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Academic Reputation


An honours degree in three academic years conferred from a world renowned University of London and approved at level 6 of the Malta Qualifications Framework by the MFHEA.
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Quality Education


Individual attention by highly qualified and dedicated lecturers in groups of less than 30 students have ensured results that we are all very proud of for the University of London examinations
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Funding


No tuition fees are payable until you finish your degree through the Studies+ Plus Scheme AND 70% refunded through the Get Qualified scheme. Stipends and Maintenance Grants payable to full time students under the MGUS Scheme.
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Employment Opportunities


Excellent employment record for our alumni. Attained skills such as problem solving, analysis and self-motivation which are sought after by top employers worldwide.
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About

MISSION STATEMENT

Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education seeks to be a regional icon in quality education excelling in teaching and research in multidisciplinary fields.

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Our History

Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education was set up in 1985 with the aim of providing tuition in computer studies when such programmes where non-existent in Malta. The growth of the Institute, which knows very humble beginnings, is owed to the value of quality education that the founder and the first members of staff have always fostered. Cohort after cohort of students, year after year, managed to attain exceptional results at whichever level they sat for. These successes automatically propagated in very positive word of mouth praise of Saint Martin's, which brought in students at greater numbers, but also pushed the institute to provide education programmes at an even higher level. The Institute's red letter date is the year 2000, when for the very first time in Malta, students were offered the opportunity to read for a degree other than at the State University. Saint Martin's Institute had been accepted by the world renowned University of London to offer tuition to Maltese students for the BSc (Hons) in Computing & Information Systems.

It had taken five years for the University to acknowledge the preparedness of the Institute to be able to deliver such a programme. By 2005, with a track record of over 40% of graduates attaining a first class honours, it was then the University of London itself that encouraged the Institute to offer a wider variety of degrees in various fields of study. The very next year, Saint Martin's Institute accepted its first full time student cohort and in 2013 through the enactment of the Further and Higher Education Legislation, the Institute achieved its license as an Institute of Higher Education with awarding powers at Malta Qualification Framework level 5, 6, 7 and 8. Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education is honoured with an Affiliate Institution Status by the University of London, one of 28 such Institutions to enjoy such a prestigious position in the global network. Such a status is renewed every five years after a rigorous audit which the University carries out on all the operations of the organisation.

Stake Holders

Our Students: We are driven by the needs of our students. We understand our students' needs and deliver innovative services to meet these needs.
Our Employees: We respect each other. We work together as one team.
Our Community: Everywhere we do business we strive to make our community a better place to live, work, grow and prosper.

Vision

Saint Martin's Institute is a private educational establishment, with the primary objective being the advancement of student achievement through intellectual, moral and social education, unlocking the students' potential to develop academically and psychologically. Academically we aim to provide the highest quality tuition accompanied by giving close individual attention to each our student concurring with a student centred philosophy of comprehensive education. We aim to assist with our students' character development and behaviour through example and by providing extracurricular activities including sports, leisure and general knowledge. Ultimately we aim to teach by example by strict adherence to a professional attitude towards learning and code of ethics.

A methodology which helps students succeed

We are very much aware how easily students may be distracted from the attention and commitment necessary to succeed in todays fast paced world. The department is very conscious of the continuously changing environment of computing and the very short response time in which individuals need to re- invent themselves to be able to cope with the evolution of computing and its social impact. The department follows the famous Delors principles in education and provides students with the pertinent knowledge in computing and the ancillary disciplines, mentors students to develop the ability to use their knowledge thus maturing their skills, ascertains the interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively in functioning teams at the place of work and finally inspires the ability to self-develop.

Learn how to learn

Although all four principles, as proposed by Delors, should have equal weighting, the ability of an individual student to learn independently is given even more importance at Saint Martin's Institute.  It is not enough that the faculty oversees the development of a student through the programme to prepare for a job or a career change. It is the creed of the Institute that a student transforms / develops into any requirements of the future, thus becoming a life-long learner and employable over the long term.  The transfer of knowledge is done through scheduled lectures and tutorials, supported by prepared materials available over the Saint Martin's Institute virtual learning environment. Students will be assessed through unseen written examinations and home assignments to help the faculty gauge the absorption of knowledge by the student and the ability to apply the knowledge in real life scenarios.

EQA Audit Report

Download the EQA Audit Report here

UoL and SMI Relationship

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Department of Business, Entrepreneurship and Finance

ABOUT

At the department of Business, Entrepreneurship and Finance we do our utmost to ensure that our students excel in the paths, which they have chosen, to craft their future.

