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Weathering Uncertainty: Why Now Is the Best Time for Maltese Providers to Invest in Quality & Innovation

  • Writer: The Training Consultants
    The Training Consultants
  • Sep 19, 2025
  • 4 min read

Malta’s further and higher education sector is in the midst of significant transformation.


In just the past 18 months, the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) has introduced a series of important regulatory updates - including a new Licensing Process for Higher Education Institutions (January 2024), a comprehensive overhaul of the MFHEA Programme Accreditation Process (July 2025), and updated standards for Online & Blended Programme Delivery (September 2025). Staff changes, extended processing times, and the public outcome of MFHEA’s EQAR application have all contributed to a climate of uncertainty - and the strong likelihood that further regulatory updates in Malta’s higher education sector are on the way.

 


Instinctively, many institutions may feel the urge to pause and wait for things to settle. However, experience shows that moments like these present the best opportunities for forward-thinking providers to act, prepare, and ultimately come out ahead.



Embracing a New Era of Quality in Malta’s

Higher Education


Change brings both challenge and opportunity. MFHEA’s ongoing reforms—aimed at aligning with top European standards — reflect a commitment to raising the quality and recognition of Maltese qualifications across Europe and beyond. While the recent EQAR application was not successful, this milestone has only reinforced the Authority’s focus on quality assurance in Malta, transparency, and continuous improvement.

 

As a result, providers can expect more demanding requirements, greater transparency expectations, and new demands for documentation, processes, and evidence.


“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.” — Aristotle

What’s Changing in MFHEA Regulations - and Why It Matters


In just 18 months, Malta’s education sector has seen major regulatory developments.


MFHEA has rolled out a new Licensing Standards & Process for Higher Education Institutions (January 2024) and introduced a comprehensive overhaul of the Programme Accreditation process in Malta - including, for the first time, a formal re-accreditation cycle with far-reaching implications for all providers (see our previous blog: MFHEA’s NEW Programme Accreditation: What’s Changing? for details). New and strengthened requirements around Online and Blended Learning are also coming into force, placing a fresh spotlight on student-centred delivery and robust evidence of quality. Follow our social media to stay tuned for our dedicated blog, where we’ll break down the new digital provision requirements and offer practical guidance for higher education providers in Malta.


Yet, uncertainty remains about when some of these updates will become fully mandatory and exactly how they’ll be implemented.

 

With each change, the bar for compliance is raised — meaning longer timelines, more documentation, and higher MFHEA fees. This pattern is set to continue as Malta moves in step with European best practice.

 


Uncertainty Is Opportunity — for Those Who Move First!


With processing times lengthening, requirements increasing, and fees on the rise, it might seem easier to “wait and see.” But history shows that institutions who move early are always best positioned when the market accelerates. Acting now means you can:


  • Be first in line when MFHEA processing catches up

  • Adapt your programmes and documentation before new standards become mandatory

  • Demonstrate leadership by aligning with the very best practices in MFHEA quality and compliance

  • Take advantage of quieter periods to refresh your portfolio, launch new programmes, and upgrade internal systems

 

When the new licensing process for Higher Education Institutions was first launched, those who submitted their applications before the new system took effect enjoyed a substantially simpler process, far less demanding requirements for internal quality set-ups, and significant savings in both time and cost. This early-mover advantage meant their institutions were approved and operational ahead of the competition.

 

Today, a similar window of opportunity exists for Programme Accreditation in Malta. Providers who submit new programmes for approval now may still benefit from the current transitional phase, as the latest accreditation standards are still being piloted and a final enforcement date has yet to be announced. The same holds true for institutions wishing to start delivering online or blended programmes in Malta — a mode of delivery which has quickly shifted from a market advantage to the expected standard, as more and more students demand flexibility and accessibility in their learning.

 

It’s important to move swiftly: MFHEA can announce the formal implementation of these new processes at any time and at their discretion. Taking decisive action now could be the difference between a straightforward approval and a significantly more complex and costly one.



Why This Moment Matters for Malta’s Higher Education Providers


Malta’s education providers have never encountered such rapid change—or such a compelling reason to act. As MFHEA drives towards EQAR recognition and consistently raises the bar, those who prioritise programme accreditation and digital provision in Malta now will:


  • Avoid last-minute rushes and the risk of non-compliance,

  • Be first to capture new audiences by offering flexible, innovative programmes that meet today’s student expectations,

  • Establish themselves as leaders in Malta’s evolving higher education sector



How The Training Consultants Can Help

At The Training Consultants, our expertise is focused on getting your new programmes accredited and supporting your transition to high-quality digital provision - quickly, efficiently, and in full compliance with the latest MFHEA standards.

 

We also offer a full suite of services, including:

  • RPL and micro-credential implementation in Malta,

  • Quality assurance policy review and upgrades,

  • Strategic planning for future MFHEA reforms and regulatory changes.


Don’t let this window of opportunity close. Contact us now to benefit from a partner who guarantees efficient, expert guidance on MFHEA accreditation, digital provision, and quality assurance—so you can turn this period of change into your institution’s greatest advantage.




 
 
 

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