Are you considering studying in Malta? Great choice! This beautiful Mediterranean island offers excellent education and a vibrant student life. But first, let's talk about how to get a student visa. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the Malta student visa, including application steps, requirements, and what you can do after graduation.
Do I need to obtain a visa to travel to Malta?
When planning a trip to a foreign country, the first question you should consider is whether you need a visa. Malta is part of both the European Union and the Schengen Area, which means that entry requirements and your rights during your stay are governed by the regulations of these entities. Consequently, whether or not you require a visa to enter Malta depends on your nationality.
For instance, if you are from Spain or any other EU member state, you do not need a visa to visit Malta. As an EU citizen, you can live, study, and work in Malta without needing to apply for any visa.
Malta Visas for Latin American Countries
Citizens from many Latin American countries, like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela, do not need a visa to travel to Malta or other Schengen countries. When you arrive, if you meet certain conditions, you will get a short-stay visa at customs. This is called the Schengen short-term visa (type C), which allows you to travel for tourism or take an English course in Malta. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a study or work permit after arriving.
However, if you are from Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, or the Dominican Republic, you must apply for a visa before travelling to Malta or any Schengen country. You can submit your visa application at the embassies or consulates of your destination country. For more information, Latin Americans can contact the embassy in Washington D.C., USA. You can find more details about visa requirements and application procedures at this link.
How to Get a Student Visa in Malta?
At Study Destination we have over 8 years of experience helping international students fulfil their dreams of studying abroad. If you would like us to help you with your application, contact us and we will start the process together! We will provide free guidance and advice to help you achieve your goals.
If you're from outside the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland, you will need a visa to study in Malta. This type of Visa is called Schengen Visa type D.This visa allows you to live in Malta for one year. Here’s how you can get one:
- Contact the Maltese Embassy: Start by reaching out to the Maltese embassy, consulate, or a visa application office in your country.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment to submit your visa application.
- Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents (details below).
- Submit Application: On the day of your appointment, submit your application form, fee payment, and other required documents.
- Wait for Approval: Within four weeks, you should receive a response from the embassy.
Supporting Documents for Malta Student Visa Application
To apply for a student visa in Malta, you will need the following documents:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your studies in Malta. Furthermore, you are required to provide both the original passport and photocopies of every page within it, including any blank pages.
- Application Form: You have the option to download it from this link or ask for a printed version at your school, where staff can help you complete it. Please note: if you decide to fill it out by yourself (it's quite simple), ensure that you do so in English and that your signature aligns with what is on your passport.
- Passport Photos: provide two colour passport photos measuring 35 mm by 45 mm, with white background..
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Letter of Acceptance: This document is sent by the university you will be attending and includes details about your course, such as its type, length, and vacation weeks.
At Study Destination, we help you navigate the enrolment process for your school. We will supply you with the acceptance letter from the institution, necessary for your student visa application.
Please note that some schools may provide this acceptance letter at no cost, while others might charge up to 40 euros. - Proof of date of arrival in Malta: Malta Police Immigration Stamp on the passport or flight ticket.
- Accommodation verification: It is necessary to provide a document that confirms your accommodation for the full length of your stay in Malta. This document may take the form of a hotel booking or a rental contract, depending on your lodging arrangements. Additionally, you will need to include a copy of your landlord's ID and the Rental Declaration Form, which is available for download here.
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Proof of Financial Means: This should demonstrate funds equivalent to 75% national minimum wage for each month of study, ensuring coverage for all costs (including tuition and daily living expenses) throughout the duration of the academic program.
The amount you need to prove depends on your accommodation situation. If you've already paid for your accommodation, you only need to show that you have enough funds for daily expenses of €19. However, if you're paying for your accommodation monthly, you'll need to demonstrate €35 per day.
If your bank account doesn’t have enough funds, you can use a relative's or friend's account instead. In this case, along with their bank statement, you'll also need to include:
1. A signed letter in English from the account holder stating how much (in Euros) they will support you financially during your stay in Malta. This letter should be dated within the last two months.
2. Proof of a transfer from their account to yours.
3. A photocopy of their credit or debit card.
4. A receipt showing a cash withdrawal from an ATM using their card. - Health Insurance: Valid for the whole Schengen Area, covering at least €30,000. Study Destination will offer you options on medical insurance policies that meet this requirement.
- Language Test Proof: Document showing you passed the required language test.
- Return Flight: Ensure that the date of your flight is on or before the end of your course or rental agreement. If you're traveling to a location other than your home country, double-check that it isn’t within the Schengen Area.
