Non-EU students wanting to study in Malta are set to face much less bureaucracy, according to new rules proposed by Brussels.
In line with new European Commission proposals, still to be approved by the European Parliament and member states, applications by students from outside the EU for a visa or residence permit must be processed within 60 days. They will also be able to work while studying in Malta to help them sustain their expenses.
The new proposals are aimed at helping the EU attract more students and researchers from outside the EU.
Many non-EU nationals wanting to further their studies choose to go to the US.
In trying to compete for the best brains available, the Commission is proposing to set clearer, more consistent and transparent rules across the EU.
The two directives on students and researchers will now be modified and replaced by a single set of rules that will improve procedural guarantees, transfer of skills and knowledge and access to the labour market.
Apart from a 60-day time window for member states’ authorities to decide on visa or residence permit applications, the new rules will make the process more straightforward. Simpler and more flexible rules will also increase the possibility for researchers, students and remunerated trainees to move within the EU.
During their studies, students will be allowed to work for a minimum of 20 hours a week so that they can support themselves adequately and contribute economically.
They will also be able to remain for a period of 12 months in the EU under certain conditions even after finalising their studies.
Malta has been attracting a substantial number of non-EU students at its tertiary educational institutions, particularly the University. These include Russians, Chinese and North Africans.
Still, the overwhelming majority of foreign students at the University come from EU member states.
There were about 220,000 non-EU nationals studying in the 27 EU member states in 2011. France hosted the majority, 64,794, followed by Spain (35,037) and Italy (30,260).
Brussels is hoping that the rules will be soon approved by MEPs and member states to enter into force come 2016.