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Get Qualified Scheme Malta (2026): Complete Guide to the 70% Tuition Fee Refund
Last updated: 31 March 2026. Information verified against Malta Enterprise and the Malta Budget Speech 2026.
Author: Written by the Elephant & Cross admissions team. We have helped hundreds of students apply for the Get Qualified Scheme since 2020.
April 2026 Update: Applications Temporarily Paused
The Get Qualified application portal is temporarily unavailable as Malta Enterprise updates the scheme rules and publishes revised guidelines. The scheme has not been discontinued — it was confirmed to continue in the Malta Budget Speech 2026, delivered by Minister for Finance Clyde Caruana on 27 October 2025.
If your submission deadline falls during this pause, Malta Enterprise has confirmed you will be given the opportunity to apply once the portal reopens. We are in direct contact with Malta Enterprise and will update this page as soon as the new guidelines are published.
What you should do now: Start or continue your course. The scheme reimburses you after completion, so there is no disadvantage to studying while the portal is being updated.
What Is the Get Qualified Scheme?
The Get Qualified Scheme is a Maltese government incentive that reimburses up to 70% of tuition fees as a tax credit for individuals who complete accredited qualifications at MQF Level 3 or above. The scheme is administered by Malta Enterprise and has been running since 2017.
The purpose of the scheme is to encourage lifelong learning and professional development in Malta. It covers certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees, and postgraduate qualifications — including online courses, provided the qualification is recognised in Malta.
Unlike a scholarship, the Get Qualified Scheme does not fund your course upfront. Instead, you pay for and complete your qualification first, then apply for a tax credit of up to 70% of your eligible tuition fees. The tax credit is issued by the Commissioner for Revenue (formerly Inland Revenue) as a cheque.
The Get Qualified Scheme applies to both classroom-based and online courses, as long as the qualification is accredited and recognised in Malta. Online diplomas from UK or EU-accredited institutions are eligible, provided they hold an MQRIC statement or equivalent recognition.
Get Qualified Scheme: Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Refund amount | Tax credit of up to 70% of eligible tuition fees |
| Eligible levels | MQF Level 3 and above (EQF-referenced) |
| Maximum caps | See refund caps table below |
| How you receive it | Tax credit issued by the Commissioner for Revenue (cheque) |
| When to apply | After successful completion of your course |
| Administered by | Malta Enterprise |
| Application status (2026) | Temporarily unavailable — revised guidelines pending |
| Scheme period | 2017–2026 (confirmed extended in Budget Speech 2026) |
| Online courses eligible? | Yes — with MQRIC recognition or EU/UK accreditation |
| Contact | Malta Enterprise: (+356) 2542 0000 |
Refund Caps by MQF Level
The Get Qualified Scheme does not reimburse unlimited amounts. The tax credit is capped based on the MQF level of your qualification. The table below shows the maximum refund you can claim per qualification level.
| MQF Level | Qualification Type | Maximum Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MQF Level 3 | Certificate | Up to €1,000 |
| MQF Level 4 | Foundation Diploma / Higher Certificate | Up to €2,333 |
| MQF Level 5 | Diploma | Up to €3,500 |
| MQF Level 6 | Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma | Up to €7,000 |
| MQF Level 7 | Master’s Degree / Postgraduate Diploma | Up to €7,000 |
| MQF Level 8 | Doctorate | Up to €7,000 |
Note: These caps are based on the most recently published guidelines. Malta Enterprise is currently revising the scheme rules — the caps may change when the updated guidelines are released.
For most students, the Get Qualified Scheme covers the majority of tuition costs. For example, a Diploma at MQF Level 5 costing €4,950 would be eligible for a tax credit of up to €3,465 (70%), capped at €3,500 — meaning the student effectively pays only €1,485 out of pocket.
Who Is Eligible for the Get Qualified Scheme?
To qualify for the Get Qualified Scheme, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Residency: You must be a Maltese resident or EU national living in Malta.
- Qualification level: Your course must lead to a qualification at MQF Level 3 or above (EQF-referenced).
