Increasing Malta’s share in the international student market is central to improving its educational standing, according to Education Minister Evarist Bartolo.

Speaking at a meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development in light of the American University of Malta project, Mr Bartolo said countries that entered the market relatively recently were already aiming for an international student population of 15 - 20 per cent of all those in tertiary education. But, he pointed out, Malta’s share of the “multi-billion euro industry” remained “insignificant” despite its strong reputation in the English language sector.

Reiterating that the legal notice issued recently and dealing with the accreditation of universities would not lower standards in tertiary education, Mr Bartolo said the priority was to stimulate growth in the sector while ensuring that “rogue universities” would remain unwelcome.

Economy Minister Chris Cardona told the meeting the American University of Malta, as well as the Barts Medical School in Gozo, were key components in a concerted strategy to ensure economic balance across all parts of the country.

Dr Cardona said that each international student could be expected to spend about €15,000 a year in Malta while also generating a further €1,000 in tourism, apart from the fees paid and accommodation expenses.