Gzira at the Glance

Gżira is a fantastic spot in Malta that has a prime location right in the middle of the country and easy access to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Gzira is a bustling city with a population of around 11,000 people. It is known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and picturesque harbor. With access to pristine beaches and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, there are plenty of opportunities for thrilling water sports and unforgettable experiences that students are often engaged in. We always encourage international students to dive into underwater wonders, embark on exciting boat trips, or simply unwind on sandy shores – the choice is theirs. 

As daylight fades, Gżira comes into its own with its vibrant nightlife scene, captivating students with its diverse range of entertainment options. Gżira’s bars, clubs, and entertainment venues offer something for everyone’s tastes. With a range of options on offer, students have plenty of opportunities to explore and discover their new favorite hangouts. Immerse yourself in the city’s energetic atmosphere and mingle with locals and fellow international students, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Whether you’re looking for a quiet night out or an all-night party, Gżira has something to offer every student.

Gżira has earned a reputation as a noteworthy academic hub, attracting thousands of young and aspiring individuals seeking to acquire a high-quality education and become well-trained professionals. The city’s educational institutions play a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce. The entrepreneurial landscape in Gżira is thriving, with small and medium-sized businesses continually evolving. Local enterprises are proactively upgrading their equipment and strategies to remain competitive in European and global markets. Gżira is committed to modernizing its infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. The city is dedicated to investing in eco-friendly initiatives, making it a forward-thinking and progressive urban center to nurture education and business and prioritize ecological well-being.

Cultural Heritage

Like much of Malta, Gżira has a history traced back to ancient times. The island of Malta has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of Neolithic settlements dating back to around 5200 BC. Malta was known to the Phoenicians and later became part of the Roman Empire. During this period, the islands were used for agricultural purposes and had various Roman villas and structures. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Malta came under Byzantine rule, and later, Arab rule during the Arab expansion in the 9th century. The Arab influence left its mark on the culture, language, and architecture of the islands.

The Knights of St. John played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Gżira and Malta as a whole. They undertook extensive fortification efforts, including the construction of Fort Manoel on Manoel Island, a part of Gżira. This fort, attributed to Grandmaster Manuel de Vilhena in 1726, added to the area’s historical significance. Even prior to this, in 1634, Grandmaster Jean-Paul Lascaris had established a quarantine hospital on the island, providing refuge to plague and cholera patients, particularly individuals arriving during wartime via ships. In the mid-19th century, the transformation of Gżira into a working-class suburb of Sliema commenced with the construction of a villa by Chevalier Jacob Tagliaferro. Malta experienced British colonial rule from the 19th century until gaining independence in 1964. During this era, Gżira underwent urban development and facility establishment. Gżira’s once vibrant bar scene, featuring renowned establishments like the Snake Pit, Britannia, and the Granada, diminished when the British Service departed from Malta on March 31, 1979, signaling the end of associated economic activities.

Similar to many other Maltese towns, Gżira enthusiastically celebrates traditional Maltese festivals, offering a compelling glimpse into local customs and heritage. The festive events usually include vibrant processions featuring elaborately decorated statues of saints paraded through the streets, accompanied by the lively melodies of local bands. The atmosphere is electrified by dazzling fireworks illuminating the night sky, contributing to a feeling of jubilation and togetherness. The festivals serve as a testament to Malta’s enduring traditions and provide residents and tourists with a chance to engage in the island’s dynamic cultural heritage.

Student Life

Gżira stands as a prominent academic destination, offering an ideal environment for international students seeking a high-quality education. The city is renowned for its exceptional educational standards and provides students with excellent opportunities to enhance their proficiency, primarily due to its English medium of instruction. Gżira has emerged as a crucial educational hub within the Republic of Malta, hosting some of the finest institutions for higher learning in the country. The city’s commitment to academic excellence, combined with its welcoming atmosphere for international students, makes it a sought-after location for individuals looking to pursue their educational aspirations enjoying a rich cultural experience in the heart of the Mediterranean.

The city has become a home for thousands of young and promising specialists in different fields of science. We are sure that living and studying there is a great opportunity for every student to start a successful academic career or make valuable contacts in their field of activity. The main aim of the higher education process in Malta is to prepare a new generation of specialists in different fields of science. Universities in Gzira offer students a high-quality education with the opportunity to listen to lectures of famous specialists in their field of science and get new skills and knowledge.

Providing great opportunities for overseas students, life in Gzira still retains its traditional flavor. The locals are friendly, the island is very safe and to top it all, it is one of the cheapest places to Study in Europe. These reasons contribute to the rising popularity of Gzira among international students. The city offers a variety of accommodation options for students to suit different needs and budgets. The public bus service in Gzira is a good way to get around as buses serve the major tourist areas, go practically everywhere, and are inexpensive and efficient.  

Leisure Activities

Gzira offers exciting things to do and stunning landscapes to see. Every student can enjoy the view of hilltop towns, seaports, old fishing villages, and natural attractions. Apart from the beautiful rocky and sandy beaches, Gzira has a lot of historical and cultural attractions situated within walking distance from the Student Hostel enabling its residents to visit a lot of places in a relatively short time. Many annual events take place all year round and are part of Malta’s cultural calendar. Those who like sightseeing should visit the churches, castles, museums and many other attractions. If you are culture-oriented, you can choose between many theatres and galleries as well as philharmonics, concerts, and music clubs. The city is rich with restaurants, cafeterias, and bars with their atmosphere and vibe, so you will want to come back there again.

Gzira is renowned for its variety of restaurants and cafes. The Maltese national dishes are very famous among international students and travelers and are considered the TOP meals in local cafes. Everybody can taste pastizzi, a savory pastry stuffed with a filling of ricotta cheese or mushy peas. It’s a Maltese national dish available everywhere in the country – at pastizzi shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. In Gzira, students always find places with completely different designs and energy, cuisine, and drinks that will suit their mood and pleasantly surprise them with prices. 

Gżira, despite its modest size, boasts a rich history and cherished traditions. The city always captivates students with its welcoming atmosphere and tranquil pace of life, all while maintaining a well-developed infrastructure and a vibrant community. Embarking on your student journey in Gżira as an IEU, Malta student is an exceptional experience, marking a significant stride toward independent living in Europe. The city’s blend of history and modernity, coupled with its nurturing academic environment, offers a unique opportunity for personal and academic growth. Gżira provides an education and a culturally enriching and fulfilling experience preparing students for a bright future on the European stage.