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Where to train

Malta

Europe

EASA pilot training at Malta International Airport in an English-speaking EU country, with a Transport Malta license recognised in all 31 EASA states.

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  • 18–20 Months of training
  • EASA CPL (frozen ATPL) License
  • National visa D Student visa

01 Overview

Flight training in Malta.

Malta is an EU island state in the Mediterranean, and English is one of its two official languages, next to Maltese. Pilots train there under the Civil Aviation Directorate of Transport Malta, to the same EASA rules as in every other member state. The license you earn is an EASA license, recognised in all 31 EASA member states: the 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Aviation Connect's school in Malta is the European Pilot Academy (EPA), approved by Transport Malta as training organisation MLT.ATO.02 and based at Malta International Airport in Luqa. EPA trains on the modular route only. Its Zero to Airline pathway links the PPL, ATPL theory, night rating, instrument and multi-engine training and the CPL into one route to a frozen ATPL, which the school plans at around 18 to 20 months.

Two things to know early. EPA publishes no course fees. And Malta's student visa is built for courses at institutions licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), so the school and Identità, Malta's agency for foreign nationals, confirm whether flight training at EPA fits that category before you apply. Our school advisory is free and asks these questions with you.

Key facts

Primary license
EASA CPL with frozen ATPL, issued by Transport Malta, valid in every EASA member state
Typical duration
About 18-20 months for EPA's modular Zero to Airline route
Course fee
Not published by the school, ask us for a quote
English requirement
ICAO English Level 4, needed in Malta before your first solo; English is an official language
Medical requirement
EASA Class 1, the initial one at an AeMC; in Malta, St. James Capua Hospital in Sliema
Training base
Malta International Airport, Luqa
Visa for non-EU students
National visa D before travel, then a residence permit; the school and Identità confirm the category for flight training
EU status
EU member since 1 May 2004, Schengen since 21 Dec 2007, euro since 1 Jan 2008

Coming home with this license? See what your home country asks for a license conversion.

02 Costs

What training in Malta costs.

EPA publishes no course fees for Zero to Airline or any other course, so this guide gives no total budget. Ask us for a quote: we request the current price from the school and tell you what it includes, for example the ATPL theory course, aircraft and simulator hours, exam and skill test fees and any accommodation.

The other costs are known. Living costs come to about EUR 1,360 to 1,630 a month (about USD 1,520 to 1,830) for a student sharing a flat, based on the University of Malta's monthly estimates for rent, food, utilities and other needs: about EUR 16,300 to 19,600 for 12 months. The student visa costs EUR 100 (about USD 112) and the residence permit application EUR 50 (about USD 56). Transport Malta charges EUR 58.23 (about USD 65) per ATPL theory exam paper, about EUR 757 (about USD 849) for all 13 papers at the first attempt. For the visa you also show funds of at least 75% of the Maltese minimum wage for every month of study: about EUR 746 a month (about USD 836), or roughly EUR 13,400 to 14,900 (about USD 15,000 to 16,700) for an 18 to 20 month course. That money stays yours.

Estimated costs · EUR

  • Course fee: Zero to Airline (modular, zero to frozen ATPL) at EPA The school publishes no price. The route links PPL, ATPL theory, night rating, basic instrument flying, hour building, the multi-engine and instrument ratings and the CPL, planned at around 18 to 20 months. Ask us for a quote and for what it includes. Estimated range Not listed per course
  • Course fee: CPL with instrument and multi-engine ratings at EPA For pilots who already hold a PPL, ATPL theory passes and 150 hours. The school lists 46.5 hours for the instrument rating (30 of them in the simulator), 6 hours for the multi-engine rating and at least 15 hours for the CPL, but no price. Estimated range Not listed per course
  • Living expenses in Malta (12 months, shared flat) About USD 18,300-21,900. The University of Malta's monthly estimates added up: shared flat EUR 550-700, food EUR 450, electricity and water EUR 50, phone and internet EUR 30, laundry EUR 80-100, other needs EUR 200-300. A single room or flat costs EUR 800-1,600 a month instead. Public transport is free for residence permit holders. Estimated range EUR 16,320–19,560 per year
  • National visa D for study About USD 112. The standard fee for applicants aged 12 and over, paid at the visa appointment. A next-day appointment costs EUR 150 (about USD 168). Estimated range EUR 100 one-time
  • Residence permit for studies, application About USD 56. The Identità fee for a study, research or training permit application. The permit is issued for up to one year at a time, so an 18 to 20 month course needs a renewal. Confirm the current fee when you book. Estimated range EUR 50 per application
  • Proof of funds for the visa Not a fee: the money stays yours. At least 75% of the national minimum wage for every month of study; with the 2026 adult minimum wage of EUR 229.44 a week that is about EUR 746 a month (about USD 836). Identità gives no euro figure, so confirm the amount, and the separate threshold for the residence permit, before you apply. Estimated range EUR 746 per month of study
  • Health insurance Not listed: no official price. The residence permit needs a policy with at least EUR 100,000 cover including hospitalisation; the visa needs travel medical insurance valid in the Schengen area with at least EUR 30,000 cover. Estimated range Not listed per year
  • EASA Class 1 medical (initial) Not listed. In Malta the initial Class 1 takes place at St. James Capua Hospital in Sliema, the aero-medical centre approved by Transport Malta. Ask the centre for its current fee and book it before you pay tuition. Estimated range Not listed one-time
  • ATPL theory exam fees (Transport Malta, 13 papers) About USD 849. EUR 58.23 (about USD 65) per paper, 13 papers at the first attempt. Ask the school whether its price includes them. Estimated range EUR 757 first attempts
  • Headset, books and equipment Not listed. EPA does not publish what its course price includes; ask the school which materials, charts and headset you need to buy. Estimated range Not listed one-time

