malta are broadly comparable, with Malta usually the pricier of the two once rent is counted. If low cost is your single biggest concern, North Cyprus is the answer, much like the outcome in our comparison of Turkey vs North Cyprus for Pakistani students. Browse every budget-friendly option on our study destinations hub.
What matters beyond price
Cheapest is not always best, and this is where Malta earns its higher price tag. A few factors deserve real weight:
EU status and mobility
Malta and South Cyprus are EU members, so their degrees carry EU recognition and can open doors to work and further study across Europe. North Cyprus is not in the EU, and its degrees, while genuine, are recognised differently. If your long term goal is Europe, the EU side is worth paying more for.
Language
Malta uses English as an official language, so daily life, part-time work, and study all happen in English. That makes settling in easier for many Pakistani students. English is widely used in Cyprus too, but Malta has the edge on everyday use.
Post-study and work options
EU membership gives Malta and South Cyprus stronger post-study work and residence pathways than North Cyprus. If staying on after graduation matters to you, factor that in before chasing the lowest fee.
Key takeaways
Cyprus is cheaper than Malta for Pakistani students in 2026, but only because North Cyprus is so affordable, with total yearly costs around €6,000 to €9,500. Malta and South Cyprus are close to each other at roughly €14,000 to €20,000 and €13,000 to €18,000 a year, with Malta usually slightly higher. North Cyprus wins on price, while Malta and South Cyprus offer EU recognition and stronger long term options. Match the choice to your budget and your after-study plans, not to the fee alone.
Not sure whether to pick price or EU recognition?
Border and Bridges can weigh Cyprus and Malta against your budget and career goals in one sitting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cyprus or Malta cheaper for Pakistani students?
Cyprus is cheaper overall because North Cyprus offers very low tuition and living costs. If you compare Malta with South Cyprus only, the two are close, with Malta usually a little more expensive.
How much does it cost to study in North Cyprus per year?
A full year in North Cyprus, including tuition and living, comes to roughly €6,000 to €9,500 in 2026, and scholarships can bring the tuition part down further.
Is a North Cyprus degree recognised?
North Cyprus degrees are genuine and accepted in many countries, but recognition works differently because North Cyprus is not in the EU. Always confirm recognition for your specific goal before enrolling.
Why is Malta more expensive than North Cyprus?
Malta is a full EU member with English as an official language and higher rents, so both tuition and living costs run higher. That extra cost buys EU recognition and stronger post-study options.
Do students in Cyprus and Malta study in English?
Yes. Most international programmes in North Cyprus, South Cyprus, and Malta are taught in English, and Malta also uses English in daily life as an official language.
Can I work part-time in Cyprus or Malta as a student?
Both allow limited part-time work for international students, though rules and hours differ between North Cyprus, South Cyprus, and Malta. Check the current limit for your destination before you rely on it.
Which is better for staying in Europe after graduation?
Malta and South Cyprus are the stronger choices because their EU membership gives better post-study work and residence pathways than North Cyprus.
Compare Cyprus and Malta with expert guidance
Border and Bridges is a Johar Town, Lahore consultancy verified by SECP, FBR, ICEF, and the British Council. Book a free consultation and we will help you choose between North Cyprus, South Cyprus, and Malta based on your budget, course, and plans after graduation.