- If you have been enrolled in classes for the initial three months using a tourist visa (Schengen Visa type C), you are required to provide a certificate confirming your attendance from the school. This document must indicate that you have participated in at least 80% of your lessons. The same stipulation will apply if you choose to renew your student visa (Schengen Visa type D) in the future. This requirement was implemented in July 2021, and it is necessary to present this certificate to the Identity Malta personnel who will help with your application.
Applying for a student visa in Malta can feel a bit daunting. But don’t stress—that’s exactly why we’re here to help! At Study Destination, we take care of all the paperwork at no cost to you, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time studying in Malta. Reach out to us!
Can I Work with a Student Visa in Malta?
Yes, you can work while studying in Malta once you've completed the first three months (90 days) of your studies. Having completed that period, you're eligible to apply for a work permit. This permit costs €230, but it's worth it since there are plenty of job opportunities available in Malta. With this work permit, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week. If you're from Spain or another EU country, you're in luck—you can work full-time without needing a visa or work permit; just apply for your Maltese ID!
Where should I apply for a student visa for Malta?
We recommend you applying for a student visa from outside Malta, it's important to know that you need to submit your application at VFS centers approved by the Maltese government. These centers are located in various countries across Latin America. Here you can find the nearest VFS center, selecting your current country and Malta as your destination.
If you're applying from Malta, once you have all your documents ready, simply head over to the Central Visa Unit of Identity Malta:
Location: Central Visa Unit, Head Office, Valley Road, Msida, MSD9020, Malta -Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 2pm
Phone: +356 2590 4550
Email: visa.ima@gov.mt
When you submit your documents, if anything is missing, you'll be asked to gather those items and return another day with everything together. If you have all required documents at once, they will keep your passport and provide you with a receipt for collection in about 20 days.
How Much Funds Are Required for Malta Student Visa?
To study in Malta, you must show you have at least 75% national minimum wage for each month of study, ensuring coverage for all costs (including tuition and daily living expenses) throughout the duration of the academic program.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Malta Student Visa?
The processing time for a student visa is about four weeks. However, it can sometimes take longer, up to 8-9 weeks, depending on various factors.
How Long Can I Stay in Malta With a Student Visa?
A Malta student visa is issued for up to 365 days. If your course is longer, you can apply for a residence permit once you are in Malta. This permit can be renewed for the duration of your studies.
Can I Stay in Malta After My Studies?
Yes, you can! If you find a job, you can apply for a Malta work permit. Without a job, you can extend your student visa for six months while you look for work.
Is Malta Good for International Students?
Absolutely! Malta offers a high-quality education system, a safe environment, and plenty of opportunities for international students. Plus, it's a beautiful place to live with a rich cultural history.
How Much Can I Earn in Malta as a Student?
Wages in Malta vary, but as a student, you can expect to earn around €8-€10 per hour. Working 20 hours per week, you could earn between €640 and €800 per month.
What is the Success Rate of Student Visa in Malta?
The success rate for Malta student visas is generally high, especially if all your documents are in order and you meet the requirements.
Health Insurance for Students in Malta
International students must have valid health insurance covering the entire duration of their stay. This insurance must cover at least €30,000 for any medical emergencies.
Can My Family Come With Me?
Yes, your family can join you if you receive a residence permit. They can apply for a Malta family visa. Eligible family members include your spouse and minor children. You must show you can financially support them.
If my partner is from the European Union, can I work full time?
If your partner is from a European Union country, you can work full-time in Malta. Just make sure to provide the necessary documents that show you're a couple. You won’t need to apply for a work visa, but both you and your partner must visit the Identity Malta Visa Centre in Msida to get your Maltese ID and Community Residence permit for legal employment.
How to Get PR (Permanent Residence) in Malta After Student Visa?
You can't get permanent residence directly with a student visa. However, after switching to a work visa and staying in Malta for five years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Studying in Malta is an exciting opportunity that comes with the chance to explore a beautiful country, gain quality education, and make lasting memories.
At Study Destination, we’re here to guide you through every stage of your adventure in Malta. Our services are thoughtfully crafted to address all your needs as they come up during your trip.
Each member of our team has personally experienced living, studying, and working abroad, which is why we genuinely care about you and your experience. We want to share our knowledge to help you avoid the mistakes we made along the way. Our mission is to support you throughout your journey. If you're ready for an amazing experience in Malta, we're excited to help turn that dream into reality. Reach out to us!
FAQs
Is Malta Student Visa Easy to Get?
Yes, as long as you meet all the requirements and submit all necessary documents, getting a student visa for Malta is straightforward. However, make sure to apply well in advance of your planned start date to account for any delays.
Is Malta Good for International Students?
Absolutely, Malta is a fantastic destination for international students due to its high-quality education and safe environment.
Can a student work full time in Malta?
No, If you have a student visa, you're allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week after finishing the first three months of your English course. This can definitely assist you in managing your living expenses in Malta.
