Your Friendly Guide to the Malta Student Visa Application Checklist 2026

Published On: September 18, 2025

malta student visa application checklist 2026

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Planning to Study, Work, or Live in the EU (1)

In this Malta student visa application checklist 2026 guide, you’ll find clear, step-by-step tips for securing your study permit in Malta. If you’re researching European student permits, this friendly overview will help you avoid stress, meet deadlines, and gather everything you need.

By the end of this ultimate guide you’ll know exactly which forms, documents, and dates to track—promise. Let’s walk through each phase so you can focus on packing, not paperwork.

Understand visa requirements

Before you dive in, let’s clarify which permit you actually need. Do you know if your program counts as a short stay or long stay?

Long-stay D-visa basics

Students from non-EU/EEA countries enrolling in courses over 90 days need a long-stay D-visa. As of March 2024 all third-country nationals (TCNs) must apply for this visa if they plan to study beyond three months (University of Malta).

Short-stay C-visa overview

If your program is under 90 days—think summer courses or short internships—you’ll apply for a short-stay C-visa (Schengen). It covers study and leisure but not longer degree programs.

EU versus non-EU applicants

EU citizens don’t need a study visa, but if your course runs more than 90 days you must register with Malta’s Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs (GlobalCitizenSolutions). Non-EU citizens get the D-visa, plus a temporary residence permit on arrival.

Check eligibility criteria

Meeting eligibility requirements early saves headaches. What qualifies you to apply?

Admission and program acceptance

You need an unconditional acceptance letter from your Maltese institution. Double-check that it covers the full duration of study and is signed or stamped.

Financial proof requirements

Show you can cover living costs of at least €950 per month. Your bank statement or a sponsorship letter must reflect this balance for every month of stay (University of Malta).

Health and character checks

You’ll need travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and more. Plus, a clean criminal record is essential—no loose ends there.

Gather essential documents

Here’s where you collect all your paperwork. Missing one item can delay your D-visa.

Document	Details	Tips
Valid passport	Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay	Check expiry before you book travel
Acceptance letter	Official letter from your university	Keep both digital and printed copies
Proof of funds	Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letter	Include 6 months of statements
SELT qualification	Secure English language test result by deadline	Non-EU students had July 1 deadline in 2025 (UM)
Passport-style photos	Two recent photos meeting Schengen standards	Follow photo guidelines exactly
Travel insurance policy	Coverage for at least €30,000 medical expenses	Print policy schedule
Educational transcripts	Secondary or tertiary transcripts, if applicable	Translate to English if needed
Visa application form	Completed and signed D-visa form	Use black ink and print clearly

Wondering if you need any extra papers? Some consulates ask for a return flight itinerary or proof of accommodation. Always verify local requirements.

Submit your application

Time to tackle the online portal. One small typo can cost you weeks.

Accessing the online portal

Head to Malta’s official visa site and create an account. You’ll fill in personal details, your course info, and upload scans.

Filling out the form correctly

Use your passport data exactly as it appears. Mismatched names or numbers are a quick way to get flagged.

Uploading supporting files

Combine multi-page documents into single PDFs. Label each file clearly, for example “BankStatement_July2026.pdf.”

Pay visa fees

Your application isn’t complete until you’ve paid. How much should you expect?

Fee schedule

Short-stay C-visa: around €80
Long-stay D-visa: approximately €120

Fees can vary slightly by consulate. Confirm the exact amount before payment.

Payment methods

Most embassies accept credit/debit cards or bank transfers. Some also take cash—call ahead to avoid surprises.

Schedule your appointment

After you submit and pay, you’ll book a slot for your biometrics and interview.

Booking with the consulate

Log back into the portal or contact the nearest Maltese mission. Slots fill fast in spring and summer.

Timing recommendations

Aim to book at least six weeks before your intended travel date. This buffer covers delays in processing time, which can extend to 8–9 weeks in peak season (GlobalCitizenSolutions).

Attend visa interview

Nervous? A little prep goes a long way.

Common interview questions

Why did you choose Malta?
How will you fund your studies?
What are your plans after graduation?

Interview preparation tips

Dress smart-casual, bring original documents plus copies, and arrive early. Speak clearly, be honest, and keep answers concise.

Track your application

You don’t have to wait in the dark.

Processing timelines

Standard review takes around four weeks, but it can stretch to 8–9 weeks in some cases (GlobalCitizenSolutions).

Checking status online

Use your portal dashboard or reference number to see updates. You’ll get an email when a decision is made.

Apply residence permit

If your program runs beyond one year, you’ll need a residence permit once you arrive.

When to apply

Submit your permit application within the first 90 days of arrival, or upon entry if you only held a 91-day D-visa.

Renewal requirements

Renewing means re-submitting bank statements showing €950 per month, plus any updated acceptance letters and insurance proof (University of Malta).

Special cases

If you already hold a long-stay D-visa or Schengen residence permit from another country, you may enter Malta visa-free and apply for your permit after arrival.

Avoid common pitfalls

Even a friendly guide can’t prevent every slip-up. Still, these tips help.

Double-check every field before submission
Confirm you meet insurance coverage limits
Translate any non-English documents accurately
Provide clear proof of funds for every month
Don’t miss deadlines—plan ahead

For more on where applications tend to go wrong, see our common mistakes on student visa applications.

Explore country checklists

Planning studies elsewhere in Europe? Check these sibling guides:

Review key takeaways

Identify whether you need a short-stay C-visa or long-stay D-visa
Meet deadlines—July applications for October intake are common (UM)
Gather all required docs, from acceptance letter to SELT proof
Submit online, pay fees, book your appointment, and prepare for the interview
Apply for your residence permit within 90 days of arrival

Ready to start your application? Gather your papers today, bookmark the official visa portal, and get one step closer to Maltese sun and sea. Good luck, and feel free to share your tips in the comments below!