Increase in GOZO students enrolling in tertiary educatiON

Gozo and Comino recorded a small increase in student enrolments during the 2023-2024 academic year, with a total of 1,551 students pursuing post-secondary and tertiary education, according to figures published by the National Statics Office (NSO). 

The figure represents a rise of 19 students, or 1.2 percent, compared to the previous academic year when enrolments stood at 1,532. In 2021-2022, the total was 1,469.

The data released by the NSO in its publication Students in Post-secondary and Tertiary Education: 2023-2024, show that Gozo and Comino continue to account for the smallest share of tertiary students when compared to other districts. 

The Northern Harbour district recorded the highest number of students at 5,726, followed by the South Eastern district with 3,033, the Northern district with 3,106, the Western district with 2,663, and the Southern Harbour district with 2,939.

Nationally, total enrolments in post-secondary and tertiary institutions reached 32,675, an overall increase of 4.6 percent compared to the previous year. Of these, 10,399 students were enrolled at post-secondary level while 22,276 were in tertiary education.

The NSO report highlights a steady rise in participation across regions, with Gozo showing consistent though modest growth in higher education enrolments.

Most students enrolled in tertiary education in Gozo and Malta during the 2023-2024 academic year were aged between 20 and 24 years, making up 39 percent of all enrolments. Those under 20 accounted for 15.9 percent, while students aged between 30 and 49 represented nearly a quarter of the total.

Business, administration and law remained the most popular field of study, attracting 30.6 percent of tertiary students, followed by health and welfare at 22.7 percent. Other fields with significant participation included social sciences, engineering, and information and communication technologies.