Niya. Made Different

Why I chose Malta

I grew up in Canada, and through my mom I also have Croatian citizenship, so I always knew I wanted to explore studying in Europe. When I was applying to medical schools, I looked mainly at UK universities. I initially applied to Queen Mary in London, and that’s when I received an email telling me about the Malta campus.

It immediately caught my attention — the chance to gain a GMC-recognised British medical degree, but in a unique setting that promised small class sizes and a real sense of community. When I came to visit, I could see how supportive and welcoming the staff were, and how invested they were in helping students succeed. That, combined with the adventure of studying on a Mediterranean island, made it my first choice.

Settling into the community

Coming to Malta was my first time in Europe, so it was both exciting and a little daunting. What helped most was how quickly I bonded with my classmates. Because everyone is international, we’re all experiencing life away from our families for the first time, and that shared experience creates strong friendships. My peers have really become like a little family to me.

We celebrate each other’s cultures too — I’ve hosted Canadian-style Thanksgiving dinners, which my friends loved, even though pumpkin puree is very hard to find in Malta! That kind of cultural exchange makes the community here really special.

Learning and facilities

One of the biggest advantages of studying here is how hands-on the learning is, even from the very start. In first year we had access to the anatomy dissection labs, which not many schools allow so early on. The physiology labs are also very interactive — we’ve done experiments on ourselves to better understand the human body, which makes the science come alive.

By second year we were already doing placements in geriatric care, and I chose radiology for my student-selected component, which gave me a taste of hospital life. Now in my third year, I’m beginning full placements and feel well prepared thanks to those early opportunities.

A typical week

Classes usually run from around 9am to mid-afternoon, with Wednesdays kept as half-days to give students time for clubs, sports, or just to relax. I usually study in the evenings for about three hours, but the workload is very manageable. I even work part-time coaching children’s football, which adds balance and connects me to the local community.

The university really promotes a healthy work-life balance, and living on an island means the beach or a walk by the sea is always close by.

Life in Malta

What surprised me most is how quickly Malta began to feel like home. It’s a small island with a strong sense of community, and people are so welcoming. Even the shopkeepers know me now! I’ve also been taking Maltese language classes, which helps a lot with patient interactions in hospital, and locals are always delighted when you try speaking their language.

Beyond campus, there’s always something happening — from free concerts and cultural fairs to exploring beaches and historic towns. It’s a wonderful mix of studying hard and enjoying everything the island has to offer.

Made Different

Queen Mary’s motto, “Made Different,” perfectly captures my experience. Studying medicine here is not like being at a huge, impersonal university. The community is close-knit, the teaching is personal, and the international student body makes it truly unique. I feel supported, challenged, and inspired every day — not just to become a doctor, but to grow as a person.

For anyone looking for a medical education that combines academic excellence with a welcoming community and the adventure of living abroad, Queen Mary, Malta really is made different.