The government has unveiled an enhanced version of the Get Qualified scheme, extending its duration until 2030 and aligning it with the long-term goals of Malta Vision 2050.
The updated initiative, published by the Economy Ministry on Monday, aims to strengthen the country's workforce by supporting individuals in pursuing higher education and industry-relevant skills, with financial incentives of up to 70% reimbursement through tax credits.
Announced by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, the scheme will continue to be administered by Malta Enterprise and will focus on investing in human capital. The minister highlighted that the initiative offers workers and young people a practical opportunity to improve their qualifications while easing the financial burden of further education.
A key feature of the revamped scheme is its stronger alignment with Malta's economic priorities, particularly through an increased emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the ministry said. Additional fiscal bonuses will be introduced for students pursuing qualifications in these fields, while support will also be expanded to include doctoral-level studies.
The scheme has also been modernised to reflect evolving labour market demands. It integrates the Higher Qualification Scheme and promotes courses that are directly relevant to industry needs, ensuring that education translates into tangible economic benefits, the ministry added.
Several new measures have been introduced to improve accessibility and reduce administrative burdens. Beneficiaries will now be able to utilise tax credits over a period of up to 15 years, and individuals can claim support for up to four courses within a five-year timeframe. The system will also adopt a fairer assessment method based on ECTS credits or learning hours, while direct agreements with educational institutions are expected to streamline the application process.
Minister Schembri stated that the initiative represents a crucial step in building a highly skilled workforce capable of increasing productivity and adding greater value to Malta's economy, in line with the broader vision set out in Malta Vision 2050.