More than two thirds of exams scheduled to be held at the end of the first semester are to be held online, the University said. The decision was taken following consultations with Faculties, Institutions, Centres and Schools.

This is primarily being done to minimise disruptions in assessment due to absences caused by quarantine obligations, a statement said.

Last year, most examinations were also held online through the use of WISEflow because of the impact of COVID-19. Examinations are scheduled to start on Monday 24 January and run until Saturday 12 February.

As a general rule, students enrolled at the University of Malta are assessed for each module at the end of the first semester. A similar process takes place at the end of the second semester towards the end of May.

Different assessment modes apply across the University for the various study units delivered by Faculties/Institutes/Centres and Schools. It is envisaged that a total of 976 different examinations will be administered over a three week period at UM. 700 of these will be held remotely whilst the remaining will be held on campus.

UM has also made arrangements for students who miss sitting for their physical exams because of quarantine to be provided with an alternative session or an alternative method of assessment, by not later than three weeks after the exam is first held. Final year students who may miss attending university to sit for an examination due to quarantine will also be provided with a special session.

Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing situation, the University is committed to identifying ways and means to enable all students to sit for their examinations and complete their first semester study units with minimal disruption.