University rector Juanito Camilleri has argued that a fees system for the university could be crucial for the institution to be able to grow.

He expressed his view in 2020 Vision or Optical Illusion? published on the University website http://www.um.edu.mt/newsoncampus/?a=111090

Prof Camilleri complained that revenue was not as high as was required for the university. There were no charges for day courses and other tariffs, including exam fees, were regulated by the government.

The rector argued that the University should adopt a fees system for all courses as well as scholarships to local and overseas students.

"It is worth noting that the internally-generated revenue-stream has not grown in absolute terms as one would have wished, as there are considerable restrictions: the University cannot charge local students, and therefore all EU students, for day courses; and the fees for MATSEC, evening courses and for non-EU students are regulated by Government.

"In this light, the adoption of a system of fees for all courses and for all students in tandem with a scholarship scheme which covers both tuition fees and maintenance for EU nationals who are established residents of Malta, (as described in Section 1) is crucial. This will allow the University to aggressively market its programmes in Europe.

Prof Camilleri also said that a system of indirect financing of higher education institutions, through cost-based fees, may be the most desirable way forward, at least to finance the teaching aspect of such institutions.

See also: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20101205/opinion/a-challenge-from-the-rector