Malta has inked a nationwide partnership with OpenAI, making it the first country to offer free ChatGPT Plus access to all citizens who complete a government-backed AI literacy program. The deal departs from typical commercial licensing, prioritizing public digital education over enterprise sales.
Course for Access: One-Year Free Membership
Participants must first finish an AI literacy course developed by the University of Malta. The curriculum covers practical AI usage, workplace applications, limitations, and responsible adoption. After completion, users receive a one-year free ChatGPT Plus subscription. The Malta Digital Innovation Authority will manage distribution of access codes, with the program launching later this month.
Minister for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri said the government wants to make AI accessible to families, students, and workers across the country, preparing them for accelerating digital transformation in all industries.
OpenAI for Countries: Tailored National AI Strategies
OpenAI confirmed the agreement falls under its 'OpenAI for Countries' initiative, which supports governments in exploring adoption strategies customized to education, workforce development, and public services. Unlike commercial deals, Malta's pact centers on digital literacy and broad public access, not corporate procurement.
OpenAI has already launched similar education-focused partnerships in Europe. Estonia earlier introduced ChatGPT Edu for teachers and secondary school students, and Greece followed with another cooperation project.
Europe's AI Education Race Intensifies
Governments across Europe are boosting AI education investment as global digital competition heats up. Many policymakers now see AI literacy as a prerequisite for future employment and economic growth. Malta's experiment could serve as a model for smaller nations seeking wide AI integration without relying solely on private institutions. The program may later be expanded to Maltese citizens living abroad, authorities confirmed.