The university received 5,133 applications submitted by 3,912 Maltese students, because many applied for more than one course. In addition, 916 applications were received from foreign students, of which 647 were accepted and 72 are still being processed.

In his address, university rector professor Roger Ellul Micallef said the institution was facing the challenge of European Union membership and was determined to continue providing the best service to Maltese as well as to the Europeans. “After EU membership, it is our duty to see what opportunities there are for the university within the EU.

“We must acknowledge this new reality,” he said.

He promised that the university would continue providing Malta with professionals while respecting the country’s identity. As members of the EU, the Maltese have to show off their identity and demonstrate that we are international and modern, he said.

Professor Ellul Micallef also expressed his hope that the University of Malta will continue providing the best possible image of Malta to other member states. The university must continue to develop according to the social realities, he said.

He also stressed that the university should invest in its resources so as to ensure that it will continue providing the best possible service to the country’s future leaders. The university has always, said Prof. Ellul Micallef, made its contribution to the country and the achievements of the past have given the university the courage to face the future.

University Student’s Council president Paul Gonzi spoke about the importance of looking at the university as a tool with which students can shape their future. “Today you can never experience the future until it is the present but you can embrace and direct the present to safeguard a better future. It is our responsibility that we do not waste these years of our life but at the same time it remains the government’s essential duty to provide us with this education,” he said.

During his speech, Mr Gonzi also spoke about the KSU’s role at university and promised the students that the council will be there for them whenever they need help.

He also passed a few remarks to the government and the university authorities: “Don’t see (the student) as an obstacle. The student is the product and the customer of a university.

“It is much easier to be silent than to speak because the easiest way to avoid criticism is to do nothing, say nothing and be nothing. However, I assure you that this is not on our agenda. We must all remember that in order to succeed, we have to pass failure. However, ultimately, we must not be afraid of growing slowly. Be afraid only of standing still.”

After Mr Gonzi’s speech, Mass was celebrated by university chaplain Fr Jimmy Bartolo flanked by Junior College chaplain Fr Ray Pace, along with other priests.

Meanwhile, activities organised by

various student organisations throughout Freshers’ Week will begin on Monday on campus and also at the Junior College.