Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi presented post-graduate scholarships to 270 young people this evening in a ceremony which raised the number of government scholarships awarded since 2006 to 1,364.

Dr Gonzi said the government had, since 2006, invested €12m in these scholarships, which were seen as an investment in the country's future.

Dr Gonzi said the scholarship schemes were turning the ambitions of hundreds of young people into reality. That Malta was presenting so many scholarships contrasted sharply with other countries, which were suffering cutbacks to their education spending, Dr Gonzi said.

The prime minister noted that among those who were being awarded the scholarships were young people who will specialise in the care of children with communication difficulties, others would will specialise in dealing with various disabilities, in psychology and in children's early development.

A number will conduct research and specialise in various branches of medicine including cancer, coronary care, diabetes and mental health.

Others will specialise in ICT, urban development, the environment, management, law, tourism, engineering and communication.

Such scholarships, Dr Gonzi said, confirmed the government's confidence in young people and in the economic and social development of the country.

www.opm.gov.mt/scholarships2011