MALTA

Learning English in Malta — a warm place that fills the soul with peace — is an opportunity not to be missed. Enjoy learning English while you discover and experience Malta's culture and surroundings. The education you receive at our partner universities and language schools in Malta will change many things in your life and give you an experience you will never forget!

Updated: September 2026

Study in Malta Guide

In an English-speaking EU country: options for a language school, university and vocational training; the long-stay visa, the residence permit and work rights — all on one page.

EnglishOne of the official languages; the language of instruction is mostly English
D visaLong-stay visa for studies longer than 90 days
15 hrs/weekFull-time study requirement for the visa (minimum)
€950 / monthMinimum means of support stated by the University of Malta
20 hrs/weekWorking with a work permit, after the first 90 days
9 monthsOne-time post-graduation job-search permit
Key points you should know
  • Any study in Malta lasting longer than 3 months requires a long-stay D visa; you cannot start a long language course on a short-stay Schengen visa.
  • For the visa, the course must be full-time and include at least 15 hours of lessons per week.
  • The residence-permit application is not made from abroad but after you arrive in Malta.

Study Options in Malta

OptionDurationDescription
English language schoolsFrom a few weeks to a yearGeneral English, exam preparation (IELTS etc.), business English; ELT Council-licensed schools.
Summer schoolsUsually 1–6 weeksLanguage lessons and activity programs for young people.
MCAST and vocational programsVaries by programApplied certificate, diploma and bachelor's programs.
University of Malta – bachelor'sUsually 3–4 yearsThe country's long-established public university; most programs are in English.
Master's and PhDMaster's usually 1–2 yearsThe University of Malta and other higher-education institutions.
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English Language Schools in Malta

Malta, where English is an official language, is one of Europe's most popular language-school destinations. Language schools are licensed and inspected by the ELT Council.

Up to 90 days

For short courses, Turkish citizens usually travel on a Schengen (C) visa.

Longer than 90 days

A long-stay D visa is required; the course must be full-time and at least 15 hours per week.

Accommodation

A host family, student residence or shared flat arranged by the school.

When choosing a school

Check that the school is ELT Council-licensed and that the course level, weekly lesson hours and start/end dates are clearly stated in the visa letter. As the work rights of language-school students can vary by the type and length of the course, confirm with your school.

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University Education in Malta

  • University of Malta: The country's largest public university; bachelor's, master's and PhD programs are mostly in English.
  • MCAST: An applied and vocational higher-education institution.
  • Application: Directly to the university; international students' diplomas and grade averages are assessed by the university. Proof of English proficiency (e.g. IELTS) is required depending on the program.
  • Fees: Tuition applies for non-EU students; the amount varies by program, so check the university's current fee table.

For your English proficiency, you can look at our IELTS private lessons.

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The Malta Student Visa (D Visa)

Who is it for?Non-EU students who will study in Malta for longer than 3 months
ValidityA long-stay visa exceeding 90 days, up to 365 days
Acceptance letterMust state the course name, MQF level, firm start/end dates and that it is full-time study of at least 15 hours per week; for courses below MQF 5, the lesson schedule is also attached
Means of support75% of the national minimum wage for each month of study; the University of Malta states this as at least €950 per month
Health insuranceComprehensive private insurance covering hospital costs, medical evacuation and repatriation
OtherPassport, accommodation document and any additional documents the consulate requests

Official source: Identità — Student Visa

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Residence Permit

  1. ArrivalEntry to Malta on the D visa.
  2. Within the first 90 daysThe residence-permit application is made in Malta (it cannot be made from abroad). The application fee for University of Malta students is €50.
  3. ValidityUsually one year or the length of the course (whichever is shorter).
  4. RenewalBefore the permit expires; with a current enrolment document, transcript, fee receipts, means of support, insurance and accommodation documents.
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Working and After Graduation

While studying

A maximum of 20 hours part-time per week, after the first 90 days.

Work permit

The employer must obtain a work licence through Jobsplus; working without a licence is illegal.

After graduation

Eligible graduates can get a one-time permit for up to 9 months to look for a job or start a business.

Note

The post-graduation job-search permit does not by itself grant the right to work; once a job is found, the employer must apply for a work permit.

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Living in Malta

  • Budget: The University of Malta specifically notes that the minimum amount required for the visa will not be enough to cover accommodation and living costs; plan a realistic budget, especially for rent.
  • Language: Malta's official languages are Maltese and English; English is widely used in daily life.
  • Location: An EU and Schengen member; with a Mediterranean climate and a small land area, getting around is easy.
  • Health: Private health insurance is mandatory.
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Sample Timeline: Long-Term Language Course or University

  1. 4–6 months beforeChoosing a school or program, applying and the acceptance letter.
  2. 3–4 months beforeCourse or fee payment, accommodation, health insurance, means-of-support documents.
  3. 2–3 months beforeD visa application.
  4. ArrivalEnrolment and the start of studies.
  5. First 90 daysResidence-permit application in Malta.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which visa do I need for a language course in Malta?

For courses lasting up to 90 days, Turkish citizens usually travel on a Schengen visa. Courses longer than 3 months require a long-stay D visa; the course must be full-time and include at least 15 hours of lessons per week.

How much money do I need to show for a Malta student visa?

The rule is to show means of support of 75% of the national minimum wage for each month of study. The University of Malta states this as at least €950 per month and stresses that it will not be enough for accommodation and living costs.

Can I work as a student in Malta?

Eligible students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week after their first 90 days in Malta. The employer must obtain a work licence through Jobsplus.

When should I apply for the residence permit?

The residence-permit application is made after you arrive in Malta, within the first 90 days. The permit is usually valid for one year and is renewed each year provided your studies continue.

Can I stay in Malta after graduating?

Eligible graduates can get a one-time permit for up to 9 months to look for a job or start a business. This permit does not by itself grant the right to work; once a job is found, the employer must obtain a work permit.

We're With You for Your Education in Malta

From choosing a language school and program to the application and accommodation and IELTS preparation, we have supported students since 2009.

Information was verified on 17 September 2026 from Malta's Identità agency, the University of Malta and the ELT Council. Visa and residence-permit rules may change; confirm the current information from official sources and your school before applying.