Visa Information for Studying in Malta
Check if you need a visa to study English in Malta and what documents are required.
Students from EU countries and countries that are part of the Schengen Area do not need a visa for short stays in Malta (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). Nationals of several other countries (e.g. Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil) are also visa-exempt for short stays under Schengen rules. For definitive, country-by-country guidance, please check Malta’s official listings: Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade.
Schengen & EU Status Overview
Quick reference: who is in Schengen, who is in the EU, and notable exceptions.
Schengen Area (passport-free)
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
Note: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are Schengen but not in the EU.
EU Member States
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
Notes: Ireland is EU but not in Schengen. Cyprus participates in Schengen cooperation but full application has not yet been decided by the Council.
At-a-glance
- Schengen = no routine passport control between members for short stays.
- Short stays are typically up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Visa-exempt third-country nationals still need to meet entry conditions (travel insurance, funds, return ticket, etc.).
Requirements for Students from Other Countries
If you require a visa, the maximum stay is 90 days for a short-stay (Schengen) visa. Please allow a minimum of 4 weeks for processing.
Applications must be submitted in writing to Malta’s diplomatic mission or representation. Always contact the responsible embassy or consulate for the latest list of requirements before you apply.
Your application must include:
- Completed and signed Visa Application Form*
- Valid passport (at least 3 months’ validity beyond your stay)
- Two recent passport-size photos
- Application fee — €90 (adults), €45 (children aged 6–11), free under 6
Supporting documents
- Maltalingua Letter of Acceptance
- Proof of accommodation
- Return ticket (or proof of onward travel)
- Proof of funds (e.g. bank cards, cash)
- Medical insurance valid across Schengen (min cover €30,000)
Courses of 105 days or more: the long-stay (D) visa
A short-stay Schengen visa is not enough for a longer course. If your course runs 105 days or more you need a national long-stay (D) visa, and you must apply before you travel — not after arriving in Malta.
This applies even if your nationality does not need a visa for short stays. Japanese, South Korean, Brazilian and Argentinian students, among others, can enter Malta visa-free for under 90 days but still need a D visa for a longer course.
- Apply through VFS Global. The school, the student or an agent can submit the application.
- Processing takes 4–8 weeks. Submit at least 8 weeks before your course starts.
- Standard service: €100 — appointment within about three weeks.
- Extended service: €150 — appointments available day to day.
- VFS administration fees apply on top of both.
- Appointments cannot be rescheduled or cancelled, and the fee is not refundable once paid.
Check current requirements with Identità’s Central Visa Unit before applying: visa.identita@gov.mt, (+356) 2590 4550. Figures from the Central Visa Unit Student Visa Guidelines (v1.0, updated 5 March 2025).
Maltalingua takes no responsibility for the accuracy of external information. Always consult the official site: Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade – Malta.
* The Visa Application Form can be obtained free of charge from Malta’s diplomatic missions.
