The Maltese government has officially announced a partnership with OpenAI and has become the first country to offer 1-year access to ChatGPT to those who complete a course on the basics of Artificial Intelligence introduced by the University of Malta.
The ChatGPT Plus access subscription usually costs $20/month, but 574,250 residents (approx population) living in Malta can unlock the subscription for free once they complete a brief foundational AI course and have an active European Union eID. The program is also open to Maltese citizens living abroad.
🚀 Key Details of the Program
- Eligibility: The offer is open to all residents registered through Malta’s official digital identity system, as well as Maltese citizens living abroad.
- Rollout: May 2026 saw the start of the first phase. The program is designed to grow as more participants complete the course.
- Management: The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) is in charge of overseeing and distributing the subscriptions
About the free course from the University of Malta and how it helps
This free course teaches participants the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), what AI can do, and terminology (no complicated math or programming). Also, one can learn how to properly utilize the technology at home and work. Students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses looking to incorporate AI into their daily workflows can complete this course and receive complimentary access to ChatGPT Plus, which includes quicker responses, advanced AI models, and premium features.
Maltese Minister for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri said,
“Through this AI for everyone course we are making sure that every citizen, regardless of their background, has the chance to build the confidence and skills needed to thrive in a digital world. By pairing this education with free access to the most advanced digital tools available today, we are turning an unfamiliar concept into practical assistance for our families, students, and workers. Malta is the first country to launch a partnership of this scale because we refuse to let our citizens stay behind in the digital age. We are putting our people at the very forefront of global change.”
According to Malta government officials, the program is a component of Malta’s larger plan to establish itself as one of Europe’s top AI-friendly countries. The nation seeks to expedite workforce transformation and promote responsible AI usage across industries by combining education with access to high-end AI tools.
George Osborne, Head of OpenAI for Countries, said
“Intelligence is becoming a national utility and all governments have an important role to play in making sure their populations have both the access and the skills to make the most of AI. So I congratulate the Maltese authorities for their vision and ambition on behalf of their people. This is exactly the kind of strategic initiative that will speed AI adoption and bring the benefits of this transformative technology to the economy and the everyday lives of people. Where Malta leads, I hope others will follow.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg of Malta said “We do not want anyone to be left behind in the era of AI.”
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