If you are Colombian and you are interested in studying in Malta, it is crucial to know the steps and requirements to obtain a student visa. Boom Studies brings you a detailed guide with all the information you need.
It is important to clarify that this guide is updated as of June 2024, taking into account the latest changes to the visa application process, implemented by Malta as of May 2024.
1. Enrolment in a Study Programme
The first step in obtaining your student visa is to be accepted into an educational institution in Malta. You can opt for English language courses, university programmes or technical courses. If you are not sure what you want to study, don't worry, schedule a free consultation with our advisors by doing click here. Boom Studies will be happy to guide you through the whole process.
2. Necessary Documentation
nce you have been accepted to the programme, you must have the following documents:
- Visa application formCompleted and signed.
- Valid passportMust be valid for at least one year.
- Passport-size photographs.
- Letter of acceptanceIssued by the educational institution in Malta.
- Financial means testYou must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.
- Medical and travel insuranceCovering your entire stay in Malta.
- Round-trip air tickets. For long stays, only a single ticket is required.
- Accommodation testThis can be a lease or confirmation from the educational institution if they offer accommodation.
Don't worry, with Boom Studies you can get all these documents quickly and centrally.
3. Application Process visa
The visa application must be submitted at the authorised VFS centre in Bogotá. If you are Colombian and do not live in Colombia, check with your Boom Studies advisor for the nearest authorised VFS centre. It is important to make sure that all documents are complete and up to date to avoid delays, don't worry, with our advice, you will have all the support you need.
4. Payment of Fees
There are some fees that you should be aware of. Schools usually charge a fee for issuing/reviewing documents, a second fee is paid to the VFS centre for processing the application. There are two types of fees: a regular fee and an urgent fee, which will allow you to get an appointment in less time. Finally there is the visa fee, the final beneficiary of which is the Maltese government. Fees may vary, so ask your advisor what fees are in effect at the time of your application.
5. Interview
Once you have sent the documentation through Boom Studies to your educational institution, and have made the corresponding payments, the VFS Center will assign you an interview date. On that date you will pay the VFS Center fee and present the physical documentation, as well as the biometric data collection. After the appointment, the process takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Remember that during this time the VFS Center will keep your passport, so you should avoid having other travel plans that require this document.
6. Processing Time
We recommend that you allow at least 8 weeks before your trip to Malta to complete this procedure, so that you will have peace of mind regarding processing times.
7. Receiving the Visa
Once your application is approved, you will receive your student visa. Check carefully all the details, make sure your names are spelled correctly and that the dates match.
8. Travel to Malta
With a visa stamped in your passport, your passage through the immigration authorities at departure, transit and destination will be much easier, as your travel authorisation is already stamped in your passport.
However, it is important to bear in mind that the immigration authorities are the only ones who can accept or reject your entry into a given territory, so we recommend that you always have a copy of the documentation submitted to the VFS Center with you, in case you are required to do so.
9. Working as a student
One of the best news with this change in the pre-travel visa process is that upon arrival in Malta you will now be allowed to apply for a part-time work permit (20 hours per week) from the first day you arrive on the island. Previously you had to wait 90 days before you could apply, but now you can apply immediately!
Your employer must apply for you to JobsPlus, the Maltese employment agency, to obtain a part-time or part-time work permit. Remember that this procedure has an additional cost, which is sometimes borne by the employer, sometimes by the student, depending on the specific job offer you have been accepted for.
Being able to work legally in Malta gives you access to many opportunities: access to Maltese social security (free health care) and obtaining a social security number (National Insurance). You will also have all the rights of a worker by law, making your employment relationship more secure.
In case you have a good experience with your employer and would like to stay longer in Malta, you can apply for a work residence (work permit) at the end of your study period.
10. Enjoy and learn
Learning is something invaluable in our lives and everything you take away from this experience will help you to build your personal and professional future, whether in Malta, back in Colombia, or in any other country you want. Remember to enjoy each of the new moments you will be living, and always count on the support of the Boom Studies team to guide and support you in each of the stages of your process.
Additional Tips
- Financial PlanningMake sure you have enough funds to cover all your expenses.
- Health InsuranceTake out insurance to cover your entire stay.
- Accommodation TestHave a clear plan for your accommodation in Malta.
You can check all these details with our advisors. We will be happy to help you.
See you in Malta!
Conclusion
Studying in Malta is an enriching experience and with the right planning, you can ensure that the process of obtaining your visa goes smoothly. Follow these steps and get ready for an unforgettable educational adventure.
For more specific details and updates, remember to always be in contact with Boom Studies, the only Maltese agency certified by the MTA (Malta Tourism Authority) for the Latin American market. Remember that you will have a team waiting for you at your destination, so that you can make the most of all the opportunities that this wonderful Mediterranean island has to offer.
