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
Every course.
One place.
The I Belong Programme has five named courses across two stages — plus seven deep study topics on language, culture, Malta’s history, and its civic institutions. This hub covers it all.
Last verified:
5
programme courses
7
study topics
A1→A2
language levels
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.
PRG
1 / 7How 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 min3 Q&A
ML1
2 / 7Maltese language — Stage 1 (A1)
Essential Maltese vocabulary, greetings, numbers, days, and basic sentence structures for the Stage 1 language assessment.
4 sections~11 min5 Q&A
CO1
3 / 7Cultural 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 Q&A
ML2
4 / 7Maltese 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 Q&A
HIS
5 / 7Malta'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 Q&A
CIV
6 / 7Malta'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 Q&A
STR
7 / 7Assessment 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 Q&A
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
Stage 1
3 courses · MQF L1
Stage 2
2 courses · 170 h · MQF L2
Long-Term Residence
Eligibility requirement
Pre-Departure Course
Single Permit requirement
Stage 1
3 courses · MQF L1
Stage 2
2 courses · 170 h · MQF L2
Long-Term Residence
Eligibility requirement
Note: Stage 1 applications are currently paused for restructuring. See the current status.
Pre-Integration Course
Stage 1 — three entry-level courses
Stage 1 comprises the Pre-Integration Course: three MQF Level 1 courses covering language and cultural foundations. Hours and pass marks for Stage 1 courses have not been 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
Stage 2 — two advanced courses
Stage 2 is the Integration Course: two MQF Level 2 courses totalling 170 published hours with explicit pass-mark conditions. Completion of Stage 2 is linked to Long-Term Residence eligibility.
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. A distinct course from the Stage 1 version despite sharing its name.
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Pass mark
- 80% attendance + minimum 75%
Total Stage 2 hours
170 h
50 h (Maltese Language) + 120 h (Cultural Orientation)
Important discrepancy
A separate Identità source references a single 100-hour / 75% requirement — a figure that does not match the 170-hour Stage 2 structure above.
Read the full breakdown →All courses side by side
Complete course reference
| 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 | 120 hours | 80% attendance + minimum 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 links Stage 2 completion to Long-Term Residence Status. However, a separate Identità source references a single 100-hour / 75% certificate — a figure that does not cleanly match Stage 2's two-course, 170-hour structure. We document both plainly.
Read the full Long-Term Residence breakdown →LTR
Stage 2 → Eligibility