Student work rights in Malta
Rules for working while studying in Malta, including work limits, internships, tax steps and post-study routes where covered by the guide.
Read the complete Malta study abroad guide.
Part-time Jobs
For a third-country national pursuing a full-time course leading to a higher-education qualification recognised by MQRIC, employment may be authorised for up to 20 hours per week from the first year of study. The student applies for the work authorisation after the residence permit is issued, and Jobsplus conditions apply.
Students who do not qualify under that higher-education route but are following courses longer than 90 days may have access to employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week only after their first three months of study, and only subject to Jobsplus conditions, including permitted sectors. Do not assume all course types share the same first-year work right.
There is no general official rule in this guidance allowing unlimited or automatic full-time work during academic holidays, so budget around the stated 20-hour ceiling unless Jobsplus/Identità confirms otherwise for your status.
Source: https://identita.gov.mt/central-visa-unit-student-visa-employment/
Post-study Work
A qualifying third-country graduate can apply through the Identità Expatriates Portal for the post-study Job-Seeking / Job-Searching category while the Study residence permit remains valid. The route is intended for eligible higher-education graduates and is generally issued for up to nine months. The application fee is EUR 50.
Treat it as a bridge to employment, not as an automatic substitute for a work permit. Once you secure a job, follow the applicable employment/Single Permit process before starting work where authorisation is required. The post-study route is one-time and non-renewable, so apply before the student status expires.
Source: https://identita.gov.mt/frequently-asked-questions/expatriates/non-eu-non-employment/study/
Common questions
What should international students know about work in Malta?
20 hours/week for eligible higher-education students from year one; other long-course students can face a three-month wait and extra conditions.
What should international students know about post study in Malta?
One-time, non-renewable job-search route of up to nine months for eligible graduates.