This figure underscores the university’s ongoing fiscal difficulties, which it attributes to rising operational expenses and insufficient funding. Back in 2022, the University reported a deficit of over €1 million, though Rector Alfred Vella later clarified that the true financial burden once adjusted for wage hikes and other commitments was likely in the €3-5 million range.

In 2024, tensions between the University and government intensified when Finance Minister Clyde Caruana called on the institution to become more financially independent, encouraging it to seek new revenue streams.

As part of its cost-cutting efforts, the University recently announced it would be scaling back elective courses. In a message to staff over the Easter period, it confirmed that part-time lecturers would no longer be hired to teach electives unless they are part of core programmes.

While the University has not publicly commented on the debt figure, concerns are growing among students and faculty about how continued budget cuts may affect the breadth and quality of education provided.