Benefiting from credits if you continued with higher education studies.
Over the past twenty-five years, the rapid changes that took place in Malta show that Malta has successfully diversified its economy (Agriculture, Fishing, Energy Resources, Manufacturing, International Trade, Tourism, Transportation and Communication) from one dependent on tourism, low-cost manufacturing, and heavy industry, to one which is also dependent on tourism, value added services and manufacturing, knowledge and creative industry sectors.
As the manufacturing sector grows, as employment opportunities expand and as Malta’s ageing population increases, it is imperative that the country’s economic growth is primarily achieved by expanding productivity. The government recognises that the expansion of productivity is achieved not only through technology, innovation, efficiency and improvement but also through the individual competencies, skills and knowledge – which demands continuous upgrading and deepening.
By furthering one’s studies, one would qualify for credits which would be eventually added to the aggregate number of NI Contributions upon reaching pensionable age. The credits depend on the number of years allocated to one’s studies as per detailed table below.
| Born between 1952 - 1961 | Born in and after 1962 | |
| MQF Level | Contribution Credits | Contribution Credits |
| Level 4 | 5 credits for each study year | 5 credits for each study year |
| Level 5 - Diploma | 9 credits for each study year | 9 credits for each study year |
| Level 6 - BA / BSc | 13 credits for each study year | 26 credits for each study year |
| Level 7 - Masters | 13 credits for each study year | 26 credits for each study year |
| Level 8 - PhD | 26 credits for each study year | 52 credits for each study year |
Study credits are awarded subject to successful graduation.
The documents needed to be eligible for study credits include:
1. A Copy of Graduation Degree;
2. Degree transcript indicating period/years of study; and
3. If degree is not from University of Malta, an MQF Level certificate (issued by the National Commission for Further Studies and Higher Education).
Credits are not creditable if the study period indicates contributions full from Employment (i.e. no missing social security contributions).
Recognising the importance of furthering your studies, you would thus be investing in yourself in order to improve your lifestyle whilst taking advantage of the study credit’s initiative.
