UMASA Defends University Of Malta Following Finance Minister’s Remarks On Financial Management
The University of Malta Academic Staff Association (UMASA) has responded to recent comments made by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, who criticised the University for not managing its finances effectively.
During a live interview with Times of Malta, the Minister stated that “The University of Malta is not doing what it needs to do to get its finances in order,” adding that the government had been “chasing them for years” to generate more income.
UMASA strongly refuted the claims, highlighting the University’s crucial role in providing tertiary education to over 12,700 students.
The association pointed out that the University’s services, across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, have a conservative market value of more than €150 million annually. This sum, they argue, would be generated directly if the University were reimbursed the full tuition fees for its services.
While the University already generates approximately €25 million from non-EU international student fees and other revenue streams, UMASA emphasised that the remaining €125 million represents the added value that the University contributes to Maltese society.
The association also noted that Malta’s policy of funding tertiary education through taxpayer money is a long-standing government commitment, reinforcing that the University should not be blamed for its financial situation.
Additionally, UMASA highlighted the University’s success in securing high-quality research and development funding, such as €50 million in research funds under management in 2023.
These funds contribute to the University’s international reputation and support numerous projects, including the construction of state-of-the-art facilities like the Engineering Research and Innovation Laboratories and the Sustainable Living Complex.
UMASA criticised the Minister’s remarks as unfair, stressing that the government’s financial contribution should be viewed as a reimbursement for the University’s core mission of education and research, not as a handout to cover mismanagement.
It also pointed out that while the University does generate other funds through its Knowledge Transfer Office and Language School, these income streams cannot replace the substantial funds required to maintain its core mission.
In conclusion, UMASA called for greater recognition of the University of Malta’s value to society and urged the government to engage in a more constructive evaluation of its contributions to the country.