University of Malta charts its course for the next five years with Strategic Plan 2026–2030

The University of Malta officially launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, setting out a clear and ambitious vision to guide the institution over the next five years. The Plan articulates the University’s commitment to advancing knowledge that inspires, empowering students for lifelong learning, and driving change that transforms society, reinforcing its role as Malta’s leading institution for higher education and research.

The launch took place on Thursday, 22 January 2026 at the foyer of the Engineering Research and Innovation Laboratories (ERIL) in the presence of University’s top level management, members of the University community and the media. 

The Strategic Plan is the result of an extensive and inclusive consultation process across the University community.  Prior to the writing of the Strategic Plan, no fewer than 160 consultation meetings were held with internal stakeholders. This collaborative process ensured that the Strategy reflects the perspectives, concerns and aspirations of academics, administrative staff and other members of the University community, laying a strong foundation for shared ownership of its goals.

Research and innovation remain central to the University’s mission. UM Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella emphasised that the University of Malta has a responsibility to deliver tangible benefits to society through its research activity. However, he cautioned that although the institution will continue to prioritise research excellence and research which makes an impact on society, locally and internationally, such priorities can be maintained when matched with funding from various sources, whether internal, national and international. Research funding must remain stable, strong and sufficient to sustain the research output.

The University’s wider societal role is also strongly reflected in the Strategic Plan. Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Sustainability Prof. Valerie Sollars highlighted that the University must serve as “a beacon for society and conscience, upholding principles of excellence, critical thinking and democratic values”. She underlined the importance of the University acting as an anchor within the local community, promoting inclusivity, civil discourse and sustainable development while contributing solutions to complex local and global challenges.

The Plan builds on a period of significant progress and achievement over the past five years. During this time, the University recorded a 15% increase in overall student intake and a 180% rise in the number of international students choosing to study in Malta. The number of PhD graduates more than doubled, while participation in Erasmus mobility programmes increased substantially through the uptake of these opportunities offered to academic and administrative staff. Investment in professional and personal development also increased, alongside continued enhancement of digital learning resources.

In shaping its future direction, the University of Malta has ensured that the Strategic Plan is closely aligned with key national and European policy frameworks, reinforcing the University’s role within a broader educational, social and economic ecosystem.

The Strategy is structured around three overarching themes: (1) transforming education to meet the needs of a changing world, (2) excelling in research and innovation to maximise impact, and (3) strengthening partnerships to deepen the University’s connection with society. Implementation will be guided by inclusive leadership, clear prioritisation of strategic actions and responsible stewardship of resources, ensuring sustainable and meaningful outcomes for students, staff and the wider community.

The Strategic Objectives and Commitments will be observed and monitored through the key performance indicators. The articulation of these objectives and commitments are couched within the five main values promoted by the University of Malta, namely: excellence and integrity; creativity and innovation; inclusive and respectful collaboration; leadership and empowerment; community engagement, local and global responsibility. 

With the launch of its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, the University of Malta reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility and sustainable development, positioning itself to continue shaping Malta’s future and contributing meaningfully to local and international knowledge and progress.