Malta has become a popular choice for students seeking an affordable, English-speaking gateway into the European Union. Students can work 20 hours per week, though they must wait 90 days after arrival to begin. A unique 2026 update is the “Skills Pass” requirement; while primarily for new workers, students transitioning to the workforce benefit from this pre-integration training, which standardizes English proficiency and labor rights, making them more attractive to local employers.
Upon graduation, international students can stay for 9 months on a post-study permit to seek employment or start a business. Malta’s economy is heavily driven by iGaming, Tourism, and Financial Services. Secure a job during this period, and you can transition to a Single Work Permit. The island’s small size makes networking incredibly effective, and your time spent studying contributes toward the residency years required for EU Long-Term Resident status.
