work-study · 9 min
Study and work in Malta: everything you need to know
Work permit rules, job types, realistic salaries, and how working part-time in Malta can cover your living costs while you study English.
Study and work in Malta: everything you need to know
The key fact: if your English course in Malta is 15 weeks or longer, you can apply for a work permit allowing up to 20 hours per week. At EUR 6/hour average, that's EUR 480/month — enough to cover most of your living costs.
The rules
Requirements
- Course of at least 15 weeks at a FELTOM or ELT Council accredited school
- D-Visa approved (mandatory for stays over 90 days since March 2024)
- Actively enrolled and attending classes
- Work permit applied through Jobsplus (Malta's employment agency)
What's allowed
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Up to 20 hours/week | More than 20 hours/week |
| Employed work (any sector) | Freelance or self-employed |
| Changing employer (new permit) | Working without a valid permit |
What jobs do students get?
Mostly hospitality and service sector. Be realistic — you won't get an office job or a tech role.
| Sector | Typical pay |
|---|---|
| Waiter/barista | EUR 5.50–7/hour |
| Retail | EUR 5.50–6.50/hour |
| Hotel reception | EUR 6–8/hour |
| Restaurant/delivery | EUR 5.50–7/hour |
| Events (summer) | EUR 6–8/hour |
Where to look: Jobsplus.gov.mt, Facebook groups ("Jobs in Malta"), WhatsApp groups from your school, walking into restaurants in St Julian's and Sliema with a printed CV.
Best season: June–September. Tourism explodes and demand for staff is high.
The maths
Standard scenario: 20 hours/week at EUR 6/hour
- Weekly: EUR 120
- Monthly: EUR 480
- Over 5 working months (in a 24-week course): EUR 2,400
What that covers
Monthly living costs in Malta: EUR 440–640. Your work income of EUR 480 covers 75–100% of your living expenses. The course and accommodation come from your savings — the job keeps you going day to day.
Impact on total budget (24-week course)
| Without work | With work | |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | EUR 11,940 | EUR 11,940 |
| Work income | — | -EUR 2,400 |
| Net cost | EUR 11,940 | EUR 9,540 |
That's a 20% reduction in your total cost — on top of the 20% course discount from Maltalingo.
Malta vs Ireland for work-and-study
| Malta | Ireland | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum course for work permit | 15 weeks | 25 weeks |
| Hours allowed | 20h/week | 20h/week |
| Minimum wage | ~EUR 5.50/hour | EUR 12.70/hour |
| Cost of living | EUR 440–640/month | EUR 800–1,200/month |
Malta's lower entry barrier (15 vs 25 weeks) and lower cost of living mean your work income stretches further, even though the hourly rate is lower.
Next steps
- Calculate the price of a 15+ week course — with 20% discount
- Get a personalised quote — we'll recommend schools with the best employment support
- Get a free quote — we advise on optimal course duration for work-and-study
Last updated: May 2026. Salary data based on Jobsplus Malta and FELTOM 2024 reports.