Malta Institute of Management

Study Mobility Programme (SMP)

An institutional framework for developing international academic mobility partnerships with higher education institutions worldwide — enabling students to undertake an approved period of study at MIM or a partner institution while remaining connected to their home programme.

4Collaboration models

1 Sem – 1 YrMobility duration

ECTSCredit recognition

Start a partnership conversation Explore the four models

At a glance

Mobility at any stage Beginning, middle or final stage of a study programme.
Credits agreed in advance Modules mapped and approved before mobility begins.
Bilateral & multi-institutional Agreements shaped around each partner's academic structure.
No permanent transfer Students stay connected to their home institution throughout.

The programme

International study, without leaving the home programme behind

The Study Mobility Programme (SMP) is the Malta Institute of Management's institutional framework for developing international academic mobility partnerships with higher education institutions worldwide. Through bilateral and multi-institutional agreements, the SMP enables students to undertake an approved period of study at MIM or a partner institution while remaining connected to their home programme.

Mobility can take place at the beginning, middle or final stage of a study programme, depending on academic compatibility and the agreement between the participating institutions.

When mobility can take place

BeginningYear 1

MiddleMid-programme

Final stageFinal year

Built for institutions as much as for students. The framework is designed to support transparent academic planning, credit recognition, international exposure and long-term institutional cooperation.

Transparent academic planning

Programmes, modules and study periods are mapped and documented before a student travels.

Credit recognition

ECTS or equivalent credits are agreed in advance, so the study period counts towards the qualification.

International exposure

Students gain academic and cultural experience in a new country as part of their programme.

Long-term cooperation

One pathway can grow into a sustainable, two-way institutional relationship over time.

Types of collaboration

Four mobility models — used on their own or combined

Each model can be adopted independently or in combination, according to the academic structure and strategic priorities of the participating institutions.

Outbound Study Mobility

MIM Partner Institution

The Outbound Study Mobility pathway enables eligible MIM students to undertake an approved period of study at an international partner institution.

Programme structure

Duration: One semester or one academic year.
Study period: Beginning (Year 1), middle, or final year of the programme.
Host institution: An approved MIM partner institution.
Module selection: Students undertake modules that are academically compatible with their MIM programme.
Credit recognition: Modules and credits are mapped and approved prior to mobility, to facilitate recognition towards the student's MIM qualification.
Academic record: The host institution provides an official transcript or equivalent record following successful completion.

Partnership model

MIM and the partner institution agree in advance on eligible programmes, available study periods, student numbers, academic requirements, module selection, credit arrangements, tuition/fee arrangements and student support responsibilities.

This model enables partner institutions to welcome MIM students while developing a sustainable two-way institutional relationship with MIM.

Inbound Study Mobility

Partner Institution MIM Malta

The Inbound Study Mobility pathway enables eligible students from partner institutions to undertake part of their academic programme at MIM in Malta.

Programme structure

Duration: One semester or one academic year.
Study period: Beginning (Year 1), middle, or final year of the student's programme.
Study location: Malta Institute of Management, Malta.
Module selection: Students select approved MIM modules that align with the academic requirements of their home programme.
Credit recognition: The proposed modules and credits are agreed between MIM and the home institution before mobility.
Academic record: Following successful completion, MIM provides the appropriate academic record or transcript in accordance with the applicable programme and institutional arrangements.

Partnership model

The home institution identifies eligible students and approves their proposed mobility pathway. MIM supports the academic admission, module registration and study experience in Malta in accordance with the agreed institutional framework.

This model allows partner institutions to provide their students with an international study experience in Malta without requiring them to transfer permanently from their home institution.

Short-Term Study Mobility

MIM Partner Institution

Short-Term Study Mobility provides a flexible international experience for students who may not wish or be able to undertake a complete semester abroad. Programmes can be jointly designed by MIM and the partner institution according to specific academic disciplines, learning outcomes or institutional objectives.

