This ‘Sun and Sea destination’ is located right in the middle of the Mediterranean. The coastal country experiences a tropical climate of warm summers and rainy winters. The country is a favourite tourist destination for its breezy beaches and cultural richness. Moreover, this small European nation is popularly growing as a preferred study abroad destination. The tertiary education rendered in Malta is parallel with those offered at the other big European Destination. Malta is also a member of Schengen countries.

Students from European nations as well as from non-EU countries are constantly flying Malta to complete their higher education programs in Maltese universities. The reasons for this sudden changeability are in fact multiple.

Let’s explore why Malta is chosen as a study abroad destination.

Higher Education in Malta 2020 for Internatioal Students 

The educational system of Malta is pretty similar to the British one, therefore students who have completed their 12 years+ of GCCE or O/A level studies in Pakistan and other developing countries can easily get adapted with the academic atmosphere. Malta would be a preferred study abroad country for students from other European countries as undergraduate courses are completely free for Maltese and all European students. However, students from Non –European countries have to pay the tuition fees at all degree level and other courses. The degrees are completely recognized and the curriculum taught at the Maltese higher education institute is the same as in other European countries. Malta being a small city entails only one public university, The University of Malta. This is a very old institution. It is founded in 1592.

Around 11,500 students, including 1,000 international students from 92 different countries are currently studying at the University of Malta. Moreover, these students have the liberty to study in a full-time or part-time degree and diploma courses. Some universities also takes admission of students who take gap years between their study courses.

English Taught Study Courses

Pakistani students generally hesitate to apply in a European university because of the language barrier. Most European universities are conducting degree programs in their native language like German, French, and Italian etc. Malta is one of those European nations where English dominates as the medium of instruction. Maltese and English, in fact, are the nation’s official languages and most of the courses conducted at Maltese universities are English taught. This has favoured overseas students especially from South Asian countries as these students can fluently speak, write and understand the English language.

Member of the European Union

Malta is a member of the European Union. This small island is in fact associated with Commonwealth also. The country enjoys close ties with the UK. It is a Schengen state as well as the part of the European Higher Education Area. Students from Schengen countries do not need any visa to enter Malta.

Malta Work While Study Policy

Recently Malta government has announced changes to its student visa policy. The new policy is quite impressive for Non –EU students. According to the current law, Non-EU students who are enrolled in a higher education course for more than 90 days can now work 20 hours a week. Moreover, international graduates are allowed to extend their stay in Malta for six months. These students can stay in Malta after graduation to hunt some appropriate job in the country. The policy further states that English language students on courses longer than three months can work in Malta. These students only apply for a residence permit if they extend their stay for more than one year.

The Maltese degrees are completely recognized.

The Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) is the official degree recognition body that recognizes qualifications. It recognizes both academic and vocational qualifications. It also helps to recognize the Maltese qualifications abroad.

Exceptional Study Courses

Diverse numbers of courses are being taught at Malta higher education institutes. There are around 200 courses offered in Malta. Along with the conventional study courses, the Malta universities also render courses that are unique and are taught in very few universities abroad. These include courses in forestry, fishery, Social and behavioral sciences, and tourism and hospitality etc.

Work While Study

Maltese education system allows both part-time and full-time study programs this will help the students who are working part-time and are paying for their studies. Moreover, not only degree courses are taught in Malta, in fact, but there are also many higher education institutes which offers highly recognized vocational and diploma courses for International students. These institutes are

• Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology

• Institute of Tourism Studies

• St. Martin's Higher Education Institute

This small island has become a study hub for part-time working students. International students from European countries do not require any permission to work while studying in Malta. However, Non-EU students like form Pakistan has to apply for a working license to take part-time jobs while studying. With the current Maltese education policy, international students can now work for 20 hours a week. Malta is a tourist destination; therefore, many part-time jobs are available for students in the tourism industry.

Scholarship Programs in Malta 2020 for Pakistani Students 

Maltese Government, as well as the universities in Malta, offer a number of scholarship programs for both European and non-European international students. Some of these are in fact fully funded and an eligible foreign student can complete his degree in Malta remaining in a budget. You can check these scholarship offers at the given link.

