Endeavour II Scholarship Malta 2026: EU-Funded Master’s Scholarship You Should Know About

Malta is one of the smallest countries in the European Union. It is also one of the most strategically positioned — a fully English-speaking EU member state with a growing knowledge economy, a Mediterranean lifestyle, and direct access to the European professional market. And right now, its government is offering a fully EU co-funded postgraduate scholarship for students pursuing a Master’s degree or equivalent MQF Level 7 qualification.

The Endeavour II Scholarships Scheme, now in its 5th Call, is co-funded by the European Union through the ESF+ (European Social Fund Plus) programme and administered by the Maltese government. It is designed to support both young students and adult learners in pursuing postgraduate education that strengthens their professional development and contributes to Malta’s economy.

Applications are open between 27 April 2026 and 5 June 2027, but the scheme advises strongly against waiting until the last moment. This post covers everything you need to know.

What Is the Endeavour II Scholarships Scheme?

The Endeavour II scheme is Malta’s flagship government postgraduate scholarship programme, co-funded by EU structural funds. It has been running through multiple calls and is now in its 5th iteration, meaning it is a well-established, structurally funded programme rather than a one-off initiative.

The scheme has a clear dual purpose. First, to support individuals in achieving postgraduate qualifications at MQF Level 7, the European Qualifications Framework level corresponding to a Master’s degree or equivalent. Second, to ensure the Maltese labour market is supplied with qualified professionals capable of competing internationally.

The explicit focus on labour market contribution reflects something important about this scholarship: it is not purely academically oriented. It values professional development, career relevance, and the economic contribution of the people it funds. This context matters for how you frame your application.

MQF Level 7,  the Malta Qualifications Framework equivalent of EQF Level 7, corresponds to:

• A Master’s degree (academic)
• A postgraduate diploma at Level 7
• Other vocational qualifications that lead to MQF Level 7 equivalence

The scheme covers programmes delivered in three modes: Part-Time (PT), Distance Learning (DL), and Full-Time (FT), making it one of the more flexible postgraduate scholarship frameworks available in Europe.

What the Scholarship Covers

The specific financial value of the Endeavour II 5th Call scholarship is detailed in the official scheme regulations available at myscholarship.gov.mt. The scheme documentation references support for students pursuing MQF Level 7 programmes — check the 5th Call Regulations directly for the exact award amounts, payment structure, and any conditions attached to the funding.

Given the EU co-funding structure through ESF+, Endeavour scholarships have historically provided meaningful financial support toward tuition fees and study costs. The scheme is EU-backed, which means the funding is real, structured, and administered through Malta’s official government scholarship portal.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the Endeavour II 5th Call are governed by the official 5th Call Regulations published on myscholarship.gov.mt. Before applying, download and read the full regulations; they are the definitive source of eligibility information, and the portal contains the most current version.

From the available scheme overview, the key eligibility points are:

Programme level: You must be pursuing a qualification at MQF Level 7, a Master’s degree, a Level 7 postgraduate diploma, or equivalent vocational qualification at this level. The scheme covers programmes in academic, professional, and vocational tracks as long as they lead to MQF Level 7.

Mode of study: Part-time, distance learning, and full-time programmes are all eligible.

Commencement timing: Awarded scholarship holders must be available to commence their programme between 27 April 2026 and 26 April 2027.

Not eligible, existing doctoral qualifications: Applicants who already hold a Level 8 Doctoral Degree, Professional Doctorate, or comparable Level 8 qualification are not eligible to apply under this scheme. The Endeavour II scheme is specifically for MQF Level 7. If you already have a PhD, this scholarship is not for you.

Already have a Master’s degree? You can still apply, but only for another Master’s degree, not for a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma. The scheme requires that you are applying for a higher-level qualification than the one you already hold. So if you have a postgraduate diploma, you can apply for a Master’s. If you already have a Master’s, you can apply for another Master’s but not for a lower postgraduate qualification.

E-ID requirement: Applicants must be in possession of an E-ID (Malta’s electronic identity system) to submit an online application. This is an important practical point: obtaining an E-ID as an international applicant may require a process. Check the myscholarship.gov.mt portal and the 5th Call Regulations for guidance on E-ID requirements for non-Maltese applicants.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted entirely online through Malta’s official scholarship portal at myscholarship.gov.mt.

Application window: 27 April 2026 to 5 June 2027 at noon (Malta local time)

The process:

Step 1: Visit myscholarship.gov.mt and access the Endeavour II 5th Call application.

Step 2: Ensure you have a valid E-ID before beginning your application.

Step 3: Complete the online application form in full.

Step 4: Upload all required supporting documents as specified in Clause 8 of the Endeavour II 5th Call Regulations.

Step 5: Submit before the deadline — and do not leave it to the last few days.

