A National Qualifications Framework

for Lifelong Learning

• Malta’s National Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (NQF) is governed by Mission Statement Il-Viżjoni tal-Kunsill Malti għall-Kwalifiki
Legal Notice 347 of October 2005.
To oversee the development of the National Biex jaħdem għall-iżvilupp tal-Qafas
• Malta’s NQF is in line with the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning Qualifications Framework in the context of Nazzjonali tal-Kwalifiki fil-kuntest ta’
(EQF) which on the 5th of September 2006, the Commission European adopted as a lifelong learning and to work in partnership Edukazzjoni Tul il-Ħajja f’kooperazzjoni ma’
proposal for a Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the with learners, employers and training and dawk li jitgħallmu u jitħarrgu, dawk li jħaddmu
establishment of the EQF. education providers to achieve and maintain u dawk li joffru tagħlim u taħrig biex tintlaħaq
excellence as a contribution towards the u tinżamm il-kwalità fil kwalifiki bħala sehem
• Malta’s NQF is based on the principle that levels of education and qualifications can be national effort for competitiveness. fl-isforz nazzjonali biex tiżdied il-kompettività.
measured by what a person is capable of doing rather than by what an individual has
been taught.

• The NQF is also a reference tool using the learning outcomes approach. The Malta Qualifications Council is governed by Legal Notice 347 of 2005.

• The NQF is a common reference and translation device between various qualifications,
The overall objective of MQC is to steer the The Malta Qualifications Council is leading
qualifications systems (including sectoral qualifications frameworks) and levels.
development of the National Qualification a Leonardo da Vinci project on the testing
• The NQF will place sectoral qualifications within a common agreed Framework of Framework and to oversee the training and of the European Qualifications Framework
Qualifications. certification leading to qualification within the (EQF) and a partner in another LDV project on
Framework and which is not already provided the Vocational Qualifications Framework of
• The National Qualifications Framework increases transparency of qualifications, for at compulsory education institutions or security personnel.
recognition of learning outcomes and builds mutual trust among all stakeholders. degree awarding bodies. MQC represents the Ministry of Education,
The Council will also Youth and Employment on the
• Malta’s National Qualifications Framework adheres to the Bologna and Copenhagen
Implementation Group of the EQF and the
processes and aims at attracting more individuals to learning experiences and to • Promote and maintain the National
European Network for Quality Assurance for
employability. Qualifications Framework and
Vocational Education (ENQA-VET).
establish policies and criteria on which
• Malta’s NQF has eight levels of qualifications and is compatible with the Framework of the Framework shall be based; In 2008, MQC will be organizing the General
Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) or the Dublin descriptors. Assembly and Annual Conference of the
• Approve and ensure the publication of
European Association of Institutions in
• The descriptors for higher education short cycle (within or linked to the first cycle) national standards of knowledge, skills
Higher Education (EURASHE) which gathers
developed by the Joint Quality Initiative as part of the Bologna process corresponds to and competences and attitudes for
Polytechnics, Colleges and University Colleges
the learning outcomes of Malta’s NQF Level 5. each development sector;
devoted to Vocational and Professional Higher
• Endorse and ensure the publication Education.
• The descriptors for the first, second and third cycle in the Framework for Qualifications of the procedures to be implemented
of the European Higher Education Area correspond to the learning outcomes of NQF by training agencies offering
levels 6, 7 and 8 programmes of education and The Malta Qualifications Council is chaired by
training for access, transfer and Mr Charles Mizzi. The other members of the
• The NQF proposes a new Vocational Education and Training Framework with five levels
progression; Council are Mr Felix Borg,
of qualifications from VET Level One to a VET Higher Diploma which should enjoy the
• Ensure that such standards and Mr Anthony DeGiovanni, Mr Vincent Farrugia,
same parity of esteem as an undergraduate diploma or undergraduate certificate.
procedures are implemented; Ms Veronica Grech, Dr Grace Grima,
• Eight Key Competences (initially at Levels 1 to 3) whose level descriptors are in line with Ms Charmaine Portelli, Mr Emmanuel Zahra.
• Endorse vocational education and
the EQF form an integral part of Malta’s NQF and will facilitate mobility and progression The Acting Chief Executive is Dr James Calleja.
training programmes delivered by
of Malta’s workforce.
training agencies;
Tel. +356 2598 2378 or +356 2598 2527
• Informal and Non-formal education and training as well as the recognition of prior • Endorse certificates awarded by Fax +356 2598 2155
learning (RPL) will eventually form part of the national qualifications framework for training agencies; Website: www.mqc.gov.mt
lifelong learning. Email: info@mqc.gov.mt
• Keep and issue official records of
certification awarded.
 MALTA’S NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK MALTA’S NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
FOR LIFELONG LEARNING * BY OCCUPATION