Affordable Living and Study

Both the study and living cost is quite affordable in Malta as compared to other European countries. The tuition fees, dorm rent, food, entertainment and general living is quite economical plus the country allows the international graduate to stay in Malta and look for work if he wants to stay longer at the island.

Malta, the Island

In short, this is a small yet safe destination to study and live. The crime rate is comparably low. People are hospitable. English is spoken and understood everywhere. The scenic beaches and mild Mediterranean climate has made Malta a perfect destination to reside. A foreign student can enjoy all sorts of recreational activities especially related to marine life is offered in the country. Students can experience the Mediterranean flavours while living in Malta. Students can view the life of 16th century through historic heritages. There are Prehistoric temples underground Roman cemeteries and much more for a Malta visitor. Valletta is the capital of Malta, it has all components of modern living as well as the city is abundantly rich in historical sites to see and explore.

Good news for Game of Thrones fans as Malta is a mini-Hollywood and a grand location to film Game of Thrones episodes

Malta is one of the world’s smallest yet over-populated countries. Malta, in fact, comprises a group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Italy. With the growing trend of studying abroad, Pakistani students now choose some unconventional destinations to complete their degree programs. Malta is one of these exceptional options.    

Higher Education System of Malta 2020 for Pakistani Students   

The country has established a reputed educational system and is becoming a popular study abroad destination for a few years. The higher education in Malta offers degree programs in nearly all subjects like Arts, Business, Law, Education, Science and Technology, Health Sciences, Economics, Management, Engineering etc. The students can take admission in both full-time and part-time study programs. The academic courses render the most up-to-date curriculum. The courses are offered at every level including diploma courses, undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. Moreover vocational and similar training is also available at these institutes. The Maltese institutes cater both full-time and part-time students to provide maximum flexibility for working students.

Top Universities in Malta 2020:

• University of Malta

• American University of Malta 

• European Graduate School

Higher Education Institutes in Malta

• Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology 

•  Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) 

Admission Intakes and Requirement for Undergraduate Programs at Malta Universities 2020 

The undergraduate program or Bachelor degree courses take three years to complete. The academic year comprises two semesters that generally begins in October. However individual university has set its own academic schedule, therefore it is better to check the institute’s official website for authentic and latest updates. Generally Maltese Universities conduct English Taught courses. However, a limited number of Maltese language courses also take international admissions.Students can apply throughout the year.

How Pakistani Students can Apply at A Maltese University 2020

• Primarily the prospective student has to apply online at the university website

• The application process also demands some processing fee; therefore, the student has to pay the application fee as directed before the submission deadline. It is, however, not the case with every university. There are universities in Malta which receive applications free of charge

• Eligible students can also apply for scholarship programs if applicable

• The correctly filled and signed applications along with the required academic documents are then submitted online at the university’s admission site.

• The Admissions & Records Office will receive and evaluates the applications and related documents.

• Once the evaluation is completed, the Office of the Registrar issues the decision letter to all applicants.

• Business studies sometimes demand work experience certificates.

• Maltese Educational system accepts the A-level certificate for undergraduate admission, however, students who have completed their 12 years of studies with some certification or intermediate certificate can also apply for a bachelor’s degree program in Malta. Higher School Certificate of Matriculation of approved overseas and EU authorities are also accepted or any equivalent qualification.

• Higher education institutes generally accept the International Baccalaureate and the European Baccalaureate.

• However, an overseas applicant can submit the documents according to the entry requirements of the course.

Pathway Program for Pakistani Students

For Pakistani students holding an Intermediate / Higher Secondary Certificate, Malta universities offer pathway programs to help develop the skills you need to acquire to study an undergraduate course. These foundation courses are conducted in

• Medical, Dental & Health Sciences

• Business

• Science, Engineering & ICT and

A Pakistani applicant requires at least 60% in his/her Intermediate Certificate/Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) to get enrolled in a foundation or pathway program.The students, who complete the pathway program successfully, become eligible for direct entry into the undergraduate degree courses.

Students who want to take admission in year 1 of undergraduate degree programs, should submit their academic records and transcripts to the university The academic council has set criteria of grades and points for each course and subject like some institute to measure your academic qualification according to the standard IB Diploma.

It is, however, better to contact the International student office at the university for more information about entry requirements.

