Update 2 - University dean: Stipends should go
Updated with Pulse, SDM group comments
John Betts, dean of the Faculty of Engineering, has argued that University stipends should go, and for the funds to be better used elsewhere, such as on research and laboratory equipment.
He explained that with insufficient funds, his faculty could not operate and, in the long term, would be unsustainable.
“In the best of cases, the quality of the degrees will fall drastically; in the worst, we will be reduced to a full theory-based research-free institution,” he warned. The higher the international standing of a university, the more renowned its reputation, the more paying foreign students it would attract and the easier the access to international funds.
The research budget for the University of Malta for 2012 amounted to €600,000, comparable to what was spent on the Malta Eurovision song contest, he complained.
Full story in The Times.
PULSE GROUP REACTION
Student organisation Pulse in a reaction to the dean's comments said it agreed with the concerns he had expressed regarding the lack of investment in research facilities.
However, this should not be enhanced at the expense of stipends.
"There is a general consensus that research is a fundamental area which the University of Malta needs to have greater resources to invest in," it said.
"When tackling the financing of the University of Malta, we must make a distinction between the budget allocated to the University and the funds dedicated by the Ministry of Education specifically for stipends. It is important to assess the existing options for the generation of more funds through the University Research, Innovation and Development Trust.
"Incentives can be introduced for the private sector to support this mechanism. On the other hand, the University must start tackling the increasing number of non-Maltese residents studying at the University of Malta for free. As already described by the University authorities, the continuous rise of these type of students has added extra burden on the University’s financial state," Pulse said.
SDM REACTION
The SDM Christian Democratic Students said the stipends were a necessity for the absolute majority of University students. They should not be seen simply as an outlay, but as an investment in education and in the country’s future.
The group insisted that education should continue to remain free of charge and students should continue to receive stipends.
The group said it agreed with the proposals by the PN and the PLto link the stipends to the cost of living index.
Popular Stories
Old buses, drivers to return
Former Judge Ray Pace found dead
Updated: Minister apologises for...
Three new Nationalist MPs elected –...
Where’s Everybody staff is given notice
Updated - Director of Prisons submits...
Update 4 - Eddie Fenech Adami stable...
Revealed...the face of a Maltese woman...
Update 3 - Woman trapped as car crashes...
In Discussion
Old buses, drivers to return
Updated: Minister apologises for...
Updated - Director of Prisons submits...
Enemalta seeking minimum five year gas...
Protected birds shot and trapped as...
Mario de Marco, Zammit Dimech concede,...
PN postpones salaries as financial...
Updated - PM's offer to Opposition MPs...
No appeals board for first part of power...
264 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
W. Cassar
Jan 29th, 14:41
Maltese Uni students have it good compared to the rest of Europe, of course the are against any kind of reduction.
F. Borg
Jan 29th, 11:54
@All
So, instead of the so "Tablet Promise" by both parties, why should not those millions be given to University? Why should not University students pay exams fees like MCAST do (I stand to be corrected if they currently do so)? And if a means test is to be introduced why should it not be based on the profession of the parents of the student instead on the household income?
C. Muscat
Jan 29th, 11:29
I'm against means testing, if that comes about I'll quit working! Also, an 18 year old is an adult so what his parents' income is, is irrelevant. There r many dads who earn a good living but leave d ex-wife practically destitute & do not give maintenance let alone support their kid's tertiary education. I think any social benefit should be given in d form of a voucher against bus-fares, books etc
Christine Busuttil
Jan 29th, 09:14
You know what is interesting that even though the island offers free education and stipend the illiteracy rate is still 36%. Only Romaina and Bulgaria fare worse. I think this in itself should call for some changes and also proves that the present system is flawed.
Charles Theuma
Jan 29th, 07:31
The sector should be reformed. Maltese born and bred students will apply for a scholarship from the Ministry of Social Policy to cover fees, stipends and grants independent from the University of Malta or MCAST. These institutions will charge tuition fees equivalent to those in the scholarship NO MORE but not for EU students who would PAY tuition fees. Today ALL EU and migrants PAY NOTHING!
Robert Agius
Jan 28th, 20:33
But isn't that exactly why they won't remove stipends. The money needed to be injected into research would probably more than the stipends. Not to mention not having an excuse to shut students up should they complain, how shall I put it, of certain shortcoming in the service.
Pierre Bugeja
Jan 28th, 20:13
While I may agree about the Eurovision issue, I believe that a Dean should be more positive, proactive and resourceful. So coming back to the real question at hand, should the approach be to assigned a budget to your heart's content or should you try to link industry-related research backed by European funding?
Alfred Falzon
Jan 28th, 19:30
This prof seems to have found a solution to the University's budgetary needs by taking a cue from former Labour PM for 22 months Dr Alfred Sant's Minister for Education Mr Evarist Bartolo, who recommended that Higher Education students should no longer be entitled to stipends but borrow loans from local Banks, irrespective of their family's financial situation!
Solemn in his negativity!
aaf
Jean Paul Micallef
Jan 28th, 19:18
I think mist of money.should be allocated to better labs library and industry relations.
Uni can.make money kieku jridu cause many study abroad for masters which can be arranged locally u jhallsu malta stess.
C. Bonnici
Jan 28th, 20:46
Jean Paul, I think that reading for Masters abroad is good for anyone who experiences. Maltese professionals should be exposed to learning (and hopefully also working) abroad. This contributes to useful cultural shifts. I think that UoM could enhance its research profile by becoming more friendly to interdisciplinarity ...
Jean Paul Micallef
Jan 28th, 19:13
I agree, but not just research for personsal achievements with my money but better labs for engineers..not same old labs especially mechanical labs....
U need to work closer with industry and select better thesis titles that help.our country u mhux naghmlu tezi hekk bla kontinwita fhafna kazi.
Alex Buds
Jan 28th, 18:54
I personally would have had a hard time without my stipend at the university - my father was crippled and my mother dead. We had very limited resources.
I think reform of the system would be far better than its elimination. Why not means-test and simply give the stipends to students from families like mine? You could probably increase their stipend somewhat in that situation too.
Tat formosa
Jan 28th, 17:50
Students need stipends in order to keep on studying at university. Its not easy for us students, not all have time and are lucky enough to find a job, as most of our lectures are till around 7 or 8, so for your information !! if the goverment should decrease his expenditure on benefits: he should decrease the amount of social benefits given to people who dont even wan't to work!
John Grima
Jan 28th, 18:11
One wonders how students in places like the UK manage. Not only do they not receive a stipend but they also have to find money to pay for the University fees. On top of that they also have to find even more money to pay rent and general living expenses such as food, electricity, and gas as most of them have to live away from home as their Universities are far from home. And yet they manage.
Claire Borg
Jan 28th, 18:35
Well said!
Tat formosa
Jan 28th, 20:00
Mr. Grima, its easier said than done! Our country's situation is different. You need to consider all the conditions!!! Withour stipends, us maltese students wouldn't manage...
C. Bonnici
Jan 28th, 20:49
John Grima, the salary in the UK for an entry level professional (e.g. in ICT) is around 60K EUR. That is not the case in Malta. Therefore, (1) parents can't be as supportive as British parents, and (2) there is less incentive to go to Uni. Thus, stipends are necessary. Had we got UK's salaries, it would be reasonable to agree with you....
John Grima
Jan 28th, 21:53
@Tat Formosa
And what may I ask is so different from the UK. Students apart from the following:
Students still live at home in Malta thus they have no living expenses,
The University Tuition is free.
Distances are short so public transport or bicycle should be enough.
Oh I almost forgot, Students in Malta have to run a car unlike most students in other countries.
John Grima
Jan 28th, 22:04
@ Tat Formosa
do enlighten us as to why the situation is different in Malta to warrant a stipend for the students while it is not necessary in the UK.
The big difference is the Students in the UK are prepared to go and get any jobs. I have had the privilege of employing many such students over the years in positions such as sales assistants, warehouseman even night shift work, shelf filling.
Tat formosa
Jan 31st, 16:47
Nixtieq li tkun kapp ta pajjiz ha tara kem se jkollok studenti jistudjaw.
Mark J. Magri
Jan 28th, 17:44
I totally agree that all stipends should be removed and placed on social services instead.
Stipends are all waste of money from us the tax payers.
Nicholas Brincat
Jan 28th, 17:56
mhux hekk, mela we remove money from education, to give it to a sector full of leeches. Xeba single parents staying at home doing nothing and other layabouts. I completely agree that stipends are a partial waste of money, but let's face it less than 0.5% of the GDP goes to stipends, so we won't be paving the roads with gold anytime soon if we stop giving stipends
Karl Mercieca
Jan 28th, 17:20
How about providing stipends to those who actually need them instead? You know - look at an individual's household income, etc etc - and then proceed from there.
George Joseph Cauchi
Jan 28th, 18:11
Why should we do that. Most law abiding citizens pay their tax due on time. Why doesn't the Government collect from those who evade tax. They are the ones who are screwing the system up. If all taxes due are collected then we would have less borrowing by Government.
