Malta study visa – The need for skilled professionals is increasing in developed countries each year. Many countries have opened their doors for skilled international professionals to fill the industry gap.
Malta is one such small country in Europe. This country is a group of islands, comparatively very small but independent. Malta has recently come up in the news for attracting thousands of international students and working professionals to move there.
Malta offers high-quality education and a high standard of living, with many other benefits to all its international professionals. If you are someone who has always been mesmerized by nature, then Malta is the best study-abroad destination for you.
You will find wonderful waterfalls and beautiful beaches here. Malta also has a large English-speaking population, a major benefit for international students. The government highly promotes research and skilled professionals by providing several tax benefits.
You must sort out several things to move to Malta for your studies. One of the most important things is the Malta study visa. In this blog, we will discuss the study visa required for Malta.
Will you need a Student Visa to study in Malta?
The first question that comes up while discussing studies in Malta is whether you will need a study visa to study in Malta. The visa process is lengthy and tiring, but you must have your visa sorted out for a smooth study experience.
Malta is a member of the European Union since 2004, and thus it allows some benefits to EU citizens. You will not need a study visa in Malta if you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national.
However, you will need a Malta study visa if you do not come from an EU/EEA/Swiss nation. If you do not get a student visa to study in Malta, you can take up a short-term study course that does not require a study visa.
The limit for these short-term courses should not exceed 3 months. If you want to pursue a full-time bachelor’s or master’s degree, you will need a study visa.
To know about the Malta Visa Success Rate, read our other blog.
What documents do you need for a Malta study visa?
After clarifying the need for a study visa for Malta, let us discuss how to get a study visa. The application process for the study visa is given in the next section. First, let us discuss the documents you need for your visa application. The list of these supporting documents is given below:
Passport
The first thing you need for the visa application is a valid passport. Note that the passport should have at least 2 blank pages left at the time of your application.
Application form
The application form for a study visa in Malta can be found on the official website of the Maltese government. You need to fill in all the details in the form carefully and correctly. Check if any instructions are given for filing the form on the website.
2 Passport size photos
These photos must be recent and clear with a white background. The photograph size must be 3.5cm by 4.5cm.
Letter of acceptance
The letter of acceptance from the university in Malta you have been admitted to should also be submitted. This letter should clearly state all your details and the start and end year of the course. The university should be a recognized one as well. If your letter contains no information, you can contact the university.
Financial statement
The Maltese government requires all its international students to be financially able to support themselves. As an international student studying in Malta, you need to show proof that you have an income that is at least 75% of the minimum wage of Malta. The minimum wage may change each year, and thus you need to check the updated wage to get the precise amount you will need per month.
Health insurance
You need valid health insurance covering your entire Malta stay. This health insurance should be either globally acceptable or valid in at least the Schengen area. This should cover EUR 30,000 if you have a medical emergency.
Language test scores
The last thing you will need for a Malta study visa is proof of language test. If you have been admitted to a length taught program, you must submit your English test scores to prove your proficiency.
If you are looking for How To Apply Work Visa For Malta From India, read our other blog.
Application process
Always contact the Maltese embassy or the visa application office nearest you to apply for a Malta study visa.
Do not depend fully on consultants. You need to ensure that the process is done only after contacting the official representatives of the Maltese government.
- After contacting the embassy, schedule an appointment to submit our visa application.
- Collect the required documents mentioned in the above section. Fill up the application form correctly. There should be no mistakes in the form as you will have to face difficulties if any information is incorrect.
- Submit the application form and all the supporting documents on the day of your appointment. If you have been asked to submit any other document, that too. Pay the application fee, and the embassy will receive your application.
What is the processing time for Malta Study Visa?
After you apply to the embassy, they process your request. The processing time for a study visa is usually 4 weeks. Processing starts from the day you submit your application.
Note that this time can be longer in some cases because of multiple reasons. In these cases, people mostly receive a message regarding their application within 9 weeks. Once your application has been processed, the embassy will contact you via email or text.
Have you ever heard about the Malta EU blue card visa, if not, then read our other blog to get the complete information.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Studying in Malta can be an affordable option compared to other European countries. The tuition fees vary depending on the educational institution and the chosen program. The average tuition fee for an International student in Malta can be from EUR 5,000 to 40,000, depending on your chosen course.
