Forth year medical students are risking missing deadlines to apply for the UK foundation abroad if the University of Malta fails to publish the results in the next couple of weeks. Students need to apply for the programme by 14 August, and documentation required include a full transcript of results, as well as a statement from the Dean, which can only be issued once results are out.

Maltese medical students currently have the opportunity to choose whether to serve their first two years of practise in Malta or the UK, however the current situation may prevent them from the chance to choose.

Students themselves have sent out letters to the press expressing their disappointment, arguing that all their efforts to contact the University of Malta Staff Association ( UMASA) have been completely ignored, and they will be informing the UK regarding the ‘mess’ the industrial action caused.  Medical students added, that it is a shame that the accredited programme the government worked so hard for, could not be benefitted from.

In a separate statement, Kunsill Studenti Universitarji (KSU) expressed their support to all medical students, urging all stakeholders to come to an agreement as soon as possible, adding that ‘students are the only victims in this situation, which has now reached a desperate point.’

KSU argued that the industrial action is leading to loss of opportunities and work placements, and students are being hindered from what they have been working so hard for.

Earlier today, KSU held a meeting the president of UMASA Prof Matthew Montabello and MUT president Kevin Bonello, stating that they have presented the Government with their proposals however it remains reluctant on this situation. 

The industrial dispute started over a new collective agreement and has stalled exam results for some 6,000 students. All university and Junior College students, except those who are in their final year, are being affected by the industrial action.