- Recognition in Malta: The qualification must be recognised in Malta. If it is accredited by a recognised body in an EU or UK institution, it may require an MQRIC statement to confirm Malta recognition.
- Approved course list: Your course must appear on the Get Qualified approved qualifications list maintained by Malta Enterprise, or you must apply to have it added.
- Completion: You must have successfully completed the course before applying. The scheme does not fund courses in progress.
Important: You do not need to be employed to apply. The scheme is open to employed, self-employed, and unemployed individuals — as long as you are resident in Malta.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Note: These steps apply once the application portal reopens. The process below reflects the standard procedure based on the most recently published guidelines.
Step 1: Complete Your Course
You must fully complete your qualification and receive your certificate or results before applying. The Get Qualified Scheme does not accept applications for courses that are still in progress.
If you are currently studying, the best approach is to focus on completing your course. You can apply for the tax credit once you have your qualification in hand.
Step 2: Check the Approved Course List
Search the Get Qualified qualifications database to see if your course is already approved. If it appears on the list, you can proceed directly to Step 4.
Step 3: Get Your Course Added (If Needed)
If your course does not appear on the approved list, you can request Malta Enterprise to add it. You will need to provide:
- The course syllabus and learning outcomes
- Proof of accreditation from the awarding body
- The MQF/EQF level of the qualification
- An MQRIC statement if the qualification is from a non-Maltese institution
At Elephant & Cross, all of our Malta courses are already on the approved list or have been successfully added for previous students. If you need help with this step, contact our team and we will guide you through it.
Step 4: Create an Account and Submit Your Application
Once the portal reopens, create an account on the Get Qualified application portal. Submit your application along with:
- Proof of course completion (certificate, transcript, or results letter)
- Proof of payment (receipts or bank statements showing tuition fees paid)
- A copy of your ID card or residence permit
- Your MQRIC statement (if applicable)
Step 5: Receive Your Tax Credit
After Malta Enterprise approves your application, the tax credit is processed through the Commissioner for Revenue. You will receive a cheque for the approved amount. Processing times vary but typically take 3–6 months from the date of application approval.
Get Qualified vs Other Malta Funding Schemes
Malta offers several funding schemes for education and training. The table below compares the Get Qualified Scheme with other options to help you understand which one applies to your situation.
| Feature | Get Qualified Scheme | Training Pays Scheme (TPS) | TESS Scholarship | Endeavour Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Tax credit on tuition fees | Training costs for employees | University stipends | Postgraduate research funding |
| Refund type | 70% tax credit (after completion) | Employer tax credit | Monthly stipend | Grant/scholarship |
| Who can apply | Individuals (employed or not) | Employers (on behalf of employees) | Full-time university students | Postgraduate researchers |
| Eligible levels | MQF 3+ | Any accredited training | MQF 6–7 (university) | MQF 7–8 |
| Online courses | Yes | Depends on employer | No (full-time only) | No (full-time only) |
| Administered by | Malta Enterprise | Jobsplus | Government | Government |
| Best for | Working professionals, career changers, self-paced learners | Companies training their staff | School leavers entering university | Academic researchers |
The Get Qualified Scheme is the only Malta government funding option that covers online courses and self-paced learning. It is specifically designed for working professionals and career changers who want to earn a qualification without leaving their job. Other schemes like TESS and Endeavour are limited to full-time university programmes.
What Has Changed in 2026?
The Get Qualified Scheme is currently undergoing revisions. Here is what we know as of March 2026:
- The scheme is confirmed to continue — the Malta Budget Speech 2026, delivered by Minister for Finance Clyde Caruana on 27 October 2025, confirmed the extension of the Get Qualified Scheme.
- Applications are temporarily paused — Malta Enterprise’s official page currently shows “Application Temporarily Unavailable” while updated guidelines are being prepared.
- Changes to the scheme are expected — the revised guidelines are expected to be published shortly. The exact nature of the changes has not yet been made public.
- Existing applicants are protected — students whose submission deadlines fall during this transition period will be given the opportunity to apply once the portal reopens.
