The Nationalist Party today insisted that the University of Malta should cater for more students, and ensure that there are less barriers for our students to continue studying at the University of Malta.

In a statement signed by shadow minister Therese Comodini Cachia and spokesman George Pullicino, the PN said that after the University of Malta issued a letter to students indicating they were being called to take an English proficiency test and consequently would be asked to follow an English Communicative Aptitude Programme, the PN sought a meeting with the Rector Professor Alfred J. Vella as well as with the University Students’ Council. 

After consultation with the Rector, KSU, students and lecturers, Partit Nazzjonalista is in a position to declare that:

While appreciating the initiative being taken by the University of Malta to ensure that students are sufficiently proficient in the use of the English language, Partit Nazzjonalista is disappointed that such a measure was introduced hastily

Partit Nazzjonalista questioned the need for students who have obtained their certification in the English Language, especially at Intermediary and Advanced level only a few weeks prior to entry to University, to be re-assessed upon applying to the same University which would have certified their English Language ability immediately before their entry into University.

Without doubting the assistance that this programme could offer students in the expression and conveyance of precise and complex ideas required of them in their studies, Partit Nazzjonalista does not want this programme to become a barrier to access University. Partit Nazzjonalista appreciates that this Programme will not be officially an entry requirement nor will it affect the students’ progression in their chosen academic programme of studies. However, Partit Nazzjonalista questions the need for the students’ participation and their assessment to be included in their University transcript. Partit Nazzjonalista would have preferred the full benefits of this programme to be declared in other forms.

The PN also made it clear that such a proficiency test ought not to be a barrier to entry for those students who may require their case to be determined on a case by case basis due to the different ways of learning and the challenges they may have faced in their learning progress.

Partit Nazzjonalista insists that the University of Malta, whilst keeping its high levels of education, ensures that its doors are open as wide as possible.