'Converting research and creativity into socio-economic growth' was the theme of the opening ceremony of the 2008-2009 academic year which was held at Sir Temi Zammit Hall and addressed by rector Juanito Camilleri and University students' union president Roberta Avellino.

In his address to the Maltese and international students present, the rector said, "I strongly believe that research and creativity must be the backbone of all modern-day universities if they aspire to survive the test of time. I see research and creativity as the basic ingredients that can help define identity and enhance competitiveness. Likewise, I see research and creativity as key economic drivers as they define the propensity for innovation and value-creation."

Prof. Camilleri pointed out that despite the fact that the University does not possess endowments and has had to grow rapidly to accommodate larger student numbers and a broader portfolio of degree programmes, it is being called upon to recast itself not only to continue to train human capital for the evolving job market, but also to stimulate new economic niches through well-positioned research programmes of national importance.

The number of local applicants accepted this year to date is 2,669 (1,554 females and 1,115 males). It is expected that the total number of accepted applicants should be around two per cent higher than last year.

It appears that there is an ever-increasing demand for postgraduate courses for which there were 1,070 Maltese applicants this year. The international students at University hail from 70 different nations.