The Admissions team carries out an initial check of your application for accuracy and determines your tuition fee and residential status.

• The university will send a formal letter of admission to the student. The letter also defines how to pay the fees and register at the university.

• In the acceptance letter, applicants requiring visas will be duly informed and supplied with the necessary information they require in connection with the visa application process.

• The student has to pay the tuition fees as directed by the University authorities.

• Malta universities also offer accommodation to new full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the first year of study, if you confirm your admission and have applied for on-campus accommodation.

• Since the language of instruction and communication at most Maltese universities is English, therefore an overseas applicant has to provide his/her competency according to the University’s English Language Requirement. Generally, IELTS 6.5 overall score with at least 6.0 in reading and writing is acceptable.

• Moreover, students who are not able to meet the English language proficiency criteria can enrol into the Pre-Sessional English courses offered by the university.

• Remember that some specific departments especially a professional study have set slightly different entry criteria.

• The age limit to take admission in an undergraduate course is generally at least 17 years in the year you begin your course.

Documents Required for Pakistani Students 2020 for Admisison in Malta Top Universities 

1. Two recent Passport size coloured photographs with white background (3.5cm x 4.5cm).

2. Original and photocopy of Passport with a validity of at least 3 months after the arrival in Malta and All previous Passports

3. Travel Medical Insurance valid for all Schengen Countries.

4. Bank statements or other financial proofs (signed and stamped) for the last 3 months

5. Proof of Accommodation

6. Originals and 1 copy of all the academic Certificates.

7.  Acceptance Letter from the Educational Institute in Malta.

8. Notarized parents consent letter if applicable.

Once your admission is accepted at a Malta university, the student has to apply for a Malta student visa. This is basically a Schengen visa as Malta is a Schengen country and to apply for a Malta study visa Pakistani citizens have to approach the Italian embassy in Islamabad.

Postgraduate or Master’s Admission Requirements and Intakes 2020 for Pakistani Students

Master’s or a postgraduate study program generally takes two years to complete depending upon the subject and research. Classes for a postgraduate or Masters Programs generally begin in September although some institutions have their own schedule times of the year.

For international students, the deadline for applications generally falls in July.

How to Apply for a Master’s Program 2020 in Malt Universiteis 

• The prospective international student has to apply online at the institute’s website.

• In the application form, the student has to explain his/her reasons for study/ research and provide details of your qualifications

• Pakistani students are required to complete a 4-year Bachelor or Professional Bachelor degree from an HEC accredited university. The requirements will also depend on the postgraduate degree the student is applying for.

• The student has to pay the tuition fees as directed by the University authorities.

• Some postgraduate programs require the undergraduate degree in a major subject. However, there are postgraduate programs that require work experience in a relevant field.

• Postgraduate applicant’s, who have completed their Bachelor’s degree via English taught program or who have previously worked in an English speaking environment may be exempted from the standard English language requirements on a case-by-case criterion. For such an exemption, a confirmation letter about the English medium previous study will be required.

• The IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in R&W and 5.5 in S&L is mostly acceptable.

• Masters programs consist of taught modules as well as a dissertation or project of a specified number of words. Both the taught classes and the research project will complete the total credit hours needed for a full master's degree approval.

• Taught Modules generally take nine months to complete. Students are then are assessed by written coursework, examinations and relevant presentations. Once the student has passed all the taught modules, he/she can proceed to the research project or dissertation. Those students, who couldn’t complete the dissertation, can apply for a postgraduate diploma.

• The accepted student has to apply for a Malta study visa at specified consulate in his/her home country

Required Documents for Master’s Program

• Graduate 4-year degree or Professional degree from an HEC accredited university or  a one or two year  Master’s degree from an  HEC accredited university/a

• Two recent Passport size coloured photographs with white background (3.5cm x 4.5cm).

• Original and photocopy of Passport with a validity of at least 3 months after the arrival in Malta and All previous Passports

• Health Insurance valid for all Schengen Countries.

