Malta vs. UK: Which Visa is Easier for Prospective Pakistani Students?

 Deciding whether to study in Malta or the UK is a significant decision for any student from Pakistan. Each option offers distinct advantages, including high-quality education and diverse cultural experiences. However, the ease of securing a student visa, associated expenses, post-graduation job prospects, and processing times can critically influence your decision. Let’s examine the student visa requirements for Pakistani candidates in both countries to help you make an informed decision. 

Regarding student visa requirements for Pakistani nationals, both Malta and the UK necessitate a valid passport, an unconditional acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution, evidence of financial means to support tuition and living expenses, and proof of English language proficiency (commonly through IELTS or a similar examination). However, there are notable differences. Since Malta is a Schengen country, you would need to apply for a Malta Long-Stay National Visa (Type D) if your chosen program lasts more than 90 days. The financial requirement for Malta is generally around €750 per month for living costs, alongside tuition fees, which may be less demanding than those in the UK. In comparison, the UK Student Visa requires proof of funds to cover up to 9 months of living expenses—£1,483 monthly for London and £1,136 monthly for regions outside London, in addition to tuition fees. This higher financial requirement often poses a greater challenge for applicants from Pakistan.

When considering the costs associated with student visas, Malta generally presents a more affordable choice. The typical fee for a student visa in Malta is about €100 (in addition to any VFS service fees), and annual tuition at Maltese institutions ranges from €1,000 to €12,500, with most universities charging between €2,500 and €7,000. The overall cost of living in Malta is also significantly lower than that in the UK, with typical monthly expenses estimated between €500 and €800. On the other hand, the application fee for a UK Student Visa is currently £524 (approximately PKR 180,000), and you must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which amounts to £1,035 annually. Tuition fees for UK universities can start at £10,000 and exceed £38,000 per year for international students, making the UK a considerably more expensive option overall.

Post-graduation employment opportunities are a crucial factor for many students. The Graduate Route visa (Post-Study Work or PSW) in the UK currently allows international graduates to stay and work for two years (or three for PhD holders) without requiring employer sponsorship, providing valuable experience. However, there are discussions about possibly shortening this duration to 18 months for certain degrees, which could impact future graduates from Pakistan. While Malta does not offer a specific "post-study work visa" like the UK, it does allow international graduates to apply for a work permit after obtaining a job offer from a Maltese company in a relevant field. This transition typically involves shifting from a student permit to a work permit based on an employment contract, making it possible to gain work experience and potentially pursue permanent residency after meeting certain conditions. Finally, concerning processing durations for student visas for Pakistani students, Malta generally provides quicker responses. A study visa application from Pakistan usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, with some applications processed in as little as 18-25 days. In the UK, the processing period for a Student Visa is typically around 3 weeks for standard applications made from abroad after biometrics, although it can be lengthened during peak times or if further documentation is required. While expedited services are available in the UK for faster decisions, these come with additional costs.