Stage 1
English Language
Foundation English communication skills for daily life in Malta. Delivered as part of the Pre-Integration Course.
- Duration
- Not published
- Pass mark
- Not published
I Belong Malta · Study Hub
I Belong course Malta:
every course, one place.
Since 15 June 2026 the I Belong Programme focuses on the 100-hour Cultural Orientation course — plus seven deep study topics on Maltese language, culture, Malta’s history, and its civic institutions. This hub covers the current course and the pre-15-June structure for earlier applications.
Last verified:
- Cultural Orientation
- 100 h
- study topics
- 7
- residence pathway
- LTR
Study topics
Seven study topics covering every area of the I Belong Programme
Each topic has its own dedicated page with a full explanation, key facts, study tips, common pitfalls, and quick review questions.
PRG1 / 7
How the I Belong Programme works
The two-stage structure of the I Belong Programme, what each stage assesses, and how to approach both stages strategically.
4 sections~11 min5 quiz Q&A
ML12 / 7
Maltese language — Stage 1 (A1)
Essential Maltese vocabulary, greetings, numbers, days, and basic sentence structures for the Stage 1 language assessment.
4 sections~11 min5 quiz Q&A
CO13 / 7
Cultural orientation — Stage 1
Maltese daily life, social customs, family values, religion in public life, and the civic expectations the programme introduces at Stage 1.
3 sections~8 min4 quiz Q&A
ML24 / 7
Maltese language — Stage 2 (A2)
Building on Stage 1 with more complex grammar, expanded vocabulary, conversational ability, and the language skills assessed at Stage 2 (CEFR A2).
4 sections~11 min4 quiz Q&A
HIS5 / 7
Malta's history — key periods and events
The key historical periods assessed in Stage 2 — from prehistory through the Knights of St John, French and British rule, to independence and EU membership.
4 sections~11 min5 quiz Q&A
CIV6 / 7
Malta's civic institutions and governance
The President, Parliament, Cabinet, Local Councils, Identità, and the key bodies that TCN residents interact with — the civic structure assessed in Stage 2.
4 sections~11 min5 quiz Q&A
STR7 / 7
Assessment strategy for both stages
How to structure your preparation, manage assessment day, handle difficult questions, and make the most of the I Belong Programme beyond just passing.
4 sections~11 min4 quiz Q&A
32 scored practice questions
Test yourself, not just read
Every study topic above has a scored multiple-choice practice quiz with instant feedback and an explanation for each answer. Or take the mock test — a randomised set pulled from every topic at once.
Your Malta integration pathway
How the programmes connect — from your initial Single Permit requirement through to Long-Term Residence eligibility.
Pre-Departure Course
Single Permit requirement
Prerequisite course
Maltese Language & Culture
Cultural Orientation
100 h · feeds LTR
Long-Term Residence
Eligibility requirement
Note: the programme was restructured on 15 June 2026 and now focuses on the 100-hour Cultural Orientation course. See what changed.
Pre-Integration Course · pre-15-June structure
Stage 1 — three entry-level courses (historical)
Under the pre-15-June-2026 structure, Stage 1 comprised the Pre-Integration Course: three MQF Level 1 courses covering language and cultural foundations. As from 15 June 2026 the I Belong Stage 1 Cultural Orientation, Maltese Language (MQF Level 1) and English Language (MQF Level 1) courses were discontinued. The Stage 1 Cultural Orientation course is now replaced by the New Course on Maltese Language and Culture (developed under the Malta Labour Migration Policy framework), which remains a requirement for participation in the I Belong Cultural Orientation at 100-hours course. Hours and pass marks for the old Stage 1 courses were never separately published in the official wording we have located.
MQF Level 1
Stage 1
Maltese Language
Introduction to Maltese vocabulary and everyday expressions. Helps participants navigate public life and services.
- Duration
- Not published
- Pass mark
- Not published
Stage 1
Cultural Orientation
Overview of Maltese society, customs, public institutions, and civic life at entry level.
- Duration
- Not published
- Pass mark
- Not published
Why hours and pass marks are missing for Stage 1: These figures have not been found in any official published source. We show the gap honestly rather than estimate. Read the full Stage 1 guide →
Integration Course
The 100-hour Cultural Orientation course
Since 15 June 2026 the I Belong programme focuses on the 100-hour Cultural Orientation course (previously called Stage 2 Cultural Orientation). Its successful completion is one of the requirements for Long-Term Residence Status (LTR) in Malta. The pre-15-June-2026 Integration Course was a two-course, 170-hour structure (shown below); that structure now applies only to applications received before 15 June 2026.
Stage 2
Maltese Language for Integration
Deeper Maltese language instruction focused on integration contexts — workplace, civic participation, and community interaction.
- Duration
- 50 hours
- Pass mark
- Minimum 65%
Stage 2
Cultural Orientation
Advanced study of Maltese history, civic structures, rights, and responsibilities. Since 15 June 2026 the I Belong programme focuses on this course — the 100-hour Cultural Orientation course, previously called Stage 2 Cultural Orientation.
- Duration
- 100 hours (was 120 before 15 June 2026)
- Pass mark
- Directorate no longer publishes a numeric pass mark (Identità's LTR guidance still cites 75%)
Current course
100 h
Cultural Orientation course (pre-15-June: 170 h across two courses)
Now aligned on ~100 hours
Earlier we flagged a discrepancy between the Directorate's 170-hour structure and Identità's single 100-hour figure. Since 15 June 2026 the Directorate's description was updated and the two sources now broadly agree on ~100 hours. The 75% pass mark is now attributed to Identità only.
Read the full breakdown →All courses side by side
Complete course reference
This table preserves the pre-15-June-2026 course structure for context and for anyone who applied before the restructuring. Since 15 June 2026 the programme focuses on the 100-hour Cultural Orientation course, and the Stage 1 courses plus the Maltese Language (MQF Level 2) course were discontinued for new applicants.
| Course | Stage | MQF | Hours | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | Stage 1 | Level 1 | Not published | Not published |
| Maltese Language | Stage 1 | Level 1 | Not published | Not published |
| Cultural Orientation | Stage 1 | Level 1 | Not published | Not published |
| Maltese Language for Integration | Stage 2 | Level 2 | 50 hours | Minimum 65% |
| Cultural Orientation | Stage 2 | Level 2 | 100 hours (was 120 before 15 June 2026) | Directorate no longer publishes a numeric pass mark (Identità's LTR guidance still cites 75%) |
Related programmes
Skills Pass & Pre-Departure Course
SP
Malta Skills Pass
Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass
A two-phase online verification (modules + live interview) required for TCN workers in Malta's tourism and hospitality sector.
Explore the Skills Pass guide →PD
Malta Pre-Departure Course
Single Permit Pre-Departure Course
A mandatory online course for non-EU nationals applying for a Single Permit in Malta — usually the first course in your Malta journey.
Explore the Pre-Departure Course guide →Programme outcome
Long-Term Residence eligibility
Official wording states that successful completion of the I Belong Cultural Orientation at 100-hours is considered one of the requirements for Long-Term Residence Status (LTR) in Malta. Identità's separate LTR guidance also describes a 100-hour course (citing a 75% pass mark), so following the 15 June 2026 restructuring the two descriptions now broadly agree on ~100 hours. We document both plainly.
Read the full Long-Term Residence breakdown →LTR
100-hour course → Eligibility