University Professor Proposes Replacement To Stipends

University professor and Campus 103.7 host Andrew Azzopardi issued a social media post calling for a revision to the local stipend system.

‘Stipends were intended so no one would be discouraged from continuing their studies, but things have changed a great deal since then and I am not convinced that many people would take up studies only because a stipend is available’, he wrote.

He said that the majority of students are already in long hour employment, with businesses and authorities employing students from their first year.

This, so that once they graduate, the student could enter the labour market directly.

Azzopardi proposed small grants paid at the start of the year to students, along with a separate grant to be used for study-related expenses exclusively.

These could include books, software, equipment and educational trips. Apart from this, scholarship packages could also be provided, even at the Bachelor level.

He said that, given almost all students work, a solution is needed that prevents students from being exploited and being involved in the black market whilst also incentivising student employment in a way that complements their study programme and does not harm academic progress.

What do you think?

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