Study in Malta from Nepal offers a gateway to an affordable, English-speaking European Union and Schengen destination. Governed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) under the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF), Malta provides international students with quality education, low living costs, part-time work rights, and a post-study residence pathway. 

This complete guide covers courses, costs, the National D-Visa process via VFS Nepal, and document checklists to study in Malta from Nepal written for Nepali students. 

Quick Facts: Study in Malta From Nepal (2026)

• Capital & Currency: Valletta | Euro (€)
• EU & Schengen Member: Yes
• Official Languages: Maltese & English (English used widely in education)
• Average Tuition Fees: €6,000 to €10,000 per year
• Estimated Living Costs: €700 to €1,000 per month
• Work Rights: Up to 20 hours per week (eligible after completing the first 3 months/90 days via Jobsplus)
• Post-Study Visa: 9-month post-study residence permit for job hunting or business start-up

• English-Taught Programmes & Official Language: English is an official language, and courses across licensed institutions are widely delivered in English.

• Affordable European Gateway: Tuition fees and living expenses are considerably lower than in major Western European hubs.

• MQF Alignment: Qualifications align seamlessly with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) through the Malta Qualifications Framework.

• Part-Time Employment: Students can work up to 20 hours per week after completing their initial 90 days in Malta, subject to a Jobsplus work permit.

• Post-Study Opportunities: Graduates can leverage a 9-month residence permit to search for career openings.

Check out the Study in Malta – Counsellor Dashboard for complete details.

The Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) classifies education into distinct levels:

• MQF 1–4: Further Education (Certificates, Diplomas)

• MQF 5: Higher Education (Undergraduate Diplomas)

• MQF 6: Bachelor’s Degree Level

• MQF 7: Master’s Degree Level

• MQF 8: Doctoral Degree Level

Information for Nepali Students: For a student residence permit, the standard higher-education pathway requires enrolment in a full-time MQF Level 5 or higher programme provided by an MFHEA-licensed institution, with credentials recognised by MQRIC.

• University of Malta (UM)
• Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST)
• Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
• American University of Malta (AUM)
• Global College Malta
• Various other MFHEA-licensed private higher education providers

Nepali nationals are third-country nationals and require a Malta National Long-Stay D-Visa for courses exceeding 90 days.

• Processing Authority: Central Visa Unit (CVU) under Identità.
• Application Partner: VFS Global operates Malta visa application services in Nepal.
• Processing Timeline: Approximately 10 to 12 weeks. Applications should ideally be submitted at least 8 to 12 weeks before course commencement.

• Shortlist an MFHEA-accredited course and institution.

• Clear the college interview and secure the formal offer letter & enrolment letter.

• Pay initial tuition fees and gather financial, academic, and sponsor documents.

• Book a visa submission appointment via VFS Global Nepal.

• Attend the biometrics appointment and submit documentation.

• Await CVU processing and attend any required interviews (often via Microsoft Teams).

• Application & Identity: Fully filled and signed National Visa application form, valid passport (with copies), and ICAO-compliant photographs.

• Enrolment Proof: Official college acceptance letter detailing ECTS credits, contact hours, MQF level, lecture location, and payment receipt.

• Financial Evidence:
  • Bank statement of the last 3 months with a recent bank confirmation certificate. Funds must cover tuition and demonstrate at least 75% of the national minimum wage per month for living expenses.
  • Sponsor affidavit, income verification (tax clearance, ward income letters, business/salary proofs), and property valuation if applicable.
  • Copy of the applicant’s international bank card (front and back) linked to funds.

• Insurance & Medical: Comprehensive travel/health insurance covering at least €30,000 (minimum 120 days or full duration based on MQF level) and a full-body fitness medical report.

• Accommodation Proof: College-provided housing, a verified hotel/hostel booking for at least 18 nights, or a notarised rental agreement.

• Academic Transcripts: Educational certificates (10th, 12th, and Bachelor’s) apostilled or attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) / Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

1. Can students work when they study in Malta from Nepal?

Yes. International students can work up to 20 hours per week. However, employment can only commence after completing the first 3 months (90 days) of study in Malta, and a formal work permit must be issued via Jobsplus. 

2. Is an English language test compulsory?

While institutions evaluate language proficiency via IELTS/PTE or Medium of Instruction (MOI) letters from prior institutions, demonstrating clear command of English is vital for both university admission and visa interviews.

3. What is the visa processing duration for Malta from Nepal?

The National D-Visa processing takes roughly 10 to 12 weeks from the date of submission at VFS Global. Applicants are advised to monitor emails daily for interview requests from the Central Visa Unit (CVU).