An introductory meeting was organised for Gozitan students, who will this year begin courses at the University of Malta. The meeting was held at the exhibition hall of the Ministry for Gozo.
This meeting was held by KSU and GUG, in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo. Representatives of both organisations provided information on some aspects of the university life that these new students will experience in the coming weeks.
The speakers advised the students of the various organiszations within the different faculties and encouraged new students to get to know more about them during the activities of Freshers’ Week, which will be organised as the first semester begins. The speakers also focused on specific aspects that affect the Gozitan students, in particular searching for accommodation in Malta and ferry crossings between the two islands, as well as the related expenses. The GUG through its website offers information on accommodation near the University where students can lodge, or share with other fellow students.
This meeting was attended by more than one hundred pupils who start their university courses this year. They will join hundreds of other Gozitan students who are already studying in Malta. GUG speakers explained that the number of Gozitan students at the University of Malta have increased regularly, with Gozitans making up almost ten percent of the university population. The speaker also acknowledged the work done by GUG regarding Gozitan students.
The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, addressed those who attended and outlined the Ministry’s satisfaction that so many Gozitan students are choosing to continue their tertiary studies. She explained the commitment of the Ministry for Gozo to aid the strengthening of education, which also included the coordination of financial aid during the last school year which totaled more than €800,000. The Minister explained how this aid was increased from €35 to €116 every four weeks and it was also extended to other Gozitan students attending post secondary educational institutions in Malta. These aids to cover costs of the ferry etc is given on a three monthly basis.
More information about this can be obtained from the Ministry for Gozo, or from the stand during the activities GUG held on the Campus of the University during the first week of the school year.