The University Student Council (KSU) has condemned the government's decision to cut the University of Malta's budget by €1.1 million.

New government financial spending policies have dictated that the annual budget for the University of Malta will be cut by €1.1 million, directly effecting investment in research and development by the university, the KSU said.

With the lowest investment in research and development in the EU, "the KSU condemns the government policies given its recent pledge to increase funding in research to 2% of GDP."

With 11,300 students, KSU said that reducing the budget for the tertiary level education establishment shows the lack of priority given by the government to this sector. "KSU's main concerns centre around the impacts these cuts will have on the numerous research projects taking place, particularly on the funding and maintenance of the projects."

This is a clear indication that research is being pushed down the government's priority list, KSU said.

According to the KSU, years of underfunding have already hindered specific investment throughout the university. "KSU has brought up, on multiple occasions, the use of a 24/7 library, but because of underfunding we cannot provide this service. The University's infrastructure is also outdated due to lack of funding together with other key issues."

The KSU warns about the effects of the budget cuts and their role in discouraging students from furthering their education at the University of Malta.

"This will lead to more students continuing their studies abroad, risking a brain drain in Malta. Students deserve an institution that is not clutching at the straws for financial survival."

KSU also asked when the cuts will stop given the inflation in all sectors. It said that the issue will be discussed thoroughly with Education Minister Clifton Grima.