Carmel (Nenu) Aquilina
Jan 28th, 16:39
Sur M.Spiteri, Ulied il-ħaddiem li jaqlaħħa u jiekola qatt ma setgħu jmorru l-universita kieku ma kinitx b'xejn u bl-istipendiu!
Dak li ridt infisser bi'kliemi, għax dawn huma l-fatti ta' ulied il-ħaddiem!
Jiena huwa wieħed mil-ħaddiema li dejjem qlajta u kielta u uliedi huma gradwati bis-saħħa tal-gvern nazzjonalista ta' Edward Fenech Adami u Lawrence Gonzi, Sur M. Spiteri.
M Spiteri
Jan 28th, 16:53
dik hi l problema.......t tfal tieghek lahqu bil kapacita taghhom u ta l ebda politiku. Where there is a will, there is a way. Diga ghidtlek li naqbel li l Universita tkun b xejn ghax kulhadd jixraqlu cans. Pero mhux dak l argument. L argument hu li jekk trid l flus mur ahdem ghalihomu mhux tkun ta piz fuq haddiehor u naf x jien nghid ghax studjajt barra u minix sinjur!
John Grima
Jan 28th, 18:15
Well then a member of my family must have been a superman. My father was one who ' jaqlaħħa u jiekola' . However this relative of mine still managed top put himself through University. He did this by holding down a full time job while he was studying. Where there is a will there is a way.
Guido Farrugia
Jan 28th, 18:46
Dr. Gonzi u hafna min ta madwaru iggradwaw fiz-zminijiet differenti. Taf tghidli liema zminijiet please? Bilhaqq u bis-sahha ta min?
Clara Chetcuti
Jan 28th, 16:08
Some of the above comments are ridiculous. Stipends are a great help to all students. Talking about exempting students who own BMWs from the stipend system is classist because no matter how well off a family is, it's always good to have help & no, I don't own a BM! If anything stipends should be awarded based on attendance, to ensure that students are working hard for the money and not skiving off
Joseph Borg
Jan 28th, 16:35
Le din mhix kwistjoni ta klassismu kif qed int. L-istudenti ta famiji li mhumiex sta bene ibbenifikaw minnhom ghax kieku ma kienx ikun possibli li jilhqu l-professjoni taghhom bhal dawk ta familji li money no problem. Tinsiex li qabel ma kien hawn l-istipendji rari kont tara studenti min famiji ta dhul baxx. Din bhal ta l-iskejjel li tas sinjuri biss kienu imorru go tal knisja jew privat cont.
Joseph Borg
Jan 28th, 16:41
Mela l-istudenti ta klassi gholja ma tghamilhomx differenza jekk jihdux l-istipendji jew le. Ara studenti ta dhull baxx tghamillhom differenza kbira ghax kieku ma jaslux fejn waslu. Mela hi gusta li jinghataw lil min veru ghandhom bzonnhom. Imma sfortunatament hawn Malta voti biss naraw. Din l-istess haga tac children allowance. Mhix gusta li jehodhom kullhadd. Tista tghin aktar lill batuti jekk
Clara Chetcuti
Jan 29th, 08:10
Iva lil familji ta' dhul baxx jghinuhom zgur pero familji li huma 'sta bene' skond int kull qatra tghin. Mela mhux kulhadd jahdem u jistinka biex jaqla l-hobza u jhallas it-taxxi? Mela kulhadd ghandu jibbenifika mill-istat. X'affarijet dawn!
G. Bugeja
Jan 28th, 15:56
both political parties are exaggerating about students' stipends. It has become a political ball.
Joseph Agius
Jan 28th, 15:35
Finally some sense....hope some responsible and mature politicians will eventually look at this reality.
Victor Pulis
Jan 28th, 15:23
The good dean clearly needs money for his faculty of engineering but why turn on the stipends? There are other students who are not studying engineering. Is he proposing that the stipends of these students be channeled into his faculty? That would be rather selfish wouldn't it?
Joseph Borg
Jan 28th, 14:53
L-istipendji mghandhomx jibqu jinghataw lill kullhadd. Dawn ghandhom jehduhom biss studenti li gejjin mill familji bi dhul baxx biex jghinuhom ikomplu l-istudji taghhom. Anzi parti mil flus kbar li jigu iffrankati jistghu jigu mizjuda fuq dawk li jikkwalifikaw ghal istipendju biex b'hekk jittafa ftit mill istress li jaqu fih l-istudenti li lanqas biex johorgu darba fil gimgha ma jkollom ghax il fa
George Magro
Jan 28th, 15:28
Well said!
B. Cachia
Jan 28th, 14:53
Let's not forget that the ratio between academic salaries in Malta and the average salary is much higher than that in other Western countries. Let's not forget that this applies also to Junior College lecturers, many of whom do not have the academic requirements to be even considered for a univeristy post in other countries.
Andrea Giallombardo
Jan 28th, 14:16
"John Betts, dean of the Faculty of Engineering, has argued that University stipends should go, and for the funds to be better used elsewhere, such as on research and laboratory equipment."
A bit of a selfish argument, regarding the fact that most students do not even use those facilities.
Shawn Borg
Jan 28th, 14:14
I fully agree with the Dean. This is only in Malta. Students should learn to work for money, However I agree that University should be free of Charge to everybody.
Keith Davis
Jan 28th, 14:12
I am not surprised by the Students representatives. Obviously no one wants his cake diminished. Though I think it is high time we have a government made of technocrats that do what the country NEEDS and not want the people through self egoism want. The country's finances have reached saturation point on unsustainability. We are continuously at a deficit which means our debt is always increasing.
Mr Adrian Zahra
Jan 28th, 14:10
For a starter in all probability I would not be where I am today had it not been for the stipend's system. Yet it is true that the university needs to upscale it's equipment and research budgets. It would make much more sense to oblige graduate students to pay a statutory contribution similar to NI the funds of which would be allocated for the research at university.
B. Cachia
Jan 28th, 14:09
If it's a choice between having a teaching only university and having fewer people going to university then I'd choose the former as the lesser evil. One has to see whether the research is actually benefiting the island directly. If not, then maybe it's better left to larger institutions abroad who have the scale and the connections with industry to justify it.
Nicholas Brincat
Jan 28th, 16:25
what do you mean left for abroad? if we have capable people to carry out research you just send them abroad because we want to fund a song contest?! what kind of stupidity is this?! We are not talking about secondary school labs, where you mix two liquids and see them changing colour. Believe it or not the engineering lab is the most equiped in Europe, which is no joke, universities abroad envy us
B. Cachia
Jan 28th, 16:48
@ Nicholas Brincat: If the alternative is funding a song contest then I agree with you, but between the two evils of having fewer people receiving a university education in Malta and not doing research in certain faculties, I'd choose the latter. I'm not saying it's desirable, or even that it's the actual choice the country has before it.
Nicholas Brincat
Jan 28th, 17:53
but the mentality here is completely wrong !! everybody benefits from research. Take a look around you and try to find something that was not researched by an engineer!!! Everything that has passed from a manufacturing process, from prosthetic implants to pills to cars and electronics. I'm pretty sure that you have at least used one of these in your life.
G Tonna
Jan 28th, 14:09
Excellent timing. Joseph should review his party's stipend policy again and get Varist to re-engineer the loan scheme again.
D Bonello
Jan 28th, 14:04
I have always said we have become a nanny state of entailment. Government is already providing free University education, no need for stipends. We can allocate the stipends to go elsewhere in our country. Both political parties should agree on this together and not be scared to remove it. Prime Minister Sant had the guts to remove them but off course PN benefited politically.
Mr Kevin Zammit
Jan 28th, 13:57
Judging by the English and the reasoning of the comments below in favor of stipends I think it is reasonable to assume they are students .... I think they are proving Dr. Betts right! The money on stipends is only creating mediocre courses with mediocre students instead of better quality ones!
Clara Chetcuti
Jan 28th, 15:44
Your argument is far from congruous with the issue at hand. Stipends are not responsible for creating mediocre courses and neither do they promote mediocre students - if a student is hard put to catch up with the expenses of his/her course independently, it does not mean that s/he has not the motivation to work hard or the intellect to go far in the chosen field.
jean sciberras
Jan 28th, 16:03
I completely agree with you. We have quantity and not quality. And btw, have you recently looked at the university carpark? Stipends go towards driving lessons, cars, travel, shopping. University should be free for all but certainly no more stipends.
Tiziana Farrugia
Jan 28th, 13:54
Why don't he just give a percentage from his salary? 'for the funds to be better used elsewhere, such as on research and laboratory equipment.'
Mela l istupendju gej jara zejjed da!
Roberta Sciberras
Jan 28th, 13:48
"The research budget for the University of Malta for 2012 amounted to €600,000, comparable to what was spent on the Malta Eurovision song contest, he complained."
Fine. So Mr Betts has already found the solution to the problem and it is not the suspension of stipends. If anything stop wasting money on idiotic things like the Eurovision song contest, sparing us also the annual humiliation.
James Tyrrell
Jan 28th, 13:46
I agree that the University of Malta should be better funded as this can only benefit the country as a whole but to suggest that this should come about by doing away with University stipends is wrong. John Betts makes a very good point when he mentions the money spent on the Malta Eurovision song contest. The Eurovision song contest is and always was a stupid waste of money.
