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Student Visa

What is a Visa?

A visa is an authorisation in the form of a sticker placed in your passport that lets you stay in or travel through Malta for a certain period of time. Having a visa doesn't automatically guarantee entry, though, you'll still need to show that you meet the requirements to enter the country.

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Malta mostly issues two types of visas:

  • Schengen Visa (short stay): This is for stays of up to 90 days and follows EU rules.

  • National Visa (long stay / D-Visa): This is for stays longer than 90 days but no more than a year, based on Malta’s national rules.

At IELS Malta, we provide free assistance to students applying for a Student Visa. Our mission is to guide you through the process, making it as smooth as possible, so you feel supported every step of the way.

We understand that navigating the paperwork in a foreign country — especially when English is not your first language — can be challenging. To receive this support, simply come to our Welfare Office every Tuesday at 14:00 for our Visa Meeting, where we’ll go over the process in detail and answer any questions you may have. This session is open to all students to help make your journey as stress-free as possible.If you need additional assistance, feel free to reach out via email at ielswelfare@ielsmalta.com.

Student Visa Support at IELS Malta
Student Visa

Courses not Exceeding 90 Days

​Third-country nationals attending courses of a duration that does not exceed 90 days are to be issued with a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (C-Visa).
The applicant is to present his/her application at one of the submission points indicated below where the applicant resides or is legally present together with supporting documents:

  • Directly at one of Malta’s missions or consular posts;

  • At the premises of another Member State representing Malta, or;​

  • At the premises of an authorised External Service Provider.

Together with his/her application, the applicant is required to submit their biometric data.If approved, the visa shall be granted based on a multiple entry visa for the duration of the entire course, plus a 7-day grace period, provided that the total amount does not exceed 90 days.
The above procedure is not applicable for students who are listed as visa-exempt nationals.

Courses Exceeding 90 Days

Applicants, including those who are visa-exempt for 90 days, must apply for a National Long Stay Visa (D-Visa) if their course exceeds 90 days.

  • Course Duration Requirement: The course must be at least 105 days (15 weeks) to qualify.

  • Application Process: The application can be submitted by the school, student, or agent via the VFS Global website. (Schools are not expected to collect the documentation from students. All documents listed on the checklist must be submitted by the student at the VFS office on the date of appointment.)

In countries where the VFS office is not yet enabled, applicants must go to the neighboring country.

  • Processing Time: The visa process takes approximately 4-8 weeks after submission.

  • Available Services: Standard vs. Extended Service:

The only differences are the visa fee and appointment availabilities. The visa processing time remains the same for both.

  • Courier Service: Applicants may opt to send their passport via postal service at an additional fee. You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service. To check where the courier service is available, please visit the official website. Central Visa Unit - Visa Extended Service Branches - Identità

Employment

​Students who do not qualify under the provisions of Subsidiary Legislation 217.22, and are following courses which exceed 90 days, may take up employment in Malta. Access to employment may be granted subject to conditions imposed by Jobsplus, including those sectors where these students would be allowed to work. Students will only be allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week after their first 3 months of study in Malta. These provisions are subject to change from time to time according to the discretion of the Ministry responsible for Jobsplus.​

IDENTITA ADDRESS
Central Visa Unit, Identita; Head Office, Valley Road, Msida
(+356) 2590 4550
Mon to Friday  08:00 - 14:00
visa.identita@gov.mt

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