Over 6,700 students are following full-time courses at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (Mcast) this year, a two per cent growth over the 2015-6 academic year.

A total of 3,206 applications were received in response to the three calls for applications issued in July, August and September.

This year, Mcast offered 172 full-time courses at its Foundation, Technical and University colleges, ranging from introductory certificate courses, degree programmes to Master’s programmes, which were offered for the first time this year.

The college’s Institute of Community Services, Institute of Business Management and Commerce and Institute of Engineering and Transport registered the highest number of new applicants, with most of the students enrolling in the Technical College.

The number of students following courses at degree level has also increased and there are currently over 1,400 students reading for a first degree at Mcast.

Around 200 mature students are following full-time programmes at one of the three Mcast colleges.

Principal and CEO Stephen Cachia expressed satisfaction at the increase in the student population. “This demonstrates the college’s success in delivering high-quality education and training programmes at all levels.

“We will continue to focus on maximising our student retention and graduation rates.”