Carmel (Nenu) Aquilina
Jan 28th, 13:41
Sur John Betts, dan hu ir-rispett u l-interess li għandekk għall-istudenti tiegħek, li ħafna minnhom huma ulied il-ħaddiema?
Jew forsi qed jdejqek li tara ulied il-ħaddiema b'segrifiċji kbar jibbrillaw fuq kullħadd?
Wara kumment banali bħal dan, ma tIstħix mill-istudenti x'ħin illum tidħol fl-universita?
Ħallina Sur John Betts!
M Spiteri
Jan 28th, 16:03
Nenu,
Kulhadd hu iben il-haddiem...tahseb li l-Ingilterra kulhadd sinjur?! zgur li le imma l-istudenti jkollhom jaghmlu sagrificcju u jmorru jahdmu biex ihallsu l kera tal-post fej ikunu qed joqoghdu...barra l-ispejjez tal-Universita' li mhumiex ftit. Filwaqt li naqbel li l-Universita tibqa b xejn ghal kullhadd, ma nistax naqbel mieghek fuq dan is-suggett. l verita hi li kulhadd hu mummys buy hawn!
George Magro
Jan 28th, 13:34
Students like me who would find it hard if not impossible to continue their studies without financial help are the ones who NEED stipends. Giving the stipend to every student irrelevant of their social status is wasteful and irresponsable, and as the Dr.Betts said, funds could be used sustainably otherwise.
D Deguara
Jan 28th, 13:27
It's not unfair that students take a stipend. It can also be considered as a motivation to students to continue studying + make it more affordable
What is unfair is that in some courses, the money students take is double the normal rates.
Stipend and even smart card money should be according to attendance. People stopping from courses still get this money if no attendance is taken during lectures
David Camilleri
Jan 28th, 13:26
Stipends should not be cut because they motivate, but remember that what Mr Betts is saying is golden truth. As an ex-engineering student I agree that those departments are under funded, we were using software from 30 years ago, while other European institutions had the latest technology, allowing them to win EU projects thus EU getting funds. A University has to be sustainable, and profit making!
J Spiteri
Jan 28th, 13:25
Contrary to public opinion, books are expensive together with apparatus and uniforms which need to be paid for by stipend if smart card is not enough. Allow us students to have our stipends without conditions as many have had it before us including some who have been against stipends as seen in the comments below.
J Spiteri
Jan 28th, 13:23
i do not agree with people who say that stipends are a commodity which students can do without. People should know that for many people including myself, stipend has been the only form of livelihood available during the scholastic year It is unfair to generalize that students spend their stipends on iPhones and BMWs when many in fact use their stipends to fund their studies and jobs are impossible
Victor Zammit
Jan 28th, 13:21
Just as PL/PN are agreed on doling out stipends in a don’t ask, don’t tell policy, they might as well agree to rationalise them and get the reading on the wall without likewise losing votes. Now that we can afford it. Were the gauntlet to drop, the students, and the less affluent amongst them, would suffer and protest first and most. Beware the Greeks offering gifts.
J Degabriele
Jan 28th, 13:19
Everyone knows that the stipend system is totally unsustainable, as it is. But who dares bell the cat?
Daniel Mizzi
Jan 28th, 13:17
Mr. Betts you seem that you re getting your priorities wrong. Investing in tomorrow's future, the future who is going to fund your pension and the future who eventually is going improve Malta is not such a bad idea. I'd rather abolish all the state benefits for the supposedly single mothers who sleep around, have 2 or 3 kids with 'unknown fathers' and sponge off the state and our taxes
J Debrincat
Jan 28th, 13:14
The amount of students I know spending their stipends on nights out, holidays, new clothes, gadgets etc is shocking. why should we be subsidising this? Money for nothing culture! If students need money that is fair enough but at least have some way of establishing where the money will be spent and who needs it the most.
Kimberly Attard
Jan 28th, 13:11
I am studying to be a primary school teacher. and the LARGE AMOUNT of teaching resources I buy are not covered by stipend. I can get a refund from smart card, but the smartypants who's supposed to be at uni every tuesday for refunds, always has excuses. either he doesnt come or he doesnt accomodate all of the queue. sometimes i even miss a lesson to try and a get a refund, which i never got.
Max Portelli
Jan 28th, 13:10
I tend to agree with the paying back of stipends in a way which links your wages to the amount you pack back similar to the UK loan scheme i.e. stipends being paid as they are now. Then when students graduate and get a job begin to pay back according to their salary (first year not paying). Thus, e.g. if your salary is €0 - €6,000 you pay nothing until you start earning more; etc.
Eve Axiaq
Jan 28th, 13:09
DjiIl-gvern jghin hafna lil l-industriji f'Malta bhal ST, pharmaceuticals u ohrajn b'incentivi,sussidji u exemptions.Dawn jaghmlu qliegh kbir ta flus tant li tiskanta kemm ic chiefs u l bosses jiehdu bonuses fl-ahhar tas-sena. Li kieku jaghtu somma zghira ta flus fis-sena lil fakulta ma nahsibx li se jfallu (kif forsi xi drabi jippruvaw jaghtu l-impressjoni biex il-gvern itihom aktar incentivi.
L Galea
Jan 28th, 13:04
He is wrong most mature students worked paid tax and have to go back to university because they need to upgrade their qualifications, to degrees that now have become the basic of qualifications, they also have financial commitments and bills to pay.
Christopher Dimech
Jan 28th, 13:04
The University of Malta is a teaching university, irrespective of what Betts would like it to be. What would really move things forward would be investments in engineering, because engineering is about solving problems or develop the machinery to advance technology.
Chris Gatt
Jan 28th, 13:42
What the heck is a 'teaching ' university? There is no such thing irrespective of what Mr Dimech thinks. 'teaching universities are called Polytechnics or Colleges.
A university must always be a centre of learning and research, Kill the research and you kill the university. It is de facto one of the skills' thought' at a university.
Raymond Sacco
Jan 28th, 13:02
Did Mr. Betts graduate from the university of Malta, thus taking stipends?
Albert Spiteri
Jan 28th, 13:02
The state should contribute more towards research and laboratory equipment in our state university. But stipends are a necessity because a large percentage of our students do enjoy the backing of rich parents or fat scholarships. I would suggest that all parties commit themselves to give back to our students that portion of their stipends that was stolen away from them by GonziPN.
M Borg
Jan 28th, 13:14
Students are getting more than enough. Maybe it would help if you had to check what students in other countries are being given !
Most students in Malta live with their parents and do not need any funds for rent etc... Plus university is free unlike the UK where fees are always increasing.
Be thankful for what you are getting In my opinion stipends should not be increased but decreased.
L Galea
Jan 28th, 13:02
I agree with the proposal of vouchers being used only for course work, however books are not always easy to find it is generally cheaper and quicker to order them over the net because book stockists do not and can not stock everything. Dr Betts has a valid point, however he assumes that students are all young and have never contributed a dime to the government's coffers.
Albert Spiteri
Jan 28th, 13:02
The state should contribute more towards research and laboratory equipment in our state university. But stipends are a necessity because a large percentage of our students do enjoy the backing of rich parents or fat scholarships. I would suggest that all parties commit themselves to give back to our students that portion of their stipends that was stolen away from them by GonziPN.
Claire Borg
Jan 28th, 12:56
Am a student and I have always worked on part time basis when I study as money is a big issue, And am sure there are many students like me. BUT its not always possible to work and study!!This year I had to quite my job because my course requires alot of dedication and research, the only time Im available to work is in weekends, and most of the places I applied for dont accept these circumstances!
Joseph Micallef
Jan 28th, 13:10
I just hope you are not specialising in the English language!
Claire Borg
Jan 28th, 17:40
Joseph micallef: its very mature by you to correct others by making fun of them!! If you managed to read it, than my message is clear!
Antonella Aquilina
Jan 28th, 12:51
My family is considered a middle class - we have 3 children one of whom is at junior college. We cannot support our children to continue studying if it weren't for stipends. My daughter spends the transport fees from her stipend because we cannot afford to give her any money and also we want her to be responsible. The books she bought for her 1st year cost her Euro 340.
Eve Axiaq
Jan 28th, 12:51
Inhallsu l-istipendji biex imbaghad il gradwati jmorru jahdmu barra! Tmur sa l-isptar mimli professjonisti barranin.
E Zammit
Jan 28th, 14:23
Jaqaw int m' ghandekx tfal li jmorru jew kienu jmorru l-universita ? Jonkella, int xi wahda sinjura li ma' tridx tara l-ulied il-haddiema li ma' jifilhux iggorru l-piz, jibghatu l'uliedhom hemmhekk ?
Hallihom please trid, wara kollox l-istipendju qed jaghmel l-parti tieghu biex ikollna socjeta aktar inteligenti.
Jew int tippreferi jkollna ic-cwiec !
