An unprecedented 1,000 Gozitan students are now attending university and the total is expected to keep rising, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.

He was speaking following a visit to ‘Gozo Week’ organised by the Gozo University Group (GUG) at the university.

In contrast to his participation at the Mcast debate on Wednesday – which was dominated by chants and boos – the Prime Minister yesterday witnessed a much calmer atmosphere.

Dr Gonzi said Gozitan students were reaping the fruit of various Government incentives to ease their double insularity over the past years.

“Ten per cent of our students at university are now coming from Gozo and this gives us great satisfaction that our policy is giving results.”

Until a few years ago, the number of Gozitans continuing tertiary education was minimal but their total has more than doubled in the past decade.

Apart from their ‘normal’ stipend, Gozitan students receive an extra €1,200 a year to cover travel and accommodation costs.

Ryan Mercieca, from the GUG, told The Times that the extra finances helped them make ends meet.

“We are in a much better situation now, even though more help is welcome,” he said.

“Most Gozitan students have to pay their rent for accommodation in Malta, mostly around the university, and the extra money is practically going for this purpose.”

Dr Gonzi said that apart from the continuation, and possible increase in financial help to Gozitans, the Government is extending the Gozo University campus, which is hosting some exams.

He said around 480 students were studying at the Gozo campus and the intention is to keep increasing opportunities in this ‘mini-university’.

Dr Gonzi said around 100 of the 2,000 Government scholarships granted in the past five years were awarded to Gozitan students.

The PN has a holistic policy for Gozo, he added, which includes creating more wealth on the island. New incentives include substantial tax credits for those opening a business and hiring Gozitan staff.