Fewer Gozitan students are managing to afford accommodation in Malta, due to rising prices, with the result that many of them have to live in Gozo and cross the channel every day, a group that represents Gozitan students said yesterday.

The Gozo University Group said one of the main reasons behind the price hikes was the advent of betting companies.

“This year, the GUG has been contacted by various students who have to cross the channel every day because they could not find accommodation with a rent which suited their budget. This problem is becoming even more common as the years go by. Students are being asked for too much money. This is partly because of the new betting companies which employ foreign workers. These workers can pay a monthly rent of €1,000. This means that many landlords prefer to rent out to wealthy foreigners rather than a couple of Gozitan students.”

GUG said many people argue that Gozitan students are favoured over Maltese students, including for the €500 grant they receive every three months. But is said that this ‘controversial’ grant is not enough. “The average rent per month for a student is around €150. This does not include internet, water and electricity bills. These students are still dependent on their parents so this is a huge financial strain on the entire family.”

The GUG said it has spoken to the authorities and asked for an increased grant. “The authorities however believe that if this grant were to be raised, the landlords would only raise the rent even more. The organisation does not think that this is true as even without the grant being raised, the landlords are still increasing the rent every year.”

GUG has even met with President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca to try and get funds to be given to less privileged students in order to make the transition easier.

It said that, besides having to transfer their whole lives to Malta, Gozitan students have to learn to be independent while having to pay vast amounts of money to enjoy the same University experience as their Maltese counterparts. “If we boast that Malta has the right to free education, then why is it that Gozitans have to pay so much more money in the name of education?”