Nursing in Malta: How to Become a Registered Nurse (Complete Guide 2026)

1. University of Malta (Public University)

Course Information

• Course name: Certificate for Graduates of Non EU/EEA nursing Program
• Course Type: Bridging /Adaptation Program for International Nurses
• Duration: 4 Months
• Application Fee: 150 EUR
• Tuition Fee: 5400 EUR
• MQF Level: Level 5
• Intake: October
• Entry Requirement: Nurses who hold diploma/degree/post graduate degree.
• Other Requirements: Applicants should have attended at least 1533 theory hours & 2300 clinical hours during their studies (The same is mentioned in transcript)
• Experience: Reference documents indicating the periods during which the applicant has practiced the profession. (If an applicant has performed duties in more than one hospital and/or home, a document for each period should be submitted.)
• English Language Requirements: IELTS (Academic)- Overall 6 with 6 in writing & at least 5.5 for other modules OR OET- Speaking - B, R/L/W- C+

Overview:
The University of Malta offers this certificate nursing program to all the students belonging to non-EU/EEA countries. The course aims at bridging the divide that exists between the undergraduate nurse training of the students and the requirements that are enforced by EU regulations. The main objective of this program is to thoroughly train students and familiarize them with the holistic requirements of the EU directives. At the end of the program, students will have a detailed knowledge about different healthcare systems and they will be able to work as a nurse within an EU-member state. In addition to the core study-units, the students will have access to a set of theoretical units that address a range of clinical specialties as well as nursing/health concepts.

Career Opportunities:
Once the student successfully completes this 4-months program, he/she becomes eligible to apply for registration as a nurse with the Maltese Council of Nurses & Midwives. The students will be presented with an option to travel to any of the countries in the EU and work as a registered nurse. Moreover, the student can also get directly recruited in hospitals. After the completion of 5 years as a registered nurse, the student can apply for an EU Blue Card (similar to green card in the US) and get PR.

2. MCAST (Public University)

Course Information

• Course name: Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing Studies
• Course Type: Bridging /Adaptation Program for International Nurses
• Duration: 6 Months
• Application Fee: 150 EUR
• Tuition Fee: 5400 EUR
• MQF Level: Level 6
• Intake: April
• Entry Requirement: Nurse who holds diploma/degree/post graduate degree.
• Other Requirements: Applicants should have attended at least 1533 theory hours & 2300 clinical hours during their studies (The same is mentioned in transcript)
• Experience: Reference documents indicating the periods during which the applicant has practiced the profession. (If an applicant has performed duties in more than one hospital and/or home, a document for each period should be submitted.)
• English Language Requirements: IELTS (Academic) - Overall 6 OR OET- Speaking - B, R/L/W- C+

Overview
Similar to the former university, MCAST offers a bridging course to non-EU citizens who already have a B.Sc. in Nursing Studies but who lack adequate training in accordance with EU Directive 2005-36-EC. In essence, this course intends to perfectly familiarize the nursing students with EU Directives and enable them to apply for registration with the Maltese Council of Nurses & Midwives. It is specifically designed to provide students with an overall understanding of the concepts of Quality Management (QM) and how issues of quality are related to health and social care services. Additionally, it will enhance the students' knowledge and their understanding of multi-disciplinary work in health and social care settings.

Core Study Units

• Multidisciplinary approaches in Health and social care
• Quality assurance in Health and social care
• Ethical Issues and decision making
• Work-based training in Health science
• Intermediate English
• Gerontology
• Mental health

Career Opportunities
Once the student successfully completes this 6-months program, he/she becomes eligible to apply for registration as a nurse with the Maltese Council of Nurses & Midwives. The students will be presented with an option to travel to any of the countries in the EU and work as a registered nurse. Moreover, the student can also get directly recruited in hospitals. After the completion of 5 years as a registered nurse, the student can apply for an EU Blue Card (similar to green card in the US) and get PR.

