Study in Malta
After Graduation in Malta 2026: From Student to Work Permit
A Malta study permit does not automatically convert into permission to stay and work after your course ends. Non-EU graduates who want to remain in Malta need to find an employer willing to sponsor a work permit, typically the Single Permit, before their study permit expires.
AI illustration · MaltaPathway
Plan your transition before your study permit expires
The transition path
- Finish your course and confirm your graduation date — your study permit is tied to your enrolment, so plan around its expiry date.
- Search for a job — focus on Malta-based employers willing to sponsor non-EU workers. See the job search guide for sectors and platforms.
- Receive a job offer — the employer must be registered in Malta and willing to go through the Single Permit application process for a Third-Country National (TCN) employee.
- Employer applies for the Single Permit — this combines work and residence authorisation into one application submitted by the employer through Identità Malta, with a Jobsplus labour market check.
- Switch from study permit to Single Permit — once approved, your residence basis changes from study to employment. See the Single Permit guide for fees, timelines, and required documents.
Sectors with demand for international graduates
| Sector | Notes |
|---|---|
| iGaming and online gaming | Major employer of international graduates, especially in IT, compliance, and customer support roles |
| Information technology | Strong demand for software development, QA, and IT support |
| Financial services | Banking, fintech, and fund administration roles, often requiring relevant degrees |
| Hospitality and tourism | Year-round demand; the Skills Pass may apply for certain roles |
| Education and language teaching | Opportunities at English language schools for graduates with relevant qualifications |
Last verified: 2026-06-09.
Salary and bank account requirements
Once employed under a Single Permit, your salary must be paid into a Maltese bank account, in line with Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) rules for Third-Country National employees. Open a Maltese bank account as soon as your job offer is confirmed — this is typically required before the Single Permit application can be finalised.
If you do not find a job before your study permit expires
If your course ends and you have not secured a job offer, your legal basis to remain in Malta ends with your study permit unless you have another valid status (for example, enrolling in a further course, or a family-based permit). Overstaying a permit can affect future visa and permit applications, including in other Schengen countries. Contact Identità Malta directly if your circumstances change near your permit expiry date.
For students considering a longer-term path beyond a single job — including family reunification or long-term residence after several years of legal employment — see the long-term residence guide.
Get useful Malta updates
New Malta guides, practical visitor notes, and source-checked updates. No spam.
Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.
About this guide
Maintained by MaltaPathway
This guide is written from public sources and kept up to date where possible. MaltaPathway is an independent visitor guide and is not affiliated with any official body. Source policy, correction policy, and monetization disclosure live on the About and trust page.
Sources
Was this page helpful?
MaltaPathway is an independent guide and is not operated by or affiliated with the Government of Malta, VisitMalta, or any other public authority. Details such as opening hours, prices, and schedules can change — always check official or current sources before relying on time-sensitive information.