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Malta announces new student visa system

Malta has announced changes to its student visa policy that will simplify and streamline the process for non-EU students and include work rights.

New regulations will make Malta more attractive to students. Photo:Kirkandmimi/Pixabay

English language students on courses longer than three months will also be allowed to work and they will need to apply for a residence permit only if they extend their stay over a year

Its aim is to make Malta more attractive for international students while maintaining the reputation of the local education sector, a government statement reads.

It will also allow private education providers to tap into certain markets where Malta has limited consular representation, by allowing students to apply for a visa without presenting themselves in person.

“The new arrangements will make it possible for the country to retain the talent of highly students”

“The government is aware that the current scenario may be harming Malta’s potential in the education sector and prejudicing the significant investment of educational establishments in the Maltese economy,” the government statement reads.

Non-EU students enrolled in a higher education course for more than 90 days will also be allowed to work 20 hours a week, and international graduates will be able to extend their stay in Malta for six months after graduation to look for work.

“The new arrangements will make it possible for the country to retain the talent of highly skilled third-country nationals,” the statement reads.

English language students on courses longer than three months will also be allowed to work and they will need to apply for a residence permit only if they extend their stay over a year.

FELTOM CEO James Perry said the possibility to work while studying English in Malta will definitely boost interest in the island nation as a study destination.

“Most third-country nationals travel for a longer period of time and the possibility of working will help in financing part of their stay,” he told The PIE News.

The new system, he explained, will allow students to start working as of the 13th week after their arrival and for up to 20 hours per week. This work license is issued once the student visa is approved, and the students can apply for it once they find employment.

“At FELTOM we feel that this adjustment to the employment legislation is definitely a very good start and we will be monitoring the progress and suggest improvements, if needed,” he said.

Last year, FELTOM called for the introduction of work rights and ‘walk-ins’ – allowing tourists to easily convert to a student visa – as a measure to tackle shorter rates of stay.

The system will also aim to ensure that only bona fide students obtain student visas, so will require the Ministry for Education and Employment, Identity Malta and the police to maintain a system of data sharing on students and educational institutions.

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50 Responses to Malta announces new student visa system

  1. Hello am in Cameroon and i wish to know the procedure for a study visa and how long it will take. In Cameroon malta has consulta not ambassy, do they issue student visa?

    • Hey moses, you should call your local consulate and find out. Sometimes the embassy of a different EU nation will help you get your visa (if you are eligible) but they vary from case to case. Good luck!

    • Hello, did you succeed in getting what you wanted ? I am also in Cameroon and aspiring to have a student visa too

  2. Hi,
    I am from India, my wife wish to seek students visa, can I accompany her as dependant and can I work full time in Malta?

  3. I am from Nepal……in Nepal there are no embassy in malta but I am trying malta student visa .how many time takes of embassy and also how to know if I was rejected or not?

  4. Hello….
    I am from Nepal. I want to study in Malta is there any possibility to issue student visa?
    And can I work there?

  5. Please help me I am Pakistani and I am belong to a poor family but reason I admission in your school science matric my age is 17 my country people is my not support Pakistan is a very bad country

  6. Iam an Indian, I would like to study 1 year PG programme in Malta. So can I convert my student visa to work visa. It is possible to accompany with my kids. How long Iam waiting for work visa. Please give me the right suggestion.

    • Did you find answer of your question. I am confused after completing degree in Malta, Can malta immigration allow us 2 years work permit or not beacuse other european states are offering work permit but can’t find anything in Mlata still confusion, is there any rule or not.

  7. That is good move for the Government of Malta and i am very proud of them. Keep it up and i wish for the best for the Malta as a nation.

  8. “English language students on courses longer than three months will also be allowed to work and they will need to apply for a residence permit only if they extend their stay over a year.”
    How can i extend my stay over a year? Is there will be something i should provide to extend it?

    • How can a 44 weeks language course student extend his/her stay over a year? Is there will be something he/She should provide to extend it?
      What is the chances of getting residence permit after completing the 44 weeks language courses?
      plz do clarify me..

  9. Hello sir ,I am pavani from India.i want to do Ms. Is there any possibility of dependent of my husband on me and work permit

  10. I am from India, I wish to pursue my PhD in Malta, Can my wife and child accompany me on a dependent visa? Also, can she work full time in Malta?

  11. To whom it may concern, Am David from Nigeria, what is the procedure in securing admission for international student seeking to undergo master studies in Malta as I have first class degree international management from U.K

  12. I am from India & did 12th in 2016, want to apply for a student visa in Malta.

    Should I apply for a student visa & will be successful in getting the same?

  13. I live in Malaysia I work in a furniture store with water I deliver furniture I can do many kinds of work The country is doing many kinds of work I want to go to Malta for that Malta is a very beautiful country so I want to go to Malda I want to send a beautiful country I used to work for that country

  14. Am from Nigeria , I want to come for my masters program in Malta, am I allow to work and also stay back after graduation

  15. can i bring my family to Malta immediately i am coming to study. I mean Can I and my family come at the same time. Thanks

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