Figures as of 1 Nov 2026: confirm each one before you commit. There is no total budget because EPA publishes no course fees. Living costs add up the University of Malta's monthly estimates; visa, permit and exam fees are those of Identità and Transport Malta. USD figures use the exchange rate on our site on 1 Nov 2026.

Your own total for the route and the school you have in mind, living costs included: an honest range in about 30 seconds, no email needed.

Compare all countries: How much does pilot training cost?

Estimate your budget for Malta

03 Visa

Your student visa for Malta.

Non-EU students follow two steps. First, the national visa (type D) for study, which Malta asks for every course longer than 90 days, also from nationals who can visit Malta without a visa. You apply at an authorised visa service provider at least 9 weeks before the course starts, and a decision can take up to about 8 weeks from the appointment. Second, after arrival, the residence permit for studies from Identità, issued for up to one year at a time and renewed while you train.

The process starts with the school: it sends the Central Visa Unit a list of its accepted students before any visa application. The student visa asks for a course registered with the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), and the study permit for a full-time course at an MFHEA-licensed institution leading to a qualification at MQF level 5 or higher. EPA is a flight school approved by Transport Malta, and it states nothing about MFHEA, visas or residence permits. So the school and Identità confirm which category your training falls under before you apply. Our free school advisory asks these questions with you.

EU citizens need no visa; for a stay of more than three months they apply to Identità for a residence document.

National visa D

National visa for study (type D)

The long-stay visa for students, applied for before you travel. Malta asks for it for every course longer than 90 days, also from nationals who can visit without a visa. The Central Visa Unit of Identità handles it once the school has put you on its list of accepted students.

Duration

Apply at least 9 weeks before the course starts; a decision can take up to about 8 weeks from your appointment. After arrival you apply for the residence permit.

Who can apply

  • Enrolment letter with the details Identità asks for (institution and course as registered with MFHEA, MQF level, duration, weekly hours) and proof of payment
  • Bank statements for the last three months and a recent bank certificate: at least 75% of the national minimum wage for every month of study (about EUR 746 a month in 2026)
  • Travel medical insurance valid in the Schengen area with at least EUR 30,000 cover
  • Proof of accommodation for the first 14 nights in Malta
  • Flight booking arriving no more than two weeks before the course starts
  • Passport valid for at least 10 months, all documents in English, and the EUR 100 fee

Pros

  • If your training qualifies, you live in an EU and Schengen member state for the course
  • One published document checklist, with every document in English
  • Booked appointments at an authorised visa service provider

Trade-offs

  • Built for courses registered with MFHEA: the school and Identità must confirm that your flight training fits
  • The school must first put you on its list for the Central Visa Unit, and that clearance is not yet a visa
  • Funds, insurance and accommodation must be in place before the appointment
Official information

Residence permit

Residence permit for studies

The permit Identità issues in Malta after you arrive, for up to one year at a time. It is your legal basis of stay for the rest of the course and is renewed while you train. You apply through the Expatriates portal and then in person in Malta.

Duration

Up to one year, or the length of the course if shorter, renewable while you study.

Who can apply

  • Acceptance for a full-time course at an MFHEA-licensed institution, leading to a higher education qualification at MQF level 5, with more than 15 tuition hours a week
  • Proof that the tuition fees are paid
  • Funds of at least 60% of the national equivalised income threshold set by the National Statistics Office, shown with three months of bank statements
  • Health insurance with at least EUR 100,000 cover, including hospitalisation
  • A lease signed by landlord and tenant for a rental registered with the Housing Authority, unless you live in school accommodation
  • Passport valid for at least six months, a health screening for courses of three months or more, and the EUR 50 fee

Pros

  • Renewed in Malta, no need to go home during training
  • Public transport in Malta is free for residence permit holders
  • If your training qualifies, residence in an EU and Schengen member state

Trade-offs

  • The conditions are written for higher education courses: Identità decides whether modular flight training qualifies
  • Yearly renewal with fresh proof of enrolment, attendance, funds and insurance
  • The lease must be for a rental registered with the Housing Authority, so check this before you sign
  • Identità gives no euro figure for the funds threshold: ask for it before you apply
Official information

04 Requirements

English and medical: what you need.

