Malta gives residents a free AI course, plus a year of ChatGPT or Copilot
NewsMonday, 18 May 2026 at 08:00
The Maltese government is launching a national program this month that gives every resident free access to an AI course. Graduates also get a year of ChatGPT Plus from OpenAI or Microsoft Copilot from Microsoft. The move was announced by Malta.
With this step, Malta positions itself as one of the first countries to treat generative AI as a public utility. The government wants to prevent citizens from falling behind digitally or economically as AI rapidly embeds itself in work, education, government, and everyday services.
Why Malta is betting on AI literacy
The Maltese government increasingly views AI skills as critical infrastructure for the job market of the coming years. Citizens shouldn’t just get access to AI tools—they should learn to use them responsibly and effectively.
The program therefore focuses on broad AI literacy. The course covers:
- the basics of generative AI;
- safe and responsible use of AI systems;
- practical applications for work and study;
- productivity and automation;
- risks around disinformation and privacy.
After completing the course, participants receive a one-year subscription to ChatGPT Plus or Microsoft Copilot, unlocking advanced AI features that are normally behind a paywall.
Europe’s governments fast-track AI strategies
Malta’s move fits a broader European trend: governments increasingly treat AI skills as strategic policy. Policymakers fear that a lack of AI know-how could deepen economic inequality and weaken competitiveness.
The European Union has already stressed the importance of digital skills through the AI Act and various innovation programs. As a result, governments are investing not just in data centers and AI regulation, but also in education and public adoption.
Malta is opting for a direct approach: not just companies or schools receive support, but the entire population.
From niche tech to public infrastructure
Malta’s plan shows how quickly generative AI is shifting from experimental tech to public infrastructure. Where earlier digital programs focused on internet access or basic computer use, new initiatives now emphasize active participation in AI.
The economic impact is clear. Employers increasingly expect workers to use AI tools for writing, analysis, coding, customer service, and administrative tasks. At the same time, pressure is growing on governments to help citizens navigate this technological shift.
For AI companies like OpenAI and Microsoft, nationwide adoption programs are also strategically valuable. The more people get comfortable with AI tools, the more likely these systems become embedded in workflows and public services.
Small nation, big signal
Although Malta is a small country, the initiative carries global symbolic weight. It signals that governments no longer see AI as a niche for tech firms or specialists, but as a foundational skill for society at large.
A new baseline is emerging in Europe: access to AI—and the knowledge to use it—may become as essential as internet access was in the last digital wave.
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