Malta student visa checklist 2026: Documents you actually need
Note the reality: your application will be rejected if even one key document is missing or translated incorrectly. You will need these before you begin:
Passports and travel documents
- Valid passport (more than six months validity beyond your intended stay)
- Copy of the biographical page
Academic documents
- Acceptance letter from GBS Malta or your institution
- Course registration confirmation
- Course duration details (start/end dates)
Financial proof (critical)
- Bank statements from the past three to six months showing a minimum balance of €9,000 to €11,000
- OR proof of sponsor funding (parent bank statements + notarised affidavit + tax returns)
- Proof of monthly living budget (€700–€1,200 estimated)
- Without proof of funds, your application will be rejected. It is non-negotiable.
Health insurance
- Proof of a valid health insurance covering a minimum of €30,000 across the entire stay
- Insurance must be valid in the Schengen area
- Must cover the entire planned course duration
Accommodation proof
- Rental agreement or hostel booking confirmation
- OR letter from your institution confirming on campus housing
Language proficiency (in some cases)
- English proficiency proof (IELTS, TOEFL or institution-issued confirmation if taught in English)
- Usually not required for English-taught programmes at recognised institutions
Other documents
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photos (as per VFS centre requirements)
- Certificate of good conduct (some embassies require it)
- Translated documents (if originals are not in English or Maltese; a certified translation is required)
Application fee
- €180 Visa fee
- €100 at VFS
Financial requirements for Malta Student visa: How much money do you need?
The government has clear minimum amounts, and you must prove them.
The bottom line
For one academic year, you need to demonstrate a minimum of €9,000 to €10,000 in funds. It covers living expenses (not tuition, which is separate).
Why these numbers?
Breaking it down:
- Accommodation (shared): €550–€700/month
- Food: €200–€250/month
- Transport: €26/month (public bus pass)
- Utilities (electricity, water): €50–€100/month
- Internet/Mobile: €30–€50/month
- Health insurance: €50–€100/month
- Entertainment/socialising: €100–€200/month
Monthly total: €1,006–€1,200 (varies by lifestyle). For a period of nine months, that amounts to €9,000–€10,800.
Proof requirements
- Bank statements (last three to six months, in English) showing funds in your name or in the name of your parents
- If parents fund notarised affidavit + their tax returns (ITRs)
- Proof of funds source (salary, business, inheritance – must be documented)
- No sudden large deposits two weeks before applying (looks suspicious; funds should be there consistently)
Pro tip
Start building your proof of funds now. Have your parent(s) maintain the minimum balance for three to six months before application. Consistent funds = approved visas.
Malta international student visa step-by-step requirements
The following is exactly what happens:
Step 1: Secure admission to a recognised institution (such as GBS Malta). You need an acceptance letter in hand.
Step 2: Gather all documents on the checklist above. Allow two to four weeks for translations and proofs.
Step 3: Identify your nearest VFS Centre or consulate. In the absence of an VFS centre in your country, some countries process applications through VFS Global.
Step 4: GBS Malta books a VFS appointment online on the VFS website or VFS portal. Appointments fill quickly, especially in January–May.
Step 5: Attend your visa appointment. Bring the originals + copies of all the documents. You will be interviewed (usually for five to 10 minutes). Be honest and clear. Avoid over-explaining.
Step 6: Submit your application. Pay the visa fee (€100) at this time.
Step 7: Wait for approval (eight to twelve weeks typically). Check your email regularly.
Step 8: Receive your visa (in your passport, either a sticker or digital format).
Step 9: Travel to Malta with your passport containing the Type D visa.
Step 10: Within three months of arrival, apply for your Residence Permit at the Identity Malta office. Book an appointment online first.
Step 11: Attend Identity Malta appointment. Biometrics (fingerprints, photo). Takes 15–20 minutes.
Step 12: Receive your Residence Card (five to six weeks after appointment). This is your Malta ID card.
Health insurance for Malta student visa: What you need to know?
Health insurance is mandatory – not optional. Without it, your visa application will be rejected.
The requirement
- Minimum coverage: €30,000 across the entire stay and €100.000 for ID card
- Must be valid across the entire Schengen area
- Must cover the entire duration of the course
What it covers
- Doctor visits and consultations
- Hospital stays (partial or full, depending on the plan)
- Medications (some)
- Dental (often limited)
What happens if you do not have it
- Visa application rejected
- If you somehow arrive in Malta without valid insurance, you can be fined or deported
Where to purchase
- Private insurers worldwide offer Schengen student insurance
- Your institution (GBS Malta) may recommend providers
- International insurance brokers (GUARD ME recommended by CVU)
- Cost: €30–€100/month depending on coverage level
Pro Tip: Avoid buying the cheapest option. Claims often fail if coverage is borderline. Invest in decent coverage.
Processing timelines and fees for Malta student visa 2026
The following is a realistic timeline so you can plan accordingly:
| Phase |
What happens |
Timeline |
Fee |
| Application preparation |
Gather documents, book appointment |
2–4 weeks |
None |
| Visa application |
Submit at VFS portal; attend appointment |
1 appointment day |
€180 then €100 at VFS |
| Type D Visa processing |
VFS staff reviews application |
4–8 weeks |
(Already paid) |
| Visa approval and collection |
Receive visa in passport |
1–3 days after approval |
None |
| Travel to Malta |
You arrive in Malta |
1–7 days (your timing) |
None |
| Residence permit application |
Apply at Identity Malta office |
Within 3 months of arrival |
€50 |
| Residence permit processing |
Identity Malta processes |
5–6 weeks |
(Already paid) |
| Card collection |
Collect physical Residence Card |
1–3 days after approval |
None |
Total timeline from application to permit in hand: Four to eight weeks (visa) + travel + five to six weeks (permit) = approximately 10–14 weeks if everything works smoothly.