Mr Nathan zammit
Jan 29th, 21:22
ax wara li tqatta 6 snin universita biex issir tabib jew 4 biex issir nurse tkun tistenna li tigi trattat ta bnidem u tithallas paga dicenti bhal barra.. alekk imorru barra ax isibu kundizzjonijit ferm ahjar... tajjeb; mmur nqatta snin l universita flok nahdem u naqla l flus bhal haddiehor, biex imbaghad min ikun bla skola jaqla paga daqsi u jkollu inqas responsabilita minni
Claire Borg
Jan 28th, 12:49
People have to consider everything before they speak. We are not idiots sitting on a bench, we are students who have to buy books, pay Btec fees (which are expensive), pay bus and other. Bdwy incase you dont know stipend is deducted when a student miss school, therefore studernts dont always get 83euros per month full!!as someone said that student are getting paid for staying in bed.
Ms.D. Galea
Jan 28th, 12:47
Financial assistance be it in the form of stipends. children allowances, free medicines for chronic illnesses etc and which is paid for by the tax payer , should go to the those is most need of such assistance not used as a carrot for voters come election time.
Claire Borg
Jan 28th, 12:42
I am a hard working student, who whenever I had time I worked as money is a big issue BUT as this year since my timetable requires lessons till 4;30 and 6;30pm Its really difficult to keep up with Assignments/ Research and other school activities. Till this day I have applied to work but not everyone accepts part timers to work in weekends only.
A Aquilina
Jan 28th, 12:41
To those writing that the stipends should not be granted because of rich families, believe me not every family is rich and although the stipend is not much it helps and is crucial.
To the Dean my comment is that should you need more funding look for it elsewhere, I am sure that there are alternative ways without hurting the vulnerable students who should be the centre of the educational sector.
B. Cachia
Jan 28th, 14:15
Even if the family is rich, the student is normally over 18 and is owed nothing by their family, legally speaking. You can't keep being penalised all your life because your family was rich, even though you may not be.
Claire Borg
Jan 28th, 12:38
I am a student studying in Health care on full time basis. As regards to those ignorant people who think that students who do not work on a part time basis are idiots on desk, I'm sorry to dissapoint you my friends. You know its dissopinting to see how many people have such little faith in us students!!
twanny borg
Jan 28th, 12:37
Flus liz-zaghzagh flus minfuqa tajjeb l-istipendji ghandhom jibqghu u mhux indefsu prioritajiet jew bzonnijiet ohra.
Mr Conrad V. Busuttil
Jan 28th, 13:56
Prosit Twanny,
Niehduu gost narawk fuq l-istess binarji ta' Dr Joseph Muscat.
Keep it up.
Michael Flaherty
Jan 28th, 12:35
Stipends are necessary. Courses at UoM are more intensive than at most universities; believe it or not there's a much higher standard. A solution would be to dock the amount given to non STEM courses, who usually have more free time and thus can afford a part-time job. Another solution would be a work placement agreement to gain experience and earn money. That said, 600k for everyone is a joke.
Christopher Busuttil
Jan 28th, 12:32
Dazgur li l-istipendju bzonnjuz imma ejja norbtuh mal-performance tal-istudenti u mhux ma' l-attendenza halli naqtghu xi ftit studenti abbuzivi li jmorru l-iskola ghalxejn sempliciment biex idahhlu stipendju.
U jekk il-gvern jibza minn din il-mossa nissuggerilu jghaddi l-budget ta'l-istipendju lil universita u jhalli f'idejha halli wara jkun solva l-problema u jista' jwahhal fl-universita'.
Jason Borg
Jan 28th, 12:50
I am a student and i totally agree with this , however , families in need should have an extra sum .
Claire Borg
Jan 28th, 13:05
Ma taghmilx sens li tmur ghall iskola ghall istipendju biss..x'se taghmel b' 83 euros ??!!!! Min irid jaghmel flus biss, ser jahdem mhux jmur l-iskola, plus li jekk inti tmur l-iskola ghall istipendju biss mal-ewwel iqactuk il-barra ghax ix xoghol irid isir, jekk l-assignments u xoghol ma jsirx l-istudent ser jiigi imkecci, matistawx taqbdu u tigudikaw li l-istudenti imorru l-iskola ghal flus!!
Christopher Busuttil
Jan 28th, 14:17
Ghaliex le Jason. Naqbel mieghek. Dak li qed nissuggerixxi jien jahdem bizzilla ma' dak li tixtieq int ghax il-flus li niffrankaw minn studenti b'performance baxxa intuh lil studenti bi bzonnijiet akbar. Naqbel li dak li niffrankaw xorta jintefqu fl-edukazzjoni u ma nivvintawx skuzi ohra. Cheers!!
Mr Nathan zammit
Jan 29th, 21:26
Il problema li hafna nies (mhux kulhadd ovvjament) li nara li jmorru l ahjar huma dawk li qatt ma hadmu siegha f hajjitom ax il mummy ud daddy andom flus kemm iridu biex izommuhom id dar go bozza... min irid jahdem fil weekends ftit jew wisq jaqa lura.. specjalment jekk tkun f kors ta tejorija u prattika bhall engineering
Sandra Cutajar
Jan 28th, 12:18
I'm actually quite amazed at some of the comments written here. First of all before commenting on student affairs learn the difference between stipends and student grants. Secondly know that there is a difference in amounts between courses regarding both of the above. Moreover people saying that they should be removed definitely don't now what student's lives in 2013 entails.
Bernard Pollacco
Jan 28th, 12:10
ahna liskola jghidulna bix nahsbuha sew jekk nzommu x xoghol jew le
Pierre John Agius
Jan 28th, 12:05
Absolutely right.
E. Azzopardi
Jan 28th, 12:05
It will have to come and the sooner the better.
I firmly believe that students should not receive a cheque at home and then cash it and buy whatever they like. Vouchers should be given and exchanged for educational material. Period. Look at all those cars!!
Kimberly Attard
Jan 28th, 12:45
are you out of your mind??? i bought my car BECAUSE I WORK DAY AND NIGHT. My parents cant afford to even give me pocket money. I needed a car, so i worked for it.
What i suggest is those students who have NEW BMWs or MERCEDES. Why do they get stipend? they obviously dont need it coz daddy and mummy buy them everything, poor little rich boys and girls. THATS THE ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE SEEN!
Mr Nathan zammit
Jan 28th, 13:14
I second that K.Attard! I have what i own by working for years.. stipends should be given on means tests!! also E.Azzopardi. Jekk tara l 106 tieghi ha jaqa u ma jaqax ma tibqax tghid hekk!! also we have smartcard which works that way.. however when we go buy engineering materials for our assignments this is rendered useless!! umbad tmur tixtri 700 euro IPad b smartcard u jhalluk! x misthija.
John Azzopoardi
Jan 28th, 12:03
and the stipend will one day go for all students and it will only remain for the few. I know of one too many whose parents are very well off and they are getting the stipend. Where in the world do students are allowed to have a total free post education and get paid for it as well.
Claire Busuttil
Jan 28th, 12:53
@Azzopardi- yes I agree that a lot of people, afford doing without the stipend at university.....and thus they should not been paid. But there are also a lot of students, that would not afford going to Uni, if they do not get the stipend.
John Azzopoardi
Jan 29th, 01:03
agree, my point exactly. Give the people to those truly in need.......for housing and transportation. Studends should be allowed to work as they do in my other foreign countries. Its ok to work and go to school. Go to the US and find that this very big with students in New York City. Students funding their own education. And not for free.
Silvan Said
Jan 28th, 12:02
Dear Dean, as usual its about quantity not quality. Politicians want numbers because with them they can impress a large swathe of the voting population. (keyword: voting)
Oh yes, forget the Eurovision... let's talk tablets now!
Mr Max Xuereb
Jan 28th, 11:59
stipends should go! Instead schemes and grants should be introduced to people who either earn less than a certain amount or whose parents earn less than a certain amount! Ridiculous to think the sons and daughters of the rich are getting money out of the tax payers pockets! Making the rich richer and the poor poorer!
John Neville Ebejer
Jan 28th, 12:26
Whose parents declare to earn less? their parents get unemplyment benefits and work without paying any taxes? Do you mean a means test on what they actually own, spent on luxurious acctivities? This is not as straight forward.
An 18 year old is a citezen as much as any other tax payer is, as anyone benefitting from social benefits - as unmarried mothers? as unemplyed?
M Zammit
Jan 28th, 12:39
are the ''rich'' not tax payers also?
Carmelo Aquilina
Jan 28th, 11:57
Stipends instead of making education better. No contest. Let stipends go as long as the money is invested in better facilities and courses. No other country is that wasteful.
Mr Conrad V. Busuttil
Jan 28th, 11:43
#2
Why would the UOM not open up to the general public and business community in informing what research is being carried out and to what benefits?
Then and only then, the UOM may even take a step further into inviting various bodies into sponsoring or giving partnerships in particular fields of studies against the funds required. It will benefit UOM & the entity in Marketing too.
Mr Conrad V. Busuttil
Jan 28th, 11:40
I find the Dean's comments to be somewhat selfish, in that he is complaining that if students get stipends, then the UOM will not have enough funds.
