International Academic Partnerships

Study Mobility Programme SMP

The Malta Institute of Management’s institutional framework for developing international academic mobility partnerships with higher education institutions worldwide.

04 Collaboration models, used alone or combined
1 Semester – 1 Year Semester and academic-year mobility
1–8 Weeks Short-term and blended programmes
ECTS Credits mapped and approved before mobility
The Programme

An institutional framework for academic mobility

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. The framework is designed to support transparent academic planning, credit recognition, international exposure and long-term institutional cooperation.

Types of Collaboration

Four mobility models, used alone or in combination

Each model can stand on its own or form one stage of a wider partnership. Institutions frequently begin with a single pathway and expand as the collaboration develops.

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.

The Valletta skyline across the harbour at golden hour, 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/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.

Traditional wooden balconies along a street in Valletta, Malta

Short-Term Study Mobility provides a flexible international experience for students who may not wish or be able to undertake a complete semester abroad.

Programme Structure
Duration
Typically 1–8 weeks.
Location
Malta, the partner institution, or another agreed destination.
Possible Formats
Summer and winter schools, intensive academic programmes, faculty-led study programmes, international study visits, specialist modules and workshops, business and industry study programmes, academic and cultural immersion programmes, or blended mobility combining online and physical study.
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

Programmes can be jointly designed by MIM and the partner institution according to specific academic disciplines, learning outcomes or institutional objectives.

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.

Two colleagues working through a programme document together, laptops open on the table

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.

For example
Home Institution → MIM Malta → European/International Partner Institution
MIM Malta → Partner Institution A → Partner Institution B
Programme Structure
  • Students undertake agreed periods of study at participating institutions.
  • Mobility periods may consist of a semester, academic year or approved short-term component.
  • Participating institutions jointly identify academically compatible modules and study periods.
  • Credits and recognition arrangements are established before students begin the mobility pathway.
  • Each participating institution remains responsible for the academic components delivered by that institution.
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

Recognition agreed before mobility begins

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 agreement identifies
  1. Host institution and mobility period
  2. Selected modules
  3. Academic level
  4. ECTS or equivalent credits
  5. Learning outcomes, where required
  6. Assessment arrangements
  7. Proposed credit recognition
  8. Academic approval from the participating institutions

Upon successful 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

Agreements shaped around each institution

Study Mobility collaboration is normally established through a Bilateral Cooperation Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), or 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.

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.

Partner With MIM

Start a partnership discussion

Tell us about your institution and the mobility you have in mind. Our international partnerships team will respond with the academic and operational detail needed to take the discussion forward.

  • Identify areas of academic and strategic compatibility
  • Map programmes, modules, credits and academic levels
  • Agree the mobility model and the institutional agreement