Can you work while studying in Malta? Your rights as an international student

Can international students work while studying in Malta?

Yes — and this is one of Malta's most practical advantages. International students who hold a valid student visa and residence permit are legally permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. During official academic holidays, full-time work is permitted. EU/EEA students face no restrictions at all.

Why this matters

Working part-time while studying serves two goals at once. First, it meaningfully reduces your financial burden — 20 hours at Malta's minimum wage covers a significant portion of your monthly living costs. Second, you gain real European work experience, references, and professional contacts before you even graduate.

What kinds of jobs are available to students?

Hospitality and tourism — front desk, restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Customer support — Malta hosts many multilingual customer service centres; fluency in a language beyond English is a significant advantage.
Retail — shops, supermarkets, and tourist retail outlets.
Healthcare support — care assistants and administrative roles.
Teaching assistance / tutoring — language assistants and subject tutors.

Minimum wage and working conditions

As of 2025, Malta's statutory minimum wage is approximately €213.54 per week for full-time work. Part-time rates are calculated pro-rata. You are entitled to the same employment protections as any Maltese worker, including written contracts, paid leave, and social security registration.

Finding a part-time job as a student

Outreach Recruitment Agency Malta works directly with students enrolled through our programmes to identify part-time placements suited to their schedule and career direction. Many students are placed in roles within the first few weeks of arrival. You can also browse open positions in Malta on our jobs portal.

After graduation: staying on to work full-time

Students who wish to remain in Malta after completing their course can apply to convert their residence permit to an employment-based permit, provided they have a job offer. Malta's Single Permit system allows qualified graduates to transition smoothly into full-time employment without leaving the country. Many graduates find that Malta's job market — particularly in iGaming, financial services, healthcare, and hospitality — makes it a natural place to build their career. See our top 15 jobs in Malta for current opportunities.