Malta student visa guide 2026

The short answer: for courses up to 90 days (12 weeks), most nationalities don't need a visa — you enter as a Schengen tourist. For courses longer than 90 days, you need a D-Visa (long-stay visa), applied for before travel through VFS Global.

Under 90 days: no visa needed

Citizens of Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and most LATAM countries can enter Malta visa-free for up to 90 days under the Schengen agreement.

What you need at the border:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
• Return flight or itinerary
• Travel insurance (EUR 30,000+ medical coverage — mandatory for Schengen)
• School enrolment letter
• Proof of funds (EUR 48/day of stay)
• Proof of accommodation

In practice, Malta immigration rarely checks everything. But have the documents accessible.

Can you work on a tourist entry? No. The work permit requires a course of 15+ weeks and a D-Visa.

Over 90 days: D-Visa required

Since 1 March 2024, all non-EU citizens staying longer than 90 days must obtain a D-Visa before travelling. This applies to all LATAM nationalities.

Documents needed

1. Valid passport (6+ months, 2+ blank pages)
2. School acceptance letter (FELTOM/ELT Council accredited)
3. Proof of course payment (first term minimum)
4. Medical insurance (EUR 30,000+, full duration of stay)
5. Proof of accommodation in Malta
6. Bank statements (3 months, showing EUR 48/day minimum)
7. Police clearance certificate (apostilled, less than 6 months old)
8. 2 passport photos (white background, ICAO standard)
9. Completed application form
10. Flight itinerary

Process

1. Choose your school and course — get a quote with 20% discount
2. Receive acceptance letter from the school
3. Gather documents (2–3 weeks)
4. Book appointment at VFS Global in your country
5. Attend appointment, submit documents, provide biometrics
6. Wait for processing (4–8 weeks)
7. Collect passport with visa stamped

Cost: EUR 100 (consular fee) + EUR 50 (VFS premium service, optional) = EUR 100–150 total.

Start the process at least 3 months before your intended course start date.

The work permit: 15+ weeks unlocks it

If your course is 15 weeks or longer, you can apply for a work permit once in Malta — up to 20 hours per week. Average earnings: EUR 480/month, which covers most living expenses.

The work permit is linked to a specific employer and processed through Jobsplus (Malta's employment agency). Your school can help with the application.

Next steps

1. Calculate your course price — with 20% off, in your currency
2. Get a personalised quote — we coordinate the school acceptance letter
3. Get a free quote — we can answer visa questions same-day

Last updated: May 2026. Always check Identity Malta and VFS Global for the latest requirements.