Malta has announced a partnership with OpenAI to provide ChatGPT Plus access to residents as part of a national artificial intelligence education program. The initiative, announced on May 16, 2026, combines free access to premium AI tools with mandatory training in basic AI literacy.
Under the program, citizens and residents must first complete a certified online course before they can unlock a one-year subscription to ChatGPT Plus. The training is developed by the University of Malta and focuses on practical understanding of AI, including how the technology works, its limitations, and how it can be used responsibly in education, work, and daily life.
The initiative is being coordinated by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority. Officials say the rollout will take place in phases, starting this month, and will also include Maltese citizens living abroad. Participation is expected to grow gradually as more users complete the training requirements.
According to OpenAI, the program is part of its broader OpenAI for Countries initiative, which works with governments on integrating AI into education systems, workforce development, and public services. The company has previously supported similar efforts in countries such as Greece, where students were given access to advanced AI tools through national education programs.
A representative for OpenAI’s international policy efforts, George Osborne, said the goal is to make advanced AI systems more widely accessible. In a statement shared on LinkedIn, he described AI as a technology that should be available in a similar way to essential public infrastructure, such as electricity, allowing people and organizations to use it when needed.
Malta’s government says the program is intended to strengthen digital skills across the country and prepare workers and students for the growing use of AI tools in the economy. Officials describe the initiative as part of a broader strategy to improve long-term competitiveness and digital readiness.
The financial details of the partnership have not been made public. ChatGPT Plus currently costs $20 per month for individual users and includes access to OpenAI’s more advanced models and features compared to the free version.
While supporters see the program as a step toward wider access to AI education, the long-term cost and funding structure have not been disclosed by either OpenAI or the Maltese government.
