From Ms S. Agius

Finally, somebody has focused on the current problem Maltese students face to enter the University of Malta. Marisa Micallef brought up the very serious situation whereby Matsec level in Maltese is a prerequisite for Maltese students entering the local university.

We are trying to attract more students to university. Malta has one of the lowest per capita university students in comparison to other EU countries. Has anybody seriously looked into why this is happening? Are there any statistics kept of the number of Maltese students who are pursuing their studies overseas, and ultimately making a career overseas? We have some very bright Maltese students who, for a variety of reasons did not pass their Maltese Matsec, but had brilliant results in all other subjects. These are students who want to enter the field of science, research and other areas of study. Realistically what difference is it going to make if they pass or fail their Maltese Matsec exam?

If one looks at the ETC barometer, Malta requires more students to take up tertiary education in the field of science. We have an over supply of B.Comm. students, who are having difficulty finding employment in their related field. This is not the area we need to attract more students to. Understandably, certain courses do require a good written and spoken knowledge of the Maltese language as an entry requirement, but why are we making it more difficult for our children to enter a Maltese university, qualify locally and hopefully work here. Ultimately it is Malta that will benefit. Obviously, there have to be entry requirements. In the UK, entry requirements are set by the different universities and determined according to the subject a student will be studying. Why is it that the University of Malta cannot do the same here? English or Maltese should definitely be a requirement, but what have we got to gain by asking for both. Let's not make it harder for our students who are keen on getting a tertiary education. We do not have anything to gain by making it more difficult for them and a lot of potential is going to waste for all the wrong reasons.

As Marisa Micallef so rightly said, “Let us like ourselves equally, and most importantly, treat each other equally whether our first language is Maltese or English or even Minglish”.

Sandra Agius

MADLIENA