Study in Malta
An English-speaking Mediterranean island in the Schengen area. Malta is precise about documents, so careful preparation matters.
At a glance
| Visa | National long-stay visa (Type D) for courses over 90 days. |
|---|---|
| Institution | Must be licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). No licence, no visa. |
| Money to show | 75% of the national minimum wage for each month of study, at least €11,000, held for 30 days. |
| When to apply | At least 9 weeks before your course starts. We suggest 3 months. |
| Processing | Usually 4 to 8 weeks. |
| Insurance | Valid for the Schengen area, at least €30,000 medical cover, for study purposes. |
| Work while studying | With an employment licence, up to 20 hours a week. |
Rules, fees and amounts change. We confirm the latest official figures with you before you apply.
Who can apply
- An acceptance letter from an MFHEA-licensed institution.
- Tuition paid as your institution requires (deposit or full fee), with receipts.
- Proof of funds, insurance, accommodation and a flight that enters Schengen first in Malta.
Money you need
- Amount: 75% of the national minimum wage for every month of study, or at least €11,000.
- How long held: the funds must sit in the account for at least 30 days before the statement is issued.
- Statements: last 3 months, on bank letterhead, signed and stamped, no older than 14 days when you submit.
- Sponsor: the same rules apply to the sponsor’s account, plus a notarised affidavit and ID copy.
- Bank card: a colour copy of your international bank card from the same bank (hide the CVV).
Step by step
Choose an MFHEA-licensed institution
Private college, language school or higher education institution.
Secure admission and pay fees
Keep every receipt and your acceptance letter.
Prepare your visa documents
This is where most problems happen. Every name and date must match.
Book and attend your VFS appointment
Submit documents and give fingerprints, at least 9 weeks before your course starts.
Wait for processing
Usually 4 to 8 weeks. Do not buy non-refundable tickets yet.
Attend an interview if called
Explain why Malta, your career goals and how you will pay.
Travel and register
Apply for your residence permit within 90 days of arrival.
Document checklist
The core documents. Your embassy or university may ask for more, and we check your full list with you.
- Visa application form, signed in blue pen
- GDPR form, signed in blue pen
- One ICAO-standard photo (45 × 35 mm)
- Acceptance letter, invoice, receipts and programme timeline
- Financial documents
- Medical and travel insurance
- Passport (12+ months valid) and colour copies of all pages
- Flight itinerary with Malta as first Schengen entry
- Accommodation proof for the first 14 nights
- VFS appointment letter
Work and after graduation
- You can apply for an employment licence to work up to 20 hours a week.
- To stay after graduating, you need a Malta work permit.
- A refusal can be appealed within 15 days to the Immigration Appeals Board.
Common mistakes
- Outdated bank statements or missing account holder names.
- Small typos or different dates of birth across documents.
- Informal accommodation letters that cannot be verified.
- Fake or altered documents, which can lead to long-term bans.
- Applying too late for the course start date.
