The president of the University Students' Council (KSU) has urged the government to increase funding for student exchange programmes such as Erasmus.

Carl Grech, speaking at a ceremony to mark the opening of the academic year, said all students should consider the opportunities offered in the student exchange programmes.These, he said, were enriching experiences which students should not miss.

He complained, however, that while more and more students were going for such opportunities, the funding was not increasing.

"This means that some students are finding their door closed because of bureaucracy or lack of funding."

He also announced that KSU was setting up a Debating Society as part of the Degreeplus scheme (which attracts students to do extracurricular activities) and that the first debate will be held on Monday in the University Quadrangle.

"The university is not just about lectures. It gives you the chance to participate in any area you like," he said, urging students to be proactive.