What is MQF level 5, 6, 7?
The Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) ranks qualifications from level 1 to 8. Level 5 is below a degree (higher diplomas, undergraduate certificates), level 6 is a bachelor's degree, level 7 a Master's or postgraduate diploma, and level 8 a doctorate.
Checked against the official rules on 14 October 2026.
The levels at a glance
| Level | Typical qualifications | Get Qualified cap | Funded courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| MQF 3 | SEC / O-level passes, MCAST diplomas | €1,500 | 38 |
| MQF 4 | Matriculation, A-levels, MCAST advanced diplomas | €2,500 | 62 |
| MQF 5 | Undergraduate certificates and diplomas, higher diplomas | €1,000 + €50 per ECTS | 635 |
| MQF 6 | Bachelor's degrees | €75 per ECTS | 1,051 |
| MQF 7 | Master's degrees, postgraduate diplomas and certificates | €170 per ECTS | 1,244 |
| MQF 8 | Doctorates (PhD, DBA) | No cap for a full doctorate; otherwise €170 per ECTS | 352 |
| No MQF level | Industry certifications | €2,500 | 32 |
Levels 1 and 2 cover basic and foundation courses; they aren't funded by Get Qualified.
Awards, certificates and diplomas
The level says how advanced a course is; the size is counted in ECTS. One ECTS is about 25 hours of study, and 60 ECTS is a full year. An "award" is a short course at its level, so an MQF 6 award is a degree-level module, not a degree. At levels 5 to 8, Get Qualified's cap grows with the ECTS.
Questions
- Is MQF level 6 a degree?
- A bachelor's degree is at MQF 6, but so are shorter awards and certificates at degree level. Check the qualification's name and its ECTS.
- What level are A-levels and the Matriculation Certificate?
- MQF 4. SEC / O-level passes are at MQF 3.
- Is MQF the same as the European (EQF) level?
- Yes, the MQF is linked to the European Qualifications Framework, so MQF 6 matches EQF 6.
- What if a course has no MQF level?
- Industry certifications without a level can still be on the Get Qualified list, with a cap of €2,500.
Sources
- Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) ↗
- Eurydice – Malta's national qualifications framework ↗
Rules change: check the official page before you enrol. This site isn't connected to Malta Enterprise or Jobsplus.