8 DOCTORAL DEGREE 8 Annotations: 8 DOCTORAL DEGREE

* The National Qualifications Framework is designed in such a

MASTER’S DEGREE way as to be able to include diverse forms of qualifications not MASTER’S DEGREE PROFESSIONAL
7 POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA 7 as yet covered by this Framework. 7 POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA AND
POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE MANAGERIAL

(a) Attainment of the Basic Employment Passport together

with either the Adult Skills Certificate or the MQC 8 Key 6 BACHELOR’S DEGREE
6 BACHELOR’S DEGREE 6 Competences at Level 1 are also considered as a Full VET Level
1 qualification.

UNDERGRADUATE DIPLOMA
UNDERGRADUATE DIPLOMA
VET HIGHER
5 5 (b) The MQC recommends that a Full VET Level 1 qualification 5 UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE DIPLOMA
should enjoy the same parity of esteem as a Full School Leaving VET HIGHER DIPLOMA
Certificate. TECHNICAL
AND
MATRICULATION CERTIFICATE MATRICULATION CERTIFICATE
ADMINISTRATIVE
4 ADVANCED LEVEL VET DIPLOMA 4(e) (c) The Malta Qualifications Council recommends that a Full VET ADVANCED LEVEL
Level 2 qualification should enjoy the same parity of esteem as 4
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
4 General Education Level 2 subjects.
VET DIPLOMA

GENERAL EDUCATION (d)The Malta Qualification Council recommends that a Full VET GENERAL EDUCATION
LEVEL 3 Level 3 qualification should enjoy the same parity of esteem as LEVEL 3
3 VET LEVEL 3 3(d)
6 General Education Level 3 subjects. 3 SEC Grade 1-5
SEC Grade 1-5
VET LEVEL 3

(e)The Malta Qualification Council recommends that a Full VET

GENERAL EDUCATION Diploma should enjoy the same parity of esteem as 3 Advanced GENERAL EDUCATION
LEVEL 2 Level subjects. LEVEL 2 SENIOR OPERATIVE
2 VET LEVEL 2 2(c)
2 SEC Grade 6-7 AND
SEC Grade 6-7
OPERATIVE
VET LEVEL 2

GENERAL EDUCATION GENERAL EDUCATION

LEVEL 1 VET LEVEL 1 1
1 LEVEL 1
(a/b) 1
SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE
VET LEVEL 1
VET stands for Vocational Education and Training
 MALTA’S NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK MALTA’S NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
FOR LIFELONG LEARNING * BY OCCUPATION

8 DOCTORAL DEGREE 8 Annotations: 8 DOCTORAL DEGREE

* The National Qualifications Framework is designed in such a

MASTER’S DEGREE way as to be able to include diverse forms of qualifications not MASTER’S DEGREE PROFESSIONAL
7 POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA 7 as yet covered by this Framework. 7 POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA AND
POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE MANAGERIAL

(a) Attainment of the Basic Employment Passport together

with either the Adult Skills Certificate or the MQC 8 Key 6 BACHELOR’S DEGREE
6 BACHELOR’S DEGREE 6 Competences at Level 1 are also considered as a Full VET Level
1 qualification.

UNDERGRADUATE DIPLOMA
UNDERGRADUATE DIPLOMA
VET HIGHER
5 5 (b) The MQC recommends that a Full VET Level 1 qualification 5 UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE DIPLOMA
should enjoy the same parity of esteem as a Full School Leaving VET HIGHER DIPLOMA
Certificate. TECHNICAL
AND
MATRICULATION CERTIFICATE MATRICULATION CERTIFICATE
ADMINISTRATIVE
4 ADVANCED LEVEL VET DIPLOMA 4(e) (c) The Malta Qualifications Council recommends that a Full VET ADVANCED LEVEL
Level 2 qualification should enjoy the same parity of esteem as 4
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
4 General Education Level 2 subjects.
VET DIPLOMA

