[1] Malderus was born in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw on 14 August 1563, the son of Roger van Malderen and Elizabeth Walravens.

His education was overseen by his uncle, Johannes van Malderen, a confidant of Cardinal Granvelle.

By 1586 he was teaching philosophy at Pig College, Leuven[2] and on 31 August 1594 he graduated doctor of theology.

In 1596 he was appointed regius professor of Scholastic Theology by Philip II of Spain, and in 1598 president of the Pastoral Seminary in Leuven.

On 26 July 1633 he made out his last will and testament, the main bequest being the founding of Malderus College in Leuven, to provide housing and scholarship to students of theology.