English

English is one of Malta's two official languages, and it is the working language of the license route:

  • Before your first solo in Malta: an English assessment at ICAO Level 4 or higher, a practical radiotelephony test with an examiner authorised by Transport Malta, and the PPL theory exams in Air Law and Communications.
  • For the EASA license: ICAO English Level 4 or higher, assessed by a language proficiency assessor authorised by Malta's Director General for Civil Aviation. Level 4 is retested every 4 years, Level 5 every 6 years, and Level 6 needs no retest.
  • For the exams: Transport Malta holds the ATPL theory exams in English.

EPA publishes no English entry level and does not state its teaching language, so ask the school, or ask us, what it expects before you apply. Maltese is not needed for training, the exams or the permit: Identità asks for the visa documents in English.

Medical

You need an EASA Class 1 medical certificate, the standard for commercial pilots. EPA asks for a valid Class 1, issued by a medical examiner approved by Transport Malta, before you start Zero to Airline. An ICAO medical from outside the EASA system cannot be credited towards it.

The first (initial) Class 1 examination must take place at an aero-medical centre (AeMC) certified for Class 1. Malta's AeMC is St. James Capua Hospital in Sliema (approval MLT.AeMC.01), approved for initial and renewal Class 1 examinations. Renewals can also be done by an aero-medical examiner (AME) authorised by Transport Malta, whose Aero-Medical Section keeps the medical records.

Our advice: plan the initial Class 1 before you commit money to training. Ask the school whether you can take it in Malta right after you arrive, and whether it accepts an initial Class 1 from an AeMC in another EASA member state. The centre sets its own fee, so ask it for the current price.

What the medical and the English test involve: read the guide.

05 Training there

Training and living in Malta.

Worth knowing

European Pilot Academy: modular training at Malta International Airport

EPA is approved by Transport Malta as training organisation MLT.ATO.02 and trains on the modular route only. Its base is at Malta International Airport in Luqa, so students train at a controlled international airport and work with air traffic control. The fleet includes a Diamond DA42 twin with a Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, Piper PA-28 and Tecnam single-engine aircraft, a Pipistrel Virus SW 121 and an FNPT II simulator. Applicants must be at least 17, hold a Class 1 medical and pass the school's pre-entry test. The school publishes no prices, intakes, visa support or housing. Ask us for a quote and for these answers before you plan your budget.

An English-speaking country: what it means for you

English is one of Malta's two official languages, next to Maltese. For training, that means no second language on top of aviation English: Transport Malta holds the theory exams in English, and the English assessment and the radiotelephony test come before your first solo.

For your papers, Identità asks for the visa documents in English, and translations must come from its list of approved translators. Malta uses the euro and has been in the EU since 1 May 2004 and in the Schengen area since 21 December 2007. Maltese is not required for training, the exams or the permit.

Why train in Malta

  1. One license, 31 countries

    Transport Malta issues EASA licenses under the same EU rules as every other member state, recognised in all 31 EASA states. Flying for a European airline also needs the right to work in the EU, which the license does not give.

  2. An international airport as training base

    EPA flies from Malta International Airport, so radio calls and procedures with air traffic control are part of training.

  3. Theory exams on the island

    Transport Malta runs six ATPL exam sittings in 2026 at its examination centre in Lija, so the exams need no travel abroad.

  4. Mild winters, dry summers

    Malta's winters are mild with occasional short cold spells, and annual rainfall averages 568 mm. Summer brings about 12 hours of sunshine a day, mid-winter 5 to 6 hours.

  5. English as an official language

    The authorities you deal with as a student, from Identità to Transport Malta, work in English, and the license route needs no Maltese.

  6. EU, Schengen and the euro

    Malta has been an EU member since 1 May 2004, in the Schengen area since 21 December 2007 and in the euro area since 1 January 2008. Public transport is free for residence permit holders.

