How do I apply for the Recognition and/or Comparability of my Qualifications?
Requests for recognition/comparability are to be submitted using a standard application form which can be obtained either from the Malta QRIC office or downloaded from the MQC website.
The office of Malta QRIC accepts applications on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings between 9.00 to 12.00 and afternoons between 2.00 to 4.00 (winter) and between 9.00 to 12.00 (summer).
Application form for the Assessment of Prospective Qualifications (DOC)
Application form for the Assessment of a National or/and International Qualification (PDF)
Which Supporting Documents Do I Submit?
What services does MQC provide?
MQC can offer consultancy covering the following areas -
What are qualifications?
Qualifications are recognized programmes of study that lead to the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences for personal and professional development.
What are certificates, diplomas, degrees and transcripts?
Any form of paper qualification indicates the level and the specific acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences. This is demonstrated through a document known as a certificate, or a diploma or a degree. Transcripts give a more detailed account of the knowledge, skills and competences acquired through a brief description of each sector and the results achieved by the learner.
What is a qualifications framework?
A qualifications framework is a “map” indicating the level of knowledge, skills and competences and the pathway to a higher level of education and training. Qualification frameworks may also indicate occupational profiles at every specific level of qualification.
Which entity is responsible for Malta’s National Qualifications Framework?
The entity responsible for Malta’s NQF is the Malta Qualification Council set up by Legal Notice 347 in October 2005. The MQC is appointed by government and is answerable to the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport.
What are the guiding principles governing a national qualifications framework?
The guiding principles governing a national qualifications framework are relevancy to the labour market, transparency of qualifications, lifelong learning and employability. Such guiding principles will help individuals choose qualifications which are nationally and internationally recognized and can lead to further training and an improved quality of life.
Which public entities award qualifications in Malta?
The three major public entities that award qualifications are the University of Malta, MCAST, and the Institute of Tourism Studies. The Employment and Training Corporation as well as other entities within various Ministries award qualifications related to specific sectors.
Is there a local qualifications awarding body?
The national recognized qualifications awarding body is MATSEC which is based at the University of Malta. MCAST and the Employment and Training Corporation are also public funded qualifications awarding bodies.
Are levels of qualifications classified?
Yes levels of qualifications are classified under eight levels – level one and two representing compulsory education while levels six, seven and eight, higher education. Levels three, four and five are levels normally related to post-secondary or/and vocational education with level five being the shortcycle degree before entry into undergraduate study.
What is the relationship between one level of qualifications and another?
The relationship between one level of qualifications and another is access to further or higher learning. Every level is an indication of higher achievement within the qualifications framework. A Level also indicates officially what an individual is capable of doing in the labour market and what he or she has learnt.
Are there local qualifications and competences level descriptors?
Yes, there are, as published in Legal Notice 347/2005.
What criteria are used to accredit programmes of studies and institutions?
MQC accredits programmes of studies and institutions on the basis of level descriptors, quality assurance mechanisms and clear pathways for further training and education. Occupational standards will also determine the accreditation of specific programmes of studies.
Is there a body that recognizes qualifications?
The Malta Qualification Recognition Information Centre [MQRIC] within MQC is the body which recognizes local and international qualifications at all levels of qualifications. MQRIC provides a service to all those who would like to have their qualifications recognized or assessed for the purpose of furthering their studies, employment or employment progression.
Which authority designs and approves curricula and programmes of studies?
Accredited educational institutions such as MCAST or the University of Malta design and approve their own curricula and programmes of studies. MQC acts as a public agency which monitors the content and quality of such programmes in vocational education and training in order to ensure that the national qualifications framework is being adhered to and that clear and transparent pathways for further and higher education are respected while learners and employers are given theskills and competences necessary to be more competitive.
Is informal and non-formal learning a recognized competence in Malta’s qualifications system?
There are many non-formal and in-formal learning activities recognized by public and private educational institutions and employers such as the President’s Award Scheme, Young Enterprise, NSTF’s Young Scientist Award… MQC is currently undertaking a more formal approach to legally recognize non-formal and informal learning activities that respect nationally agreed criteria of quality assurance.
Who regulates a profession in Malta?
Various professional bodies regulate professions in Malta for example engineers are regulated by the Malta Engineers Association; medical doctors by the Malta Medical Council; architects by the Malta Architects Association etc... A body representing all professions, the Malta Federation of Professional Association gathers many professional bodies under one body.
Why do I need qualifications?
Qualifications provide access to employment, further training and education and a better quality of life. In a world which is becoming more competitive because of higher standards of education, qualifications are the most reliable means to a job or a better job, a promotion and personal enrichment. In a few years time, it will be very difficult to find and sustain a job without a recognized qualification.
Can I still find a job without qualifications?
It will be very difficult to find a job without any formal qualification. Qualifications open up opportunities for more and better jobs and help the individual meet the challenges of the labour market locally and on an international level.
For how long do I have to study to get a qualification?
Every person is free to study and train for as long as he/she wishes to. Every qualification carries with it specific contact hours for which the individual is obliged to successfully complete. The successful completion of a course of studies or training will “qualify” a person in a particular sector and will earn him/her access to employment.
Will qualifications determine my salary?
Qualifications may determine your salary. The higher the level of qualification, the higher the probability of a better salary – the lower the qualification, the lower the salary. This is a general rule. Some exceptions do exist, but it is too risky to believe that you can earn a living and sustain it for as long as possible without formal qualifications.
FAQ’s on Informal and Non-Formal Learning (English) (PDF)
FAQ’s on Informal and Non-Formal Learning (Maltese) (PDF)
FAQ’s on Standards and Qualifications (PDF)
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