GENERAL EDUCATION (d)The Malta Qualification Council recommends that a Full VET GENERAL EDUCATION
LEVEL 3 Level 3 qualification should enjoy the same parity of esteem as LEVEL 3
3 VET LEVEL 3 3(d)
6 General Education Level 3 subjects. 3 SEC Grade 1-5
SEC Grade 1-5
VET LEVEL 3

(e)The Malta Qualification Council recommends that a Full VET

GENERAL EDUCATION Diploma should enjoy the same parity of esteem as 3 Advanced GENERAL EDUCATION
LEVEL 2 Level subjects. LEVEL 2 SENIOR OPERATIVE
2 VET LEVEL 2 2(c)
2 SEC Grade 6-7 AND
SEC Grade 6-7
OPERATIVE
VET LEVEL 2

GENERAL EDUCATION GENERAL EDUCATION

LEVEL 1 VET LEVEL 1 1
1 LEVEL 1
(a/b) 1
SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE
VET LEVEL 1
VET stands for Vocational Education and Training
 MALTA’S NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK MALTA’S NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
FOR LIFELONG LEARNING * BY OCCUPATION

8 DOCTORAL DEGREE 8 Annotations: 8 DOCTORAL DEGREE

* The National Qualifications Framework is designed in such a

MASTER’S DEGREE way as to be able to include diverse forms of qualifications not MASTER’S DEGREE PROFESSIONAL
7 POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA 7 as yet covered by this Framework. 7 POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA AND
POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE MANAGERIAL

(a) Attainment of the Basic Employment Passport together

with either the Adult Skills Certificate or the MQC 8 Key 6 BACHELOR’S DEGREE
6 BACHELOR’S DEGREE 6 Competences at Level 1 are also considered as a Full VET Level
1 qualification.

UNDERGRADUATE DIPLOMA
UNDERGRADUATE DIPLOMA
VET HIGHER
5 5 (b) The MQC recommends that a Full VET Level 1 qualification 5 UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE DIPLOMA
should enjoy the same parity of esteem as a Full School Leaving VET HIGHER DIPLOMA
Certificate. TECHNICAL
AND
MATRICULATION CERTIFICATE MATRICULATION CERTIFICATE
ADMINISTRATIVE
4 ADVANCED LEVEL VET DIPLOMA 4(e) (c) The Malta Qualifications Council recommends that a Full VET ADVANCED LEVEL
Level 2 qualification should enjoy the same parity of esteem as 4
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
4 General Education Level 2 subjects.
VET DIPLOMA

GENERAL EDUCATION (d)The Malta Qualification Council recommends that a Full VET GENERAL EDUCATION
LEVEL 3 Level 3 qualification should enjoy the same parity of esteem as LEVEL 3
3 VET LEVEL 3 3(d)
6 General Education Level 3 subjects. 3 SEC Grade 1-5
SEC Grade 1-5
VET LEVEL 3

(e)The Malta Qualification Council recommends that a Full VET

GENERAL EDUCATION Diploma should enjoy the same parity of esteem as 3 Advanced GENERAL EDUCATION
LEVEL 2 Level subjects. LEVEL 2 SENIOR OPERATIVE
2 VET LEVEL 2 2(c)
2 SEC Grade 6-7 AND
SEC Grade 6-7
OPERATIVE
VET LEVEL 2

GENERAL EDUCATION GENERAL EDUCATION

LEVEL 1 VET LEVEL 1 1
1 LEVEL 1
(a/b) 1
SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE
VET LEVEL 1
VET stands for Vocational Education and Training
 A National Qualifications Framework
for Lifelong Learning

• Malta’s National Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (NQF) is governed by Mission Statement Il-Viżjoni tal-Kunsill Malti għall-Kwalifiki
Legal Notice 347 of October 2005.
To oversee the development of the National Biex jaħdem għall-iżvilupp tal-Qafas
• Malta’s NQF is in line with the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning Qualifications Framework in the context of Nazzjonali tal-Kwalifiki fil-kuntest ta’
(EQF) which on the 5th of September 2006, the Commission European adopted as a lifelong learning and to work in partnership Edukazzjoni Tul il-Ħajja f’kooperazzjoni ma’
proposal for a Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the with learners, employers and training and dawk li jitgħallmu u jitħarrgu, dawk li jħaddmu
establishment of the EQF. education providers to achieve and maintain u dawk li joffru tagħlim u taħrig biex tintlaħaq
excellence as a contribution towards the u tinżamm il-kwalità fil kwalifiki bħala sehem
• Malta’s NQF is based on the principle that levels of education and qualifications can be national effort for competitiveness. fl-isforz nazzjonali biex tiżdied il-kompettività.
measured by what a person is capable of doing rather than by what an individual has
been taught.

