What does Stage 1 actually teach?

Official information describes the course content directly: "learners will obtain basic knowledge of English language, Maltese language, and an introduction to life and support services in Malta." The named courses are English Language (MQF Level 1), Maltese Language (MQF Level 1), and Cultural Orientation (MQF Level 1) — an entry-level foundation, not the more substantial Stage 2 courses described separately.

Can I skip Stage 1 if I already speak English or Maltese well?

Official information doesn't describe a general skip-ahead path for Stage 1 itself — what it does say is that "only individuals who graduated from Stage 1: Pre Integration Course can apply for Stage 2: Integration Course." If you hold an existing recognised qualification, the most reliable step is to ask the Human Rights Directorate directly whether it affects your Stage 1 requirement, rather than assume — see the eligibility page for what official wording does and doesn't say about exemptions.

I already started Stage 1 before the pause — does this affect me?

This guide cannot tell you that — official information about the restructuring describes a pause on "new Stage 1 applications or Repeat with Payment applications," which reads as being about new and repeat enrolments rather than describing what happens to learners already partway through. If you're mid-course, the programme contact address is the right place to ask about your specific situation; see official contacts for how to reach it.

Stage 1: the Pre-Integration Course

What Stage 1 covers

Stage 1 — described officially as the Pre-Integration Course — is the entry point into the I Belong Programme. Official information describes its purpose plainly: “learners will obtain basic knowledge of English language, Maltese language, and an introduction to life and support services in Malta.”

The named course components are:

English Language — MQF Level 1
Maltese Language — MQF Level 1
Cultural Orientation — MQF Level 1

MQF Level 1 sits at the most introductory rung of Malta’s national qualifications framework — official wording frames Stage 1 as a foundation, distinct from the more substantial, higher-level courses that make up Stage 2 (see a side-by-side comparison of every course across both stages).

Who can take Stage 1

Official information describes Stage 1 as open to foreign nationals aged 18 years and above. It also carries an explicit caveat worth taking seriously: “eligibility, access, course delivery, and programme modalities are subject to the applicable legislation, availability of course places, and programme arrangements in force at the time of course delivery.” In other words, the rules in force when you actually apply may differ from any general description — including this one — so the official page is the place to check before making plans around it.

See eligibility for Stage 1 and Stage 2 for the full picture, including how the Stage 1-to-Stage 2 prerequisite works.

What graduating Stage 1 leads to

Completing Stage 1 is described as the gateway to Stage 2: official wording is direct that “only individuals who graduated from Stage 1: Pre Integration Course can apply for Stage 2: Integration Course.” Stage 2 is, in turn, described as one of the requirements for Long-Term Residence status — see what Stage 2 involves and how the certificate connects to Long-Term Residence for the full chain.

Frequently asked questions

What does Stage 1 actually teach?: Official information describes the course content directly: "learners will obtain basic knowledge of English language, Maltese language, and an introduction to life and support services in Malta." The named courses are English Language (MQF Level 1), Maltese Language (MQF Level 1), and Cultural Orientation (MQF Level 1) — an entry-level foundation, not the more substantial Stage 2 courses described separately.
Can I skip Stage 1 if I already speak English or Maltese well?: Official information doesn't describe a general skip-ahead path for Stage 1 itself — what it does say is that "only individuals who graduated from Stage 1: Pre Integration Course can apply for Stage 2: Integration Course." If you hold an existing recognised qualification, the most reliable step is to ask the Human Rights Directorate directly whether it affects your Stage 1 requirement, rather than assume — see the eligibility page for what official wording does and doesn't say about exemptions.
I already started Stage 1 before the pause — does this affect me?: This guide cannot tell you that — official information about the restructuring describes a pause on "new Stage 1 applications or Repeat with Payment applications," which reads as being about new and repeat enrolments rather than describing what happens to learners already partway through. If you're mid-course, the programme contact address is the right place to ask about your specific situation; see official contacts for how to reach it.

Official sources for this page

Human Rights Directorate (opens in a new tab)
Official I Belong Programme overview: the two-stage structure, eligibility, course content, and current Stage 1 application status.
Source last checked: 8 June 2026
Government of Malta — reforms.gov.mt (opens in a new tab)
Official Government of Malta service description of I Belong Programme Stage 1 (Pre-Integration Course): eligibility and course content.
Source last checked: 8 June 2026