Some scholarships and financial help options are also available for international students to manage their tuition fees while studying in Malta. These scholarships can reduce your financial burden for paying the fees and make studying in Malta even more accessible.
Student Life in Malta
After learning about the required documents, application process and processing time for a Malta study visa, you must also know how is life for a student in Malta.
As an international student, you will experience an exciting and diverse student life in Malta. The country has a friendly and multicultural environment that offers plenty of chances to meet new people and engage in extracurricular activities.
Joining student clubs, societies, and organizations will improve your college experience and help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
How to stay in Malta after entering with a student visa?
Students often think all the work will be done after landing in Malta. This is not true, you will have to apply for a temporary residence permit within 3 months of arriving in Malta.
This temporary residence permit will allow you to stay in Malta for over a year. This temporary residence permit is necessary if you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss resident. If you are from any of these nations, you must obtain a registration certificate within three months of arrival.
How to stay in Malta after graduation?
Many students worry about their stay in Malta after their studies are completed. You can stay in Malta after your graduation if you follow some steps.
If you get a job after graduation, you can continue staying in Malta. In this case, you must apply for a Malta work permit.
The process for the Malta work permit is different, and you can find more information regarding this on the official website of the Maltese government.
Students are more worried if they don’t find a job after graduation. The Malta study visa applies for 365 days, and if you are still looking for a job in Malta after your graduation, you can extend your student visa for up to 6 months. This can be done from the visa office in Malta.
Renewing Your Malta Study Visa
If you plan to extend your stay in Malta after completing your study program, you must renew your study visa. The renewal process involves submitting the necessary documents to the embassy and fulfilling the basic requirements set by the Maltese government. Initiating the renewal process well in advance is essential to avoid any disruptions in your stay.
Working while studying with a student visa
Maltese universities are comparatively less expensive, but the living expenses and other charges may burden you. Thus, working part-time is a great option to help yourself financially.
The Malta study visa allows you to work 20 hours a week. This limit is kept so that you can focus on your studies which is the main motive of your stay in Malta.
You may have to apply for an employment license when you start working. Jobs like a delivery boy, English tutor, and others are great choices for an international student.
How to get a Permanent residency in Malta?
Most students choose to move to Malta to settle there after their studies, and after completing their studies, their first concern is how to get Malta residency. This is not necessary, you may choose to come back to your country or move to another country for better job opportunities, or you may choose to work and settle in Malta.
You will need a permanent residency (PR) to settle in Malta. This is different from having a student visa, and just having a student visa does not qualify you for a PR.
You will first have to obtain a work visa to work in Malta after your studies and then continue working in Malta for 5 years with the work visa to qualify for PR.
Being a permanent resident of Malta will change your experience of living in Malta positively. You will be eligible for many benefits and some rights as a permanent resident.
Please read our other blog to learn how to apply Malta work visa.
Conclusion
Starting on a journey to pursue your study in Malta is an exciting and enriching experience. Getting a Malta study visa opens the door to world-class academic excellence, cultural exploration, and personal growth.
Students must carefully follow the application process, fulfill the eligibility criteria, and maximize the opportunities available in Malta for international students.
In case of any query while filling out the form, contact the embassy. We hope this blog has cleared all your queries about the Malta study visa, but if you still have any questions, please contact our experts.
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All the best to your studies!
FAQs
Can a student get PR in Malta?
Yes, international students can get a PR in Malta after completing their studies, but to get a Malta PR, students must fulfill some basic Malta PR requirements.
Can I work full-time on a Malta study visa?
No, international students are allowed to work part-time while studying, with certain limitations on the number of hours per week. They are allowed to work 20 hours a week while studying.
Are scholarships available for international students in Malta?
Yes, various scholarships and financial help options are available for international students to pursue their studies in Malta.
What are the accommodation options for students in Malta?
Students can choose from on-campus dormitories, private apartments, and shared housing based on their preferences and budget.
Is Malta a safe country for international students?
Malta is known for its safety and security, with a low crime rate and a welcoming local community, it is a great place for international students to study.