• Bank statements or other financial proofs (signed and stamped) for the last 3 months

• Proof of Accommodation

• Originals and 1 copy of all the academic Certificates

• Acceptance Letter from the Educational Institute in Malta

• All previous academic record attested

• Scholarship documents if applied

• Statement of Purpose

Admission and Intakes in PhD programs at Malta Universites for Pakistani Students

Malta universities also offer research-based doctoral studies. Students can pursue substantial independent research under the guidance of their PhD supervisors, who are experts in their field. Applicants who wish to pursue doctoral research at the University should possess a Master’s degree. It is however recommended to visit the relevant department website to check the supervisors for your research and thesis.

Studies for the PhD Degree take at least three years of full-time study or six years of part-time study to complete. However, if the research work prolongs then the Committee may recommend granting a longer period to the prospective student.

If you are an eligible PhD candidate, you will be asked to submit a written research proposal for your PhD.

How to apply for a PhD program 2020 in Malta Universiteis 

• The student then fills and completes the online postgraduate application form.

• If the university accept you,it will send an acceptance letter

• The student has to pay the tuition fees as directed by the University authorities.

• The student has to apply for a Malta student visa

• Proficiency in the English language is mandatory. Generally, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing is acceptable

• PhD admissions are open to candidates who possess a Master degree from the University of Malta or another university in the field of studies which is relevant to the degree, or has an equivalent or higher qualification.

All accepted Doctor of Philosophy candidates is primarily enrolled as Master of Philosophy students. The status will change within twelve months (full-time) or twenty-four months (part-time). The submitted written work will be assessed by an ad hoc board set up specifically for this work.

Research Supervisor

For a PhD student, the Board and the Committee appoint a Supervisor to the individual student. This supervisor is selected from the academic staff of the University. The supervisor possesses relevant qualifications and research experience in the subject area of the student. He/she also has all knowledge about the current research methodologies. If you have consulted any professional for this admission, then your study abroad consultant will brief you in this regard

The process for admission and documents required are similar to that of the Master's degree admission

universities in malta......

Pakistan lies in the third country category of Schengen territories and has no official Maltese consulate in the country. Students applying for a study abroad program in Malta should approach the Italian consulate in Pakistan for the processing and approval of Malta student Visa.

How Pakistani Students can Apply For Malta Study Visa 2020

Once you are accepted by any Maltese higher education institution, the next step is to acquire a Malta Student visa to enter your study abroad destination. As Malta is a member of the European Union and is one of the 26 Schengen countries, therefore, the Schengen visa obligations are applied on the visa processing.

Malta joined the Schengen system on 21 December 2007 and thus implements the common visa policies provided by the Schengen Agreement. Like other Schengen countries, the Maltese government has also set different Schengen visa policies for its visitors. Students from European countries, in fact, do not require any visa to enter Malta. Moreover, students living in countries which reside Maltese consulates in their cities can also apply for a Type-D (a long stay Schengen visa). However, developing Non –EU nations which do not have any Maltese consulate in their country are allowed to apply for a short stay or type-C Visa valid for 90 days at the allocated embassies.

Furthermore, this Schengen visa is valid for 26 countries, means students can freely travel between any of the Schengen countries once they enter in Malta.

Short-stay “C” visa (Schengen) allows the student to remain in the territory of Malta for a maximum period of three months (90 days), after that he/she will have to apply for a study visa extension. The extension usually is granted for a maximum of 365 days and students who are enrolled in a 3-4 year degree program and need to stay longer than 365 days, then again apply for an extension of their student visa as well as for a Temporary Residence Permit to cover their degree program period.

It is recommended to apply for a residence permit at least 8 weeks before the expiry of your extended Visa

Documents to present at the Visa office:

The following documents are submitted to the French visa officer to seek a student visa.

1. Completely and accurately filled and signed visa application form.

2.  Passport, valid for at least three more months from the expiry date of the visa applied, with at least two blank visa pages

