Student Visas to Study English in Malta and Gozo
BELS Malta and Gozo provide support to students obtaining entry visas. Under an agreement with the Maltese government, students who come to Malta for an English language program can apply for a visa for up to one year if they submit all the required supporting documentation.
We understand that a lot of information is available online, so we have compiled a comprehensive guide detailing the different situations, types of visas, and the application process to make it easier for you.
Who needs a visa to study English in Malta?
If your citizenship and/or residence permit are outside the Schengen Zone, you may need a visa to study English in Malta. A number of countries have visa-free entry for 90 days, while others require a visa for any duration.
Courses not Exceeding 90 Days – Visa Free
Counties like Colombia, Japan and South Korea have a 90-day visa-free allowance; therefore, if the total stay in Schengen is under 90 days, you do not need to apply for a visa.
The VISA exemption applies only to holders of biometric passports, and the passport must expire at least 6 months after the last day within Schengen Zone.
Courses not Exceeding 90 Days
Countries like Turkey and China do not have 90 90-day visa-free period, which means an application would need to be submitted through the school on behalf of the student.
The school would require a copy of the biometric page, the applicant’s e-mail address, and the mobile number.
Courses Exceeding 90 Days
If you are a third-country national studying English in Malta for more than 90 days, you must apply for a visa before arrival. This applies to applicants, including those who are visa exempt for 90 days, and who are applying for courses that exceed 90 calendar days.
They will be issued a National Long Stay Visa (D-Visa).
Applicants must submit their application at one of the designated submission points, which include the premises of an authorized External Service Provider.
Extension of Stay in Malta
It is also possible to extend your stay if you are already in Malta with a visa-free entry or with a visa and wish to stay longer.
In all cases where the course exceeds 90 days, the further authorisation to stay in Malta shall be extended by a national D-visa for a maximum period of 365 days, counting from the initial date of entry into the Schengen area.
Students who require further authorisation to stay in Malta must prepare and apply for this more than 21 days before the visa expires. At BELS, we will help your students prepare and present all the required documents, including proof of satisfactory performance and attendance.
How to Apply for a Student Visa with BELS Malta and BELS Gozo
At BELS Malta and Gozo, we provide student support services for visa applications in all the situations mentioned above.
If you are applying for a student visa before travelling, we will ensure you are well-informed of all the requirements and rules for a smooth process.
If you need to extend your visa while here, we will schedule an appointment, review your documents, and help you prepare to ensure your visa application is accepted. We always prepare well in advance, have plenty of time, and meet the deadlines.
If your student visa is rejected, you are entitled to a refund of the course and accommodation fees minus the registration and visa fees. We have a long-standing success rate in obtaining student visas, but this refund policy applies in case of rejection.
Do you have specific questions regarding student visas and the process of studying English in Malta? Email us at [email protected] to schedule a meeting and discuss the whole process together.