Can he see another picture? i.e. What does the general public, from whose taxes will the funds for lab researches be funded benefit. I would also include the general business community in this ring of queries as well.
continued...
cesco di luigi
Jan 28th, 11:39
Agree 100%. Only the really poor families should get some form of assistance. University is producing low quality qualifications.It's more like an extension of a very very big secondary school (only there are no teachers), they're all at their real jobs.
Ray Galea
Jan 28th, 11:34
Is it a coincidence that a good part of those who speak against stipends have benefited greatly from the same system that now they want abolished ? It's so easy to forget your roots when you're in the spotlight !
Edward Mallia
Jan 28th, 11:32
People have been complaining we do not charge fees to EU students. Our govts are to blame for that situation. By excessive pandering to the "student lobby" they refused to take back even a small part of the stipend as fee. EU students HAVE to be treated as locals; as latter pay no fees former cannot be charged any.
For our students in EU parts, as locals there pay fees, ours HAVE to as well.
Nicholas Borg
Jan 28th, 11:27
It is not the stipeds that should go but the silly proposals of buying tablet computers.
Giov DeMartino
Jan 28th, 11:27
And what about those millions wasted on the so called single mothers?
Kimberly Attard
Jan 28th, 11:27
Is he serious??? He clearly doesn't know how us students can barely pass with 83e a month. Does he have ANY idea how difficult it is to find a job? Or else, maintain a job with uni's crazy lecture schedules.
I'm not one to talk, as I have a job. But I can say that I make loads of sacrifices to maintain it and keep up with my studies. But I know how it feels like to pass with only 83e a month!
Simon Azzopardi
Jan 28th, 14:00
Students who want to study across the globe make loads of sacrifices to receive an education. They have to work for more than just "pocket money" and pay for rent, etc. Rather than paying students to attend University, it may be more prudent to improve the University standards and quality of education. Maybe one day, for example, our graduates will be able to construct sentences in English.
Claire Attard
Jan 28th, 11:20
Student loans rather than stipends ... to be paid back once the student is no longer a student but employed/working full time.
K. Vella
Jan 28th, 11:15
Grazzi Sur Betts....nahseb jien inti wiehed li hallastlek l-stipendju meta kont ghadek tistudja.....
Il-pajjiz l-unika rizorsa huma nies u L-Gvern jinvesti fuq nies..ghalhekk hawn dan is-sucess fil-qasam edukattiv.
Grazzi PN
C. Bonnici
Jan 28th, 11:09
John Betts seems to have a point here. But, university stipends should only go, if, every Maltese who wants a degree, and who can, intellectually, get a degree, could afford getting on. What Dr Betts does not include in his equation is that the more graduates in Malta, the stronger the economy and thus the university. So one has to find a balance.
Sharon Bonello
Jan 28th, 11:06
Are you people serious? I had to quit my part time job as lecturers are always changing the time of the time table or we have to miss the lecture then. If you think we all have a BMW or RX8 with stipends pls come on... I have 83.84c a month and I can guarantee that I have spent much more resources for children. Stipends help students coming from middle /low class families to reach tertiary edu
M Formosa
Jan 28th, 10:59
My daughter is in Medical school in Toronto. No stipends there, by the time she finishes in 3 years she will be in debt for over $200000, it will take her a good most of her lifetime to pay off. Is this what he wants for our kids in Malta, shame on him for even suggesting such.
Yoshabel Galea
Jan 28th, 10:56
I am a full-time University student at the beginning of semester one I had a part-time job. Due to the irregular time schedule of University I had to quit that part-time job since I had some days which begin at 8am till 7pm. If I did not have my stipend I would be thinking about leaving my degree and finding a job since it is impossible to have no money so as to cover the bus fares and even lunch
James Attard
Jan 28th, 10:54
Stipends should be presented as vouchers redeemable to books and other stuff related strictly to the coursework. This would lower the budget costs through negotiations, reduce stipend abuse, and money will be better invested elsewhere as Mr. Betts declared.
Those who say otherwise have probably never had the experience to study in outdated engineering, computer science or other science labs.
Lino Busuttil
Jan 28th, 10:47
Having declared that no one would touch the stipends the parties should now declare how they will address the budget issues the Dean is referring to. This is expected so we voters can see how the potential leaders are going to deal with conflicting schemes of free that and free for all.
C Sant
Jan 28th, 10:47
Part 2
This is actually an investment in our only natural resource - human resource. Thanks to the ever increasing graduate population and the vastness of the courses, Malta can boast of a wide industrial base that is one of the reasons why we were not affected by the problems of others.
Stipends must stay and should not be means tested - we all know how mean testing is skewed on this Island!
Chris Gatt
Jan 28th, 13:46
No its not an investment. If people need to be bribed, sorry, persuaded, to invest in their future, its not much of an investment is it?
Other young people pay their way to get an education. That is called an investment. We pay our students and leave our university without the required investment in people and inf and we think that is an investment!
Mark Gafa'
Jan 28th, 10:47
it is true that certain books can cost over 100 euros but i see a lot of students with macs, ipads and other expensive items which have nothing to do with the course. i agree with mr john betts but maybe stipends do not have to be removed altogether. imo they should be reduced and they should be used for purchasing items relevant to the course.
rossy farrugia
Jan 28th, 12:39
what are you going to reduce from 80 euro?
C Sant
Jan 28th, 10:47
Part 1
There is at least one misconception in Engineer Bett's reasonong. Yes the university could in theory attarct more students, but if these are coming from the EU (the majority) these are not paying, and it is us, the tax payer who would be paying for them.
One has to understand that these students are being given a help, averaging 3000-4000 Euros per course.
Lino Busuttil
Jan 28th, 10:44
It's a political ball now. No one would dare go that way.
John iNGUANEZ
Jan 28th, 10:35
Does Mr Betts know exactly what it means to study at the university and without the stipend many children, including those of one parent family would not go to the university. I agree with money should be increased towards research but not at the expense of the stipends. I am sure that Mr Betts could tap other funds including from the UE.
ESC is sponsored and not supported by government!!!!
Russell Farrugia
Jan 28th, 10:34
While I truly understand Dr. Betts' position, I can safely say that in my case the stipends were a godsend. Yes sure I could have taken up a part time job during winter but the UoM engineering course is not a walk in the park either. The Smart Card, on the other hand, can be reduced for some courses.
With reg to research, every lecturer has the duty to bring in projects and external funding.
adrian agius
Jan 28th, 10:34
stipends should be given to students who REALLY need them. i've seen students coming to uni with cars i don't even dream of having.
Tyrion Lannister
Jan 28th, 10:32
Student stipends should be changed and should be more of a 'loan' which students are required to pay back after a period of time (example 5 years).
This would give the students the help they need to get by during their education while at the same time taxpayers money is being put into the education system, not going directly to the students.
Paul Meilak
Jan 28th, 10:27
Mhux ahjar kieku nnaqqsu ftit mil-paga tieghek u l-flus imorru ghar-ricerka ? X'tahseb John Betts ?
M Cachia
Jan 28th, 13:34
Oh well done - mr bright spark. Reduce someone's wage, ie something that this gentleman has worked for. Also reducing academic's wage is a surestart way of achieving maximum brain drain
Simon Azzopardi
Jan 28th, 14:01
A silly comment. Research is done in the interest of the student and not for personal interests.
TC Eng
Jan 28th, 10:25
I think a stipend is the best investment a government can do. You "give" students a couple of thousand euro during his/her studies then the first year these students start working you take it all back within the fist year thanks to their qualifications!
If you want investment go out and get it! Talk to private companies around Europe, don't beg from the government.
Jon Vercellono
Jan 28th, 10:22
Additionally, would the Dean explain that his opinion represents a consensus with the Deans of other faculties - or is he only arguing on behalf of the Engineering Faculty (what about Social Sciences, et. al.)?
Paul Meilak
Jan 28th, 10:21
Ghax sewwa hu.. sewwa kulhadd ! He prefers that funds go on equipment... uzgur biex joqghod aktar sewwa hu ! Tajba Sur Betts ! I cant beleive certain deans who pretend that their research is the most important thing in the environment around them.
M Cachia
Jan 28th, 13:31
A better research environment allows for students to undertake proper research projects that result in a might higher level of education than the one the University provides now.
Imma nies bhalek sa l-ponta ta mnehirhom jaraw....
Mr T Borg
Jan 28th, 10:20
Since we have large social inequalities in this country, we cannot treat everyone the same. I believe that we should shift from equality to equity. Does it makes sense when one gives the same amount to a student coming from an affluent family and another student whose parents are at risk of poverty?
For the rich student, stipend is peanuts but for the poor student stipend might be vital.
Neil Bugeja
Jan 28th, 10:17
Ever heard of EU funding for Educational purposes Mr. Betts? The EU constantly gives money for such projects and if you spent your time trying to get funds from the EU rather than hating on students because they get a stipend and you didn't, perhaps you'll be in a happier state of mind.