3. Previous passports whether used or not.

4. Attested photocopies of CNIC card

5. Two passport or specific sized photos

6. University Acceptance Letter

7. No-objection certificate from school or university

8. Attested Photocopies of transcripts

9. Bank Statement of sufficient savings, confirming your affordability while staying in Malta

10.  Airfare ticket with the date of departure

11.  Health insurance coverage of at least 30,000 Euros.

12. Accommodation proofs

13. Language Proficiency certification in English

14. Visa fee receipt

15. Photocopy of Police Certificate

16. Students (under 18) require written consent of the parent is required with photocopy of his/her CNIC card.

17. Marriage certificate if applied

18. Employment certificate if applied

19. Statement of purpose

Students on Scholarships or Sponsorships

If the student is funding his study program through a Scholarship program or by a sponsor then the scholarship documents should be attached with the visa application form. Moreover, the letter of sponsorship should clearly state the relationship between the student and the sponsor. The letter should describe the method of accessing the funds. It is highly recommended that the student save enough cash in his account to spend an average yet comfortable stay in a foreign destination. Generally, students take help from a study abroad consultant to process these formalities for them. Your Study visa consultant can guide you about everything regarding the visa application process

Visa Fees and Processing Time of Malta for Pakistani Students 2020

The Malta visa fee is 60 Euros. The submitted visa applications are generally reviewed within 7-15 days. It is highly recommended to submit a visa application not later than 15 days prior to the planned trip for a timely review.

 The visa officer will either accept or reject your visa application. Students can fight back for the visa approval if they are rejected for the first time. It is mandatory that the signed application form is attached to the rest of the documents. These documents are personally provided to the appropriate embassy/consulate or its representative in Pakistan or the home country.

Studying abroad at a European destination means high living cost. Malta however is a small island therefore the cost of studies as well as living is quite low as compared to other European countries. The international student admitted in Maltese Universities has to bear the study as well as the living cost in Malta. The cumulative study cost at Maltese higher education institutes covers all the pre-departure and post-departure expenses.

Pre –Departure expenses

The student who wants to take admission at Malta universities has to first apply at the universities. Generally, this application process does not charge anything but it might be possible that some private universities take application process fees. The documents that you prepare, scan or photocopy to submit with your application or visa form also take some cash out of your pocket. Moreover once the admission is confirmed the prospective student has to apply for a Malta visa. The Malta visa fee in Pakistan is around 66 Euros.

The language courses that you attend to get admission in Malta plus the language exam fees itself draw around 60 thousand PRs, from your account. Then there is the airfare ticket. A one-way ticket to Malta via an economical airline is around 60 thousand PRs. There are some miscellaneous charges which a student has to bear before travelling to Malta like, buying stuff to take abroad, Airport taxes, fuel charges etc.

Post Departure Study Cost 

Upon arriving in Malta the student has to face different sort of study cost. The basic cost includes the Tuition fees at the Maltese university. This cost, however, belongs to both pre-departure and upon arrival categories. Malta public universities charge tuition fees to Non-EU students. Though the sum is quite low as compared to the private universities tuition fees in Malta, yet for a third country student still the amount is very high. The tuition fees for every course is also revised every year, therefore, it is better to check at the course menu of the Malta Universities to get the updated charges. The figure varies with courses and universities.

As a matter of fact, for Masters Program, the tuition costs for 8 credit hours for international students enrolled in the Arts and Business courses ranges around 1,080 EUROS for undergraduate students and 1,400 EUROS for Science subjects. In addition to tuition fees, Students also have to pay some annual registration charges. Full-time undergraduate courses are, however, free of charge for locals and students from the European Union.

The Scholarship Facilitation

Most of the developing countries’ students prefer to study in Malta on scholarships. This is a very sensible decision as these universities generally cover the tuition expenses and sometimes also provide extra grants to eligible candidates.

Moreover, students also have to pay some fee to obtain and renew their residence permit. The fee for the residence permit is around €23.29 per year.

Stationary, books and other material cost you around 150 Euros. Research based studies also demand some extra charges for thesis and dissertation

Living Cost in Malta 2020 for Pakistani Students

Though living in Malta is expensive for Non –EU students but it is still affordable as compared to the other European destinations. The living cost also depends on a student’s lifestyle. If the student is accommodating in a shared dwelling and working part-time in the designated hours, he/she can manage to live an average life in Malta while studying.

Accommodation Cost

The basic living cost, in fact, involves the Accommodation. According to a recent estimation

• Apartment rent will cost around Euro700 per month.