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Commerce Advert

MQF Level 5

Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education

Diploma in Entrepreneurship (60 ECTS)

MQF Level 6

University of London

BSc (Hons) Business Administration with International Business (180 ECTS)
BSc (Hons) Business Administration with Marketing (180 ECTS)

Tuition Fees 2024 - 2025

 

Tuition Fee

Full-time Diploma & Degree - Three (3) Year Programme
a non-EU administration fee of €1500.00 applies for those requiring student visa

€6284 p.a.

Evening Diploma over two (2) years

€1566 p.a.

Evening Degree over three (3) years

€2416 p.a.


Studies Plus+

The BOV Studies Plus+ loan offers students a maximum of 5 years interest and repayment free financing to meet institue fees, and other study-related costs. The loan is repayable after graduation. For further information please click here.


Get Qualified Scheme

The Get Qualified Scheme will reimburse a maximum of 70% of the total fees paid over a period of ten years upon successful completion through income tax credit, applicable to both MQF Level 5 and MQF Level 6. The scheme applies to both EU and third country students and is conditional on the student being employed in Malta after graduation. Parents who are employed and pay income tax in Malta are able to benefit from this tax rebate scheme instead of their child if they are paying the tuition fees on behalf of their children. For further information please click here.


Stipends and Maintenance Grant

SMI full-time students are eligible for stipends and maintenance grant. Respective regulations apply.

The Government of Malta offers full-time students monthly stipend and grants payable under the Malta Government Undergraduate Scheme (MGUS). This also applies to EU students who have been residents of Malta for the previous five years. Students are required to click here for further details regarding eligibility and conditions related to the scheme.

Entry Requirements

An applicant must normally be at least 16 years of age on or before the SMI Autumn Trimester examination session, which normally takes place in December, in the year of registration and must be in possession of:

  • A minimum of four ordinary level passes, including Mathematics and English at SEC grades 1 to 5 or grades A to C in the case of GCE/GCSE.
  • International equivalents to the above requirements will be considered and the decision taken at the discretion of SMI.
  • All students are required to attend an interview set up by the Saint Martin’s Admissions & Advisory Board (SAAB).
  • Students, who do not hold an ordinary level qualification in English Language, must provide proof of competence in English, such as a recognised test of proficiency, which is acceptable to the Institute. We normally accept IELTS with an overall grade of 5.0.

Maturity Clause

Students who are 21 years and over and do not meet the minimum entry requirements, may apply for the MQF level 5 diploma subject to having passed a recognised MQF Level 3 qualification and have at least two years relevant uninterrupted full-time employment. In addition to this, students must successfully complete the Mathematics Admission and English Placement test, with a minimum grade of 50%, during the Autumn Trimester Examinations in order to be eligible to continue their studies.


Target Group

The full-time programmes are ideal for students who have completed their ordinary or advanced level education (normally ages 16 to 20) and wish to progress to an MQF Level 6 programme, through a portfolio of MQF Level 5 homegrown qualifications. Our programmes are also offered in the evening (normally from 6pm to 8pm) for mature students who are in full-time employment (normally ages 21+) and would like to further their studies.

Request a meeting, during which various matters of interest to you are discussed such as course structure, cost, terms & conditions and applicable government schemes.

European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)

ECTS is intended to harmonise the further and higher education systems throughout the European Union. Each one ECTS is equivalent to 25 hours of learning, 5 hours of which are face to face with a tutor. In higher education, full-time students are expected to invest in 60 ECTS in one academic year, which means 1500 hours of learning, out of which 300 would be face to face classes. According to the Malta Qualification Framework (MQF), an MQF level 5 diploma consists of 60 ECTS and an MQF level 6 undergraduate degree consists of 180 ECTS.


Automatic Recognition of Prior Learning

Automatic RPL means that you are not required to take a particular course(s) as part of your degree because in the University’s opinion, you have already covered a similar syllabus as part of a previous qualification, at the same level, depth and breadth. This is also known as credit transfer. The Saint Martin’s MQF Level 5 diplomas have been awarded automatic RPL by the University of London (UOL) and hence students who opt to read for a UOL MQF Level 6 degree will be able to progress to Level 2 of the respective degree. RPL credits are not granted for any unit of the diplomas conferred by Saint Martin’s Institute of Higher Education and any requests will not be entertained.


Duration of Studies

Students may complete the MQF Level 5 diploma over a minimum period of one year on a full-time basis and a minimum period of two years as an evening student. Those who wish to continue with their studies, will require a further minimum duration of two years on a full-time basis and a further minimum duration of three years as an evening student.


Assessment

Every study-unit is assessed through a combination of courseworks and examinations. All examinations are normally scheduled in-person during office hours.


