Key Takeaways:
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens don’t need a visa, while others require a student visa for Malta courses over three months.
- To apply, contact the embassy, prepare documents, submit forms, and wait approximately four weeks for a response.
- After arriving, apply for a temporary residence permit within three months to stay for more than a year.
Do I Need a Visa to Study in Malta?
For those wanting to study in Malta, whether a visa is needed depends on your nationality. If you come from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you do not need a visa. However, if you’re from outside these regions, you will need to apply for a Malta student visa.
Simply put, if you’re from nations exempt from a Schengen visa, you can enroll in short courses (lasting up to three months) without needing a visa. But for full-time degree courses like BA and MA programs, spanning over three months, obtaining a Malta student visa is mandatory.
How to Apply for a Malta Student Visa?
Getting a Malta student visa involves several steps:
- Contact the Maltese Embassy: Reach out to the Maltese embassy, consulate, or a nearby visa application office in your country to schedule an appointment.
- Prepare Necessary Documents: Gather all the needed documents (see the section “Supporting Documents for Malta Student Visa Application” below).
- Submit the Application: On your appointment day, submit your fully completed application form, the required fee, and other requested documents. Fill in the application completely and sign it at the end.
- Wait for the Response: Within four weeks, you will receive a text message or an email from the embassy regarding your visa status.
For a more detailed overview of the Maltese visa application process, official government sources can provide further insights: [Malta Visa Application Procedures from MaltaGov].
What Next After Entering Malta with a Student Visa?
Once you arrive in Malta with your student visa, applying for a Maltese temporary residence permit within the first three months is crucial. Here’s how to proceed:
- Submit a Request: Apply through the Identity Malta Online Application site for your student residence permit.
- Register if EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen: Citizens from these regions need only to obtain a registration certificate within three months of entering Malta.
Obtaining a residence permit allows you to stay in Malta for more than a year and continue your studies smoothly.
Supporting Documents for Malta Student Visa Application
Here’s what you need to apply for a Malta student visa:
- Valid Passport: Your passport should have at least two blank pages and be valid at the time of application.
- Application Form: Complete and sign the form. For details on filling out the application, click here.
- Two Passport-Sized Photos: Ensure these are in color with a bright background.
- Acceptance Letter from the University: This should include the study year’s start and end dates.
- Proof of Financial Requirements: You must show that you can support yourself during your studies. The requirement is 75% of the minimum wage in Malta, which was €792.3 per month in 2022, so you need at least €594/month.
- Health Insurance: It must cover at least €30,000 within the Schengen Area.
- Language Test Results: Provide documents proving you passed the required language tests for studying in Malta.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Malta Student Visa?
The processing time for a Malta student visa is typically around four weeks. However, depending on your application specifics and the time of year, it could take up to 8-9 weeks. The countdown starts from the day you submit your application form to the embassy or consulate. An email or text message will notify you about the decision on your visa application.
How Long Can I Stay in Malta With a Student Visa?
A student visa in Malta permits you to stay for up to 365 days. If your course extends beyond a year, apply for a residence permit after your arrival in Malta. The permit is renewable for the entire duration of your studies.
Can I Stay in Malta After Graduation?
You can remain in Malta post-graduation if you secure a job. After getting employed, apply for a Malta work permit to stay legally. If you haven’t landed a job yet, you can extend your student visa for six months while job hunting in Malta.
Can I Work in Malta While Studying?
Yes, a Malta student visa allows you to work part-time. You can get an employment license to work up to 20 hours per week. Remember, your main goal should be completing your studies in Malta.
Can My Family Join Me While I Study in Malta?
Family members can join you in Malta if you hold a residence permit. They must apply for a Malta family visa for reunion purposes. Eligible family members include your spouse and minor children. Ensure you can financially support them during your stay in Malta.
Getting Permanent Residence (PR) in Malta After a Student Visa
Acquiring permanent residence in Malta isn’t possible with just a student visa. You must transition to a work visa. After working in Malta and maintaining a valid work visa for five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
Health Insurance for Students in Malta
For non-EU/EEA students, having valid international health insurance covering your entire stay in Malta is mandatory. While in Malta, you’re entitled to free healthcare services only in emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Malta is an enriching experience, combining excellent education standards with a vibrant lifestyle. Ensure you adhere to all visa requirements and processes to make your transition as smooth as possible. According to VisaVerge.com, understanding the Malta student visa process is crucial for a successful application. For further details on application forms, visit the official Malta Government Immigration Page.
Exploring Malta while studying can offer lifelong memories and opportunities. Good luck with your application!
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms for Studying in Malta
- Schengen Visa: A short-term visa allowing travel within the Schengen Area, which comprises 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. In the context of studying in Malta, nations exempt from the Schengen visa can attend short courses without a student visa.
- Maltese Embassy: Official diplomatic mission of Malta in another country, responsible for processing visa applications and assisting Maltese citizens abroad. Contacting the Maltese embassy is a crucial step in applying for a Malta student visa.
- Residence Permit: A legal document authorized by Malta, allowing non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to reside in the country for extended periods, often necessary for studies exceeding three months. Students must apply for a Maltese temporary residence permit upon arrival.
- Proof of Financial Requirements: Documentation required to demonstrate that an individual has sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Malta. For student visas, this means proving access to funds amounting to at least 75% of the minimum wage in Malta.
- Acceptance Letter: An official document issued by a Maltese educational institution confirming an individual’s enrollment in a course. This letter is needed when applying for a student visa to show the course start and end dates.
These definitions aim to provide readers with a clearer understanding of essential terms and processes involved in studying in Malta.
This Article In A Nutshell:
To study in Malta, EU/EEA and Swiss nationals do not need a visa. Non-EU/EEA students must apply for a student visa. Required steps include contacting the Maltese embassy, preparing documents like a valid passport and acceptance letter, and submitting the application. Expect processing times of about four weeks.
— By VisaVerge.com
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