The Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima together with the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett launched seven scholarship schemes with a total value of ‘ more than €5 million.
These are: Veterinary Studies Scholarship Scheme; Endeavor II Scholarship Scheme; TESS Scholarship Scheme; Arts Scholarship Scheme; Sports Scholarship Scheme; Live the Language; and Reach High II.
Minister Grima claimed that the Government recognizes the importance of the greatest resource that our country has, the human resource and is therefore giving all possible opportunities to be supportive, even financial, for the students. “With this year’s launch, we have invested around €22 million in these scholarship schemes so far. This is a direct investment in our students to help them in the most important moment of their lives and thus continue their studies and further develop their knowledge and skills. We believe that the strong investment in the educational sector and in students guarantees success for them, for society and for our country,” stated Minister Grima.
Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett said “The greatest resource we still have in our country is human resources and the best investment you can make in the country is in human resources. Through the European funds from the ESF+ we are issuing schemes that have been very successful in the past, the Endeavor II study schemes as well as the Reach High II. Schemes that offer financial assistance to students who are following a Level 7, 8 and even post-doctoral course.”
The scholarship schemes are: I) Veterinary Studies Scholarship Scheme The courses leading to the Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (at Level 7 of the QMK – Maltese Framework for Qualifications) are not yet available locally. The scheme allows students following the course for the Doctorate in the Veterinary field (at Level 7 of the QMK) to apply and be given a more satisfactory financial package that covers the duration of the entire course until completion leading to to graduate in Veterinary Medicine from a Recognized Institution and with certification at level 7 of the QMK. Whoever wins this scholarship will be awarded up to a maximum of €14,000 per year for the period of the 5 academic years.
II) Endeavor Scholarship Scheme II The Endeavor II Scholarships Scheme supports tertiary education (at Level 7 of the QMK and from this year Level 8 is being added), of quality and ensures that the Maltese labor market has the best individuals and guarantees to be in a better position to compete internationally. The scheme aims to support those who are following this path to succeed both in obtaining education and to contribute effectively to the economy. Post-university education forms an increasingly important part of the economic and social agenda of every country and leads to the continuous professional development of many people.
III) TESS Scholarship Scheme TESS (Tertiary Education Scholarships Scheme) is another scheme open to post-university students, at level 7 of the QMK and at level 8 of the QMK. The scheme aims to provide funding opportunities for students to be able to pursue higher education study programs and encourage students to increase levels of academic research.
IV) Art Scholarship Scheme The Malta Arts Scholarships’ Scheme aims to provide more opportunities and support to individuals who have exceptional talents in the creation and/or promotion of professionals in the Expressive Arts, Theatre, Music, the -Dance, Design, Creative Writing, Film, Visual Arts or any combination thereof. This Scheme is for Level 5 QMK to Level 8 QMK.
V) Sports Scholarship Scheme This scheme aims to put sports on a professional level and will promote the development of high performance athletes who will eventually represent Malta in international competitions. It is intended for applicants in two categories: that of Specialization in Sport and that of Academic. The increase in the status of sport in Malta not only leads to wider international recognition with positive economic benefits for the tourism industry but also encourages the regular practice of sport and physical activity throughout the country resulting in a general improvement in the health and well-being of the entire population. Those who study full-time abroad benefit from a grant of up to €3,000 per year to cover living expenses while they are abroad.
VI) Live the Language This scheme helps to actively promote the learning of foreign languages for young people between 14 and 30 years old.
