The Maltese government has announced a nationwide partnership with OpenAI to offer free ChatGPT Plus subscriptions to eligible citizens and residents, becoming the first country to launch a state-backed premium AI access program at this scale.
The initiative forms part of Malta’s wider ‘AI for All’ strategy aimed at improving digital literacy and accelerating public adoption of artificial intelligence tools.
Under the program, residents aged 14 and above will receive one year of free ChatGPT Plus access after completing a short AI literacy course designed by the University of Malta. The scheme will also cover Maltese citizens living abroad.
Officials said the program focuses on responsible AI use rather than simply distributing subscriptions. The mandatory course will introduce participants to AI fundamentals, practical applications, and the risks and ethical concerns associated with generative AI tools.
Malta’s Economy Minister Silvio Schembri described the move as an effort to make advanced AI tools accessible beyond the technology sector.
“We want citizens, students, and businesses to understand and use AI confidently,” Schembri said while announcing the partnership.
OpenAI called the collaboration a ‘world first’ and said it could serve as a template for governments exploring public AI adoption initiatives.
ChatGPT Plus is OpenAI’s paid subscription service, usually priced at $20 a month. The service provides users with access to advanced AI models, faster response times, and premium tools, including image generation and deeper reasoning capabilities.
While OpenAI has previously partnered with educational institutions and governments on AI-focused projects, Malta’s program marks the first nationwide rollout of premium AI access tied directly to public digital education.
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The announcement comes as countries across Europe and other regions race to strengthen AI literacy and prepare workforces for rapid changes driven by automation and generative AI technologies.
Governments have increasingly shifted focus from regulating AI to also ensuring citizens understand how to use such tools safely and productively.
Malta, one of Europe’s smallest nations, has positioned itself aggressively in emerging technology sectors over the past decade, including blockchain, fintech, and digital governance.
The OpenAI partnership now places the country at the center of a new experiment in state-led AI adoption.