The Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) are directly aligned — meaning MQF levels and EQF levels are numerically equivalent from Level 1 to Level 8. The key difference is scope: the MQF is Malta’s national framework managed by the MFHEA, while the EQF is the EU-wide reference framework that allows qualifications from different countries to be compared. If you hold an MQF Level 5, it is automatically recognised as EQF Level 5 across all EU member states.
| Feature | MQF (Malta) | EQF (Europe) |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Malta Qualifications Framework | European Qualifications Framework |
| Scope | Malta only | All EU/EEA member states |
| Levels | 8 levels (1–8) | 8 levels (1–8) |
| Managed by | MFHEA (Malta) | European Commission |
| Alignment | Referenced to EQF (2009) | Reference framework for all national frameworks |
| Levels equivalent? | Yes — MQF Level = EQF Level (1:1 mapping) | |
| MQF Level | EQF Level | Qualification Type | UK RQF Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| MQF 1 | EQF 1 | Secondary School Certificate | Entry Level |
| MQF 2 | EQF 2 | Secondary School Certificate & Profile | RQF Level 1 |
| MQF 3 | EQF 3 | SEC / O-Level | RQF Level 2 (GCSE) |
| MQF 4 | EQF 4 | Matriculation / Advanced Level | RQF Level 3 (A-Level) |
| MQF 5 | EQF 5 | Undergraduate Diploma / HND | RQF Level 5 (HND) |
| MQF 6 | EQF 6 | Bachelor’s Degree | RQF Level 6 |
| MQF 7 | EQF 7 | Master’s Degree / Postgraduate Diploma | RQF Level 7 |
| MQF 8 | EQF 8 | Doctoral Degree (PhD) | RQF Level 8 |
Yes and no. The numbers are identical — MQF Level 5 equals EQF Level 5, MQF Level 7 equals EQF Level 7, and so on. Malta referenced its framework to the EQF in 2009, ensuring a direct 1:1 mapping. However, the frameworks serve different purposes: the MQF classifies qualifications specifically within Malta’s education system, while the EQF acts as a translation tool between different national frameworks across the EU.
In practical terms, this means a qualification rated at MQF Level 5 in Malta will be understood as EQF Level 5 by employers and universities in Germany, France, Ireland, or any other EU member state. For the full breakdown of each MQF level, see our complete MQF Levels guide.
The EQF allows you to compare Malta’s MQF with any other country’s national framework. For example, Ireland’s NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications) has 10 levels mapped to the same 8 EQF levels. The UK’s RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) also broadly aligns with the EQF, though the UK is no longer an EU member state.
The alignment matters for several practical reasons: it ensures your Maltese qualification is recognised when applying for jobs across Europe, it enables seamless progression to further study at European universities, it is required for qualification recognition via MQRIC, and it is essential for accessing funding schemes like Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme (which refunds up to 70% of tuition fees for MQF Level 5+ qualifications).
Yes. MQF levels are directly aligned with EQF levels on a 1:1 basis. MQF Level 5 = EQF Level 5, MQF Level 7 = EQF Level 7, and so on for all 8 levels.
EQF Level 5 corresponds to MQF Level 5 in Malta, which is an Undergraduate Diploma (equivalent to a UK HND).
Yes. Because the MQF is referenced to the EQF, any MQF-rated qualification is automatically recognised at the equivalent EQF level across all EU and EEA member states.
You can apply for an MQRIC statement through the MFHEA. This official document confirms the MQF and EQF level of your qualification.
Sources: Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) — mfhea.mt | European Commission — EQF Portal | Malta Qualifications Framework Referencing Report (2009)
Last updated: March 2026
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