SME Chamber concerned over proposed price hikes for non-EU students

The Malta Chamber of SMEs expresses serious concern over the proposed increases in fees for non-EU students, “with certain fees increasing tenfold.”

Such increases risk severely undermining Malta's competitiveness as an international education destination, it said.

The SME Chamber was reacting to the news that a Bill tabled in Parliament to implement Budget measures includes proposals to increase some visa fees and thefee for a study residence permit. The initial study residence permit fee would rise from €50 to €500, for instance, and the long-stay study visa fees will rise from €100 to €300

“Over the years, licensed private educational institutions have invested heavily in infrastructure, academic programmes, human resources and international marketing to establish Malta as a reputable international education hub. These investments were made with a long-term vision, which is now being undermined by measures introduced without any prior consultation with the sector.”

The SME Chamber said that Malta operates within a highly competitive international education market, where students have several alternative destinations to choose from.

“Substantial increases in costs risk diverting prospective students towards competing countries, directly affecting student enrolment, educational institutions and the wider economy.”

Of particular concern is the contradiction between these measures and Malta’s labour market needs, the SME Chamber added.

“At a time when businesses continue to struggle to attract skilled workers, Malta should be strengthening its ability to attract international talent and create pathways between education and employment, rather than introducing additional barriers.”

It stressed that international education is not merely an economic activity but also a strategic contributor to workforce development, productivity and economic growth.

It called on Government to urgently engage with the sector, reassess the proposed increases and conduct a proper impact assessment before implementation, ensuring that Malta’s education policies remain aligned with its economic ambitions and labour market requirements.