EU Member State · English Official Language

Study in Malta

An EU member state where English is an official language, degrees are EU-recognized, and tuition is a fraction of UK or US costs. With a clear two-stage visa pathway and a 9-month post-study extension, Malta is one of Europe's most accessible study destinations for international students.

Browse study guides What matters most for international students
Instruction Language
English
Tuition (Non-EU)
€4,000 to €16,000/yr
Funds to Show
~€8,000 to €10,000/yr
Post-Study Stay
9 Months
Qualifications
MQF / EQF Aligned
Knowledge Base

Study Guides for Malta

Everything your team needs to advise students on Malta, from the qualifications framework to post-study work.

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For international students

Where to start: the Malta application process

A clear, ordered walkthrough of what comes after a student decides on Malta.

Important Things to Know About Applying to Malta

Before you start your journey, it is helpful to look at how the whole process works. Here is a simple overview of the most important steps you will need to complete, from sorting out your official paperwork to setting up your life on the island.

01
Recognise the qualification

MQRIC and the 3-Year Degree Question

3-year bachelor's degrees from certain countries are sometimes questioned for Master's (MQF Level 7) entry, and an MQRIC recognition statement settles this by confirming the qualification's official MQF level. Apply through the MFHEA portal at least 3 to 4 months before your deadline.

02
Secure the admission

Pay Tuition Deposit & Get Acceptance Letter

Once your qualifications are verified, finalize your enrollment by paying your tuition fee deposit (typically 50% to 100% of the first year). The institution will then issue your official Letter of Acceptance and Proof of Payment receipt—both are mandatory pieces for your upcoming visa application.

03
Prove the finances

Funds: Around €8,000 to €10,000 a Year

Officially, you must show at least 75% of the Maltese national minimum wage per month of study. Accepted evidence: bank statements with an international debit card, a sponsorship letter with the sponsor's bank statements, or a recognized scholarship letter. Verify the current figure with Identita.

04
Secure accommodation

Secure Housing Before Arrival

Proof of accommodation is mandatory for your Type D visa and e-Residence permit. Malta’s student rental hubs (Msida, Gzira, Sliema) are highly competitive. Book housing early, and ensure your landlord registers the final lease with the Housing Authority for your residence card processing.

05
Apply for the entry visa

National Visa (Type D) via VFS Global

Once documents and finances are prepared, submit your Type D visa application through VFS Global. In select countries without a Maltese mission, the Italian Embassy handles processing. Apply 3 months early. Expect a €100 consular fee (plus VFS charges) and 15–30 working days for processing.

06
After arrival in Malta

Apply for the e-Residence permit

The Type D visa only grants initial entry. Once in Malta, you must apply for your official e-Residence permit via Identità (identita.gov.mt) within 90 days of arrival. Submit your application within your first 1–2 weeks; the card covers your programme duration and must be renewed annually.

How It Works

Your path to studying in Malta

The two-stage legal pathway for non-EU students, step by step: the Type D visa before arrival, and the e-Residence Card after.

Start MQRIC early

If a student's qualification needs assessment, begin 3 to 4 months before the application deadline. Online processing is managed via mfhea.mt.

Stage 1 · Before arrival: National Visa (Type D)

Obtain an unconditional offer from an MFHEA-licensed institution stating the programme name, MQF level, duration, and tuition. Confirm the institution's licence and that the programme is on the MFHEA Accredited Programmes Register before accepting. Verify at mfhea.mt

Key documents: valid passport, application form, unconditional offer letter, proof of funds (bank statements paired with an international debit card), proof of accommodation, health insurance (minimum €30,000 cover), proof of tuition payment, and biometric photos. In most countries, submit via VFS Global; in countries without a dedicated Maltese mission, the Italian Embassy represents Malta. €100 consular fee (plus VFS charges) · apply 3 months before start

Processing typically takes 15 to 30 working days. Biometrics are collected at the VFS centre or consulate, and an interview may be requested for higher-scrutiny nationalities. The Type D visa allows multiple entries during its validity. Processing 15 to 30 working days
Stage 2 · After arrival: e-Residence Card (within 90 days)

Visit identita.gov.mt and book an in-person appointment as soon as you land. Slots fill quickly, and the 90-day countdown begins from your arrival date, not the appointment date. Book within the first 1 to 2 weeks

Bring: passport with Type D visa, enrolment letter, proof of accommodation (officially registered with the Housing Authority), financial evidence paired with your international debit card, health insurance, a biometric photo, and the fee (€27.50 per year of validity). Biometrics are re-captured on the day, and you receive a receipt as interim proof of legal status. Processing 4 to 8 weeks · keep the receipt

The card is issued for your programme duration (usually 1 year) and renews annually with an updated enrolment letter, proof of progression, financial evidence, and continued health insurance. Begin renewals at least 3 to 4 weeks before expiry. Renewed annually

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common questions when advising international students on studying in Malta, answered clearly and accurately.

It depends on the institution and the specific qualification. The safest route is an MQRIC Statement of Comparability, which formally maps your degree to the relevant MQF level so an admissions team can assess Master's (MQF 7) eligibility with confidence. Public institutions, especially the University of Malta, strictly require this evaluation or run their own board reviews. Many private HEIs are more flexible. Either way, apply early online via mfhea.mt (standard timeline is 4 to 8 weeks; fees range from €15 to €65) at least 3 to 4 months before your deadline.

In most countries, the National Visa (Type D) is submitted through VFS Global on behalf of Malta, where biometrics are also collected. In countries without a dedicated Maltese diplomatic mission, the Italian Embassy formally represents Malta for visa processing. Students should apply at least 3 months before their programme start date. The standard government visa fee is €100 (excluding VFS Global service and administrative charges), and processing typically takes 15 to 30 working days. Always verify the latest submission requirements directly on the VFS Global Malta portal for your specific country.

Malta requires non-EU students to show accessible funds equivalent to at least 75% of the national minimum wage for every month of study, which usually averages €8,000 to €10,000 per year. Accepted evidence includes: (1) original personal or sponsor bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months paired with a photocopy of an internationally usable debit card linked to that account; (2) a notarized affidavit of sponsorship with the sponsor's clear proof of income; or (3) an official scholarship award letter. Note that Malta does not use a German-style blocked account system for student visas.

Proof of accommodation is mandatory for both the initial Type D visa and the post-arrival e-Residence card, meaning it must be arranged before traveling. Malta's rental market is fast-moving and highly concentrated, especially in student-friendly neighborhoods like Msida, Gzira, Sliema, and St Julian's. It is best to secure a verified short-term stay or an official student housing allocation before flight departure. Once you move into long-term housing, your landlord must legally register the rental contract on the official Maltese Housing Authority portal, as Identità requires a verified registration certificate to issue your residence card.

Malta offers a 9-month post-study residence extension for non-EU graduates under the EU Students Directive. This is a non-renewable job-seeking bridge only: you cannot work full-time on this card alone. Its core purpose is to allow you to legally stay in the country to attend interviews and find a corporate sponsor. Once you secure a qualified job offer, your employer must submit an application for a Single Work Permit through Identità and Jobsplus. You can only begin full-time professional employment after the Single Work Permit or an accelerated track like the EU Blue Card is officially approved and issued.

Partner Programmes

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We work closely with select, premier institutional partners in Malta. Use the ApplyBoard platform to seamlessly match your student's academic background, budget, and career goals with our curated partner pathways, and manage your application submissions all in one place.

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