Mario Camilleri
Jan 28th, 10:14
Although I'm not a student but as parent I would agree on students talking out loans instead of stipends the same way students would take out loans to buy a car or to rent out an apartment so s/he could live independently. The interests on the loans should be capped by the government so as to control the bank on it's profits. If graduated the loan would be given as a reward otherwise still a loan
Derek Grillo
Jan 28th, 10:13
Stipends WILL, at some point, go. Most of the rest of the world hast to PAY to study, and not vice-versa. Imma l-Maltin iridu kollox b'xejn hi. Here in Germany, they have to pay rent, pay their university course and all the other expenses that living apart from your family entails.
And they get the money by working part-time. (Schock, horror! Work for money? Ma tarax!!)
Neil Bugeja
Jan 28th, 10:13
How much do you earn a year Mr. Betts? Perhaps your salary should be reduced if you have so much free time on your hands to stay thinking about these things! That would save the university some money too
Byron Abela
Jan 28th, 10:11
A university which distributes money for stipend and then does not provide basic access to Academic Journals is a joke.
G. Muscat
Jan 28th, 10:10
Oh and by the way - I also do research with the University FOR FREE during the few hours of 'free time'.
G. Muscat
Jan 28th, 10:08
cont.. of about €750 worth of books.
Looking at students in other courses who receive the same amount of stipend to be used on drinks in paceville or clothes etc is distressing because all my stipend goes for things related to my education.
'Get a job' you might say. Unfortunately, I do not have the time for a job. I barely have time for my hobbies - and this is what my course entails.
Matthias Farrugia
Jan 28th, 10:08
University or Not.. PHD or not. Master or Not........in malta ITS WHO YOU KNOW .. NOT HOW MUCH YOU KNOW
Antoine Zammit
Jan 28th, 10:03
Alla jilliberana minnu dan. Lilna w lit-tfal taghna!
Jonathan Deeley
Jan 28th, 10:02
Is it reasonable to expect those who don't benefit from a tertiary education to subsidise those who do ? After all, one main benefit of University education is the prospect of a well-paid job, so perhaps students should be encouraged to see the long-term benefits. Most students in Malta presumably still live at home with their parents, thereby saving on rent, food, and travel costs.
Jon Vercellono
Jan 28th, 10:21
Perhaps you don't realise that increasing the amount of tertiary educated citizens in Malta benefits everyone, and that the quality of education (i.e. acquiring the appropriate books and materials for studying) is important.
Robert Zammit
Jan 28th, 09:59
I think stipends are good for students who need them ! I don't think they should be given to all students indiscriminately, they should be given to students who's parents cannot afford having their kids at Uni. I think students from well off parents should not be given any stipends whatsoever , and maybe give higher stipends to needy students and start increasing research funds ! Only way forward
R Saliba
Jan 28th, 10:15
If you did not know stipend rates are higher for students who really need them such as students from single parent families and so on. All they have to do is fill in a form of application and provide proof of why they need to have a higher rate. in some cases these double.
BDW most stipends are only enough for travelling by bus to school. the reminder is approx 10 euros or less...
Ninette Zammit
Jan 28th, 12:02
And what about the children of parents who declare the minimum wage as their income and in reality earn more than my husband and myself put together.? Would these children be given a stipend as well? The means test does not show who the poor people really are.
Arthur Pule'
Jan 28th, 12:03
I agree wholeheartedly with your comment Robert.
Mr Neville Bugeja
Jan 28th, 09:57
It would be better if there was an actual review of which courses need which stipends. Most of the courses need less than half the stipend given to them, I personally know of more than one case where the grant given was used to buy an iPhone, or numerous games, in specific courses, whilst in such courses, such as that of architecture, students have to fork out additional hundreds of euros.
M Abdilla
Jan 28th, 09:56
The main problem with stipends is that they are given both to those students who couldn't study without it and to those who do not need it. Unfortunately it is very difficult to change the system in a way that gives stipends only to those who really do need it. It becomes more sustainable and benefits both students and the University.
J. Borg
Jan 28th, 09:56
KSU and students should strongly object to this suggestion. Attracting foreign fee paying students is perhaps a good goal. So is having more research funding. However we should not achieve this at the expense of not giving stipends to our students. What needs to be done is to treat stipends as a social service and not part of the Education/Univ or Research budget.
Franco Abela
Jan 28th, 09:55
POLITICS ASIDE... STIPENDS SHOULD BE PAID BACK ONCE A FULL TIME JOB IS FOUND THROUGH A LONG TERM LOAN.
WHAT'S THE HARM THAT A STUDENT BECOMES A DOCTOR / LAWYER / ENGINEER/ ETC (THANKS TO MY TAXES), AND ONCE HE FINDS A FULL TIME JOB HE PAYS A VERY SMALL MONTHLY PAYMENT SPREAD ON SEVERAL YEARS SO THAT HE NOW HELPS OTHER STUDENTS! FAIR ENOUGH I THINK!
R Saliba
Jan 28th, 10:17
if one has a full time job after graduating they are helping other students as they are paying taxes just like you
Franco Abela
Jan 28th, 10:17
INTEREST FREE LOAN.
Lino Busuttil
Jan 28th, 10:43
That us called income tax. Earning a higher salary due to a university degree supported by the tax payer attracts higher income tax thus the system is self regulatory. No need for more deductions from someone who then needs to start building his life.
Caroline McAlister
Jan 28th, 11:41
Well said. I fully agree that stiped should be on a loan basis.
Joe Tanti
Jan 28th, 12:08
This country does not work on rational thinking
Michael Campbell
Jan 28th, 09:53
Of course stipends would go. Give students loans, at best. But let's face it, we never had stipends, we studied hard and never found ourselves drunk in Paceville.
Get jobs instead. U will survive.
Stipends have a historical relevance that is totally irrelevant to our lives today.
But the one who removes stipends will lose a popularity contest.
Who is the bravest?
rossy farrugia
Jan 28th, 11:16
why would you assume that everyone get themselves drunk using the stipends ,dont make sweeping statements about everyone!and for students to have a part time job they first have to actually find a job that is flexible enough to help them in their studies and go to lectures ! which employer would give you 3 weeks off so that you can study for exams? and how will you get around..using arriva??
Kimberly Attard
Jan 28th, 11:27
excuse me, please rephrase what you just said. I am 21 years old and i dont even drink. I got to paceville with my friends, and it's not even a weekly outing. Mainly those drunk in paceville are pathetic 16 year old who think that drinking will make them cool.
M. Busuttil
Jan 28th, 11:51
totally agree.
there are those who really need financial help but I will take the risk of saying this sweeping statement that most of them do not. Yes all students need money but giving free money is not the answer. Help them find a job.!
J. Borg
Jan 28th, 12:06
I think it is very unfair to assume that students get drunk in Paceville because of stipends. Do you have proof evidence of this ? If not please withdraw such a generic statement.
Kimberly Attard
Jan 28th, 12:49
Mr Busuttil, with all due respect, it is not easy to find a job. You either have to have experience, or else work the necessary hours. University lecture schedules change from day to day. I have a job, yes. After years of searching for one, I got super lucky. But still. I work after school and study by night.
Michael Campbell
Jan 28th, 20:05
It's unheard of to pay students to study.
Forgive my sweeping statements. Generic words are always misleading.
I have 3 degrees from 3 top universities. I worked as a market seller, a taxi driver, a barman in the evenings and a fork lift driver at 3am in a warehouse.
I ate toast and butter to save money for photocopies.
It made we strong.
Stipends my foot.
P Debattista
Jan 28th, 09:53
"The research budget for the University of Malta for 2012 amounted to €600,000, comparable to what was spent on the Malta Eurovision song contest, he complained."
That is a shame. Stipends should be means-tested for thjose who really need them. Students these days are too pampered. I have studied abroad where students needed to work to be able to pay their rent. What a waste of resources.
Ninette Zammit
Jan 28th, 12:03
The means test is not the way forward. Too many people declare a minimum wage when in reality they are rich self-employed
Joseph Grech Attard
Jan 28th, 09:50
It is not the good time to remove stipends when the country's middle class is slowly vanishing and the number of people on the edge of poverty has increased. Governments could tap other resources from where cash could be found to support more research e.g private sector. It is very true that a university without resaerch is uninteresting and gloomy. Besides teaching, universities, NEED research.
S. Camilleri
Jan 28th, 11:57
Example: More research, less tablets! But I forget,... more research does not buy you votes!!
adam spalding
Jan 28th, 09:50
Apologies to Mr Agius. Of course there are those who use the stipend for the intended purpose.
Unfortunately the abuse of stipends is a reality.
Success in education is not about numbers entering further education its about the worthwhile end product.
The country needs all levels of workers not just " further education" for the sake of it.
Keith Zerafa
Jan 28th, 09:49
its not fair maltese tax payers are paying for making students learning in uk the hole story is complitly different
Student in uk are paying there studies, they pay the university 9000 pounds every scholastic years and the government is give out this money as a loan but interest free and the students start to pay off this loan after graduated and find a good job
Christopher Dimech
Jan 28th, 12:56
I have no idea why people compare things to the UK. The UK is rubbish, £9000 makes it the most expensive in Europe, students are being ripped off.
Ray Buhagiar
Jan 28th, 09:49
Stipends are now a political issue and no political party would give a toss of what the Dean or Rector of the UoM says.
