This article was written by Dr.Edmond Zammit Laferla, Dr.Dorita Cardona and Dr.Joshua Chircop.
Following the decision of UK voters to exit from the European Union in 2016, several international schools and universities have been expressing interest in establishing higher educational institutions in Malta.
Why Malta?
The market for higher educational institutions in Malta has increased exponentially in recent years. The number of licensed entities is growing steadily. Malta is an EU member state and as such benefits from direct access to the EU single market. This means that higher educational institutions that establish themselves in Malta will be able to passport into the EU to offer their services.
Establishing a Higher Educational Institution in Malta
A higher educational institution licensed in Malta as an accredited body may deliver accredited programmes through other foreign higher educational institutions operating overseas. The Maltese higher educational institution may also award degrees to students for such accredited programmes delivered overseas. These accredited programmes must still be recognised and approved by the competent authorities of the country where the foreign higher educational institution is delivering the said programmes. Such Maltese higher educational institution must have its mind and management in Malta meaning that a significant amount of its activities must be carried out in or from Malta.
The Authority
The National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) is the authority responsible for licensing, accreditation, quality assurance and recognition of qualifications established under the Malta Qualifications Framework.
The NCFHE is responsible for:
- -providing accreditation to further and higher educational institutions;
- -providing accreditation to programmes or courses of studies at further and higher education levels;
- -quality assurance of both educational institutions and programmes or courses;
- -recognition of obtained national or international qualifications as well as prospective qualifications;
- -validation of informal and non-formal learning; and
- -research and policy recommendations on issues related to further and higher education.
Role of Mamo TCV Advocates
We have the necessary expertise, knowledge and human resource to provide the required legal assistance during the application stage including the drafting of the required legal documents. We are in regular contact with the local competent authority and other local service providers. We can facilitate meetings with such entities. Furthermore, if the application is successful, we can also provide bespoke legal services.
Disclaimer
This document does not purport to give legal, financial or tax advice. Should you require further information or legal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Edmond Zammit Laferla and Dr. Dorita Cardona.