3. IDEA Academy (Private University)

Course Information

• Course name: BSC Nursing Top up
• Course Type: Pathway for Nursing Registration for International Nurses
• Duration: 1 Year
• Application Fee: 150 EUR
• Tuition Fee: 6000 EUR
• MQF Level: Level 6
• Intake: March
• Entry Requirement: Nurse who holds GNM diploma
• English Language Requirements: MOI (Have To Score 6.0 At The Time Of Applying For Nursing Registration)

Overview
The course offered by IDEA Academy aims to further the academic & professional development of nurses. The students will gain valuable skills such as an in-depth understanding of key research principles, critical evaluation of information/evidence, and effective use of information technology.

Additionally, the students will acquire a critical awareness of issues that stand at the forefront of nursing practice as well as major analytical, problem-solving and conceptual skills which will enable them to make rational decisions in their professional practice. Topics cover: social demographic trends in the nursing profession, work psychology, evidence based practices in the nursing profession, contemporary issues in nursing and many more.

Core Study Units: 6 Compulsory & 3 Elective & 1 Dissertation

• Social Demographic Trends in the Nursing Profession
• Introduction to Managing Teams
• Evidence-based Practices in Nursing Profession
• Contemporary Issues in Nursing
• Bioethical Issues in Healthcare
• Work Psychology
• The Role of the Nurse as an Educator
• Introduction to Research Methods
• Mental Health
• Dissertation

Pathway for Nursing Registration After this Program

Upon the successful completion of course, candidates can apply for registration with Malta Nursing Council with below conditions/steps fulfilled.

• English Condition - IELTS(Academic)- Overall 6 OR OET- Speaking –B, L/W/R- C+
• Submit application with Council
• Successfully complete the Interview with Council
• Nurses should follow 200 hours practical and other guidelines according to CNM guidelines.

Career Opportunities
Once the applicant receives RN license, he/she will be presented with an option to travel to any of the countries in the EU and work as a registered nurse. Moreover, the applicant can also get directly recruited in hospitals. After the completion of 5 years as a registered nurse, the student can apply for an EU Blue Card (similar to green card in the US) and get PR.

Admission, Visa & Nurse Registration Process

Step-by-step Admission & Visa Process

• Submit the application along with educational certificates & experience certificates
• (Application forms attached)
• Pay application fees.
• Receive the Offer letter
• Pay tuition fees
• Receive the Acceptance letter & Payment Receipt
• Submit Visa Application at Nearest VFS Centre.

Nurse Registration Process

• Once the course gets started, the student needs to take an appointment with the Nursing Council.
• Submit the documents according to the CNM guidelines(attached)
• Attend Interview with council
• Once the Interview is cleared, get the Registration certificate which is accepted across all EU member states

Applying to UK for RN

Once the applicant gains 1-year experience as a registered nurse in Malta, he/she can apply for registration with the UK nursing council in which IELTS/OET is waived off, as UK NMC has recently added Malta as one of the English Speaking countries in the list. The applicant just needs to clear CBT & OSCE Examinations.

Country Benefits for Pursuing Nursing Study & Career

• English Speaking Country
• Amazing Climate - 10 months of Summer
• One of the Richest Country
• Allowed to work 20 hours a week
• Studying in one of the top universities of the world
• Stay back options after course completion
• Possibilities for getting PR
• Technically and Professionally developing
• Getting exposed to a different culture
• Getting registered as a nurse
• Opportunities to work in other EU nations(After clearing the language requirement in respective countries)
• Opportunity to Apply Directly in UK as RN post 1 year of work experience in Malta/EU

Stay Back Options in Malta

As an international student, you will be allowed to work 15- 20 hours a week after completing 90 days and post completion of the course, you will be able to extend your staying period in Malta for 6 months to search for work.

Below link gives more details

https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/english-language-requirements/

OET Score for Nurses in Malta

The Occupational English Test (OET) is widely accepted for nursing registration in Malta. According to the Malta Council for Nurses and Midwives (CNM), the minimum OET score requirements are:

Is OET Score Clubbing Allowed in Malta?

Yes, Malta allows OET score clubbing. This allows candidates to combine results from different test sittings to meet the required grades, subject to the following conditions:

• Both OET attempts must be taken within a 6-month period
• You must submit both test result certificates to the CNM
• The same clubbed score is valid for bridging course applications as well

This is a significant advantage for Indian nurses who may not clear all modules in a single attempt.

