A record investment in an education programme has led to a record number of scholarships being awarded, benefiting hundreds of Maltese and Gozitan students, the Government said today.

“€2.7 million has been invested in the ‘Master It’ programme, double last year’s sum for Masters Scholarships.”

The programme allows all University and college students to apply to do a Masters degree regardless of their academic record to date.

‘Master It’ was launched in April 2013 by the Ministry for Education and Employment and partly funded by the European Union.

The Government said that this increased inclusivity approach resulted in more than 500 applications. 425 satisfied eligibility requirements. Following intensive interviews during the summer, 328 individuals were awarded the ‘Master It’ scholarship.

A presentation ceremony took place on Thursday presided by the Minister for Education and Employment, Evarist Bartolo, and the Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds and the EU Presidency of 2017, Dr Ian Borg.

Speaking at a press conference the following day at Auberge D’Aragon, Minister Bartolo said that making scholarships more inclusive provided opportunities to a wider number of people, and he stressed the importance of investing in education. He hoped that students given this chance would maximise their potential.

Parliamentary Secretary Dr Ian Borg said that the initial investment for this scheme was of €2 million, but due to the record number of applicants, a decision to increase the allocation by a further €700,000 was agreed upon.

He said that the projects already submitted for the next EU programming period 2014-2020 by various entities and organisations, are being discussed and further investment in such schemes is being envisaged.

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