How to study in Malta
Compare each route by stay and permit, work rights, cost and who it suits. Sources are under each row.
How do you get there?
Which of the two you take decides the permit you need.
Live in Malta on a working holiday
- Working Holiday Visa
Who it suits：For people who want to travel and live in Malta for a while.
- Length and permit
Ages 18–30 · up to one year from entry
Japanese nationals aged 18 to 30 at the time of application (inclusive) are eligible. You may stay up to one year from the date of entry, and you cannot apply if you have previously been issued this visa. The Japanese MOFA list shows that the scheme started in 2026 with an annual quota of 100.
- Can you work?
Being confirmed
- Cost
Visa is free · VFS service fees extra
The visa itself is issued free of charge. You still pay the service fees charged by the external service provider (VFS).
Visit first as a tourist
Who it suits：For people who want to see the place before choosing a school.
- Length and permit
Up to 90 days in any 180 days
Japanese nationals do not normally need a visa for short-term travel. You may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area.
- Can you work?
Being confirmed
- Cost
Being confirmed
Live in Malta on a working holiday
- Working Holiday Visa
Who it suits：For people who want to travel and live in Malta for a while.
Visit first as a tourist
Who it suits：For people who want to see the place before choosing a school.
Length and permit
Ages 18–30 · up to one year from entry
Japanese nationals aged 18 to 30 at the time of application (inclusive) are eligible. You may stay up to one year from the date of entry, and you cannot apply if you have previously been issued this visa. The Japanese MOFA list shows that the scheme started in 2026 with an annual quota of 100.
Up to 90 days in any 180 days
Japanese nationals do not normally need a visa for short-term travel. You may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area.
Can you work?
Being confirmed
Being confirmed
Cost
Visa is free · VFS service fees extra
The visa itself is issued free of charge. You still pay the service fees charged by the external service provider (VFS).
Being confirmed
For Japanese citizens. Official names checked on government websites on October 31, 2026.
Sources (official government pages)
Live in Malta on a working holiday・Source: Identità Malta (Central Visa Unit): Working Holiday Visa – JapanIdentità Malta (Central Visa Unit): Working Holiday Visa (list of countries)Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Working Holiday programmes (as of 1 April 2026, Wayback copy 2026-10-03)
Visit first as a tourist・Source: Delegation of the European Union to Japan: travel to Europe (short stays in the Schengen area)
Get advice on studying in Malta
Tell us your budget and goals, and our team will suggest options for free.
Get free advice