The modular route at EPA, step by step

  1. Before you apply: medical and pre-entry test Get the initial EASA Class 1 medical at an AeMC certified for Class 1 (in Malta, St. James Capua Hospital) and pass EPA's pre-entry test. You must be at least 17.
  2. Visa and permit Once the school and Identità have confirmed your category, apply for the national visa D at least 9 weeks before the start. After arrival, apply for the residence permit in person in Malta.
  3. Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Foundation training on the Piper PA-28 and Tecnam aircraft. Before your first solo in Malta you need ICAO English Level 4, the radiotelephony test and the PPL exams in Air Law and Communications; before solo cross-country flights, all PPL theory exams.
  4. ATPL theory, night rating, basic instrument flying and hour building ATPL theory by distance learning, with classes before the exams. The 13 exams take place at Transport Malta: at least 75% per paper, all passed within 18 months. Night rating, the basic instrument flying module and hour building run alongside.
  5. Multi-engine rating, instrument rating and CPL Training on the Diamond DA42 and the FNPT II simulator, ending with the skill tests. With the CPL, the instrument rating and all ATPL exams passed, you hold a frozen ATPL. Transport Malta aims to issue the license within 5 to 10 working days of receiving the skill test report, once fees are paid.
  6. After the frozen ATPL The next step towards an airline is usually a multi-crew cooperation (MCC) course. EPA advertises one, but MCC is not on its Transport Malta approval, so ask which approved organisation would run it before you plan on it.

Worth knowing

Check the permit category before you pay

Malta's student visa and study permit are written for courses registered with the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority, and the study permit for full-time courses leading to a higher education qualification at MQF level 5. EPA is a flight school approved by Transport Malta and states nothing about visas. Before you pay a deposit, get written confirmation from the school of how its non-EU students obtain their visa and permit, and check it with Identità. We ask the school with you, free of charge.

07 8 questions

Questions about training in Malta.

Can I get a student visa for flight training in Malta?

Possibly, but confirm the category first. Malta's national visa D for study asks for a course registered with the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). The residence permit for studies asks for a full-time course at an MFHEA-licensed institution, leading to a higher education qualification at MQF level 5, with more than 15 tuition hours a week. EPA is approved by Transport Malta as a flight school and states nothing about MFHEA, visas or residence permits.

So the school and Identità, Malta's agency for foreign nationals, confirm which category your training falls under. The school also has to put you on its list of accepted students for the Central Visa Unit before you can apply. Our free school advisory asks these questions with you.

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Do I need to speak Maltese?

No. English is one of Malta's two official languages. Transport Malta holds the ATPL theory exams in English, the license needs ICAO English Level 4, and Identità asks for the visa documents in English.

In Malta you need Level 4 already before your first solo, together with a radiotelephony test, so a solid level of English from the start saves time. EPA publishes no English entry level; ask the school, or ask us.

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How much does training at EPA cost?

EPA publishes no course fees, so this guide has no total budget. Ask us for a quote: we request the current price and what it includes.

The other costs are known. Living costs are about EUR 1,360 to 1,630 a month (about USD 1,520 to 1,830) in a shared flat, about EUR 16,300 to 19,600 for 12 months. The national visa costs EUR 100, the residence permit application EUR 50, and the 13 ATPL theory exams at Transport Malta EUR 58.23 each, about EUR 757 in total at the first attempt. For the visa you also show funds of about EUR 746 for every month of study.

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Where do I get my Class 1 medical?

The initial EASA Class 1 examination must take place at an aero-medical centre (AeMC) certified for Class 1. In Malta that is St. James Capua Hospital in Sliema, approved by Transport Malta for initial and renewal Class 1 examinations.

Renewals can also be done by an aero-medical examiner authorised by Transport Malta. EPA asks for a valid Class 1 before Zero to Airline starts, so plan it early, and ask the school whether it accepts an initial Class 1 from an AeMC in another EASA member state.

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Where and how do I take the ATPL theory exams?

At the Civil Aviation Directorate of Transport Malta, in its examination centre in Lija. There are 13 multiple-choice papers in English, and you need at least 75% in each. All papers must be passed within 18 months from the end of the month of your first attempt, with at most four attempts per paper and six sittings.

In 2026 there are six sittings, from January to November. The school recommends you for the exams, and each paper costs EUR 58.23 (about USD 65).

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Is a license from Malta worth less than one from a larger country?

No. Transport Malta issues EASA licenses under the same EU rules as every other member state, and they are recognised in all 31 EASA member states: the 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. To fly for a European airline you also need the right to work in the EU, which the license does not give.

If you plan to fly at home in Asia-Pacific later, your home regulator sets the rules for converting an EASA license, so check them before you commit.

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Can I work during training?

Only within the limits Identità sets, and only if your permit allows it. Students on a study residence permit need an employment licence from Jobsplus, and Identità limits work to 15 or 20 hours a week depending on the permit; some students may start only after their first three months of study.

Whether any of this applies to you depends on the category Identità grants for your flight training, so do not plan your budget on income in Malta.

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How long does it take to reach a frozen ATPL?

EPA plans its Zero to Airline route at around 18 to 20 months from no flying experience to a CPL with a frozen ATPL. The route is modular, so the time also depends on how quickly you move between stages and pass the exams. Plan living costs and visa funds for the full time, and for some months more.

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