OET vs IELTS – Which Is Better for Malta?

Both exams are accepted in Malta. Here is a direct comparison:

Because OET allows score clubbing and is focused on healthcare, most Indian nurses find it the more accessible option for the Malta nursing pathway.

IELTS Score for Nurses in Malta

To register as a nurse in Malta, internationally qualified applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through the IELTS Academic test. The minimum required scores are:

• Overall Band Score: 6.0
• Each Individual Band (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking): Minimum 5.5
• Important: Only IELTS Academic is accepted — IELTS General Training is NOT valid

Why IELTS Requirements in Malta Are Considered Moderate

Compared to countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, Malta has relatively moderate English language requirements for nurses. Malta's requirement of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band is generally achievable with structured preparation.

Malta Nursing Jobs 2026 – Scope, Salary and Career Growth

Malta has a consistently high demand for registered nurses. As of 2026, there are over 500 active nursing vacancies across Malta's public and private healthcare facilities.

Nurse Salary in Malta

On average, a registered nurse in Malta earns approximately €21 per hour. Salaries in the private sector and specialty departments tend to be higher.

Where Do Nurses Work in Malta?

• Mater Dei Hospital – Malta's main public hospital, located in Msida; the largest employer of nurses
• Private hospitals and clinics – including St. James Hospital and Pendergardens Medical Centre
• Nursing homes and elderly care centres – highest demand sector due to Malta's ageing population
• Community health centres – primary care and outpatient nursing roles
• Home care and private duty nursing – growing sector with flexible working options

Malta Nursing as a Gateway to UK Registration

One of the most valuable aspects of working as a nurse in Malta is the direct pathway it creates to UK registration. After completing

1 year of work experience as a registered nurse in Malta

, you can apply to the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) without sitting IELTS or OET again. The UK NMC has officially added Malta to its list of English-speaking countries.

To register with the UK NMC from Malta, you only need to pass:

• CBT – Computer-Based Test (nursing knowledge assessment)
• OSCE – Objective Structured Clinical Examination (practical skills assessment)

This makes Malta nursing a two-step career strategy: European registration first, then UK settlement.

Malta Bridging Course for Nurses – Details 2026

A bridging course is mandatory for all Non-EU nurses before they can apply for nursing registration in Malta. The course bridges the gap between a candidate's existing nursing education and the standards required under EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

Eligibility Requirements for the Bridging Course

To apply for the Malta nursing bridging course, you must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a BSc in Nursing (3 or 4 year) or a GNM Diploma (3.5 year)
• Academic transcripts must document a minimum of 1,533 theory hours and 2,300 clinical hours
• Must have cleared OET (Speaking B + C+ in other modules) or IELTS Academic 6.0
• Minimum 1 year of registered nursing work experience required
• Must hold a valid nursing registration in your home country

What Is Covered in the Bridging Course?

The bridging course is structured into two main components:

Theory Modules:

• EU Nursing Directives and Malta healthcare legislation
• Nursing ethics and professional conduct standards
• Quality assurance in healthcare delivery
• Mental health nursing
• Gerontology and elderly care
• Multidisciplinary approaches in health and social care

Clinical Placement (Practical):

• Minimum 200 hours of supervised clinical practice in a Malta-approved hospital
• Hands-on patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse mentor
• Real-world experience aligned with EU nursing standards

Bridging Course Fees

Course fees typically range between €3,000 and €6,000. Eligible candidates may benefit from Malta's Get Qualified Scheme, which provides a 70% tax rebate on tuition fees after successfully completing the course.

Age Limit for Nurses in Malta

There is no official upper age limit set by the Malta Council for Nurses and Midwives (CNM) for nursing registration. This means candidates of different age groups can apply, as long as they meet the required qualifications, English language score, and other eligibility criteria.

However, some bridging or adaptation course institutes may have their own age preferences or limits.

• Many institutes commonly prefer candidates up to 40–45 years of age
• Age rules may vary depending on the institute and course intake

Overall, Malta remains a relatively age-inclusive destination for nurses. Eligibility is mainly based on qualifications, experience, and language proficiency rather than age.

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