Government invests €1 million on free internet access to 3,200 students

€1 million will be invested for a third consecutive year to provide free internet access to students for a year during their post-secondary studies, the government said. Some 3,200 students are eligible for the service.

The scheme will benefit students attending government schools, independent and church schools, Junior College, and MCAST, who will continue their post-secondary studies immediately after Form 5.

Education Minister Clifton Grima and Economy Minister Silvio Schembri made this announcement, explaining that the assistance will be given in the form of vouchers that will be distributed electronically starting in early May, and they can be redeemed until August 15, 2023. This year, the validity of the vouchers was extended by one month.

Grima said that over the past three years, around 9,800 students have been entitled to this voucher, representing a €3 million investment.

“This measure is just one of a series of measures that we have introduced, confirming the government’s commitment to encourage students to continue their studies after compulsory education,” Grima said.

He added that government is not just creating opportunities but being there for students to give them support during the most critical moments of their lives, as they plan for their future.

Schembri said that this measure is being implemented through a system created by MIMCOL, thanking them for their participation in the initiative.

“This is a practical way of how various entities, different departments from various ministries, can work together to create measures for the benefit of our young people and families. Today, the internet is an essential tool in our lives, and it is indispensable in our studies. Therefore, we are practically helping students throughout their post-secondary studies,” Schembri said.

Students will receive a €300 voucher for internet access for a year via email from one of the three internet service providers in Malta (Epic, GO, and Melita).

With the voucher, students can purchase an internet service for twelve months. The Ministry of Education has renewed its agreement with the three internet service providers to take part in this initiative and offer the best “onthe-go” internet package to students. However, students can choose to use the voucher with a different service provider.