About Malta
Malta is a small Mediterranean island nation in the EU and Schengen area, where English is an official language. Its economy is strong in iGaming, fintech, tourism and maritime services. The main intake is September–October, with a smaller January–February intake. The currency is the euro (EUR).
Why study in Malta
- English-speaking EU country, with degrees on the UK model
- Schengen residence and travel
- Work up to 20 hours a week
- A 9-month permit after graduation to find work
- Safe, sunny, with a growing Indian community
Popular fields of study
IT and software, iGaming and fintech, business and management, tourism and hospitality, maritime and logistics, and English language courses. Institutions include the University of Malta, MCAST and licensed private colleges such as GBS Malta.
Student visa, step by step
Student visa: National D visa.
- Get admission to a full-time course at an MFHEA-licensed institution.
- Show funds for your stay (about €9,600 a year, based on 60% of the minimum wage) through bank statements.
- Buy health insurance and arrange accommodation.
- Apply for the National D visa through Identità's Central Visa Unit / VFS and give biometrics.
- Wait for the decision. Apply 3–6 months before your course starts.
After you get your visa
- Apply for your study residence permit at Identità within 3 months of arrival (€50).
- Work up to 20 hours a week with a Jobsplus work permit (€230). Some courses must wait until after the first 3 months.
- Open a local bank account and get a social security number.
Work and staying on
- Working while you study
- Work up to 20 hours a week with a Jobsplus work permit (€230). Some courses must wait until after the first 3 months.
- After you graduate
- Up to 9 months to look for work After completing a course at MQF level 5 or higher, you can get a one-time post-study residence permit of up to 9 months to look for a job or start a business. It can't be extended.
- Settling long term
- Single Permit (work + residence): with a job offer (about €280). Key Employee Initiative / EU Blue Card: a faster route for highly skilled, higher-paid roles. EU long-term residence: after 5 years of legal residence.
Rules change. Please confirm the latest position with your guide.
Visa expenses
| National D visa fee | about €66 (approximate) |
| Study residence permit | €50 |
| Student work permit (Jobsplus) | €230 |
| Living-cost funds to show | about €9,600 a year |
Average salary
Graduates typically start at about €20,000–€28,000 a year (approximate). iGaming, fintech and IT roles pay more.
Good to know
- Rent has risen sharply. Budget about €700–€1,200 a month for living costs.
- Check that your institution and course are MFHEA-licensed before you pay.
- Accommodation usually costs about €300–€800 a month, depending on the area and whether you share.
- Fields with job demand: hospitality and tourism, healthcare and nursing, IT, business and management, and financial services.
- Employers with offices in Malta include HSBC, Vodafone, Betsson Group, Amazon and Baxter.
General information for Indian students, not immigration advice. Fees, funds and post-study rules change often; figures marked approximate are estimates. Check the official sources before you apply: