Can international students work part-time in Malta?

EU/EEA/Swiss students can work without restriction once registered as residents, the same as any EU citizen. Non-EU students holding a valid study permit may be permitted to work part-time during term and full-time during official holiday periods, but this is subject to conditions attached to the residence permit and, in most cases, requires the employer to confirm the arrangement with Jobsplus. Always confirm your specific permit conditions with Identità Malta before starting any work.

How many hours can a student work in Malta?

Where part-time work is permitted under a study residence permit, it is typically capped at a limited number of hours per week during term time, with fuller hours allowed during official academic holiday periods. Exact limits depend on the conditions stated on your residence permit — there is no single universal number that applies to every student, so check the conditions printed on your permit card.

Do English language students have the same work rights as university students?

No. Work rights attached to a study permit generally apply to students enrolled in longer, MFHEA-registered programmes (such as university degrees). Students attending short English language courses, including those on a Schengen visa or short-stay basis, generally do not have work rights in Malta. Check your specific permit conditions before assuming any work entitlement.

Working While Studying in Malta 2026: Student Work Rights & Limits

Many international students want to work part-time to help cover living costs. In Malta, the rules differ for EU/EEA students, non-EU university students, and non-EU English language students. This guide explains who can work, how many hours, and what permissions are needed.

Official SourceLast updated 9 June 2026

Permit conditions are individual — always check your card

Work rights for non-EU students are attached to the conditions on your specific residence permit, not a single blanket rule. Working outside your permit conditions can jeopardise your student status and any future visa or permit applications. When in doubt, contact Identità Malta directly before accepting any work.

Who can work, and under what conditions

Student type	Work rights
EU / EEA / Swiss students	Same right to work as any EU citizen, no separate work permit needed
Non-EU university students (study permit)	May be permitted limited part-time work during term and fuller hours during official holidays, per permit conditions
Non-EU English language students (short course)	Generally no work rights — short-stay visas and study arrangements are not intended for employment
Non-EU students after graduation	Must transition to a work permit (e.g. Single Permit) sponsored by an employer — see after graduation guide

Last verified: 2026-06-09. This is a general overview — your residence permit card states your specific conditions.

What employers need to know

Employers hiring a non-EU student for permitted part-time work generally need to:

Confirm the student's residence permit allows work and note any conditions (hours, sectors, term-time vs holiday limits)
Register the employment arrangement with Jobsplus where required, following the same non-EU employment notification process used for other Third-Country National workers
Pay wages into the student's Maltese bank account, in line with general TCN employment rules
Keep records of the student's permit and working hours in case of inspection by the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER)

Common part-time roles for students

Students who are eligible to work part-time often find roles in:

Hospitality and tourism (restaurants, cafes, hotels) — seasonal demand is high in summer
Retail in tourist areas (St Julian's, Sliema, Valletta)
Tutoring or language exchange (for English language students with relevant skills)
On-campus roles at universities (library assistance, research assistant positions for postgraduates)

For students aiming at hospitality roles, the Skills Pass may be relevant depending on the role and sector.

Balancing work and study

Even where part-time work is permitted, universities and language schools expect students to maintain attendance and academic progress. Failing a course, withdrawing, or falling below required attendance can affect the validity of your study permit independently of any work arrangement.

If your goal is to stay in Malta and work after your studies finish, plan ahead — see the after graduation guide for how to transition from a study permit to a work permit.

Stay updated on Malta policy changes

Get notified when immigration rules, fees, or deadlines change. No spam — only policy updates.

Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.

Author and editorial standard

Maintained by MaltaPathway

This guide is written from public official sources and labelled limitations. MaltaPathway is independent, not a law firm or government agency. Founder proof, source policy, correction policy, and monetization disclosure live on the About and trust page.

Sources

Official SourceStudent Visa — Central Visa UnitVerified 9 Jun 2026

Official SourceEmploying Non-EU Nationals in MaltaVerified 28 May 2026

Official SourceSingle PermitVerified 28 May 2026

Was this page helpful?

Found this useful? Share it:

ShareWhatsApp Facebook

MaltaPathway is not a law firm, immigration consultancy, or government agency. The information on this page is based on publicly available official sources and is provided for informational purposes only. Immigration rules change — always verify with the relevant authority before making decisions. If your case is complex, consult a licensed immigration lawyer.