• Paying guest option will cost around Euro 500 (with food) per month

• Student’s residence will cost around Euro 400per month

Transport Cost

To travel in Malta students can use their Tallinja cards to get a journey cheaper fares the original cost of bust tickets. .In fact, 75c per journey will be deducted from the student’s travel card which has a monthly maximum limit of €21. Private taxis and other options are expensive. Students can also avail discounts on cinema tickets, museum entries, concerts etc.

The Average Living Cost in Malta

On average, the cost of living in Malta would lie anywhere between Euros 400 to Euros 600 per month. This would cover travelling, food, entertainment and utilities. Students are advised to get health insurance coverage in Malta that would cover the health-care expenses of the student. This health insurance policy also charges some good amount as the premium.

Hence studying in Malta is a good option for the international student as you can avail the opportunity to live in A Schengen country in the most affordable budget.

Studying abroad in Malta means getting a chance to explore the smallest yet heavily populated South European Island. The capital city of Malta is Valetta which is just 0.8 sq km in area and regarded as one of the smallest national capitals in the European Union.

The Diverse Life Style

Malta offers diversity. It is a place where traditions are blended into contemporary living. Due to the growing population of international students in Malta, the expats and the local Maltese share life together very peacefully.

Accommodation for International Students in Malta 2020

International students have a lot to enjoy in Malta. If you are admitted to any of the Maltese higher education institutes for completion of a long-term study course the first thing to find in Malta is a comfortable yet affordable accommodation. Malta, in fact, offers a variety of accommodation options for students, located around and close to the University campus, however, to comply with the budget, students are allowed to choose the accommodation which suits them best. Your study abroad consultant can also guide you to find the right accommodation

Students registered for studies in any higher education institute of Malta usually opt to live at the University Residence or associated hotels. Both of these accommodations are administered by the University or institute itself. These could be self-catered accommodation (you will prepare your own meals) or part-catered residence which offers breakfast and dinner during term-time only. Other options include living as a paying guest with a Maltese family, rent an apartment or stay in guesthouses or if your budget allows you can stay at five-star hotels. Whatever be the option the students will find an English-speaking environment. These accommodations are affordable and provide all basic facilities to the student. In addition, students can benefit from the multi-cultural environment in their shared accommodations.

Transport System in Malta

International students at Maltese universities avail all lively opportunities while living in Malta. Promptly accessible bus routes made travelling very easy. Malta and Gozo have the express line that runs from the airport. Buses are available from early morning to about 11 pm at night. Moreover, discounted bust cards are available for students. Through these Tallinja cards, students can travel in cheaper fares than when you pay on the bus. Every time the student boards the bus he/she simply touches the reader on the bus with his/her Tallinja card. A fare of 75c per journey will be deducted from their credit. However, this travel card has a monthly maximum limit of €21

White taxi service is also available in Malta; the white cab can pick up passengers from anywhere, except bus-stops. Moreover regular ferry service connects Malta to Gozo; In addition, there are regular boat services available between each island.

The Student Societies at Maltese Universities 2020

Students at their institutes can join several student societies that are generally recognized by the Senate and are a vital component of campus life. These societies offer students to take part in co and extracurricular activities. Moreover, such membership also augments the chances to develop a wide network of friends and social contacts.

Multiple Outdoor and Indoor Activities

University life has its own charm. Students can avail all opportunities of outdoor activities. They can enjoy the beach bonanza like there are several activities to perform for example: cycling tour, water sports, cruise travel, horse riding and diving etc. Private and professional guides are also available to take students on a cultural and historic tour of Malta.

The Climate is Suitable to Live and Travel

Malta enjoys a south Mediterranean climate with peculiar hot and dry summers and short and cool winters. This stability in weather condition plus the cool sea breezes invite international students to choose Malta as their study abroad destination.

The two sister islands of Malta offer scenic beauty. Students can delve into the beauty of this sun and sea destination by watching: Gozo, a tiny island with about 30,000 inhabitants and the second one is Comino the smallest island with just three inhabitants and a single hotel. Students can enjoy the beach in Comino, the Blue Lagoon, one of the renowned beaches of the archipelago.

In short, Malta is a lively and affordable study abroad destination where students could live within 1,000 euro a month in a shared residence. Students can buy bus tickets in discounted rates, and hang out in Malta to enjoy the favourite street food, Pastizzi, in just 30 cents and be a part of vibrant Maltese Carnival!

