What are your views on the stipend system?
The stipend system is necessary for students to survive the financial difficulties many face during their years at University. Students coming from a difficult economic background in particular would find it difficult to pursue their studies, and possibly, without the payment of stipends, most would quit their studies and opt for an early full-time job instead of maximising their academic potential.
Is it a burden on society?
Stipends are investing in the potential of University students, enriching the possibility of students succeeding and contributing to the economic cycle and the society as a whole, to the benefit of everyone.
What do you think of the new KSU Student Opportunity Fund?
Needless to say, if it's administered and organised correctly, it would be a good opportunity for students to make use of the available funds and benefit from them.
Clara Agius, 1st year, BA Geography and Anthropology
What are your views on the stipend system?
I think having a stipend is a good thing for students because it encourages them to continue with their studies without having a financial burden. What is not right is that a science student is given a higher stipend than others.
Is it a burden on society?
It is a burden on society since it is given from taxes collected, but one has to consider that students are the future citizens of the country.
What do you think of the new KSU Student Opportunity Fund?
I do not know anything about it.
Sascha Reiff, 4th year, MD.
What are your views on the stipend system?
It helps students, but I believe it should be paid back after graduating and finding a job, spread over a number of years (without interest).
In this way, the money invested in stipends would be recycled (i.e. students who receive a stipend would pay it back to new students at University).
Is it a burden on society?
Yes. It would be better invested in research, better teaching facilities and resources, and increased lecturer salaries (to those who deserve it).
What do you think of the new KSU Student Opportunity Fund?
Never heard of it.
Stephanie Calleja 2nd year, B.Communications and European Studies
What are your views on the stipend system?
The stipend system is like a microcosm of the cycle of money. We students get financial compensation for choosing to further our studies, and when we eventually get a decent, paid job, we 'pay' back money in taxes.
The only drawback with the system is that whereas some students do their best to excel in their studies and actually get something out of the whole life-changing experience, others just enrol in University to gain a few euros in their pockets.
Is it a burden on society?
Not at all. I'm against the removal of the stipend. Students should be financially assisted during their period of studies, especially since there's a lack of skilled workers which is more evident in some sectors than in others.
Moreover, the stipend system was already paid for by our parents through taxes. So it should definitely stay.
What do you think of the new KSU Student Opportunity Fund?
The financial burden of education is a lot to chew on, for students and authorities alike. If everything goes as expected, this will be a tough act to follow. It would mean a lot to students who struggle to keep up with their expenses.
Studying abroad and attending conferences specifically related to one's vocation is an integral part of developing one's knowledge. It helps students to take a more hands-on approach, rather than a theoretical one.