The scheme documentation explicitly warns: “It is of utmost importance that applicants do not leave for the very last few days since there will be a large number of applications.” This is not a routine disclaimer — it is a genuine warning about portal congestion and processing volume near the deadline. Given the application window runs over a year, there is absolutely no reason to leave this until June 2027.

Key Dates at a Glance

The long application window — over a year — is both an advantage and a trap. It is an advantage because you have time to prepare properly. It is a trap because the length creates a false sense that there is no urgency. Apply as soon as you have your programme place confirmed — do not wait until 2027.

Why Malta: An Honest Assessment for International Students

Malta is consistently overlooked in conversations about European study destinations. Here is why it deserves more attention, and an honest picture of the trade-offs.

English is an official language. Malta is one of only two EU member states where English is an official language (alongside Irish). This means studying in Malta does not require learning a new European language; all academic programmes, official documentation, and professional communication happen in English.

EU membership means EU recognition. A Maltese university qualification carries full European Union academic recognition. If you plan to work in Europe after graduation, a degree from a Maltese institution has the same European recognition as one from a German, French, or Italian university.

Smaller and more connected. Malta is a small country, which means smaller cohorts, more direct faculty relationships, and a professional community where connections happen quickly. For postgraduate students who want genuine mentorship and professional visibility, this can be a significant advantage over studying in a large, anonymous university city.

Mediterranean lifestyle at a lower cost. Malta’s cost of living is lower than that of Western European capitals. The Mediterranean climate, the English-speaking environment, and the EU access make it an appealing combination for international students looking for a quality-of-life and career-development package.

The practical challenge: Malta’s university system is smaller than Germany, the UK, or the Netherlands. The range of programmes available is narrower. If you have a very specific academic niche, the Maltese institutions may not offer the precise programme you want. Check the available Level 7 programmes at the University of Malta and other Maltese institutions before committing to this pathway.

What Documents You Will Need

The full required document list is contained in Clause 8 of the Endeavour II 5th Call Regulations, available at myscholarship.gov.mt. Download and read this before beginning your application — do not rely on summaries.

Generally for schemes of this type, required documents include:

• Proof of identity and E-ID
• Academic transcripts and certificates from previous qualifications
• Evidence of acceptance or application to a MQF Level 7 programme
• Any professional credentials or work experience documentation where relevant
• Completed online application form

Check Clause 8 of the official regulations for the definitive and current list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this scholarship open to non-Maltese citizens? The scheme documentation does not explicitly restrict nationality; it references “young students and adult learners” broadly. However, the E-ID requirement and the application process through Malta’s government portal suggest the scheme primarily targets Maltese residents and EU citizens. Check the 5th Call Regulations on myscholarship.gov.mt or contact the scholarship office directly to confirm eligibility for non-EU international students.

Can I apply for a distance learning programme? Yes. Part-time, distance learning, and full-time modes are all explicitly covered by the scheme.

Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree? Yes, you can apply for another Master’s degree. However, you cannot apply for a postgraduate certificate or diploma if you already have a Master’s. The principle is that you must be applying for a qualification at a level equal to or higher than your current highest qualification.

What if I already have a PhD? You are not eligible. The Endeavour II scheme is exclusively for MQF Level 7. Existing Level 8 doctoral holders cannot apply.

How long is the scholarship? The scholarship covers the period of your MQF Level 7 programme within the commencement window of 27 April 2026 to 26 April 2027. Programme duration varies; a full-time Master’s is typically one to two years.

What is an E-ID, and how do I get one? An E-ID is Malta’s electronic identity card system. For non-Maltese applicants, the process of obtaining an E-ID may differ from the domestic process. Check myscholarship.gov.mt and the 5th Call Regulations for specific guidance, or contact the scholarship portal support.

Where can I find the full regulations? At myscholarship.gov.mt, search for the Endeavour II 5th Call Regulations. This is the definitive and authoritative source. Do not rely on any summary, including this post, for eligibility decisions. Always verify against the official regulations.

What happens if I miss the deadline? The application window closes on 5 June 2027 at noon Malta local time. No applications will be accepted after this point. Given the year-long window, there is no excuse for missing it — apply early.

The Bottom Line

The Endeavour II Scholarships Scheme is an EU-backed, government-administered postgraduate funding opportunity in a fully English-speaking EU member state with a year-long application window. If you are pursuing or planning a Master’s degree or equivalent Level 7 qualification and you have any connection to Malta or the EU, or you are open to studying in Malta, this scheme is worth investigating seriously.

The most important action you can take right now is visiting myscholarship.gov.mt, downloading the 5th Call Regulations, and confirming your eligibility. The application is online, the window is long, and the EU co-funding means the programme is structurally sound.

Do not wait until June 2027. Apply as soon as your programme place is confirmed.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Endeavour II Scholarship Malta 2026: EU-Funded Master’s Scholarship You Should Know About