Besides Turkey, Malta is another study abroad destination that has modified its student visa policy. This revised policy, in fact, simplifies the visa process for non-EU students as well as grant them some more functional work rights. This step is taken to make Malta more attractive for international students as well as upgrade the reputation of the Maltese education sector.

Maltese New Work While Study Policy

According to the new policy, Non-EU students enrolled at Malta universities for more than 90 days will be allowed to work 20 hours a week. In addition, after completion of their studies international graduates can extend their stay in Malta for six months to search for good jobs. As a matter of fact, English language students (courses longer than three months) can also work while studying and they will only need to apply for a residence permit if they extend their stay for more than one year.

This modified policy will allow students to take a job from the 13th week of their arrival. These students can now work for up to 20 hours per week. Moreover, once the student visa is approved, the prospective student can apply for the working license and the work license is issued right after the approval of study visa.

This type of amendment will ensure that only eligible students obtain student visas. The Maltese Ministry for Education and Employment and the Maltese police would keep a further check and control on international students through such regulations. A valid system of data sharing on international students and educational institutions will also be enforced via the implementation of this newly applied ‘work while study’ policy.

Restrictions for Non EU Students

However, there are still some restrictions on these international part-time job seekers like:

• Students who want to work while study must be enrolled in a course of at least 15 hours.

• The limited working hours (20 hours of work per week) cannot be exceeded.

• The job or work license will automatically expire on the expiration date of the visa.

• It is the prime duty of the employer to take responsibility for the student when she/he is on the job.

• The prospective employer will fill a declaration as well as employee engagement form confirming that the employer is taking employment responsibility of the hired person.

Employment License Charges

Job license also charges some application fee which is around €150; however, when the license is issued the licensee has to pay €80 as issuance charges.

Minimum Part-time Wages in Malta 2020 for International Students:

Remember that the part-time employers are hired on minimum wages. The minimum wage for part-time workers in Malta is about 5 Euros an hour. However, English language teachers can earn a double amount yet their work is pretty seasonal. The students who are fluent in Maltese and Italian can avail many promising opportunities. Italy is, in fact, the commercial partner of Malta.

Latest Job Opportunities in Malta for International Students and Pass-outs 2020

International students in Malta are mostly employed in hospitality and IT. IT professionals are chiefly required to run online gambling sites. Other job sectors employing part-time international students include:

• Manufacturing industries (semiconductors, electronics, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods)

• Jobs in Merchant shipping

• Vacancies in Shipbuilding and repair

Where to Search Jobs

Students can search these jobs online or at the university bulletin board. They can contact a local job service or ask some Maltese acquaintances to provide assistance in this regard. The study abroad consultants in the student’s home country can also help to find a job in Malta

University Pass Outs from Non European Countries Can Work in Malta

According to the new work policy, international pass-outs from Maltese higher education institutes can also search job within a year after the completion of their degree program. Unfortunately, Malta has a restricted employment policy for third-country workers.

How to get an Employment License

Employment licenses are mandatory to legally work in Malta. These licenses or work permits are issued by the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC). These permits are in fact are applied by the employer, not the job-seeker. Thus, in order to get a working license, the pass-out has to first find an employer. Furthermore, the employer has to prove that a candidate from the EU nation is either not available or incapable of the assigned vacancy. Once the condition is fulfilled the employer can hire a foreign employee and then apply for an employment license on behalf of the candidate

For a third country pass out the employer first fills an application form and then submit it to the Employment License Unit.

Documentations required for Employment license:

• Application form

• CV of candidate

• Job description

• References

• Passport size photograph

• Photocopy of travel document

• Photocopy of visa

• Photocopies of academic certificates and accreditation

• Cover letter by employer

• Receipt of the Paid license fee

• A detailed vacancy report

When the application is approved, it is sent to the stakeholder concerned who will take a processing time of four to six weeks. As soon as the license is issued an engagement form is generated which mention the first day of the license validity. Employment licenses are generally valid for one year from the date of issue and can be renewed.

