Life at IMLI
Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta abounds in history and culture and is blessed by a mild and congenial Mediterranean climate. It is a small island of 300 square kilometers with a small population of 413,000 known for its friendliness and hospitality.
Malta’s numerous archeological sites bear witness to an intriguing pre-historic era stretching well beyond Phoenician times interlacing the cultures and civilizations that swept the Mediterranean and which have left their visible marks. The Carthaginians, the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans, the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, the French and the British have left legacies to posterity which altogether make Malta so unique. Malta became independent in 1964.
Malta is within easy reach of any country in Europe and the world. There are daily flights to Rome and London and several flights a week to major cities in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Sicily can be reached by a fast hydrofoil and every day, by a passenger /ro-ro liner. All this make Malta an ideal site for an international centre and seat of learning.
From time immemorial, Malta’s destiny has been intimately linked to the sea. Its strategic location in the center of the Mediterranean – coupled with its excellent, deep and sheltered harbours – has been mainly responsible for Malta’s development as a maritime centre. Its harbours provided a safe and useful haven on the major sea-routes and established Malta as a major entrepot for trade and an important bunkering station.
Malta’s maritime role has ensured that the study and practice of maritime law has flourished amongst the island’s legal profession. Indeed, it is this legal tradition which contributed to the formulation of the Maltese initiative at the 1967 United Nations General Assembly that culminated in the adoption of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Living Costs
The currency in Malta is the Euro. For more information about exchange rates visit the website of the Central Bank of Malta.
Each nominated student is assigned a furnished apartment on the Institute’s premises. Once all the flats in the Institute’s premises are allocated, other students may be assigned flats near the Institute/University. The apartments contain kitchen facilities and a private bathroom; cooking utensils, dishes, cutlery and linen are provided. The accommodation is suitable only for single occupancy. Consequently, dependents or family members are not generally permitted to reside in the accommodation provided on the premises. Students are expected to live in the accommodation provided.
Although self-financed students are not entitled to accommodation on the Institute’s premises, accommodation may be rented from the Institute, depending on availability. Rental accommodation is available in residential areas, in the vicinity of the University. The monthly rent of a furnished apartment is approximately 600 to 900 Euro, depending on the number of bedrooms. The monthly expenses of food and other living costs could amount to 500 Euro per person depending on one’s lifestyle.
As accommodation is on a self-catering basis, students need to buy their own provisions and prepare their own meals. Students can also buy meals and snacks from the University canteen from Monday to Friday.
The Institute is equipped with laundry facilities which are available for use by students who live in IMLI accommodation. For dry cleaning services, students may avail themselves of commercial laundry facilities outside the University.
Travel
Whatever the source of funding for the programme fee, candidates are reminded that the programme fee does not cover travel expenses. Travel arrangements will have to be arranged and settled by the participants.
Students should arrive in Malta ahead of the programme starting date. However, candidates are advised to make their travel arrangements to ensure their arrival at the Institute not earlier than one week before the commencement of the programme. To find out the exact starting date of the forthcoming programme, please refer to the relevant acceptance documents.
In view of the fact that a three-day field trip to London may be organized at the end of the academic year, participants are asked to arrange for their return ticket with Air Malta via London Heathrow Airport, leaving departure dates and the exact stop-over period in London open pending final booking, which may be effected in Malta. This would avoid the student and/or nominating authority incurring unnecessary expenses. Should the student need an entry visa for the United Kingdom, the Institute will assist in order to obtain the same when in Malta. However, the cost of the visa is to be paid by the student.
Visa
Candidates admitted to a programme are requested to arrange for a visa, if this is required, for their entry to Malta. Malta is a member of the European Schengen Agreement. Therefore, the Institute cannot procure visas on behalf of admitted candidates. Candidates coming from countries with no Maltese embassy or consulate have to apply for their visas to enter Malta from the Italian, French, Spanish or Austrian Embassy in their respective countries.
For more information relating to visa requirements and where to apply please visit the website of the Malta Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security at https://identitymalta.com/visas/. The Institute may assist in providing the admitted candidates with the relevant information relating to the Embassy they need to approach.
Family and Dependents
Students are not expected to bring their families or dependents with them to the Institute and are strongly advised not to do so. The residential facilities at the Institute are not intended for occupancy by the members of the families of students. If students nevertheless do decide to bring dependents with them, they themselves have to arrange at their own expense suitable accommodation outside the Institute. The Institute must be notified in advance of the intention to bring dependents. No arrangements can be made for them by IMLI.
Books and Other Instructional Material
Students are provided with a selected number of textbooks, conventions and other instructional material as determined by the Institute. On completion of study, arrangements will be made for sending such material to the student’s home country by sea transport, if this is necessary.
IMLI Guidelines on Student Conduct
Student life at the Institute is governed by the IMLI Guidelines on Student Conduct. By applying to the Institute, candidates undertake to comply strictly with these Guidelines should they be admitted to a programme.
Location
The Institute is located within the campus of University of Malta in Tal-Qroqq, Msida. Local buses are available on the main road outside the University gates. There are a number of shops, cafes, etc. within walking distance of the Institute. Most grocery stores are open from Monday to Saturday from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. (some shops however stay open much longer and are also open on Sunday). Some groceries / supermarkets effect deliveries.
Gateway Building
Sports
Students may use the national pool complex and other sports facilities of University of Malta (football grounds, athletics track, fitness centre, multipurpose sports hall), some for a charge and some free of charge.
Banking
Different banks operate in Malta which carry out all normal banking transactions. Banks also carry out transactions for most credit card holders, such as VISA, Mastercard, Eurocard, etc. Check with one of the banks whether your credit card is accepted locally. You may also use credit cards for payment at most major stores, shops and restaurants. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are also well distributed around Malta and these will allow you to have access to cash at any time. Two ATMs may also be found on campus.
Public Transport
Buses are the main means of public transport in Malta. The main bus terminus is in Valletta, the capital city. There are also special direct routes between various Maltese cities and villages. It is recommended that you stay informed on bus routes, fares and tickets, and all the other relevant details through the following website: www.maltabybus.com. You may benefit from better bus fares by purchasing the “tallinja card” (for more information see the following website: https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/tallinja-card). The closest bus stops are just outside the Porter’s gate next to IMLI.