Post Study Work Visa in Malta: All you need to know!

As an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta has become a popular destination for international students seeking higher education.

In recent years:

• Malta has established itself as a hub for education
• Attracted students worldwide.
• The Maltese government recognises importance of international students
• Malta offers a post-study work visa to those who complete studies in Malta.
• PSW visa allows students to remain in Malta for up to one year after their studies to gain practical work experience.

The Malta post-study work visa is an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their employability and contribute to the local economy.

To obtain a post-study work visa in Malta, international students must fulfil certain requirements set by the Maltese government.

Firstly, students must have completed a full-time course in Malta, which should have been approved and recognised by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education. Additionally, students must have evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Malta and must have a valid health insurance policy.

Below stated are some more conditions for eligibility for a Malta study and work visa:

1. Students must have completed their studies within the last year before applying for the visa.
2. Students must have a clean criminal record.
3. Students must have evidence of being employed or self-employed in Malta during the validity of the visa.
4. Students must have a minimum monthly income of €1,200.

It is worth noting that students must apply for a post-study work visa before their student visa expires. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed, subject to certain conditions. For students in specific fields of study or employment, there can be additional requirements that must be met for eligibility for a Malta student visa work permit.

For example, students who have completed a business or management course must have at least three years of experience in their respective fields before being eligible for the visa. Similarly, students who have completed equivalent courses must have a job offer from a licensed company in Malta before applying for a Malta student visa work permit. When considering study and work in Malta, it is essential to note:

• While the post-study work visa allows students to work and reside in Malta, it is not a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship.
• Students are obliged to comply with all the legal requirements set by the Maltese government, including taxation, employment, and immigration regulations.
• Special requirements for certain fields of study or employment also exist, and students must comply with all legal requirements set by the government.

The application process for a Malta study and work visa typically involves the following steps:

• Applying for the visa: Students must apply for Malta post-study work visa from the government. The application must be submitted before the student visa expires.
• Submitting required documents: Along with the application form, students must submit various documents, including proof of completion of their course of study, evidence of sufficient funds and health insurance, and a clean criminal record certificate. Additional documents may be required depending on the field of study or employment.
• Paying the application fee: An application fee must be paid at the time of submission of the application.
• Waiting for a decision: Once the application is submitted, students must wait for a decision on their visa application.

The required documents for a post-study work visa application in Malta typically include the following:

• A completed application forms.
• Proof of completion of studies in Malta
• A valid passport
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support oneself during the stay in Malta.
• A valid health insurance policy
• A clean criminal record certificate
• A job offers from a licensed company in Malta (if applicable)
• Other documents depend on the field of study or employment.

The timeline required to process a post-study work visa application in Malta varies depending on the volume of applications and the case's complexity. On average, it can take up to four weeks to receive a decision on the visa application. It is important to note that students must apply for the visa before their student visa expires to avoid any legal issues.

Holding a Malta student visa work permit has several benefits for international students.

• It allows them to stay in Malta after completing their studies, but it also allows them to gain valuable work experience. This can benefit students looking to enhance their skills, build their resume, and improve their chances of finding employment in the future.
• Another advantage of studying and post study work Visa in Malta is that it allows students to explore different career options and industries. They can gain exposure to different work environments, work with people from diverse backgrounds, and develop new skills and knowledge.
• Additionally, having a Malta post-study work visa allows students to network and build relationships with professionals in their field of study. This is beneficial to find employment opportunities, gain mentorship, and develop a deeper understanding of the industry.
• Compared to non-visa holders, post-study work visa holders have a significant advantage regarding employment opportunities. They can work in Malta legally, and employers may be more likely to hire them due to their legal status and ability to work long-term. This can be especially beneficial in fields with a shortage of skilled workers.
• From an economic perspective, issuing post-study work visas can benefit Malta. It allows the country to retain skilled workers and prevent brain drain, which can harm the economy in the long run. Additionally, it provides Malta with a pool of talent that can help drive economic growth and innovation.

Moreover, Malta student visa work permit holders contribute to the local economy by paying taxes, renting accommodation, and spending money on local goods and services. This can help boost economic activity and create job opportunities for locals.

Regarding society, issuing post study work visa in Malta can promote cultural diversity and social integration. It allows international students to learn about Maltese culture, customs, and traditions while sharing their own cultures with locals. This leads to greater understanding and respect between communities and contributes to a more harmonious society.

According to the latest available statistics from the Malta Residence and Visa Program Agency, there has been a significant increase in the number of international students seeking post-study work visas in Malta in recent years. In 2020, the Agency reported that over 2,500 international students applied for post-study work visas, representing a 45% increase . The trend is expected to rise in the coming years, with Malta becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking higher education.

