Starting or continuing your studies is exciting, but it can also come with big costs. Tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and travel can add up quickly, especially if you are studying abroad or combining work with study.
If you are looking for a student loan in Malta, we at APS Bank can offer you two main options designed for different needs:
- APS StudentAssist, offered in collaboration with the Malta Development Bank (MDB)
- APS Booost Student Loan
This guide explains how each student loan works, what you can use it for, and how to take the next step.
Summary: which student loan is right for you?
- StudentAssist is built to support higher education with a larger loan amount (up to €100,000) and a longer repayment period (up to 15 years), including a moratorium where interest is subsidised by the MDB during your studies.
- APS Booost Student Loan supports students aged 18–40 with loans from €5,000 to €50,000 and a repayment term up to 10 years, including a repayment holiday on capital repayments of up to 5 years (depending on course duration).
Next step: book an appointment to discuss the best option for your course and budget.
What can a student loan help you pay for?
A student loan is designed to help you cover study-related costs so you can focus more on your course and less on short-term financial pressure. Depending on the product and your situation, this can include:
- tuition fees
- living expenses
- accommodation
- travel costs (especially if you are studying abroad)
- other course-related costs
Option 1: APS StudentAssist
APS StudentAssist is a student loan designed to make higher education more accessible, offered by APS Bank in collaboration with the Malta Development Bank.
Key features of APS StudentAssist
- Interest rate: 2.65% p.a.
- Loan amount: up to €100,000
- Repayment period: up to 15 years
- Moratorium: a period where you do not make capital repayments and interest is fully subsidised by the MDB (covers the duration of your course and usually extends for 12 months after you finish)
- Includes a grant (interest subsidy by the MDB during moratorium) and an MDB guarantee covering part of the loan
- Processing and commitment fees waived
Who can apply for APS StudentAssist?
APS StudentAssist is open to students living in Malta, including Maltese citizens, certain EU/EEA categories, and non-EU nationals with long-term residence in Malta.
You can apply if you are enrolling in an accredited course at MQF levels 5 to 8, or an internationally recognised certificate programme. Both full-time and part-time students can apply.
How to apply for APS StudentAssist
To apply, you are asked to complete the relevant retail lending forms and submit key documents such as your acceptance letter and a student budget. Click here to learn more.
When you book an appointment, our team can guide you on the exact forms and supporting documents needed for your case.
How it is funded
StudentAssist is supported by the MDB, EU Funds, and the Ministry for European Funds, Equality, Reforms and Social Dialogue.
Option 2: APS Booost Student Loan
The APS Booost Student Loan is designed for students aged 18 to 40 pursuing a course at MQF level 5 or higher, locally, abroad, or through distance learning (with course duration between 1 and 5 academic years).
Key features of APS Booost Student Loan
- Loan amount: €5,000 to €50,000
- Repayment term: up to 10 years
- Repayment holiday: up to 5 years on capital repayments (depending on course duration)
- Can cover tuition fees, living and accommodation expenses, and other study-related costs
- May include up to €1,500 for a computer/laptop
Interests and fees of APS Booost Student Loan
Interest is currently set at a variable rate, depending on the loan amount and conditions, and a processing fee may apply (with commitment fees waived).
Required documentation of APS Booost Student Loan
APS Booost applications include specific documentation such as an acceptance letter, a budget planner, and supporting personal and course documentation.
Your appointment is the best moment to confirm what applies to you and what you should bring. Click here to learn more.
StudentAssist vs APS Booost: How to Choose
If you are not sure which student loan fits you best, here is a simple way to think about it:
- Choose StudentAssist if you need a larger loan amount, a longer repayment period, and support designed around your study period (including the moratorium with subsidised interest by the MDB during studies).
- Choose APS Booost Student Loan if you want a flexible student loan for MQF level 5+ studies (local, abroad, or distance learning), with a clear borrowing range (€5,000–€50,000) and a repayment holiday on capital repayments (depending on course duration).
If you are still unsure, that is completely normal – a quick appointment can help you choose the right option based on your course, timeline, and budget.
Getting started with your APS student loan
If you are ready to move forward, start by choosing the student loan option that best fits your course and budget, then book an appointment to confirm eligibility and the documents you need. Applications are subject to the Bank’s lending criteria and terms and conditions apply.
FAQs
What is a student loan?
A student loan helps you cover education-related costs such as tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and other study-related costs.
What student loan options does APS Bank offer?
APS Bank offers StudentAssist (in collaboration with the Malta Development Bank) and the APS Booost Student Loan.
How much can I borrow with StudentAssist?
StudentAssist offers loans up to €100,000, with repayments spread over up to 15 years.
How much can I borrow with APS Booost Student Loan?
APS Booost Student Loan offers amounts between €5,000 and €50,000.
Can I apply if I am studying abroad or via distance learning?
APS Booost is designed for local, abroad, and distance learning studies (MQF level 5+).
StudentAssist can cover travel expenses related to studying abroad.
Is there a repayment break while I study?
StudentAssist includes a moratorium where interest is fully subsidised by the MDB during the moratorium period (typically covering the duration of your course and usually 12 months after you finish).
APS Booost can include a repayment holiday on capital repayments of up to 5 years (depending on course duration).
What documents do I need?
This depends on the product and your situation. In general, you will be asked for a letter of acceptance and a budget plan, plus other supporting documentation.
How do I apply for a student loan with APS Bank?
The simplest way is to book an appointment, confirm eligibility, and go through the required forms and documents with the team.
Caution! Borrowing money costs money. Approved and Issued by APS Bank, APS Centre, Tower Street, Birkirkara BKR 4012, Malta. APS Bank plc is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority as a Credit Institution under the Banking Act 1994 and to carry out Investment Services activities under the Investment Services Act 1994. The Bank is a participant in the Depositor Compensation Scheme established under the laws of Malta. Applications are subject to the Bank’s lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request.
