Dr Galea said that the government had not been consulted before the introduction of the fee, and as minister he had been informed about the matter during a meeting with the University Students’ Council.

He investigated the matter and it resulted that the decision had not been discussed at University Council level, where the students were represented. The decision had been taken at administrative level, the statement said.

Dr Galea said the University should not impose a fee on students without prior discussion and approval by the council. This was the second time that the University administration had imposed a fee for services without the council’s approval. The other time was when new students were asked to pay a registration fee when applying to join University.

Dr Galea said that while the University, in its autonomy did the right thing in insisting for adequate financing to carry out its functions, it must also remember that it was the only State University in Malta, and as such it was regulated by the policy of the government of the day.

The University therefore had no obstacles to take initiatives to earn money from research and advice to industry. But it should not impose fees on students unless these are approved by the council.

Dr Galea said that the government had started a process to reassess the financing of post-secondary, vocational and tertiary education. The report will be discussed with all those concerned once it is finalised.