Home / Study in Europe / Malta

English-speaking EU country

Study, work and live in English, inside the EU

Malta is one of only two EU countries, with Ireland, where English is an official language, so your course and your daily life work in English. Private colleges offer three starts a year, and graduates can stay on to look for work.

Check my options See the faster route

English-speaking

Why English-speaking Malta is a big advantage

English is one of Malta’s two official languages, alongside Maltese. In Germany, Spain or Finland you will need the local language for many jobs and much of daily life. In Malta you won’t.

Study in English

Your lectures, assignments and exams are in English, the language you already studied in for your UK degree.

Work in English

Part-time jobs while you study, and the job search after you graduate, happen in English, so far more roles are open to you.

Live in English

Renting a flat, seeing a doctor, banking and paperwork can all be done in English. No language course before you arrive.

For students coming from the UK, that means the move feels much closer to home than anywhere else in the EU, except Ireland.

Why Malta

Why students in the UK choose Malta

  • English everywhere. No language barrier in class, at work or day to day.
  • No new language to learn before you can work or settle in.
  • Starts through the year. Many private colleges start in January, May and September.
  • Work up to 20 hours a week with a work permit.source
  • A post-study stay to look for work or start a business after you graduate.source
  • An EU qualification in a small, safe island country with a Mediterranean climate.

The faster route

Why a private college is often the smarter route in Malta

For students on a Graduate visa, timing is everything. Private colleges in Malta take students in January, May and September and usually decide on applications quickly, so you can move straight from your UK visa to your Maltese course.

  • Three starts a year at many private colleges.
  • Quicker admission decisions, giving more time for your visa.
  • Career-focused programmes in business, management, IT and hospitality, all in English.

Check that your college is licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA): the post-study stay depends on it. We only suggest licensed institutions.

Find a private college intake

Visa and residence permit

Getting your Maltese student visa and residence permit

The student route is for non-EU nationals accepted onto a full-time course; part-time courses don’t qualify.source It has two parts:

  1. Long-stay (D) study visaApplied for before you travel, with your acceptance letter and proof of funds.
  2. Travel, enrol and pay your feesThen apply online for your e-Residence Permit through the Identità portal.source
  3. Health screeningAn immunisation certificate and, if you were born in or lived 6 months or more in a high-risk tuberculosis country, a chest X-ray within four weeks of arriving.

Proof of funds: the University of Malta asks for bank statements covering the last three months, with at least €950 for each month of your stay, not counting tuition.source

Work and after graduation

Working while you study, and staying on

During your course. Students on full-time higher education courses recognised by MQRIC can work up to 20 hours a week from their first year, once their residence permit is issued and they have a work permit. Other students can work up to 20 hours a week after their first three months.source

After you graduate. If you finish a full-time course at an MFHEA-licensed institution (MQF level 5 or above), you can apply for a stay to look for work or start a business. You apply in Malta, show funds for nine months, and may work up to 15 hours a week with an employment licence while you search.source

FAQ

Questions we’re asked about Malta

Is everything taught in English in Malta?

English is one of Malta’s official languages and is widely used in higher education and daily life. We only suggest courses taught in English.

How much money do I need to show?

The University of Malta asks non-EU students for bank statements covering the last three months, showing at least €950 for each month of their stay, not counting tuition. Other institutions set similar requirements.

Can I work while studying in Malta?

Students on full-time higher education courses recognised by MQRIC can work up to 20 hours a week from their first year, with a work permit. Other students can work up to 20 hours a week after their first three months.

Can I stay in Malta after graduating?

Yes. Graduates of a full-time higher education course at an MFHEA-licensed institution can apply for a post-study stay to look for work or start a business. You show funds for nine months, and you can work up to 15 hours a week with an employment licence while you search.

When are the intakes?

Public institutions mainly start in October, with some starts in April. Many private colleges also take students in January, May and September.

Thinking about Malta?

Tell us your UK visa end date and what you want to study. We’ll find a licensed college and intake that fit, then prepare your application and visa with you.

Check my options
Sources (checked 12 October 2026)

This page is general information, not immigration advice. Rules change, so we check them again for your case.