It has also been noted that there has been a rise in the number of foreign workers seeking to stay and work in Malta after completing their studies. In 2020, there were over 1,800 applications for the Global Residence Program. This provides non-EU citizens with an opportunity to live & work in Malta for a period of 5 years. The program has gained popularity among international students and graduates seeking work experience in Malta with a vision to build their careers.

The influx of international students and foreign workers seeking post-study work visas in Malta reflects the country's growing reputation as an attractive destination for education, work, and career development. With a strong economic hold, progressive business environment, and a top-notch standard of living — Malta has become a hub for international students and graduates with a wide range of opportunities to advance careers and achieve realistic professional goals.

While Malta offers post-study work visas to international students, there are certain challenges that individuals might face. According to the Malta Residence and Visa Program Agency, the number of post-study work visa applications rejected in 2020 was around 20%. This highlights the importance of ensuring that all eligibility criteria are met, and that all documentation is accurate and complete.

Some of the most common obstacles include:

• Limited availability: The post-study work visas in Malta are limited, with strong competition among applicants. This means that some applicants may need help to secure a visa due to the high demand.
• Stringent eligibility criteria: To be eligible for studying and post study work visa in Malta, applicants must meet strict standards, including having a valid student visa, obtaining a degree from an approved institution, and securing a job offer from a Maltese employer. Meeting these criteria can be challenging for some applicants, especially those who must be fluent in English.
• Lengthy application process: The application process for studying and post work Visa in Malta can be long and complex, involving multiple steps and documentation requirements. This can be a barrier for some applicants, especially those who need access to the necessary resources or support.
• Financial requirements: Applicants for a studying and post study work visa in Malta, they must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Malta. This can challenge some applicants, especially those from countries with lower income levels.

In addition to these obstacles, there are several reasons why a post-study work visa application in Malta may be rejected. Some common causes include:

• Insufficient documentation: One of the most common reasons for visa rejections needs to be completed or adequate documentation. Applicants must provide all required documentation, including proof of financial resources, a job offer, and a valid student visa.
• Ineligibility: An applicant must meet the eligibility criteria for a post-study work visa in Malta to be accepted. This may include needing a valid student visa, failing to obtain a degree from an approved institution, or not securing a job offer from a Maltese employer.
• Criminal record: Applicants with a criminal record or history of immigration violations may be denied studying and post study work visa in Malta.
• Inaccurate information: Providing accurate or correct information on a visa application can result in rejection.

To overcome these challenges, applicants should ensure that they clearly understand the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for a Malta student visa work permit. They should also seek assistance from their educational institution or a reputable immigration lawyer to ensure their application is complete and accurate. Additionally, applicants may consider applying for other types of visas or exploring other employment opportunities in Malta.

Situated in the heart of St Julians, GBS Malta has everything you need at hand. With modern classrooms with the latest technology, teaching and learning is a different world experience here! GBS Malta offers dedicated spaces for research, study, and socialising with a range of courses in banking, management and healthcare. The courses are designed to meet modern industry practices, improving students’ employability and enhancing their career prospects.

• Global Recognition with British Qualification: Students at GBS Malta can access a world-class education that prepares them to reach their full potential.
• Prestigious Partners: GBS Malta partners with Bath Spa University to carve a path of transformation for students through education.
• Approved by MFHEA: GBS Malta supports quality education for reliable careers. This comes with approval from the MFHEA, which adds more value and perspective.
• Affordability: GBS Malta offers a quality education at an affordable price for students, making courses even more popular.
• Easy Accommodation: GBS Malta offers accessible and equipped accommodation choices for international students.

Prospective students who plan to study in Malta require a visa, known as an e-Residence Permit. The permit allows students to live, study and work part-time during the course at GBS Malta. A dedicated Student Advisor Team provides students with specialist visa assistance for all the Malta student visa work permit process stages. The team channelise s all the potential visa requirements, giving students a clear understanding of the process. Students can be expected to produce certain original documents to Malta to complete the visa process. Obtaining a studying and post study work visa in Malta can be a beneficial opportunity for international students who wish to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies. To increase the chances of obtaining a post-study work visa in Malta, applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, have all necessary documentation, and seek assistance from educational institutions or reputable immigration lawyers.

Lastly, students obtaining a studying and post study work visa in Malta must research the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements, improve their English language proficiency, and seek internships or work experience to enhance their job prospects in Malta. By being prepared and proactive, applicants can overcome challenges and increase their chances of success in obtaining a post-study work visa in Malta.