Salary Structure in Malta and the Blue Card

According to the January 2019 report, the average salary in Malta is approximately €1100 per month. Moreover, the non-EU employees can also get an EU Blue Card depending upon the nature of the job. Through this blue card, the employee can get many rights as enjoyed by a Maltese citizen. The Blue card also renders the right to work in some other Schengen states. However, the EU Blue card is issued to a highly skilled or qualified person who possesses a binding job offer or a full-time work contract.

Malta has joined the Schengen system in December 2007. Since then the country has adopted most of the Schengen regulations regarding, travel, visa policies and citizenship. The Maltese government has also set some own regulations in granting permanent residency or citizenship. The general policy relevant to non-EU citizens in this regard as follows

Permanent Residency for Non -EU citizens

Non-EU nationals, especially from the third countries like Pakistan, can apply for permanent residence in Malta if they have been legally living in Malta for five continuous years. These prospective immigrants must not leave Malta for more than six consecutive months in a year. Moreover, he/she should not remain absent from Malta for more than a total of ten months throughout the five-year period.

How a Non-EU student gets Permanent Residency in Malta 

for non-EU A new student visa policy about the immigration process citizens studying in Malta has been recently announced. According to this policy, Non-EU students admitted in a full-time course in Malta (exceeding 90 days) can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Moreover, students who have already obtained a higher education degree in Malta can now extend their stay in Malta for six months. This is the time when the university pass-outs hunt their career-specific jobs. Moreover, the students who arrived in Malta for a small course or language program have to check the relevant policies.

Non-EU students can also become a Maltese citizen via obtaining a permanent residence permit. When the international student arrives in Malta to study abroad, primarily he/she applies for a temporary residence permit. This permit needs to be renewed every year. After the completion of the study course, if the student wants to settle in Malta, he/she can stay in Malta and search job within six months.

Moreover, if they got employment as well as the employment license, these pass outs can continue their jobs and residence in Malta provided both their residence and work permits are renewed at the specified time. After spending five continuous years in Malta the graduate or pass out can convert his/her temporary residence permit into a permanent residence permit. This is called the naturalization process

Maltese work permits are generally employer-specific, however, there are some exceptions like these permits could be occupation-based, and location-based. It is however mandatory that your employer is happy with your work and is ready to renew your employment license every year. The working license in Malta is primarily applied by the employer, not the pass-out. Hence, the license is issued only on the recommendation of the employer with some strict restrictions.

Non-EU nationals residing legally in Malta can also apply for their family members, including the spouse (21 years or above) and unmarried children under the age of 18.

Citizenship of Malta

Next step is obtaining Maltese citizenship. This criterion falls under the regulations of the Maltese Citizenship Act. The citizens of EU countries can apply for citizenship after a six years period of residency within the country, however, to get a citizenship of Malta, non-EU citizens should stay in Malta for 18 years. Malta in fact also accept dual nationality, but with only one domicile for taxation dealings.

Maltese national legislation also allows international citizens marrying a Maltese national to become citizens of Malta provided they fulfill certain legal conditions. Other option to gain Malta citizenship is adoption method, seeking asylum etc.

Document needed to apply for Malta Citizenship

• Self-sufficiency application

• Photocopy of passport

• Health insurance coverage

• Bank statements

• Electronic identity registration form

• Naturalization application

• A valid medical report,

• Statement of the annual income

• Family, education and previous employment, authentic and complete details

• Evidence of no criminal record.

Benefits of Maltese Citizenship

Maltese citizenship renders many advantages. The person now gets the same rights as the other nationals. They can now freely live and work in Malta, as well as travel in all other European countries. Maltese citizens can now also work in other EU countries without restrictions. Both individuals and business person can also benefit from the low tax rates applied in Malta.

Malta Residency through Global Investment Program

In 2013 Malta introduced a Global residence program and the person fulfilling the given conditions of the program can have the Malta residency without any restricted formalities. The Malta Residence and Visa Program (MRVP) offers non-Maltese persons especially from Non-EU countries the opportunity of obtaining an EU residence card that offers visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area.

Requirements:

• An investment of EUR 250,000 in Government funding which would be retained for a minimum period of five years

• A non-refundable payment to the government of EUR 30,000

• A property purchase in Malta worth EUR 320,000), or rented property of EUR 12,000 per annum

Applicants who successfully gain residence permit through this investment route are not required to reside in Malta to complete their citizenship eligibility.