New strategy in Maltese higher education

The education sector is grappling with multifaceted and complex challenges, prompting the launch of a new strategic plan on Wednesday, July 17, to guide priorities for

further and higher education until 2030.

Titled ‘Malta’s National Strategic Action Plan for Further and Higher Education 2022-2030,’ this strategy aims to develop a “dynamic resilient knowledge ecosystem” by 2030. It is designed to address both current and future challenges in the education sector with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and quality.

The strategy was unveiled by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) in collaboration with the Education Ministry. The MFHEA is an independent body responsible for maintaining quality standards in education and regulating institutions that offer further and higher education.

During the launch, MFHEA CEO Rose Anne Cuschieri emphasized the importance of ensuring that Malta’s higher education sector stays connected with global trends. She stated, "We want to prepare the island’s education system for future opportunities and ensure it is accessible to all students, regardless of their age or background."

The strategy is built on consultations with key stakeholders, institutions, post-secondary schools, and interested parties. It aims to tackle challenges influenced by demographic trends, socio-economic conditions, rapid technological advancements, and the geopolitical landscape.

Cuschieri highlighted that the strategic plan centers on student wellbeing and aims to deliver a high-quality education system that paves the way for new employment opportunities. She emphasized that the Maltese context, identity, cultural heritage, and language will be integral to all objectives and targets of the strategy.

The strategy outlines seven main pillars with recommended measures and targeted outcomes covering the following priority areas:

1.Strengthening Policy Design and Governance

2.Quality Assurance and Transparency

3.Internationalisation and Mobility

4.Educational Attainment, Retention, and Completion

5.Relevance of Teaching, Learning, and Research

6.Widening Participation and Adult Learning

7.Exploring Emerging Opportunities

Cuschieri stressed the importance of implementing these measures, noting that writing a strategy that remains unexecuted is "useless." She asserted that action is crucial to ensure that Malta’s future higher and further education system maintains high standards.

Education Minister Clifton Grima echoed this sentiment, recognizing the strategy as a significant advancement. He expressed satisfaction with the involvement of numerous stakeholders in the document’s creation, stating, "It is important that we are proactive and work towards providing our country with a high-quality standard of education."