The University of Malta has identified a number of projects it wants to undertake but which would require a capital investment of about €240 million over the next decade.

The university will be judged on the basis of how much it managed to influence the way the country is run in social and economic spheres

The university “dreams on”, Rector Juanito Camilleri said as he appealed for “much more” investment in the institution.

“Although we are living at a time of global economic crisis, I believe that the best way to prepare ourselves is through excellent tertiary education, research and innovation,” Prof. Camilleri said during his speech to mark the start of the academic year yesterday.

3,305

the number of new students who have started university

Prof. Camilleri called on the Government, social partners, industry and all Maltese to put much more investment in the university.

The university is currently carrying out projects that include the construction and extension of various faculties.

But it is also looking to the future, with plans to continue the refurbishment works of the Valletta campus, construct a new medical school to house the faculties of health sciences, medicine and surgery and dentistry, and build a university residence close to the Msida campus.

These were all important but, he cautioned, the success of the university was not measured according to the number of extensions constructed.

“At the end of the day the university will be judged on the basis of how much it managed to influence the way the country is run in social and economic spheres so that, as a member of the EU, Malta remains sustainable, sovereign and capable of contributing to the international sphere and face the challenges of the future,” he said.

As he welcomed new Maltese and international students, Prof. Camilleri encouraged them to dream and work hard to realise those dreams that would make Malta a better place.

He reminded them that the country was investing in their education and it was their responsibility to take things seriously.

Malta Students’ Council president Mario Cachia echoed that message and told students that the time spent at university was their time to shine and make a difference. He encouraged students to be active and join student organisations.

Yesterday, 3,305 new students flocked to the university quadrangle and browsed through the many stands set up for Freshers’ Week. Among them was one manned by the General Workers Union that is offering a special membership to all full-time students. Enrolling would make them eligible to union representation for any full-time or part-time job and give them access to advice.

Nearly 600 international students from 78 different countries are enrolled.

The total number of students at the university now amounts to 11,063 – 6,427 of whom are female.

Youth Parliamentary Secretary Clyde Puli attended the launch of the scholastic year at the Institute for Tourism Studies, where 626 students started attending one of 20 courses.

Donations for the university projects can be made by visiting www.ridt.org.mt.