The same applies to Health Care, Hunting and illegal immigration
Lino Busuttil
Jan 28th, 10:45
This is the reality. No further comments are in order.
J. Muscat
Jan 28th, 09:42
More vigilance is needed to see that students use their stipends for what they are intended not for buying cars.
J. Borg
Jan 28th, 10:51
Did you ever check facts or your maths calculations? Can students pay for a car with stipends ?
Charlot Vella
Jan 28th, 09:39
WTH! My 80€ stipend goes in petrol since i come from the notherst of malta!!
Geoffrey Farrugia
Jan 28th, 10:11
You should spend your €80 on improving your english instead!
S. Camilleri
Jan 28th, 11:54
Or you can spend €30 on ARRIVA .......
Anna Borg
Jan 28th, 09:35
All this talk & fuss about stipends as if students receive hundreds of Euros a month!!! The amount of stipend students receive is practically the same amount students used to get 25 - 30 years ago (less than 100Euros a month) and I think no one can argue that the amount has the same purchasing power as back then!! An Arriva ticket already takes away 25% of your stipend!!
S. Camilleri
Jan 28th, 11:53
True ... but 25 years ago, the stipend was EARNED through work placements. In some cases, students on some placements were practically slaves.
I do not think stipends should be eliminated but we need to control them better.
Malcolm Seychell
Jan 28th, 09:34
Of course they should go. Students should get work experience while they study.... Most students with no working experience are just idiots sitting on a desk at work.
Gorg Sciberras
Jan 28th, 09:30
What the dean misses here is that the university has a duty to teach besides doing research. If it gets its funding from government (whichever party), then it has to follow the policy line set by the government. Of course a right balance has to be found.
ANTHONY PAVIA
Jan 28th, 10:34
There is a very workable, little pain solution. Turn the present non-refundable stipends into refundable loans and repayable when one finds work after graduation. University participants should repay them over 4 to 5 years @ a marginal interest rate of 2% pa. This creates a revolving fund usable by upcoming entrants into the tertiary education system. It is a win win solution for all of Malta.
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Jan 28th, 09:23
While I sympathize with the position of John Betts re research and stipends a political decision has been taken by both parties and for the next legislature faculties must work within this decision. Research has to be prioritiized and one must go for projects which are cost effective. We must also go for industry based research where it is the University lecturer who goes to aid company based R&D
Rachel Agius
Jan 28th, 09:20
Stipends are simply an addition to the earnings of a part-time job (which almost all students have). I think stipends should be cut out altogether. Introduce a fee system and scholarships - students are much more motivated to get out of bed in the morning if they're paying their own tuition or have to maintain good grades to retain a scholarship.
Stephanie D
Jan 28th, 10:00
Your 'almost all students' definitely does not include students in intensive courses like Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Architecture & Law. You target the ones you expect most service from as if they have the same funds like every other course. They absolutely dont. Neither do they have the time for a job i assure u. Step in the shoes of just one of them to see how hard things are these days.
L Galea
Jan 28th, 13:21
Do not engage in sweeping statements. According to university legislation students should not have a job if they earn a stipend. I never had the time to work, because my course is intensive enough.
M. Bezzina
Jan 28th, 09:17
This is the problem in Malta we have stipends , we have free medicine , we have free health which gives more chances for abuse!!If health is not free I would bet the current situation that mater dei will be different!!
Mario Camilleri
Jan 28th, 09:52
@M. Bezzina,
You cannot compare health care services with stipends. Sickness and illness is a matter of being unlucky and could result in life and death situations whereas stipends are an educational expenses aid. One can debate on stipends whether loan, reduced, increased or whatever but a person who is suffering physically due to the nature of his/her illness cannot be left to die if poor.
Marvic Vella
Jan 28th, 09:13
jiena student u naqbel mieghu
R Saliba
Jan 28th, 10:23
well then it shows that you are one of the abusers of stipends. imagine having a person who is from Gozo studying at Uni in Malta. they mostly require to rent a apartment just to not waste time traveling from one island to the other everyday. how do you think these students are going to cope with the rent with just working during the weekends and studying at the same time?
J. Borg
Jan 28th, 10:52
In that case please refuse to be paid a stipend
S. Camilleri
Jan 28th, 09:06
How many 'Research Budgets' will the cuckoo plans for tablets put forward by Dr. Lawrence Claus and Dr. Joseph Easter Bunny cost ????
40 years worth of research maybe?! Now that's were research funds should come from...
P Callus
Jan 28th, 09:05
I would agree with this if it weren't for the sheer incompetence of some faculties at UoM. Perhaps, if one had to pay to go to university then "Professors" (note that not all lecturers have a PhD, unlike in foreign universities) would for once TRY to teach and students wouldn't have to be totally dependent on textbooks and other materials which help them gain the knowledge expected of them
A. Attard
Jan 28th, 09:43
fully agree.
Mr Conrad V. Busuttil
Jan 28th, 11:51
Well Said P Callus.
Can the UOM advise of the percentage of PhD's within its lecturing staff? Also can the UOM advise of how many of these write, issue or publish papers following their own researches and at what rate/frequency?
Dr Betts is channeling the problem on social benefits, is he aware that this may create a precedent to other benefits such as health? Public Hospital pay-per-use?
JJ Agius
Jan 28th, 09:03
MR.Betts Why not ask for a cut in ur wages!??Charity begins at home!Members of Parlament did so can you! off course unless you are not on minimum wage.Practise what you preach.?!
J.J.Agius
Christine Busuttil
Jan 28th, 09:53
What does that have to do with the tea in China. He is working to earn a wage and this is money just being given for no good reason. Think before you speak!!
JJ Agius
Jan 28th, 13:37
@ Christine Busuttil
The Tea in China is cheap!
I am on minimum wage(no Bonusses no tablet) & my daughter is at university & we manage to live on low income & manage to send our daughter to University Thanks to the stipend.Perhaps both you & the Dean live comfortably & your children finished from UNI.While I use china tea others use silver or even gold spoon to stir the tea!Have a good day
J.J
Christine Busuttil
Jan 28th, 20:39
@JJ Aguis
Your daughter should get a part-time job. My husband did his degree abroad, paid for the entire thing and took care of our family. I am now doing my degree which I am paying for, working whilst taking care of our two kids. No silver or gold spoon here just hard work and determination, which it seems some lack. Good evening to you too
Elizabeth Camilleri
Jan 28th, 09:00
Stipends should go?I admit in certain courses, people tend to use the money for 'luxury'.But try studying a full-time course, with no time to at least have a part time job, with no stipends or no smart card.
Instead of removing them, why not try and give different stipends to different courses, since atm Medicine and Architecture are not considered sciences and get half the value your faculty gets
M Spiteri
Jan 28th, 09:00
Finally someone with the guts to speak out....... how can someone expect a stipend when you've got a FREE university for ALL! I've studied abroad (and am not rich) for 2 years and students work hard to earn some money to pay for the rent which is an expense APART from the university fees which currently range up to GBP30,000 for 4 years!! Students here are way laid back....
N. Bugeja
Jan 28th, 10:22
You clearly have not been to many university lectures recently. It's not just the students which may be laid back... If "professors" give lectures worthy of students paying to listen to, then it would be reasonable. However, many (note, NOT all) lecturers hardly match any standard close to those universities which have fees of £30,000+ !!
Stephanie D
Jan 28th, 08:53
As a uni student myself, I see hundreds of foreign students from the EU everyday. Those dont even pay one penny for being educated in malta, and once they graduate they leave our shores = braindrain! This issue could be easily resolved were those people to pay a fee just like we do were we to go study abroad. Yet you prefer to point and shoot at Maltese people who will be of service to you...
Ben Agius
Jan 28th, 09:56
Oh ---I didn't realize!! haha.....if you are right "and you see hundreds of foreign students.....and then they leave Malta" Braindrain indeed. AND Gonzi said that because 20000 students graduate HE (the NP Govt) therefore CREATED 20000 jobs!!! Good oone!!
Christine Busuttil
Jan 28th, 08:52
Hear hear! Finally someone with some sense. I have been saying this for ages. To have top quality degree programs more money needs to be invested and the stipend money could be better utilised in this way.
Mark. Galea
Jan 28th, 08:51
We could use the 600 millon for the "Power station for nothing"
M Grima
Jan 28th, 10:02
Or better still we could use the €80 million for a parliament which we do not need and for the roofless theater which can only be used in summer. We could also have done away with the bridge which leads to nowhere.
As to your comments you are off the mark by €600 million as the new power station would cost €370 million and will be privately financed. Got it mate.
Franco Attard Trevisan
Jan 28th, 10:58
€600,000 IS NOT 6 million.... read before you shoot stupidities pls
Mark. Galea
Jan 28th, 12:04
My friend, this time we are not arguing about 80 million BUT 600 million. Got it, mate?
Paul Azzopardi
Jan 28th, 08:47
Why were his comments put on the paper in the first place? Both parties have declared they are in favour of stipends. And these people only count the number of votes gained. I sympathize with him but the world is run by these unpracticable people and their friends the capitalists.
Victor Rodenas
Jan 28th, 08:46
All the mice agreed that hanging a bell to the cat`s neck was a great idea,....but who WAS going to do it ?