• The NQF is also a reference tool using the learning outcomes approach. The Malta Qualifications Council is governed by Legal Notice 347 of 2005.

• The NQF is a common reference and translation device between various qualifications,
The overall objective of MQC is to steer the The Malta Qualifications Council is leading
qualifications systems (including sectoral qualifications frameworks) and levels.
development of the National Qualification a Leonardo da Vinci project on the testing
• The NQF will place sectoral qualifications within a common agreed Framework of Framework and to oversee the training and of the European Qualifications Framework
Qualifications. certification leading to qualification within the (EQF) and a partner in another LDV project on
Framework and which is not already provided the Vocational Qualifications Framework of
• The National Qualifications Framework increases transparency of qualifications, for at compulsory education institutions or security personnel.
recognition of learning outcomes and builds mutual trust among all stakeholders. degree awarding bodies. MQC represents the Ministry of Education,
The Council will also Youth and Employment on the
• Malta’s National Qualifications Framework adheres to the Bologna and Copenhagen
Implementation Group of the EQF and the
processes and aims at attracting more individuals to learning experiences and to • Promote and maintain the National
European Network for Quality Assurance for
employability. Qualifications Framework and
Vocational Education (ENQA-VET).
establish policies and criteria on which
• Malta’s NQF has eight levels of qualifications and is compatible with the Framework of the Framework shall be based; In 2008, MQC will be organizing the General
Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) or the Dublin descriptors. Assembly and Annual Conference of the
• Approve and ensure the publication of
European Association of Institutions in
• The descriptors for higher education short cycle (within or linked to the first cycle) national standards of knowledge, skills
Higher Education (EURASHE) which gathers
developed by the Joint Quality Initiative as part of the Bologna process corresponds to and competences and attitudes for
Polytechnics, Colleges and University Colleges
the learning outcomes of Malta’s NQF Level 5. each development sector;
devoted to Vocational and Professional Higher
• Endorse and ensure the publication Education.
• The descriptors for the first, second and third cycle in the Framework for Qualifications of the procedures to be implemented
of the European Higher Education Area correspond to the learning outcomes of NQF by training agencies offering
levels 6, 7 and 8 programmes of education and The Malta Qualifications Council is chaired by
training for access, transfer and Mr Charles Mizzi. The other members of the
• The NQF proposes a new Vocational Education and Training Framework with five levels
progression; Council are Mr Felix Borg,
of qualifications from VET Level One to a VET Higher Diploma which should enjoy the
• Ensure that such standards and Mr Anthony DeGiovanni, Mr Vincent Farrugia,
same parity of esteem as an undergraduate diploma or undergraduate certificate.
procedures are implemented; Ms Veronica Grech, Dr Grace Grima,
• Eight Key Competences (initially at Levels 1 to 3) whose level descriptors are in line with Ms Charmaine Portelli, Mr Emmanuel Zahra.
• Endorse vocational education and
the EQF form an integral part of Malta’s NQF and will facilitate mobility and progression The Acting Chief Executive is Dr James Calleja.
training programmes delivered by
of Malta’s workforce.
training agencies;
Tel. +356 2598 2378 or +356 2598 2527
• Informal and Non-formal education and training as well as the recognition of prior • Endorse certificates awarded by Fax +356 2598 2155
learning (RPL) will eventually form part of the national qualifications framework for training agencies; Website: www.mqc.gov.mt
lifelong learning. Email: info@mqc.gov.mt
• Keep and issue official records of
certification awarded.
 A National Qualifications Framework
for Lifelong Learning

