Since 15 June 2026 the I Belong programme focuses on the 100-hour Cultural Orientation course: what that means now, and what applies to earlier applications.
Direct answer
What is I Belong Stage 2 now?
Stage 2 is now the I Belong 100-hour Cultural Orientation course. It is the one course the programme runs since 15 June 2026. To join, you need a Stage 1 or New Course certificate and a valid Maltese residence document. Stage 2 applications received before 15 June 2026 will be given the opportunity to take both the 100-hour course and the Maltese Language (MQF Level 2) course.
Passing the course is one Long-Term Residence requirement. It does not guarantee status.
What changed on 15 June 2026
The Human Rights Directorate’s I Belong page says: “as from 15 June 2026, the I Belong programme will only focus on the provision of I Belong 100-hour Cultural Orientation course (previously called as Stage 2 Cultural Orientation).”
- Later applications: the Directorate says the programme focuses on the 100-hour Cultural Orientation course.
- Stage 2 applications received before 15 June 2026: will be given the opportunity to take both the 100-hour course and the I Belong Maltese Language (MQF Level 2) course.
The Directorate adds that “further changes may be announced at a later stage.” Not sure which group you are in? Ask the Directorate. See how to apply for the 100-hour Cultural Orientation course.
Getting ready for the course
- Ask your provider for the dates, the attendance rule, the language the teacher uses, how the final exam works and what happens if you fail. The Directorate’s page does not publish these.
- Need it for Long-Term Residence? Identità wants the certificate to be no more than one year old when you apply. Plan the course so you finish within a year of your application.
- Revise as you go. Our study hub has free practice on Malta’s history, civic life, public services and everyday Maltese. It is our own material, not official exam questions.
Older Stage 2 figures (recorded 14 June 2026)
Before the change, this guide recorded two Stage 2 courses, recorded as run by the University of Malta and MCAST. The Directorate’s current page does not show these figures, so treat them as history.
Stage 2 figures recorded in this guide on 14 June 2026
Maltese Language for Integration
- MQF level
- Level 2
- Recorded hours
- 50 hours (recorded 2026-06-14)
- Recorded requirements
- 65% (recorded 2026-06-14)
Cultural Orientation
- MQF level
- Level 2
- Recorded hours
- 120 hours (recorded 2026-06-14)
- Recorded requirements
- 80% attendance and 75% (recorded 2026-06-14)
Those two add up to 170 hours; we cannot establish whether the Directorate itself published that combined total. Today the course is 100 hours, not 120. See every course across both stages, side by side.
How it connects to Long-Term Residence
The Directorate says: “successful completion of I Belong Cultural Orientation at 100-hours is considered one of the requirements for Long-Term Residence Status (LTR) in Malta.” It is one requirement among several. Identità sets the others, such as how long you have lived in Malta.
- Pass mark. Identità asks for at least 75% in the final exam. The Directorate’s page gives none, so use Identità’s figure.
- Maltese test. Identità also asks for a separate Maltese certificate at MQF Level 2 with at least 65%.
- Course name. Identità calls it the I Belong Integration Course; the Directorate calls it Cultural Orientation. The two bodies use different course names, but both give 100 hours.
Common questions
Do I need to finish Stage 1 first?
No. Stage 1 has ended. You need either an I Belong Stage 1 Cultural Orientation certificate or a New Course on Maltese Language and Culture certificate, plus a valid Residence Permit, Asylum Seeker Document or CIO Document issued by the Maltese authorities. An older servizz.gov.mt page still says only "I Belong Stage 1 Graduates". It has not been updated for the 15 June 2026 restructuring, so follow the Directorate's page.
What mark do I need to pass the Cultural Orientation course?
Aim for at least 75%. Identità asks for "a minimum score of 75% in the final exam" for Long-Term Residence. The Directorate's own page gives no pass mark, so ask your provider how the exam is marked.
Who runs Stage 2?
Our 14 June 2026 record named the University of Malta and MCAST for the two earlier Stage 2 courses. The Directorate's current page names no provider for the 100-hour course. It says delivery, access and costs depend on the arrangements in force when the course runs. Ask the Directorate who runs your course.
If I pass Stage 2, do I get Long-Term Residence automatically?
No. Passing the 100-hour course is "one of the requirements for Long-Term Residence Status (LTR) in Malta". Identità also checks how long you have lived in Malta, your income, housing, health insurance and a separate Maltese test.
Official sources for this page
These are the official pages this guide depends on. Open them directly before acting on a time-sensitive requirement.
- 01Human Rights Directorate (opens in a new tab)
Official I Belong Programme overview: the current programme structure (as restructured from 15 June 2026), eligibility, registration conditions, and discontinued courses.
Source last checked:
- 02Government of Malta — servizz.gov.mt (opens in a new tab)
Older servizz.gov service description of I Belong Stage 2: application channels, the required document and a processing timeline. Its eligibility and course text pre-dates the 15 June 2026 restructuring.
Source last checked:
- 03Identità (opens in a new tab)
Official Identità guidance on Long-Term Residence eligibility for non-EU nationals, including the documentation requirements that name the I Belong Integration Certificate.
Source last checked:
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Read the official I Belong Programme pageOpens the official website