The Maltese Archipelago is made up of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. These islands lie in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, 93 km south of Sicily and 230 km north of Africa. Malta is considered to be the cultural, commercial and administrative centre of the Maltese Islands. Gozo is the second largest island and boasts more abundant countryside and open spaces, whereas Comino is a popular destination for hikers and those who are keen to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. English is an official language in Malta, together with the Maltese language. Being a full member of the European Union, the Euro is the currency used.
The Maltese islands are also popular for their diverse recreational areas, sandy beaches, nightlife and historical monuments, which include nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the capital city of Valletta, the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and seven Megalithic Temples. Other areas worth visiting include the Grand Harbour and Mdina. Many foreigners visit the Maltese islands each year and some of them even opt to permanently move to Malta due to work opportunities, as well as excellent medical services and training facilities.
Accommodation
Various accommodation options are available for full-time students, but visiting pilots and hour-builders can also make use of the Academy’s facilities, depending on availability.
Transportation in Malta
The small size of the Maltese Islands makes getting around relatively easy. The public bus service serves the major areas and is an inexpensive way of travelling. Nonetheless, car-hire is another good option for visiting students. This allows students to plan early morning or night flights with greater flexibility. Taxi services are also available from all parts of the island.
Malta is a member state of the European Union and part of the Schengen Treaty. Consequently, students from outside the EU, who would like to pursue their training with Professional Aviation Training – Malta, might require a visa for entering the country and for studying on a longer term. Visit visa information can be obtained from: http://www.vfsglobal.com.
All non-European, long term students will require a student residence permit. Information regarding this permit can be obtained from Identity Malta (www.identitymalta.com)
The Academy can assist with the application process.