To study in Malta for longer than 90 days, a third-country national typically requires a national visa D followed by a study residence permit. The permit is issued for the duration of the program or usually no more than one year, with subsequent renewal upon continuation of studies, sufficient attendance, and fulfillment of other conditions.
The rules differ for higher education programs MQF 5+ and courses below MQF 5. Student status does not grant unlimited right to work and does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Who is eligible for this route
The applicant must be enrolled in a recognized full-time program, confirm payment of tuition, sufficient funds, accommodation, medical insurance, and genuine study purpose. Requirements for prior education and English language are set by the specific accredited program.
This route is not suitable for fictitious enrollment or for full-time employment from day one. Employment after studies requires a separate permit or change of status.
Stage 1: Student visa D
What it grants: entry to Malta for a study course longer than 90 days.
Who can apply: a candidate accepted to a specific accredited program and meeting its requirements for prior education and language. Previous visa refusals are disclosed in the application form and assessed together with the new dossier.
Timeframe: educational institution documents are issued after enrollment and payment according to its rules. Identità recommends applying well in advance; actual processing time depends on the consulate, completeness of the dossier, and season.
Documents:
- application form and photo; passport with validity of at least 10 months;
- letter of acceptance and proof of course payment;
- bank statements of the applicant or sponsor and confirmation of sufficient funds according to the applicable official calculation;
- copy of international bank card;
- insurance with coverage from €30,000;
- flight tickets (arrival no earlier than 2 weeks before course start) and accommodation for the first 14 nights;
- for minors — birth certificate and parental consent.
Stage 2: Residence card
What it grants: residence permit for 1 year (or for the duration of the course if shorter).
Timeframe: online application after entry through the Expatriates Portal; processing — several weeks, stay remains legal while the application is being processed.
Documents:
- letter of enrollment in a full-time program (at least 15 hours of classes per week);
- funds: 60% of annual minimum wage proportional to the study period + proof of access to funds from Malta;
- IDCU medical screening (for courses longer than 3 months);
- insurance with coverage from €100,000 for the entire period;
- lease agreement registered with the Housing Authority + Lease Agreement Attestation form certified by a lawyer.
Renewal
The card is usually issued for 1 year or for the duration of the course if shorter; to continue multi-year studies, a renewal application is submitted before the current permit expires. Upon renewal, Identità requires confirmation of continuation of studies, satisfactory academic performance, and attendance. Official rules do not establish a single Identità percentage for all programs; the specific minimum threshold may be determined by the educational institution. The application must include documents on studies and payment, current funds, insurance, and accommodation. Application must be submitted before the permit expires: late submission may result in loss of legal status and refusal.
Work during and after studies
Students of full-time MQF 5+ programs may work a maximum of 20 hours per week after issuance of the study residence permit and obtaining Jobsplus authorization. For courses below MQF 5 lasting more than 90 days, work is not automatically prohibited: it may be permitted for a maximum of 20 hours per week after the first 3 months of study, subject to Jobsplus conditions and permitted sectors. After successful completion of an MQF 5+ program, the holder of a valid study residence permit may request once a post-study permit for up to 9 months; further employment requires appropriate work status. Personal banking infrastructure for new residency — in the guide on personal accounts abroad.
What is MQF and how are levels assigned
Maltese education is structured according to the MQF (Malta Qualifications Framework) — an 8-level scale aligned with the European EQF framework. Levels 1–3 — school and basic vocational education; level 4 — post-secondary (completed 12 grades); level 5 — Undergraduate/Higher Diploma of 60–120 ECTS, a stage between school and bachelor's degree; level 6 — bachelor's degree; level 7 — master's degree; level 8 — doctoral degree. Therefore, to enroll in a Diploma Level 5, a school certificate is sufficient, while level 7 programs are designed for those who already have a bachelor's degree.
The level is assigned by the regulator, not the school: MFHEA licenses educational institutions and accredits each program separately — verifies learning outcomes, ECTS volume, and compliance with level descriptors. The assigned level is verified in the public MFHEA register; it is indicated in the letter of acceptance, and Identità looks at it. For the higher education route described here under S.L. 217.22, the threshold is MQF 5; the 9-month post-study permit in the published Identità FAQ is also indicated for those who have completed MQF 5+ studies. Courses below MQF 5 fall under a separate framework: Identità indicates that after a one-year national visa D or with an EU residence permit, a student may apply for a standard study residence permit; access to work is regulated separately and may be permitted after the first 3 months of study.
How to verify a study program
Before payment, you should verify the educational institution and specific program in the MFHEA register, its MQF level, ECTS, mode of study, duration, right to issue documents for visa, and refund rules in case of refusal.
The course name itself does not determine the migration regime. For higher education under S.L. 217.22, accreditation and MQF level matter; programs below MQF 5 are regulated by separate rules, including different conditions for access to work.
⚠️ The study residence permit is valid only with actual continuation of the program and compliance with conditions. Renewal is not automatic; termination of studies, insufficient attendance, or late submission may result in loss of legal status. The study period should not automatically be considered a route to permanent residence or citizenship.
FAQ
Who can enroll in the program?
Any candidate with completed 12 grades, English language proficiency, and ability to study at Diploma MQF Level 5. Previous visa refusals do not block application.
How much money needs to be shown?
According to program conditions — a balance of at least €15,000 for the applicant or sponsor. The official minimum is lower (75% of minimum wage per month, ~€720), but a reserve removes compliance questions.
How long does the visa take?
About 3 months. Documents from the school — within 1 week after enrollment; application — at least 9 weeks before the course start.
Is class attendance mandatory?
Yes. Upon renewal, proof of academic performance and attendance is provided. Identità does not establish a single mandatory 75% threshold for all programs: the specific minimum is determined by the educational institution, and low attendance may affect renewal. In case of objective circumstances, they need to be documented and coordinated with the school.
Can I work during studies?
Yes, with different conditions. For MQF 5+ programs — maximum 20 hours per week after issuance of the study residence permit and Jobsplus authorization. For courses lasting more than 90 days not falling under S.L. 217.22, work may also be permitted after the first 3 months, maximum 20 hours per week and subject to Jobsplus conditions. 9-month post-study permit is available after successful completion of an MQF 5+ program.
Key factual claims
- To study in Malta for longer than 90 days, a third-country national typically requires a national visa D followed by a study residence permit.
- The rules differ for higher education programs MQF 5+ and courses below MQF 5.
- What it grants: entry to Malta for a study course longer than 90 days.
- What it grants: residence permit for 1 year (or for the duration of the course if shorter).
- The card is usually issued for 1 year or for the duration of the course if shorter; to continue multi-year studies, a renewal application is submitted before the current permit expires.
- Students of full-time MQF 5+ programs may work a maximum of 20 hours per week after issuance of the study residence permit and obtaining Jobsplus authorization.
- Maltese education is structured according to the MQF (Malta Qualifications Framework) — an 8-level scale aligned with the European EQF framework.