Navigating The Future Of Work As An International Student: A Malta Perspective
As Director of Operations at GBS Malta, Allen Lofaro has spent over two decades in international education, witnessing how it transforms lives and careers. With 25 years of experience across Maltese educational institutions, his insights into Malta’s employment landscape offer valuable guidance for international students considering their future.
Malta’s Employment Success Story
Malta currently boasts the highest graduate employment rate in the European Union, an impressive 96%. Nearly every graduate secures employment within three years, reflecting the country’s unique blend of education and opportunity. Unemployment has dropped from 4.36% in 2020 to just 2.7% in Q1 2025, while the number of employed people reached 327,643—an increase of 4.3% over the previous year.
The labour force participation rate hit an all-time high of 83.3% in December 2024, with the 25–54 age group participating at a remarkable 91.7%. These figures underscore Malta’s thriving economic environment, where both local and international residents are actively contributing.
An Economy on the Rise
Malta is on track to become the fastest-growing economy in the EU by 2025. Following a 6% GDP growth in 2024, projections for 2025 and 2026 remain strong at 4.1% and 4% respectively. This growth is driven by robust domestic consumption, thriving services exports and a resilient labour market. Sectors such as tourism, information technology, financial services and professional services continue to expand, with tourism expenditure alone rising by 23.1% in 2024.
Opportunities for International Students
Unlike many other destinations, Malta offers international students a unique balance of work and study. Students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week, particularly benefiting from the bustling tourism and service industries. Moreover, Malta grants a nine-month post-study work visa, providing a crucial window for networking, interviews and job hunting.
As of August 2023, Malta had over 107,406 foreign workers, an increase of more than 10,000 in just eight months. These figures highlight the country’s openness to international talent and the real-world opportunities available.
Where the Jobs Are
Key sectors with strong demand include iGaming, which contributes 13% to GDP and information and communication technology, Malta’s fastest-growing industry. Labour shortages exist in 20 occupations, with high demand in administrative and support services (16,792 foreign workers), accommodation and food services (15,200) and construction (10,581).
In manufacturing, a decline of 3,448 Maltese workers contrasts with a surge in foreign workers, EU nationals increased by 1,642 and third-country nationals by 5,680. This shift underscores the growing reliance on international talent to fill critical roles.
What Employers Are Looking For
Technical skills in AI, data science and cybersecurity are highly sought after, but employers also value soft skills such as adaptability, communication and problem-solving. Malta’s skills shortage report reveals gaps in healthcare, IT, green energy, hospitality, game development and education.
Salary prospects are strong: IT professionals can earn around €40,000, gaming industry roles average €45,000 and blockchain specialists may command over €55,000. Government schemes like the Specialist Employee Initiative (€25,000+) and Key Employee Initiative (€35,000+) further incentivise skilled professionals to stay and grow their careers in Malta.
Balancing Growth with Challenges
Despite the opportunities, challenges remain. Infrastructure pressures, rising housing costs, traffic congestion and skills mismatches require attention. Only one in six workers in Malta hold roles that fully align with their educational background. However, these issues also drive innovation in urban planning, remote work and education policy, creating further space for qualified international talent.
The GBS Malta Advantage
At GBS Malta, students are not only educated, they’re prepared for success. Located in St. Julian’s, the institution places students in the heart of Malta’s business district. Programmes are designed to combine academic knowledge with practical, market-ready skills, giving graduates a competitive edge.
Graduates often transition smoothly into Malta’s workforce, contributing meaningfully to its economic momentum. They don’t just find jobs, they launch careers, start businesses and become part of the country’s success story.
A Future Full of Potential
Malta’s labour market has grown from approximately 181,000 jobs in 2013 to 301,000 by 2023, signifying more than economic development. It represents real opportunity for those ready to pursue it.
For international students, the message is clear: Malta offers not only a world-class education but also a powerful launchpad into the European workforce. With strong economic fundamentals, high demand for skilled professionals and a welcoming environment, Malta stands out as a place where students don’t just study, they thrive.