Study in Malta
Malta Student Visa 2026: Requirements and Application Guide
Non-EU nationals who intend to study in Malta for more than 90 days need a student visa and a study permit issued by Identità Malta. This guide explains who needs it, what documents are required, and how the application process works.
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Verify current requirements with Identità Malta
Who needs a student visa?
| Nationality | Short stay (<90 days) | Long stay (90+ days) |
|---|---|---|
| EU / EEA / Swiss | No visa required — free movement | Register with Identità after 3 months |
| Schengen-visa-exempt nationalities | No visa required for short English courses | Student visa + study permit required |
| Schengen-visa-required nationalities | Schengen C-visa for short courses | Long-stay D-visa + study permit required |
Last verified: 2026-06-09. Source: Identità Malta.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for a Malta student visa and study permit, you must:
- Have a confirmed place at a recognised educational institution in Malta (state university, private higher education institution, or MFHEA-accredited institution/language school)
- Have sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees and living costs (typically €350/month or evidence of equivalent savings/sponsor funds)
- Have appropriate accommodation arrangements in Malta
- Have valid travel/health insurance covering your stay
- Have a clean criminal record (police clearance from your home country)
- Intend to study, not to work as the primary activity
Required documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must be valid for the duration of the study period plus 3 months |
| Acceptance letter from the institution | Confirming the course, start/end dates, and tuition fee amount |
| Proof of payment of tuition fees (or first instalment) | Receipt or bank transfer confirmation |
| Proof of financial means | Bank statements showing €350/month minimum (or sponsor's financial guarantee) |
| Proof of accommodation | Rental contract, university housing confirmation, or host letter |
| Travel and health insurance | Covering the duration of the stay; minimum coverage required |
| Police clearance certificate | From your home country, typically no more than 3 months old at time of application |
| Passport-sized photographs | Standard biometric photo requirements |
| Completed application form | Identità Malta form; available from Identità or the relevant embassy |
Last verified: 2026-06-09. This is a general checklist — verify exact requirements with Identità Malta as the authoritative source.
Application process
- Get your acceptance letter — confirm your place at the educational institution. You cannot apply for a student visa without a confirmed acceptance.
- Apply for a long-stay (D) visa from the Maltese embassy or consulate in your country. This is typically done before travelling to Malta. Bring all required documents.
- Travel to Malta on the entry visa. You typically have a defined period (e.g. 30 days) after arrival to apply for the residence permit.
- Register with Identità Malta — apply for the study permit (residence permit for study purposes) within the permitted window after arrival.
- Attend biometrics appointment at Identità Malta (fingerprints, photo) as part of the permit application.
- Collect your residence permit card — this is the card you carry as evidence of your lawful residence in Malta during study.
Validity and renewal
A study permit is typically valid for the duration of the course, up to one year at a time. If your course lasts longer, you renew the permit before expiry. Renewal requires evidence that you are still actively enrolled and attending the course.
Failing to renew before expiry or abandoning the course can affect your legal status in Malta. If you want to switch to a work permit after graduating, see the after graduation guide.
Official application portal
Applications for study permits in Malta are processed by Identità Malta. The official portal for permit applications and current guidance is:
Visit the official Identità Malta portal (identita.gov.mt) — opens official government website.
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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.
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