Possible formats

Summer & Winter Schools
Intensive Academic Programmes
Faculty-Led Study Programmes
International Study Visits
Specialist Modules & Workshops
Business & Industry Study Programmes
Academic & Cultural Immersion Programmes
Blended mobility (online + physical study)

Programme structure

Duration: Typically 1–8 weeks.
Location: Malta, the partner institution, or another agreed destination.
Academic content: Lectures, seminars, workshops, projects, assessments, company visits and other approved learning activities.
Credits: ECTS or other academic credits may be awarded where applicable and academically approved.
Certification: Participants may receive an academic transcript, certificate of completion or participation document, depending on the programme structure.

Partnership model

Short-Term Study Mobility can also provide an effective first stage of collaboration between MIM and a new institutional partner, before developing semester or academic-year mobility.

Multi-Destination Study Mobility

Home Institution MIM Malta International Partner(s)

Multi-Destination Study Mobility enables participating institutions to develop structured study pathways through which students gain academic experience across two or more institutions and/or countries during their programme.

Example pathways

Home Institution MIM Malta European / International Partner

or MIM Malta Partner Institution A Partner Institution B

Programme structure

Study periods: Students undertake agreed periods of study at the participating institutions.
Mobility length: A semester, academic year or approved short-term component.
Module mapping: Participating institutions jointly identify academically compatible modules and study periods.
Credits: Credits and recognition arrangements are established before students begin the mobility pathway.
Responsibility: Each participating institution remains responsible for the academic components it delivers.

Partnership model

This model can provide students with a distinctive multi-country academic experience while allowing institutions to combine their international networks and areas of academic expertise.

Academic & credit recognition framework

Recognition is agreed before mobility begins — not after

Academic recognition is a central component of the Study Mobility Programme. Before the commencement of mobility, MIM and the partner institution may establish an approved Study / Learning Agreement for each student or mobility cohort.

The Study / Learning Agreement identifies

Host institution and mobility period
Selected modules
Academic level
ECTS or equivalent credits
Learning outcomes, where required
Assessment arrangements
Proposed credit recognition
Academic approval from the participating institutions

After completion. The host institution provides the appropriate academic record or transcript. Recognition and transfer of credits remain subject to the academic regulations and approval procedures of the student's home institution.

Institutional partnership framework

What the institutional agreement covers

Study Mobility collaboration is normally established through a Bilateral Cooperation Agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or a specific Student Mobility Agreement, depending on the scope of the partnership. The institutional agreement may define:

Eligible programmes and academic disciplines
Inbound and/or outbound mobility
Number of participating students
Duration and timing of mobility
Academic eligibility requirements
Module and credit arrangements
Credit recognition procedures
Language requirements
Tuition and other applicable fees
Application and nomination procedures
Academic calendars and deadlines
Student support responsibilities
Accommodation and practical support arrangements
Insurance and other student responsibilities
Visa and immigration responsibilities, where applicable
Quality assurance and monitoring
Duration and renewal of the partnership

Specific arrangements can therefore be developed according to the academic structure, regulatory requirements and strategic priorities of each participating institution.

Partnership approach

How a collaboration takes shape

MIM welcomes discussions with universities, higher education institutions and other appropriately recognised academic institutions interested in developing international student mobility. A partnership may begin with one specific programme or mobility pathway and subsequently expand into additional disciplines, inbound and outbound exchanges, short-term programmes or multi-destination mobility.

Institutional discussion

MIM and the prospective partner identify areas of academic and strategic compatibility.

Programme & curriculum mapping

The institutions compare relevant programmes, modules, credits and academic levels to identify suitable mobility opportunities.

Agreement of mobility model

The institutions select the appropriate collaboration model: Outbound, Inbound, Short-Term, Multi-Destination, or a combination of these.

Institutional agreement

The academic, operational and financial conditions are documented through the appropriate agreement.

Student nomination & academic approval

Eligible students are nominated and their proposed study plans are approved before mobility.

Mobility & student support

Students undertake their approved study period with academic and administrative support from the participating institutions.

Transcript & academic recognition

Following successful completion, academic results are documented and submitted to the home institution for recognition in accordance with the approved study arrangement.

Let's build it together

Building international academic opportunities together

Through the Study Mobility Programme (SMP), MIM aims to develop sustainable international partnerships that expand academic opportunities, strengthen institutional cooperation and enable students to gain meaningful international learning experiences while progressing towards their qualifications.

Enquire about a partnership View partner institutions