We are in direct contact with Malta Enterprise and will update this page as soon as the new guidelines are published.
Elephant & Cross Courses Eligible for Get Qualified
All of our Malta courses are accredited and eligible for the Get Qualified Scheme. Here are our most popular programmes by subject area:
Business & Management
Finance & Accounting
Human Resources
Information Technology
All Courses
Browse all Get Qualified eligible courses →
All courses are fully online, self-paced, and can be completed while working full-time. Monthly payments start from €220/mo, and you can cancel anytime.
How Elephant & Cross Helps You Maximise Your Get Qualified Refund
When you book a course through Elephant & Cross, we guide you through the entire Get Qualified process:
- Before you enrol: We confirm your course is on the approved list and advise on the expected refund amount based on your MQF level.
- During your studies: You study at your own pace with 1-to-1 tutor support. Pause for up to 90 days if you need a break.
- After completion: We provide all the documentation you need — course completion certificate, payment receipts, and MQRIC/accreditation evidence — ready for your Get Qualified application.
We have helped hundreds of students successfully claim their Get Qualified tax credits since 2020.
Browse our courses → or get in touch → — we’ll help you choose the right programme and maximise your refund.
Official Sources
The information on this page is based on the following official sources:
- Malta Enterprise — Get Qualified Scheme Page
- Malta Budget Speech 2026 (PDF) — Ministry for Finance, 27 October 2025
- Get Qualified Application Portal & Qualifications Database
- MQRIC — Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Get Qualified Scheme still available in 2026?
Yes. The scheme has been confirmed to continue in the Malta Budget Speech 2026. However, the application portal is currently temporarily unavailable while Malta Enterprise updates the scheme guidelines. The scheme has not been discontinued.
How much money do I get back from Get Qualified?
The scheme provides a tax credit of up to 70% of eligible tuition fees, capped according to MQF level. For example, an MQF Level 5 diploma is capped at €3,500, while MQF Level 6 and above are capped at €7,000. See the refund caps table above for full details.
When do I receive the tax credit?
You apply after completing your course. Once Malta Enterprise approves your application, the tax credit is processed by the Commissioner for Revenue and issued as a cheque. Processing typically takes 3–6 months from the date of application approval.
Can I apply while still studying?
No. The Get Qualified Scheme requires you to have successfully completed your qualification before submitting an application. You cannot apply for courses that are still in progress.
Do online courses qualify for Get Qualified?
Yes — online courses qualify for the Get Qualified Scheme, provided the qualification is recognised in Malta at MQF Level 3 or above. Courses accredited by UK or EU-recognised institutions are eligible with an MQRIC statement confirming Malta recognition. All courses offered by Elephant & Cross are accredited and eligible.
What if my course is not on the Get Qualified approved list?
You can request Malta Enterprise to add your course to the approved list. You will need to provide the course syllabus, proof of accreditation, and an MQRIC statement if applicable. If you are studying with Elephant & Cross, contact us and we will handle this process for you.
What is the Get Qualified contact number?
You can reach Malta Enterprise on (+356) 2542 0000 or email info@maltaenterprise.com. You can also visit the Malta Enterprise Get Qualified page for the latest information.
What is the difference between Get Qualified and Training Pays?
The Get Qualified Scheme reimburses individuals directly for courses they have completed. The Training Pays Scheme (TPS), administered by Jobsplus, reimburses employers for training costs incurred on behalf of their employees. If you are studying on your own initiative (not sent by your employer), Get Qualified is the correct scheme. See the comparison table above for more details.
Can I use Get Qualified more than once?
Yes. You can apply for the Get Qualified tax credit for multiple qualifications, as long as each qualification meets the eligibility criteria and is on the approved list. There is no limit to the number of times you can benefit from the scheme across different qualifications.
Do I need to be employed to apply?
No. The Get Qualified Scheme is open to all Maltese residents and EU nationals living in Malta, regardless of employment status. You do not need to be employed, self-employed, or have a specific income level to qualify.
