Malta Study Visa in 2026: Complete Process, Fees & Requirements

The small but powerful European island of Malta has emerged as a top choice for international students. It offers a top-notch, EU-compliant education coupled with a lively lifestyle by fusing a rich history with a contemporary, English-speaking educational system.

Malta provides high-quality education with international exposure because it is a member of the Schengen Zone and the European Union. Malta has less average living expenses and competitive tuition compared to several Western European countries.

What Is a Malta Study Visa?

Basically, if your course is longer than 90 days, you need the Type D long-stay visa. Think of this as your entry ticket. Once you actually land in Malta, the next step is getting your e-Residence Permit (your Temporary Residence Card). That’s your official ID for the year.

This visa is your “all-access pass” to:

• Live in Malta legally while you finish your degree.
• Pick up a part-time job to help pay for those weekend trips.
• Wander through the Schengen area without a mountain of extra paperwork.

Eligibility Criteria for a 2026 Malta Student Visa

Getting this right is the difference between flying to Malta or staying home. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Academic Requirements:

• Acceptance Letter: You need an official, no-strings-attached letter from a recognized school. It’s got to list the course, the dates, and how many credits you’re taking.
• Passport: Check the expiry date! It needs to be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave, and you’ll need a couple of blank pages.
• Proof of Payment: You usually need a receipt showing you’ve paid at least half the tuition (or the full thing if it’s under €2,500).

2. Financial Requirements:

The government wants to see that you aren’t going to run out of money.

• The Bottom Line: You should have roughly €9,000–€10,000 ready to go for your first year’s living costs. This is separate from your tuition.
• The Evidence: Show them six months of bank statements. If your parents are paying, get a notarized affidavit and their tax returns (ITRs) to prove the money is real.

3. Health & Travel Insurance:

• Full Coverage: You need a policy that covers at least €30,000 for emergencies, hospital stays, or (worst case) being flown back home. It has to work in every Schengen country, not just Malta.

4. Accommodation Proof:

• Where will you sleep? You’ll need a rental contract or a dormitory letter. The visa office needs to see a physical address where you’ll be staying.

5. English Language Requirement:

• The visa officers don’t always demand an IELTS score, but most colleges do. Some might let you in with a “Medium of Instruction” certificate if your previous school was in English, but always double-check with the admissions office first.

6. Malta Study Visa Documents Checklist

Don’t let a missing paper ruin your plans. Double-check this list:

• A signed visa application form.
• Your passport (6 months’ validity is safer).
• Recent passport photos.
• That official offer letter.
• Proof you paid your fees.
• Bank statements and sponsor letters.
• Travel medical insurance.
• Your housing agreement.
• A solid Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining why Malta is for you.

Step-by-Step Malta Study Visa Process

Step 1: Secure Admission

Pick a school, get your offer, and pay the deposit. Don’t rush this—make sure the college is actually recognised.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Collect your statements, buy your insurance, and get your housing sorted. This part takes longer than you think.

Step 3: Book a Visa Appointment

Head over to the VFS Global site or the embassy. Pro tip: Book this 3–6 months early. Summer slots fill up fast.

Step 4: Attend Appointment

Drop off your docs and give your biometrics (fingerprints). They might ask you a few questions about your plans, so be ready to talk.

Step 5: Visa Processing

Now you wait. It usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, but don’t panic if it takes a bit longer during the September rush.

Step 6: Travel & Residence Permit

Once you land, you have a short window to apply for your residence card. This is the final piece of the puzzle.

Visa Fees & Other Estimated Costs

Work Rights During Studies

Malta is actually pretty great about letting students work.

• The Rule: You can work 20 hours a week.
• The Wait: You generally have to be there for 90 days before you can start.
• The Catch: You need a job offer first, then you apply for the permit via JobsPlus. It’s worth the effort to help cover your rent.

Post-Study Options in Malta

When the degree is done, you don’t have to just pack up and leave. You can try to flip your student visa into a work permit if you find an employer to sponsor you. Many students use this as a foot in the door for a career in Europe.

Common Malta Study Visa Mistakes to Avoid

• Last-minute applications: Just don’t do it.
• Vague finances: If your bank statement looks messy, they’ll reject it.
• Weak SOP: Don’t copy from the internet. They can tell.
• Sketchy colleges: Only go with licensed institutions.

FAQs

Q. How early should I apply?

Ans. Give it 3 to 6 months. Seriously.

Q. Is IELTS a dealbreaker?

Ans. Maybe not for the visa, but 99% of colleges will ask for it or an equivalent.

Q. Can I work immediately?

Ans. Usually, you have to wait 90 days. It gives you time to focus on your classes first anyway.

Conclusion

Malta is an excellent option for students seeking a genuine European education experience without the high costs often associated with other EU countries. With proper planning and timely documentation, the study visa process can be smooth and hassle-free.

If you need expert support with your Statement of Purpose (SOP), college selection, or visa application, Abroad Gateway, a trusted Malta study visa consultant, is here to guide you at every step—from application to arrival.

Start your Malta study journey with confidence today.