Inclusive Practice

Saint Martin’s Institute of Higher Education is committed to offering quality tertiary education to all students with their respective needs. SMI will make every reasonable effort to make sure that the experience of studying with us is rewarding. The Institute offers fully accessible premises.

Department of Computing

ABOUT

The department of computing at Saint Martin's Institute boasts of a specialised and effective portfolio of courses in this area, which evolved from its affiliation with the University of London.

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Computing Advert

MQF Level 5

Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education

Diploma in Computing (60 ECTS)
Diploma in Computing with Information Systems (60 ECTS)
Diploma in Computing with Games Design and Development (60 ECTS)

MQF Level 6

Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education

BSc (Hons) Computing (180 ECTS)
BSc (Hons) Computing with Games Design and Development (180 ECTS)
BSc (Hons) Computing with Information Systems (180 ECTS)

University of London

BSc (Hons) Computer Science (180 ECTS)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence (180 ECTS))
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Games Development (180 ECTS)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Virtual Reality (180 ECTS)

Tuition Fees 2024 - 2025

 

Tuition Fee

Full-time Diploma & Degree - Three (3) Year Programme
a non-EU administration fee of €1500.00 applies for those requiring student visa

€6284 p.a.

Evening Diploma over two (2) years

€1566 p.a.

Evening Degree over three (3) years

€2416 p.a.


Studies Plus+

The BOV Studies Plus+ loan offers students a maximum of 5 years interest and repayment free financing to meet institute fees, and other study-related costs. The loan is repayable after graduation. For further information please click here.


Get Qualified Scheme

The Get Qualified Scheme will reimburse a maximum of 70% of the total fees paid over a period of ten years upon successful completion through income tax credit, applicable to both MQF Level 5 and MQF Level 6. The scheme applies to both EU and third country students and is conditional on the student being employed in Malta after graduation. Parents who are employed and pay income tax in Malta are able to benefit from this tax rebate scheme instead of their child if they are paying the tuition fees on behalf of their children. For further information please click here.


Stipends and Maintenance Grant

SMI full-time students are eligible for stipends and maintenance grant. Respective regulations apply.

The Government of Malta offers full-time students monthly stipend and grants payable under the Malta Government Undergraduate Scheme (MGUS). This also applies to EU students who have been residents of Malta for the previous five years. Students are required to click here for further details regarding eligibility and conditions related to the scheme.

Entry Requirements

An applicant must normally be at least 16 years of age on or before the SMI Autumn Trimester examination session, which normally takes place in December, in the year of registration and must be in possession of:

  • A minimum of four ordinary level passes, including Mathematics and English at SEC grades 1 to 5 or grades A to C in the case of GCE/GCSE. Students wishing to progress to University of Malta must be 18 years of age when registering and must possess an ordinary level in Maltese.
  • International equivalents to the above requirements will be considered and the decision taken at the discretion of SMI.
  • All students are required to attend an interview set up by the Saint Martin’s Admissions & Advisory Board (SAAB).
  • Students, who do not hold an ordinary level qualification in English Language, must provide proof of competence in English, such as a recognised test of proficiency, which is acceptable to the Institute. We normally accept IELTS with an overall grade of 5.0.

Maturity Clause

Students who are 21 years and over and do not meet the minimum entry requirements, may apply for the MQF level 5 diploma subject to having passed a recognised MQF Level 3 qualification and have at least two years relevant uninterrupted full-time employment. In addition to this, students must successfully complete the Mathematics Admission and English Placement test, with a minimum grade of 50%, during the Autumn Trimester Examinations in order to be eligible to continue their studies.


Target Group

The full-time programmes are ideal for students who have completed their ordinary or advanced level education (normally ages 16 to 20) and wish to progress to an MQF Level 6 programme, through a portfolio of MQF Level 5 homegrown qualifications. Our programmes are also offered in the evening (normally from 6pm to 8pm) for mature students who are in full-time employment (normally ages 21+) and would like to further their studies.


Request a meeting, during which various matters of interest to you are discussed such as course structure, cost, terms & conditions and applicable government schemes.

European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)

ECTS is intended to harmonise the further and higher education systems throughout the European Union. Each one ECTS is equivalent to 25 hours of learning, 5 hours of which are face to face with a tutor. In higher education, full-time students are expected to invest in 60 ECTS in one academic year, which means 1500 hours of learning, out of which 300 would be face to face classes. According to the Malta Qualification Framework (MQF), an MQF level 5 diploma consists of 60 ECTS and an MQF level 6 undergraduate degree consists of 180 ECTS.


