Applicants waiting to start the I Belong integration course, particularly Stage 1 (Pre-Integration), are currently facing uncertainty due to an ongoing restructuring process being carried out by the Human Rights and Integration Directorate. As a result, new registrations for Stage 1 are temporarily on hold.
Following direct communication with the Directorate, it has been confirmed that Stage 1 is being restructured and is expected to become available again at the beginning of 2026. While no official reopening date has been formally published, it was indicated informally that the course may reopen around January or February 2026.
In the meantime, applicants who are already waiting or planning to enrol are strongly advised to regularly check official sources, as updates will be communicated once the new structure is finalised.
What About the Fast Track Option?
The Directorate has also confirmed that Fast Track options form part of the current restructuring process, meaning that their role within the integration framework is under review. As a result, relevant applicants who want to apply for Stage 1 Fst Track are affected too. The involvement of institutions offering paid Fast Track delivery is expected to be clarified or adjusted, and official guidance on how Fast Track will fit into the new framework is anticipated once the restructuring is finalised.
Stage 2 remains available from both Human Directorate and Fast Track Option course providers.
Institutions Delivering the Required Courses
The standard integration course (free of charge) can be applied for directly through the Human Rights and Integration Directorate under the I Belong Programme, via the official government portal.
Applicants who have previously completed a Maltese language course may have this requirement accepted, subject to approval and valid proof, if the course was completed through a recognised institution, including I Belong, MCAST, Lifelong Learning, the University of Malta, Jobsplus, Learning Works, or St Thomas Institute. In such cases, applicants may be exempted from repeating the Maltese language Stage 1 component and required to attend only the cultural orientation part of the pre-integration framework.
For those considering paid options, these are typically delivered by recognised institutions and private providers offering accelerated or intensive formats. Fast Track integration courses are offered through MG2i (MCAST Gateway to Industry), the commercial arm of MCAST, which delivers paid and accelerated courses aligned with the I Belong framework. Standard integration courses continue to be delivered directly by MCAST under the public route.
Applicants are advised to confirm current course formats directly with each provider, particularly while the integration framework is undergoing restructuring.
Fast Track Courses and Costs
Below is an overview of commonly available Fast Track I Belong courses and indicative costs:
| Course | MQF Level | Provider | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maltese Language -Stage 1 | MQF Level 1 | MG2i | €330 |
| Cultural Orientation – Stage 1 | MQF Level 1 | MG2i | €330 |
| Maltese Language – Stage 2 | MQF Level 2 | MG2i | €675 |
| Cultural Orientation – I Belong Stage 2 | MQF Level 2 (100+ hours) | MG2i | €1,350 |
Important:
Costs may vary depending on delivery method (online or in person), intake size, and provider. Always confirm recognition and certification before enrolling.
Fast Track does not reduce requirements.
It simply removes uncertainty by offering fixed start dates, intensive scheduling, and predictable completion timelines.
Overview of the Course Modules
Before proceeding to the individual stages, it is important to understand that the I Belong integration programme follows a structured progression, with each stage building on the previous one. While delivery methods and timelines may differ between the standard public route and paid Fast Track options, the underlying framework, learning objectives, and certification requirements remain the same. Applicants should therefore familiarise themselves with both stages in order to plan realistically, especially in light of the current restructuring and temporary suspension of Stage 1 registrations.
Stage 1 – Pre-Integration
Stage 1 is the entry stage of the I Belong integration framework and must normally be completed before an applicant can proceed to Stage 2. It combines basic cultural orientation and introductory Maltese language, with a typical duration of approximately 20–30 hours in total, depending on the provider and delivery format. The course introduces applicants to everyday life in Malta, fundamental rights and obligations, and core social and civic structures, while also providing basic Maltese language foundations. Applicants who have already completed a Maltese language course through a recognised institution prior to enrolling may, subject to approval and presentation of valid proof, be exempted from the Maltese language component of Stage 1 and required to attend only the cultural orientation element.
Course duration: 12 weeks
Under the paid Fast Track route, Stage 1 is delivered in a condensed and efficient format, allowing applicants to move on quickly.
Course duration: 4-6 weeks
Stage 2 – Integration
Stage 2 is the core and more complex part of the I Belong integration framework and is mandatory for Long-Term Residence applications. It is significantly more intensive than Stage 1 and typically runs for approximately eight months, following a structured and progressive format. The programme consists of weekly Maltese language lessons and weekly cultural orientation sessions, allowing participants to build language skills alongside a deeper understanding of Maltese society, institutions, and values. In addition to classroom-based learning, Stage 2 includes organised excursions and group activities, where participants meet, interact, and integrate through real-life experiences, reinforcing both linguistic and cultural learning. Successful completion requires consistent attendance, participation, and passing the required assessments, culminating in the issuance of MQF Level 2 certificates.
Under the paid Fast Track route, the same content and standards apply, but delivery is more intensive, with fewer gaps and a clearer progression path.
Integration Requirements for Long-Term Residence
For the purpose of a Long-Term Residence application, applicants must provide evidence of the following integration measures:
- I Belong Course (Cultural Orientation)
- At least 100 hours of attendance
- Minimum exam pass mark: 75%
- Certificate must be obtained within 12 months prior to the date of application
- Maltese Language Certificate – MQF Level 2
- Minimum pass mark: 65%
While the MQF Level 2 Cultural Orientation certificate must be issued under the I Belong framework, the course itself may be delivered by approved institutions. The Fast Track option refers to paid, accelerated course delivery through recognised providers, with certification still validated and issued by I Belong upon successful completion.
Final Considerations
Applicants are strongly advised to regularly check official sources, particularly the Human Rights and Integration Directorate, MCAST, and the University of Malta. These institutions will release confirmed information regarding the reopening of Stage 1 enrolments, anticipated in the early months of 2026.
Our team will continue to monitor the situation regularly and provide updates once the restructuring is finalised. Follow us on our social media channels for more daily insights.
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