The Malta student visa financial requirements for 2027 include proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses and tuition fees. International students should budget an estimated €779.51 per month for living costs, based on 75% of Malta’s announced national minimum wage. Applicants must also provide bank statements, proof of tuition payment, and supporting financial documents. This guide explains how much money you need for a Malta student visa, the required bank statements, tuition payment rules, and proof-of-funds requirements for a Maltese student residence permit.
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Disclaimer: Immigration requirements and fees can change. The 2027 minimum-wage figure in this guide is based on Malta's announced Budget 2027 increase and should be checked against the final wage order and updated Identità checklist before applying. This article is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. Always verify the latest requirements with Identità or your local VFS Global application centre.
How Much Money Do You Need for a Malta Student Visa?
International students applying for a Malta National Visa (Type D) must demonstrate financial resources equivalent to at least 75% of Malta's national minimum wage for every month of study.
According to Identità's Student National Visa checklist, applicants must provide bank statements covering the previous three months, together with a recent bank certificate showing sufficient funds.
Malta's national minimum wage for employees aged 18 and over is €229.44 per week in 2026. Following the October 2026 Budget announcement, it is scheduled to increase by €10.41 per week, including the cost-of-living adjustment, from January 2027. This brings the announced 2027 weekly minimum wage to €239.85.
The estimated monthly financial requirement is calculated as follows:
- 2027 weekly minimum wage: €239.85
- Monthly equivalent: €239.85 × 52 ÷ 12 = €1,039.35
- Student visa requirement: €1,039.35 × 75% = €779.51
Therefore, students should budget for approximately €779.51 for every month of study when preparing their 2027 Type D visa application.
Malta Proof of Funds: 2027 Examples
Your required living funds depend on the length of your course. Multiply the estimated monthly requirement of €779.51 by the number of months you will study.
The following table provides estimated amounts for common study durations.
These amounts are estimates based on the announced 2027 minimum wage and do not include tuition fees, accommodation deposits, travel expenses, or other application costs.
Note: The final amount you need to demonstrate may depend on the applicable requirements and assessment of your application. Keep additional funds available rather than relying on the calculated minimum alone.
Malta Student Visa Minimum Funds vs. Actual Living Costs
Meeting the visa's minimum financial requirement does not necessarily mean you have enough money to cover your actual living expenses in Malta.
Your monthly budget will depend on where you live, whether you share accommodation, and your personal spending habits.
Consider budgeting separately for:
- Accommodation and utilities
- Groceries and meals
- Public transportation
- Mobile phone and internet
- Study materials and personal expenses
- Health insurance
Students should research accommodation costs and prepare a realistic monthly budget before travelling.
Does Tuition Count Toward the Financial Requirement?
No. Tuition fees and living expenses are assessed separately. In addition to demonstrating sufficient living funds, you must provide evidence that you have paid the required portion of your course fees.
According to Identità's Central Visa Unit student requirements, the required tuition payment receipts depend on the total course fee.
Your educational institution can confirm the applicable deposit and payment arrangements. Ask for an official receipt or invoice showing the payment received.
Remember that paying your tuition deposit does not replace the requirement to demonstrate sufficient funds for your living expenses.
Malta Student Visa Bank Statement Requirements
Your bank statements are an important part of your Malta student visa application because they help demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your studies.
Identità's student visa checklist requires the following financial documents:
- Bank statements for the last 3 months: Your statements must show all activity on the account for the last three months.
- A recent bank certificate: This is a letter from your bank confirming your current balance. Ask for it close to your appointment date.
- A copy of your international bank card: Copy the front and back of the Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card you will use to get your money in Malta.
- English documents: Every document must be in English. If you need a translation for Identità, use a translator from Identità's approved list of translators.
- Normal account activity: Use a regular savings or current account in your name or your sponsor's name. Steady, normal use looks better than an empty account that suddenly fills up.
Your documents should clearly demonstrate that the funds are available for your use during your stay.
Can a Parent or Sponsor Pay for Your Malta Student Visa?
A sponsor (a person who pays for your studies, like a parent) can provide the funds. Identità asks for three extra documents:
- Your sponsor's bank statements for the last 3 months.
- A signed declaration letter from your sponsor confirming they will support you.
- A copy of your sponsor's ID card (front and back) or passport photo page.
You must also provide a copy of the international bank card you will use to access funds in Malta.
Make sure the sponsor's financial documents clearly demonstrate their ability to support your studies and that the funds will be accessible to you.
How to Avoid Problems With Your Bank Statements
Prepare your financial documents well before your visa appointment.
Consider these steps:
- Maintain sufficient funds in an accessible bank account.
- Keep supporting evidence for substantial deposits, such as salary records, savings transfers, or gift documentation.
- Make sure your statements and bank certificate are recent and consistent.
- Avoid unexplained transactions that could raise questions about the source or availability of your funds.
- Check that your international bank card can be used to access money in Malta.
Identità does not explicitly require every applicant to maintain a particular balance for three consecutive months. However, unexplained deposits or insufficient evidence of accessible funds can complicate an application.
Know your tuition deposit before you apply
Compare Malta programs and tuition fees, so you can plan your deposit and proof of funds together.
Malta Student Residence Permit: Financial Requirements After Arrival
The financial requirements for a Malta student visa and a subsequent student residence permit are different.
