How can I know whether I am eligible to apply for a course or otherwise?

Prior to submitting an application for enrolment, you are encouraged to read through the General Entry Requirements of the respective courses, as outlined in the IfE prospectus.  In case of any queries related to the eligibility criteria, applicants may contact the Institute for Education on ife.admissions@ilearn.edu.mt or tel: 25982026/2036. It is however to be noted that all applications are assessed for eligibility by the Admissions Board, and therefore it will not be possible to obtain confirmation of eligibility through the abovementioned email address.

When can I apply for the courses offered by the Institute for Education?

Applications for Qualification Programmes (Bachelor Degrees, Master Programmes and Postgraduate Certificates) generally open in May. The latter are publicised through the IfE website, social media, as well as through the dissemination of circulars. On the other hand, applications for short courses are open throughout the year and are accessible through the following link on the IfE portal.  Course applications are received on a first come first saved basis, through the IfE portal, during an indicated time-window.  To avoid disappointment, it is encouraged that you log into the portal on the first day of applications as announced by the IfE.

Late and last-minute applications may also be opened in some cases for certain subject streams. It is advisable that you check the Current Open Applications page on our website to check whether the chosen course has called for late or last-minute applications after the initial application deadline.

How do I apply for a course?

Applications for course participants are only available online through the IfE Portal. You need to register on the portal as part of the application process. Please view this short clip for further details on how to apply for a course.

How do I register for log-in credentials on the IfE Portal?

To apply  for log-in credentials you would require an email account, thus when hitting the ‘Apply’ button on the IfE Courses Page, a page would show asking you to either log in or create a new account. If you are accessing the IfE’s portal for the first time, creating an account would be necessary before proceeding with the application. Further details on how to create an account can be found in the following video link.

Can I apply for a course through the Maturity Clause?

The IfE welcomes applications from mature students that apart from the eligibility requirements requested under a specific course are:

In possession of a School Leaving Certificate

Have on the date of application: 

attained the age of 23 for entry to courses at MQF Level 5 or higher, 
attained the age of 21 for the entry to courses at MQF Level 4 

It is to be noted that the Maturity Clause is only applicable to short courses of more than 6 ECTS as well as full qualifications.  The Maturity Clause is however not applicable for applicants under the Master Programmes offered by the Institute for Education.

Applicants who apply under the maturity clause will be requested to demonstrate academic potential and adequate academic relevant knowledge as well as workplace experience.

The suitability of applicants will be assessed through an interview, during which applicants will be requested to present a portfolio.  Following the selection interview, the Admissions Board may request candidates to undertake additional studies as a condition for their acceptance.

Further details on the applicability of the maturity clause may be found under the Admission Regulations.

I have attended several formal/informal/non-formal learning opportunities which I believe are directly linked to the IfE course for which I intend to enrol.  Is it possible to use these credits and avoid duplication of previous learning?

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a formalised process well accepted by the IfE. A detailed procedure is explained under the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Procedures.  It is to be noted that only qualifications and experience acquired within ten years of the date of a RPL claim will be considered by the Institute for Education.

It important to note that RPL requests are only processed if they have been sent at least 1 month prior to the start of the course. This does not apply to RPL (formal) claims related to awards completed with the Institute for Education.

What happens to my application if the maximum course capacity has been exceeded?

If you do not manage to secure a spot in the desired course, you will be put on a waiting list.  In the event of any drop-out applications, prior to the commencement of the course, the IfE will contact those on the waiting list in an orderly manner.

How will I know that my application has been duly processed?

Once an application has been submitted, a system generated automated email will be sent to the email address used throughout the registration. This email notification is only a confirmation of receipt of application and should not be considered as an enrolment in a course/ programme.

The Admissions Board would subsequently vet all applications for eligibility. Applicants that have been accepted onto the qualification programmes will receive a Student Agreement which needs to be carefully read and duly endorsed.  Applicants for awards, parental/guardian sessions or educator sessions will not be receiving a Student Agreement.

Subsequently the respective accepted applicants will receive a notification for payment. This email will provide a link to the Government Payment Gateway (GPG).

Once the payment is processed, another automated email is generated acting as proof of payment and acceptance letter.  This document may come in handy when applying for scholarship schemes, therefore it is recommended that it is saved for future reference.

What is a Student Agreement?

As from academic year 2022-2023, course participants following full qualification programmes will be presented with a Student Agreement intended to safeguard the interest of the course participants and the IfE alike, by defining the conditions of acceptance to undertake studies at the IfE. Through the signing of agreement both parties agree to the stipulated conditions defining the relationship for the duration of studies.

A student agreement is a legal requirement emanating from Subsidiary Legislation 327.433 Further and Higher Education (Licensing, Accreditation and Quality Assurance) Regulations. The agreement defines the Roles and Responsibilities of the IfE and the course participants alike and is also a reflection of the IfE Policies and Procedures.

I am an international applicant living abroad.  Can I apply for a course offered by the IfE?

For the purpose of admissions, applicants from EU and EEA countries are considered as nationals and therefore can apply as a regular applicant. Learners from countries outside EU/EEA/Home are classified as international applicants and need to refer to the subsequent questions for further guidance.

I am an international applicant living in Malta. Can I apply for a course offered by the IfE?

International course participants who intend to move to Malta for study reasons, for the duration of the course, require an authorisation from Identity Malta in order to be able to study locally.

The IfE welcomes applications from learners from countries outside Malta/EU/EEA, subject to their proficiency in the English language. The IfE will assess completed applications including; all qualifications equivalent to the required MQF Level as recognised by the Malta Qualification Information Centre (MQRIC), academic records, and letters of reference.  The IfE will also evaluate the duration of education, the educational institutions attended, as well as the grading system used. Academic credentials presented must be originals written in the language in which they are normally issued, accompanied by certified translations in the English Language.

I did not manage to apply in time.  Can I be put on a waiting list?

Only those who applied within the application deadlines can be added onto the waiting list.

Will I be notified if my application has been rejected?

Following a thorough assessment of the eligibility of all applicants, the Admissions Board within the IfE will contact the respective applicants informing them of the outcome of their application.

If my application has been rejected, can I apply for the same course next year?

Applicants who have failed the eligibility assessment are encouraged to re-apply for the desired course and/or may be recommended to apply for an alternative suitable course. Applications for course enrolment are assessed independently from any previously submitted applications.

Can I withdraw a submitted application?

Submitted applications can be withdrawn at any point in time by sending an email to ife.admissions@ilearn.edu.mt. The refundability of the course fee is subject to conditions outlined in the Tuition Fees Policy of the IfE.