Critical: Start in October–November if you want to study in January. Start in January–February if targeting February or May intake.
Malta visa for international students: Part-time work permissions
Yes, you can work while you study. The following is what is actually allowed:
The rules
- 20 hours per week maximum during the academic term
- Full-time during university breaks and holidays
- No separate work permit needed – your student visa covers it
Eligibility
- Your course must be MQRF Level 5 or higher (most Bachelor's and Master's degrees qualify)
- You must complete 12 weeks of study before starting work
- Work must not interfere with academic progress
How to start working
- Your employer handles it – they initiate employment paperwork
- You'll need a Maltese bank account for Revolut card
Wages and Rights
- Minimum wage (2026): €229.44/week full-time, approximately €5.74/hour for part-time
- Average student part-time pay: €7–€11/hour
- You're entitled to worker rights: fair treatment, paid leave, safe conditions
- 98% of workers in Malta are covered by collective bargaining agreements
Real impact on budget
Working 20 hours a week at €8an hour = €160 a week = €640 a month. That covers half of your living costs, making an MPH or MBA very feasible for many students.
Living costs in Malta for students: The real numbers
Your actual monthly spending will be as follows:
Accommodation
- Shared residence/apartment: €550–€700/month
- Single studio apartment: €800–€1,200/month
- On-campus dormitory: €600–€800/month
Food
- Groceries (cooking at home): €200–€300/month
- Eating out (casual): €15–€25 per meal
- Supermarket versus local market (markets are cheaper)
Transport
- Monthly bus pass: €26 (includes all public transport)
- Taxi/ride-sharing occasional: €50–€100/month
Utilities and Internet
- Electricity, water, heating: €50–€100/month
- Internet/Mobile: €30–€50/month
Leisure and entertainment
- Gym/fitness: €30–€60/month
- Social activities, restaurants: €100–€200/month
Health insurance
- Private coverage: €50–€100/month
Total monthly budget
- Minimal (budget): €700–€850
- Comfortable: €1,000–€1,200
- With private apartment: €1,400+
Comparison: Malta is 30–40% cheaper than Switzerland, the UK or Scandinavia, while quality of life and salary outcomes are comparable.
Common mistakes to avoid in Malta student visa applications
VFS officials reject applications for preventable reasons. Make sure you are not one of them:
1. Incomplete documentation. Missing even one document = rejection. Use the official checklist.
2. Insufficient or inconsistent financial proof. Statements showing sudden deposits look suspicious. Maintain funds consistently.
3. Invalid or missing health insurance. Does not cover Schengen or expires before the course ends = rejected.
4. Poor-quality document translations. Use certified translators, not Google Translate. VFS notice.
5. Applying too late. Visa appointments are booked three to six months in advance. Applying two weeks before intake = impossible.
6. False answers at visa interview. VFS catch inconsistencies. If asked, 'Do you plan to return home?', answer yes if it is true.
7. Weak or fake accommodation proof. Book real accommodation – a shared apartment, dormitory or hostel. Provide genuine confirmation.
8. Incorrect email or phone number on application. VFS centre cannot contact you to approve = delayed processing.
What's next after your Malta study visa is approved?
Great!
You have your Type D visa.
What are the next steps?
Before you travel
- Book flights and accommodation (if not already done)
- Notify your institution (GBS Malta) of your arrival date
- Arrange travel insurance if flying internationally
- Download maps of Malta and get your institution's emergency contact
Upon arrival in Malta
- Travel straight from the airport to your accommodation
- Register your arrival if your institution requires it
- Get a SIM card (Maltese mobile numbers are helpful for emergency)
- Open a bank account (Maltese bank – you will need it for wages if working and paying utilities)
First three months: Critical deadlines
- Week 1: Settle into accommodation, attend orientation
- Week 2–3: Register with your institution formally
- Week 4–8: Apply for Residence Permit at Identity Malta (book online appointment)
- Attend Residence appointment: Bring passport, Type D visa page (copied), completed form, photograph
After Residence approval
- Receive Residence Card (your official ID)
- You can now apply for jobs if interested
- Stay compliant: do not overstay, report address changes
Ongoing compliance
- Keep your Residence Card with you always (it is your ID)
- If extending beyond one year, renew your residence permit one to two months before expiry
- Report any address changes to Identity Malta
- Work no more than 20 hours a week during term without permission
Your Malta student visa roadmap for 2026
Malta study visa in 2026 is structured but straightforward. Two stages (Type D visa + Residence Permit), clear documents, realistic timelines (four to eight weeks for visa, five to six weeks for permit), and manageable costs (€127.50–€180 total fees).
The key to success: start early (three to six months before intake), gather complete documentation without rushing, prove your funds consistently and plan your timeline backwards from your course start date.
The Malta international student visa requirements exist both to protect you and Malta, to make sure that you are genuinely studying and are adequately supported during your stay. Meeting them is not a matter of bureaucratic friction – it signals your serious commitment.
GBS Malta applications are open for the May 2026 intake. Start your visa planning now. Your study abroad adventure is closer than you think.
Apply Now