Automatic Recognition of Prior Learning

Automatic RPL means that you are not required to take a particular course(s) as part of your degree because in the University’s opinion, you have already covered a similar syllabus as part of a previous qualification, at the same level, depth and breadth. This is also known as credit transfer. The Saint Martin’s MQF Level 5 diplomas have been awarded automatic RPL by the University of London (UOL) and hence students who opt to read for a UOL MQF Level 6 degree will be able to progress to Level 2 of the respective degree. RPL credits are not granted for any unit of the diplomas conferred by Saint Martin’s Institute of Higher Education and any requests will not be entertained.


Duration of Studies

Students may complete the MQF Level 5 diploma over a minimum period of one year on a full-time basis and a minimum period of two years as an evening student. Those who wish to continue with their studies, will require a further minimum duration of two years on a full-time basis and a further minimum duration of three years as an evening student.


Assessment

Every study-unit is assessed through a combination of courseworks and examinations. All examinations are normally scheduled in-person during office hours.


Progression to the Computer Science programme

Students wishing to progress to the BSc (Hons) Computer Science conferred by the University of London are required to follow two online courses during the Summer Trimester before being able to register with University of London. These are normally completed following successful completion of the MQF Level 5 diploma.


Inclusive Practice

Saint Martin’s Institute of Higher Education is committed to offering quality tertiary education to all students with their respective needs. SMI will make every reasonable effort to make sure that the experience of studying with us is rewarding. The Institute offers fully accessible premises.

Computing Short Courses

ABOUT

Saint Martin's Institute offers short courses aimed at those individuals who would like to obtain knowledge and hands-on experience in a particular subject area.

SET A MEETING

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does MQF stand for?

MQF means Malta Qualification Framework as published by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) which provides qualification levelling.

Are all programmes offered at Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education recognized in Malta?

Yes, ALL programmes taught at Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education are accredited with the NCFHE. Saint Martin's Institute is licensed as a higher education institution and currently confers qualifications at MQF Level 5.

What is the minimum entry level at Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education?

Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education has various entry levels for the different MQF level degrees. The lowest entry level required for the MQF level 5 programmes is of four ordinary level passes, including Mathematics and English. Passes must be at SEC grade 5 or above.

What is the minimum age accepted?

Students must be aged 16 or above before the Autumn Semester Examination sessions which are normally scheduled in December every year.

What is the language of tuition at Saint Martin's?

The language of tuition at the Institute is English.

As a Maltese student and resident do I qualify for stipends and maintenance grants if I attend Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education?

If you are a registered as a full-time student and satisfy the eligibility criteria stipulated by the Malta Government Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme (MGUS), then you will qualify for stipends and grants. Please refer to the rules and regulations of this scheme on the Ministry of Education and Employment Website.

How many students in a typical class?

Saint Martin's Institute has a policy that groups shall not be larger than twenty (20) students in any practical type of workshop and not more than thirty (30) students for lecture type classes.

What does the Institute provide for the well-being of the student?

The Institute provides fully equipped classrooms, which are air-conditioned and offer internet based, interactive boards with projectors. WIFI is available throughout both buildings at the Saint Martin's Foundation Building dedicated for the business entrepreneurship and finance department and the Saint Martin's New Building which houses the computing department, as well as a Creative Laboratory, the library on the third floor, student common area and administration. Students have areas reserved as canteens and outdoor terraces.

Does the Institute provide classes in the evening?

Saint Martin's Institute provides a portfolio of qualifications available in the evening for individuate who are in full-time employment. Our evening classes are scheduled during week days between 6pm and 8pm.

Who sets the final examinations for the University of London programmes?

Saint Martin's Institute of Higher Education is an Affiliate Institute of the University of London, which means that whilst you are attending lectures at the Institute taught by the Institute's academics, you are preparing to attempt the examinations set, corrected and marked by the University of London Examination Boards. University of London examinations are normally scheduled during the month of May of every year and are administered by the Registrar of Examinations, Ministry for Education and Employment Government of Malta. Examinations are normally scheduled at St.Elmo examination centre in Valletta. SMI offers semester examinations as formative exams for the student to develop skills in answering to questions in the subject under study.

What are ECTS?

The acronym ECTS stands for the European Credit Transfer System and is intended to harmonise the further and higher education systems throughout the European Union. Each one ECTS is equivalent to 25 hours of learning, 5 hours of which are face to face with a tutor. In higher education, students are expected to invest in 60 ECTS in one academic year, which means 1500 hours of learning, out of which 300 would be face to face classes.

  • An MQF level 5 diploma must consist of 60 ECTS.
  • An MQF Level 6 undergraduate degree must consist of 180 ECTS spread over a minimum of three academic years.
  • An MQF Level 7 postgraduate master degree must consist of a minimum of 60 ECTS.

Erasmus Programme

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Erasmus+

Download the Erasmus+ Policy here

Download the Erasmus+ Application Form here

View the Erasmus Charter here

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