• Malta’s National Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (NQF) is governed by Mission Statement Il-Viżjoni tal-Kunsill Malti għall-Kwalifiki
Legal Notice 347 of October 2005.
To oversee the development of the National Biex jaħdem għall-iżvilupp tal-Qafas
• Malta’s NQF is in line with the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning Qualifications Framework in the context of Nazzjonali tal-Kwalifiki fil-kuntest ta’
(EQF) which on the 5th of September 2006, the Commission European adopted as a lifelong learning and to work in partnership Edukazzjoni Tul il-Ħajja f’kooperazzjoni ma’
proposal for a Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the with learners, employers and training and dawk li jitgħallmu u jitħarrgu, dawk li jħaddmu
establishment of the EQF. education providers to achieve and maintain u dawk li joffru tagħlim u taħrig biex tintlaħaq
excellence as a contribution towards the u tinżamm il-kwalità fil kwalifiki bħala sehem
• Malta’s NQF is based on the principle that levels of education and qualifications can be national effort for competitiveness. fl-isforz nazzjonali biex tiżdied il-kompettività.
measured by what a person is capable of doing rather than by what an individual has
been taught.

• The NQF is also a reference tool using the learning outcomes approach. The Malta Qualifications Council is governed by Legal Notice 347 of 2005.

• The NQF is a common reference and translation device between various qualifications,
The overall objective of MQC is to steer the The Malta Qualifications Council is leading
qualifications systems (including sectoral qualifications frameworks) and levels.
development of the National Qualification a Leonardo da Vinci project on the testing
• The NQF will place sectoral qualifications within a common agreed Framework of Framework and to oversee the training and of the European Qualifications Framework
Qualifications. certification leading to qualification within the (EQF) and a partner in another LDV project on
Framework and which is not already provided the Vocational Qualifications Framework of
• The National Qualifications Framework increases transparency of qualifications, for at compulsory education institutions or security personnel.
recognition of learning outcomes and builds mutual trust among all stakeholders. degree awarding bodies. MQC represents the Ministry of Education,
The Council will also Youth and Employment on the
• Malta’s National Qualifications Framework adheres to the Bologna and Copenhagen
Implementation Group of the EQF and the
processes and aims at attracting more individuals to learning experiences and to • Promote and maintain the National
European Network for Quality Assurance for
employability. Qualifications Framework and
Vocational Education (ENQA-VET).
establish policies and criteria on which
• Malta’s NQF has eight levels of qualifications and is compatible with the Framework of the Framework shall be based; In 2008, MQC will be organizing the General
Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) or the Dublin descriptors. Assembly and Annual Conference of the
• Approve and ensure the publication of
European Association of Institutions in
• The descriptors for higher education short cycle (within or linked to the first cycle) national standards of knowledge, skills
Higher Education (EURASHE) which gathers
developed by the Joint Quality Initiative as part of the Bologna process corresponds to and competences and attitudes for
Polytechnics, Colleges and University Colleges
the learning outcomes of Malta’s NQF Level 5. each development sector;
devoted to Vocational and Professional Higher
• Endorse and ensure the publication Education.
• The descriptors for the first, second and third cycle in the Framework for Qualifications of the procedures to be implemented
of the European Higher Education Area correspond to the learning outcomes of NQF by training agencies offering
levels 6, 7 and 8 programmes of education and The Malta Qualifications Council is chaired by
training for access, transfer and Mr Charles Mizzi. The other members of the
• The NQF proposes a new Vocational Education and Training Framework with five levels
progression; Council are Mr Felix Borg,
of qualifications from VET Level One to a VET Higher Diploma which should enjoy the
• Ensure that such standards and Mr Anthony DeGiovanni, Mr Vincent Farrugia,
same parity of esteem as an undergraduate diploma or undergraduate certificate.
procedures are implemented; Ms Veronica Grech, Dr Grace Grima,
• Eight Key Competences (initially at Levels 1 to 3) whose level descriptors are in line with Ms Charmaine Portelli, Mr Emmanuel Zahra.
• Endorse vocational education and
the EQF form an integral part of Malta’s NQF and will facilitate mobility and progression The Acting Chief Executive is Dr James Calleja.
training programmes delivered by
of Malta’s workforce.
training agencies;
Tel. +356 2598 2378 or +356 2598 2527
• Informal and Non-formal education and training as well as the recognition of prior • Endorse certificates awarded by Fax +356 2598 2155
learning (RPL) will eventually form part of the national qualifications framework for training agencies; Website: www.mqc.gov.mt
lifelong learning. Email: info@mqc.gov.mt
• Keep and issue official records of
certification awarded.