Students may qualify for a Malta study residence permit if they have been accepted into a full-time higher-education course at MQF Level 5 or higher.
According to Identità's current study residence permit guidance, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources equivalent to at least 60% of Malta's national equivalised income threshold, calculated according to household size and prorated for the duration of their studies.
Identità assesses the submitted financial evidence individually and does not provide one universal euro amount that applies to every student.
For the residence-permit application, you should prepare:
- Bank statements or money transfer receipts covering the previous three months.
- Evidence that you can access the funds in your account.
- A sponsor declaration and supporting financial documents, if applicable.
- Proof of tuition payment for the relevant study period.
The residence-permit financial calculation should not be confused with the 75% minimum-wage calculation used for the National Visa.
Students should also check their institution's guidance before applying, as individual schools may provide additional instructions.
Health Insurance for a Malta Student Visa
For a Malta Student National visa, you need travel and medical insurance with at least €30,000 of medical cover, valid across the Schengen area (a group of European countries with shared border rules). The policy must also say it is valid for study.
The required coverage period depends on your course's MQF level.
- MQF level 5 and above: Insurance must provide at least €30,000 in medical coverage, be valid for the Schengen area, cover at least 91 consecutive days from your first entry into the Schengen area, and specify that it is valid for study purposes.
- MQF level 4 and below: Insurance must provide at least €30,000 in medical coverage and remain valid for your entire stay in the Schengen area.
Health Insurance for a Malta Study Residence Permit
Students applying for a subsequent study residence permit may also need private health insurance with at least €100,000 in coverage for medical treatment, including hospitalisation, in Malta.
However, students attending the following institutions are exempt from this particular residence-permit insurance requirement:
- University of Malta
- Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
- Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
Always confirm that your insurance policy meets the requirements for your course and application stage.
Other Malta Student Visa Costs to Budget For
In addition to tuition and living expenses, you should account for visa application and accommodation costs.
According to Identità's August 2025 student visa checklist, the application fees are:
Note: Visa appointment fees and availability may vary. Confirm the applicable fee and appointment options with the relevant Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) when booking. Additional VFS service charges may apply.
When Should You Prepare Your Malta Student Visa Finances?
Start preparing your financial documents several months before your course begins.
Identità's August 2025 checklist recommends submitting the student visa application at least nine weeks before the course commencement date. Its current visa FAQ also advises applicants to submit at least eight weeks before the start date.
To allow enough time, aim to have your application ready at least nine weeks in advance.
Here is a suggested preparation timeline:
- Four to six months before your course: Review the financial requirements, calculate your living expenses, and organise your savings.
- Two to three months before your course: Arrange your tuition payment, obtain the relevant receipt, and prepare your sponsor's documents if applicable.
- At least nine weeks before your course: Aim to submit your visa application with the required supporting documents.
- One to two weeks before your appointment: Obtain your recent bank certificate, check your three-month statements, and prepare copies of your international bank card.
Always follow the latest appointment instructions from Identità and your VFS application centre.
Note: For the full visa process, read our step-by-step guide to the Malta National Visa (Type D). For what happens after you land, see our guide to the Malta student residence permit (e-Residence card).
Frequently Asked Questions
The estimated financial requirement for a Malta National Visa in 2027 is €779.51 per month of study, based on 75% of the announced national minimum wage. The exact amount depends on the duration of your course and the final applicable minimum-wage figure.
Yes. A parent or another third party can sponsor your studies. You must provide the sponsor's bank statements for the previous three months, a signed declaration letter, and a copy of their ID card or passport information page. You must also demonstrate access to the funds.
Identità's student National Visa checklist requires bank statements covering the previous three months, together with a recent bank certificate showing sufficient funds.
No. Tuition fees are assessed separately from living expenses. You must provide evidence of the required tuition payment and demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.
No. The National Visa requires financial resources equivalent to 75% of the national minimum wage for each month of study. The study residence permit uses a separate financial assessment based on 60% of Malta's national equivalised income threshold, calculated according to household size.
Yes. Student National Visa applicants generally need Schengen-valid medical insurance with at least €30,000 in coverage. Students pursuing eligible courses at MQF Level 5 and above may also need separate insurance for their subsequent residence permit. University of Malta, MCAST, and ITS students are exempt from the €100,000 residence-permit insurance requirement.
Identità's checklist does not expressly prohibit fixed deposits. However, you must demonstrate that you can access the money during your stay and provide the required international bank card. If your funds are held in a fixed deposit, check with your bank and visa application centre whether the account meets the accessibility requirements.
If your application is refused, review the refusal letter to understand the reasons. You may be able to submit a new application after addressing the financial evidence or other issues identified by the authorities. Follow any appeal or reapplication instructions in your refusal decision.
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Preparing your finances early can make the Malta student visa application process easier. Calculate your living expenses, organise your bank statements, arrange your tuition payments, and check the requirements for your subsequent residence permit.
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Sources
- Identità: Documentation Required for Student National Visa (version 2.1, 13 August 2025)
- Identità: Central Visa Unit Student Visa Requirements (tuition receipts and insurance)
- Identità Expatriates Unit: Non-Employment Permits Required Documents (€100,000 health insurance)
- University of Malta: Visa and e-Residence Guidelines for International Students
- DIER: National Minimum Wage
- MTCA: Class 1 Social Security Contribution Rates for 2027