When should I apply for the visa?

Malta only accepts student visa applications between six months and nine weeks before your course starts. We plan your admission so the visa application falls inside that window.

Can I travel to other European countries?

Yes, for short visits. With a Maltese residence permit you can travel in the Schengen area, but you can only study and work in Malta.

Is Malta expensive to live in?

Rent is the largest cost, especially near Sliema and St Julian’s. Sharing a flat or living a little further out keeps costs down, and buses cover the whole island.

Study destination

Study in Malta

An English-speaking island in the European Union, with a relaxed pace of life and a growing range of programmes.

Book free counselling Call 01926 669 642

Main intakes: Oct, Feb
Bachelor’s: 3 years
Master’s: 1 to 2 years
English tests: IELTS

Why study in Malta

Malta is a small, English-speaking country in the European Union and the Schengen area. Teaching is in English, and programmes range from career-focused diplomas and bachelor’s degrees at private institutions to research degrees at the University of Malta.

English-speaking
English is an official language alongside Maltese, so teaching, paperwork and daily life are all in English.
In the European Union
A Maltese residence permit lets you visit other Schengen countries for short stays.
Business, IT and tourism
Private institutions run career-focused degrees in business, computing and hospitality, often with small classes.
Work while you study
Part-time work is allowed with a permit, and tourism and hospitality employ many students.

Universities

Leading universities in Malta, with what each is known for
University	Known for
University of MaltaMsida	Medicine, law, engineering
MCASTPaola	Applied sciences, vocational degrees
GBS MaltaSt Julian’s	Business, computing
London School of Commerce MaltaFloriana	Business, management
American University of MaltaBormla	Engineering, business, computing

Intakes and deadlines

October
Classes start
October
Apply
January to June
The main intake. The visa must be lodged at least nine weeks before the course starts.
February
Classes start
February
Apply
July to October
Offered mainly by private institutions.

Tuition and living costs

Typical figures for international students. Fees and visa amounts change every year, so a counsellor confirms the current figures for your course.

Private institutions: €6,000 to €12,000 a year
University of MaltaFor students from outside the EU. Medicine costs more.: €8,000 to €18,000 a year
Living costsRent near Sliema and St Julian’s is the highest.: €700 to €1,100 a month
Proof of fundsFor each month of your stay, on top of any tuition still to pay.: About €950 a month

Entry requirements

English
- IELTS Academic 5.5 to 6.5, depending on the level and institution
- Some institutions accept other tests or their own assessment
Academic
- Bachelor’s: HSC or equivalent
- Master’s: a relevant bachelor’s degree
Student visa
- A full-time course at an institution licensed in Malta, at MQF level 5 or above
- Tuition paid, as your institution confirms
- Health insurance covering at least €30,000

How to apply, step by step

01
Choose a course
Check that the institution is licensed and the course accredited in Malta.
02
Take an English test
IELTS Academic, or another test your institution accepts.
03
Apply and receive an offer
Send your certificates, transcripts and English score with the application.
04
Pay the tuition
Institutions issue the documents for the visa once the fee is paid.
05
Apply for the student visa
At the visa centre in Dhaka, between six months and nine weeks before your course starts.
06
Apply for your residence permit
To Identità after you arrive. It issues the residence card you live and study on.

National visa (type D) for study

You apply at the visa centre in Dhaka between six months and nine weeks before your course starts; applications inside the last nine weeks are refused. After you arrive, you apply to Identità for a residence permit.

Visa feeStandard service, paid when you book the appointment.: €100
Visa centre chargePaid at the visa centre in Dhaka.: About BDT 14,000
Processing timeApply early in the six-month window to leave time for questions.: Varies

Documents you need

Valid passport
Letter of acceptance
Proof of tuition payment
Bank statements showing your funds
Health insurance
Academic certificates and transcripts
English test result
Proof of accommodation

Working during and after study

While you study
Up to 20 hours a week with a work permit, once you have been in Malta for three months.
After you graduate
Graduates of a degree in Malta can apply for a permit of up to nine months to look for work.