Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research, and Innovation Clifton Grima launched six study loan schemes worth a total of €6.75 million. These schemes include: the Veterinary Studies Loan Scheme; the Endeavour II Study Loan Scheme; the TESS Study Loan Scheme; the Arts Study Loan Scheme; the Sports Study Loan Scheme; and Reach High II.

Minister Clifton Grima emphasised that these study loans are direct investments in students, providing financial support to help them achieve their future aspirations. “For these study loan schemes, we are investing €6.75 million, €4.5 million from European funds and €2.25 million from National funds. We believe that strong investment in the educational sector and students guarantees success for them, for society, and for our country,” stated the minister.

Permanent Secretary within the Ministry Matthew Vella highlighted that these schemes demonstrate the investment being made in the educational sector, which has already benefited over 1,200 individuals in various fields. He stated that the ministry will continue its work through the National Education Strategy 2024-2030, which aims to transform the country’s education into one of quality, placing the individual at its core. Among the 153 initiatives of the strategy, some are geared towards specialized studies, including those in sports and the arts.

The study loan schemes are as follows:

I) Veterinary Studies Loan Scheme: This scheme allows students to pursue a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (at Level 7 of the MQF) and receive financial support covering the entire duration of the course, leading to a recognised Veterinary Medicine qualification at Level 7 of the MQF. Winners of this study loan will receive a maximum of €14,000 per year for a period of 5 academic years.

II) Endeavour II Study Loan Scheme: This is the third call for applications under the Endeavour II Scholarships Scheme, allocating €2.5 million from the European Social Fund (ESF+). The scheme supports tertiary education (at Levels 7 and 8 of the MQF), ensuring that the Maltese labor market has the best individuals and ensuring competitiveness at an international level. The scheme aims to support those pursuing tertiary education to succeed both in acquiring education and contributing effectively to the economy. Post-university education is becoming increasingly important in the economic and social agenda of every country and contributes to the continuous professional development of many people.

III) TESS Study Loan Scheme: TESS (Tertiary Education Scholarships Scheme) is open to post-university students at Levels 7 and 8, providing financial support to those pursuing high-level education programs and encouraging students to increase their levels of academic research.

IV) Arts Study Loan Scheme: The Malta Arts Scholarships’ Scheme aims to provide more opportunities and support to individuals with exceptional talents in creating and/or promoting professionals in the Performing Arts, Theatre, Music, Dance, Design, Creative Writing, Film, Visual Arts, or any combination thereof. This scheme is also available to applicants aged 11 and above, at Levels 5 to 8 of the MQF.

V) Sports Study Loan Scheme: This scheme aims to elevate sports to a professional level and promote the development of high-performing athletes who will eventually represent Malta in international competitions. It targets applicants in two categories: Specialization in Sports and Academic Sports. The increase in sports status in Malta not only leads to international recognition but also encourages regular sports practice and physical activity throughout the country, resulting in overall improvement in the health and well-being of the entire population.

VI) Reach High II: This is the second call for which €2 million from the European Social Fund (ESF+) has been allocated. It is a study loan scheme aimed at post-doctoral grants. Post-doctoral research education is considered important as it provides the means through which research activity can be stimulated within universities and industries. This scheme builds on the previous Reach High scheme. The grant covers, among other things, the stipend, travel, and direct research expenses.

More details can be found here.

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