Can I study with the Malta Working Holiday Visa?

Written by Volare | May 26, 2026

When planning your trip to the Mediterranean, it is fundamental to understand what educational activities are allowed under this bilateral agreement. Below, we detail the academic and linguistic regulations that govern your Malta Working Holiday Visa (WHV) so you can plan your year smoothly.

1. Language exam: Is it mandatory?

This regulation applies equally to all eligible nationalities: Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

To process your application, it is not mandatory to present a language exam, although it is recommended to have at least English skills. On a technical level, as it is not an exclusionary requirement for the application, you are not required to attach international language proficiency certificates (such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge), nor is a specific validity or expiration date evaluated to demonstrate language mastery before the authorities.

Structuring your file considering these technical details is a crucial step for the Maltese authorities to validate your profile smoothly. Strictly complying with this criterion ensures that your procedure is processed successfully. Overcoming this validation stage will bring you closer to your goal of legally inserting yourself into the local labor market, enjoying the rich Mediterranean history, and exploring the outstanding academic offer of the island without any bureaucratic worry.

2. Required educational level

This rule applies to all eligible nationalities (Australia, Japan, and New Zealand): no minimum educational level is required to apply.

On a technical level, the Working Holiday program does not require the presentation of university degrees, diplomas, or secondary education certificates (high school) as an exclusionary requirement for the approval of the application. Structuring your file considering this flexibility is a crucial step for the Maltese authorities to validate your profile without bureaucratic setbacks.

Strictly complying with the true mandatory criteria ensures that your procedure is processed successfully. Overcoming this validation stage will bring you closer to your goal of legally inserting yourself into the local labor market, enjoying the rich Mediterranean history, and exploring the outstanding academic offer of the island without any worry.

3. Can I study during my stay?

For all citizens of Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, the answer is yes, but with limits. Short part-time studies are allowed (e.g., language immersions). However, it is strictly prohibited to study full-time undergraduate degrees (Bachelor or Master), as these require a specific student visa or a change of residence permit before the Identità agency.

On a technical level, your visa is structured so that studies are a secondary and part-time activity; if complete university training is required, the law demands processing a student visa in advance to avoid immigration infractions. Structuring your travel plan considering these details and limits is a crucial step for the Maltese authorities to validate your profile smoothly. Strictly complying with this criterion ensures that your stay unfolds successfully. Overcoming this validation will bring you closer to your goal of legally inserting yourself into the local labor market, enjoying the rich Mediterranean history, and exploring the outstanding academic offer of the island without any bureaucratic worry.

To ensure you have the appropriate support and the most detailed information at every step of your application, we recommend consulting the complete guide on Volare's Malta Working Holiday Visa (WHV).