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 28th, 08:42
Overseas students looking for a good degree do not go to the University of Malta. Let's be clear about that! It is not even in the top 500 universities.
Thomas Borg
Jan 28th, 08:55
you'd be surprised we have a very good MD course, and yes there are more foreigners at university than you think..
Christian Sciberras
Jan 28th, 09:26
Well said!!
4 years later, and I'm still waiting for an apology from the University for sending invitations on a scrap piece of paper.
R Mallia
Jan 28th, 09:33
Everybody knows that, but here in Malta, you need to verify your qualification if you get your degree with a one of the top Universities of Europe which are ranked much better than that of Malta.
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2011-12/world-ranking/region/europe
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 28th, 11:59
Thomas one very good course (as you put it) does not make an excellent university. And with all due respect, a good MD course requires a high level of expenditure for research which Malta does not have.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 28th, 08:40
I am delighted someone has spoken out against stipends. I have for a long been of the view that at the very least stipends should be means tested. Malta will end up paying for the degrees of those who will go and earn big money overseas. In Australia, all financial assistance is means tested. And Australia is a wealthy country. Malta is not. Referendum? Now that's one for the PN.
Mr Len Muscat
Jan 28th, 08:35
"The research budget for the University of Malta for 2012 amounted to €600,000, comparable to what was spent on the Malta Eurovision song contest," EXACTLY. Leave stipends alone and let us stop waisting our money and making an ass of ourselves every year at Eurovision.
Chris Gatt
Jan 28th, 13:51
Instead we continue to dish out second class students with third class degrees. But hey they get a stipend. Stop being ridiculous.
saviour magro
Jan 28th, 18:09
Agree 100 per cent
Anthony Neil Pace
Jan 28th, 08:30
Mr. Betts, you are forgetting that us students are living in a country where the cost of living has increased more than threefold in the past few years. would you rather have students taking loans that place them in debt for the rest of their lives? the govt should cut elsewhere and stop inventing useless and expensive policy like tablets for 10 year olds or buying the latest limousines.
Christine Busuttil
Jan 28th, 08:54
Get a part-time job that is what students in other countries do.
Chris Gatt
Jan 28th, 09:29
God give me patience, if this is the type of student we are supporting! what debt? University can still be free, but why should student get paid for studying? And what sort of student prefers a second-class university with little or no research fund a long as they get their stipends? As to being in debt for the rest of their lives? Perlease! Grow a pair!
David Borg Bartolo
Jan 28th, 08:17
Well said Dr. Betts.
Having graduated from UoM myself as an engineer and furthered my engineering qualifications in the UK, I can very safely say that Maltese degrees are indeed superior to their UK equivalent.
Nonetheless the UK undergrad engineering degree costs the student a minimum of 40-50,000GBP, now even more since as of this year tuition fees have been raised to 9,000GBP/yr.
Carmel Garcia
Jan 28th, 08:15
Or reduce the Dean's wage and other so called professors. It will be much better.
N. Bugeja
Jan 28th, 10:25
Well said!
S Camilleri
Jan 28th, 08:14
@John Betts
If you think that the amount allocated for the Malta Eurovision song contest was too much, please don’t attack the stipends, rather tackle the initial problem you have with regards the Malta Eurovision Song Contest and your insufficient funds.
R ferriggi
Jan 28th, 08:13
THANKS BE TO GOD.
AT LAST SOMEONE WHO SEES SENSE IN THIS CRAZINESS.
PROMISES AND MORE PROMISES,,, WHEN THE COUNTRY IS ''BANKRUPT''.
I HAVE SAID IT BEFORE AND SAY IT AGAIN - THE SOCIAL SERVICES CRAZINESS IN THIS COUNTRY IS UNSUSTAINABLE!!!!!!!!!!!
Victor Buhagiar
Jan 28th, 08:08
There is the middle line to this argument. Stipends should be such to allow students to pursue their studies, and should never be spent on other "luxuries" which the modern day society has. However the Universty should not sit on its laurels but should seek funds from Industry, EU, Foreign Students / Countries to boost R & D and equip itself. The University should not wait for taxpayers money
Vincent Vella
Jan 28th, 09:28
I agree with you, most students spend their stipends on anything except material needed for their studies. I never depended on my stipend when I was still studying as I had a part time job, as should students in my most humble opinion.
Mr saviour magro
Jan 28th, 08:05
So we should spent more money on education not on tablets for all the children dear Mr.dean. where have you been these last years???
Mr charles azzopardi
Jan 28th, 08:01
The question is that politicians are after votes .. Industry is to be involved .. and how will the industry benefit ? Again back to two year contracts after graduation ? Is apprenticeship a bad word ? What about sharing equpment with Industry in joint projects ? Look at the Medical students leaving the island just after graduation .. everything has a balanced cost ..
Robert Massa
Jan 28th, 07:54
It seems that Mr. Betts either has no children or is a very wealthy man ! Does he know the cost to send your children to school ? You are so out of touch with reality my friend.
Christine Busuttil
Jan 28th, 08:56
You are lucky that University education is free in this country why should the tax payer supply your child with pocket money as well. Give them some responsibility and have them get a part-time job not only will this benefit their pocket but it will make them more responsible as well.
Franco Attard Trevisan
Jan 28th, 11:01
you are skipping an important detail here ... If there aren't sufficient funds allocated to raise the standards of education in the university courses you'd be sending your children to waste time at university cos they'll be learning nothing worth it!
adam spalding
Jan 28th, 07:51
Well said. How refreshing to hear common sense.
Stipends are nothing more than pocket money for students. Children need to respect the value of money and education.
If the students had to take a part time job to help fund their eduction it wouldn't be a bad thing. We as taxpayers should not have to fund "further" education.
N. Agius
Jan 28th, 08:53
PT 1
I'm 21 years old, studying at University and been working a part time job since I was 16. However, the money from the part time job is NOT enough. During the week, you are either going to study or work. The few euros i get from my pert time job aren't enough to live with....
N. Agius
Jan 28th, 08:54
...PT2
All I use my stipend for is for petrol/bus and buying some clothes. And I don't even go out on weekends because I don't even have time. .. Are you still considering ALL students that they use stipends their 'the wrong way'?
Alex Ellul
Jan 28th, 07:38
This guy seems to be more interersted in himself and foreign students than in our sons and daughters. I wish I had a stipend when attending my Alma Mater....
In other countries, universities are awarded grants from the private industries for research in that industry's technology. I cannot see any industry in Malta getting such grants since our industries are nowhere near the cutting edge science
John Borg
Jan 28th, 07:32
As an ex-engineering Student, I do symphatise with the reasoning Dr. Betts is giving, however considering the cost of books engineers students have to buy don't you think they need support Dr. Betts? We bought books which price tag was at over €100.00. In addition, what funds would students have to carry out their final year projects / dissertations?
M. Degiorgio
Jan 28th, 07:31
The university should never become money and profit orientated, for whatever the reason. Attracting foreign students is all well and good, but the main reason for a Maltese university is for the Maltese people.
Joseph John Zammit
Jan 28th, 07:26
More money to education but no cuts to student stipends. They can find from where they get more money if they want to. They founf from where they get a tablet for all students plus teacher so what is the big deal. Its just a matter of good money managment and not cutting off stipends Mr John Betts.
Michael Borg
Jan 28th, 08:59
Mhux hekk joseph hallii toqodu tmuru bil BMW l university !!! u tax payers ihallsu it taxxi ghal l stipendju !!!
i dare super one and net tv to go at the gates and film students entering with their cars !!!
Victor Vella
Jan 28th, 07:26
It could have been better for Mr Betts not make sweeping statements. In this case even his argument throws doubts to his academic profession. University standards are achieved by having professional lectures that deliver, not amateurs. We have a few lecturers that are trained how to deliver and not reading scripts. It is better to say that money given are used for books and research by students.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 28th, 08:40
What are you talking about?
B Grech
Jan 28th, 07:22
600,000 euros a year for universtiy research, and yet the government claimed to have spent over 150 million euros over five years on stipends. Something is clearly wrong here.
James Vella Clark
Jan 28th, 11:18
Not necessarily wrong. Think about it: what would matter most to YOU - that your son or daughter got the opportunity and the financial support to study at University or that someone else decides that researching a particular project is more important than your son or daughter? Where would YOU choose the money to go to?
L Galea
Jan 28th, 13:31
Then according to Mr Vella Clark, researchers should not research about further improvments in medicine and renewalble energy ???
Chris Gatt
Jan 28th, 13:49
@James Vella Clark. The project wins hands down every time. The project creates jobs for many people. If you want your child to succeed, then find ways to invest in your child. And if the family can prove that it cannot afford it, then by all means have a scholarship. As things stand the only thing government is investing in is more air pollution from the ridiculous amount of student cars.
John Farrugia
Jan 28th, 07:21
The current stipend methodology is a bit of a joke. It should be in the form of a loan which must be paid back when the graduate starts employment and within 5 years of graduation. Those who stop their course at any stage should repay all the stipend within 6 months.
Please choose the reason of your report below: