Interested in working in Malta with a foreign diploma? Maltese employers, particularly in the Public Sector, would normally request a recognition statement for diplomas awarded by foreign institutions, both in Malta and abroad, confirming the level of your degree Bachelor, Master, or PhD under the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF).
What connects MQF Levels to the MQRIC recognition statement?
The Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) is structured into levels, ranging from Level 1 (basic skills and knowledge) to Level 8 (doctoral level). Each level is linked to specific descriptors detailing the expected knowledge, skills, and competencies at that level. The MQF emphasises learning outcomes, delineating what a learner is anticipated to know, understand, and accomplish upon completing a programme of study. This helps guide employers, as well as other educational institutions, to better understand what competencies the certificate holder might have.
As for foreign diploma, the MQF facilitates the recognition of foreign academic programmes formally through Malta Qualification Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC). Automatic recognition can also be conducted by third parties but is not binding on the parties involved.
The MQF is designed to be compatible with the European Qualification Framework (EQF), facilitating easier comparison of Maltese programmes with those of other European countries. Additionally, it is referenced to the Qualification Framework -European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED).
This blog shares the success stories of two professionals whose careers changed after receiving their MQRIC recognition statement.
From Invisible to Employed: Joana’s Journey to Recognition in Malta
Joana, 28, from Portugal, a graduate with a Master of Science in International Development from the University of Portsmouth (UK), had struggled to find a job in Malta for some time. She had been applying for positions within EU agencies and humanitarian and asylum-related organisations for over seven months.
‘’I HONESTLY FELT INVISIBLE PROFESSIONALLY. I WAS APPLYING FOR POSITIONS IN MY FIELD AND WAS NOT GETTING ANY JOB.’’
She was struggling to secure some income deriving from jobs that had not required any qualification because employers considered her ‘overqualified’, and many of them feared that she would resign as soon as she found a job related to her professional profile.
‘’IT CREATED A VERY PAINFUL FEELING BEING STUCK IN THE MIDDLE, TOO QUALIFIED FOR SOME JOBS, BUT SOMEHOW STILL NOT RECOGNISED ENOUGH FOR THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES I WAS TRULY AIMING AT’’.
The turning point came after seven months of constant job searching, a period during which she realised the importance of obtaining a Recognition Statement for each of her diplomas to be acknowledged by employers and to generate more job opportunities suited to her qualifications.
‘’DEEP INSIDE I FELT THAT MAYBE THE RECOGNITION STATEMENT WAS THE MISSING PIECE THAT COULD FINALLY ALLOW EMPLOYERS TO FULLY RECOGNISE AND APPRECIATE MY QUALIFICATIONS’’.
As soon as Joana obtained the Recognition Statement, everything changed. She was hired as a Programme Officer within the Communication Team and Outreach Unit at the European Union Programme Agency (EUPA) in September 2025.
‘’OBTAINING THE MQRIC RECOGNITION STATEMENT HELPED ME TO GUARANTEE A PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITY IN MALTA. I STOPPED BEING INVISIBLE. I FINALLY FELT VALUED AND UNDERSTOOD PROFESSIONALLY WITHIN THE MALTESE EMPLOYMENT MARKET.
THE MQRIC RECOGNISITON STATEMENT OPENED DOORS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY CLOSED”.
Upgrading yourself professionally with MQRIC Recognition Statement; Tanya’s story
‘OBTAINING THE MQRIC RECOGNITION STATEMENT HAS RENDERED MANY JOBS OFFERS ACCESSIBLE AND EASY TO APPLY FOR ‘
Tanya, 35 years old, from Belgium, a graduate of Master Science in Environmental Sciences from The Open University (UK), received her MQRIC Recognitions Statement for her MQF 7 level Diploma, with which she applied for various roles within Project Management in different Ministries as well as in a few private sector companies.
‘’BEFORE I APPLIED FOR THE MQRIC RECOGNITION STATEMENT, I DID NOT KNOW THAT SUCH RECOGNITION COULD BE SO ESSENTIAL FOR A FOREIGN EMPLOYEE. I FOUND JOBS WITHIN THE FIELD OF MY EXPERTISE, BUT COULD NOT EASILY APPLY FOR HIGHER-LEVEL ROLES, DESPITE THE FACT THAT I STUDIED PROJECT MANAGEMENT. AT TIMES, I WAS EVEN PAID LESS THAN THE SALARIES EARNED BY PROFESSIONALS WITH RECOGNISED DIPLOMAS. I UNDERSTOOD THAT OBTAINING MQRIC DIPLOMA RECOGNITION WAS A ‘MUST’. THANKS TO THE RECOGNITION STATEMENT, MY ACTUAL EMPLOYER COULD ASSIGN ME AN ADEQUATE ROLE IN LINE WITH THE MQF LEVEL OF MY STUDIES.’’
Applying for a Recognition Statement is an easy process that takes only a few minutes to complete, requiring you to provide the requested information and upload the certificate or diploma. A recognition statement can also be obtained for prospective students, enquiring about a programme of study they are considering subscribing for.
The application for MQRIC Recognitions Statement is submitted strictly online via
https://mfhea.mt/academic-qualifications/ and services.mfhea.mt/CertificationApplication.aspx
If you want to learn more about MQRIC and all the other services offered by the MFHEA, please visit: www.mfhea.mt, or contact Servizz.gov by calling 153.