GBC - The new Gibraltar University is set to open for business on the 1st of September 2015. This was announced at a press conference on Tuesday morning, hosted by the Chief Minister and the Minister for Education. The former St Christopher’s School will form the core hub, and the University will have four faculties; Health Studies, Business, Life & Earth Sciences, and Tourism.

The four faculties will provide a series of undergraduate and post-graduate programmes in collaboration with internationally recognised universities as well as locally developed courses including courses for qualifications in Gibraltar Tax and in Gibraltar Law.

The University will also be a centre for research in key areas associated with Gibraltar’s culture, environment and heritage. It’ll also include an Institute of Professional Development and Continuing Education, which will provide courses leading to professional qualifications, continuing professional development and courses developed to meet industry needs in Gibraltar.

A further component of the University will be a language centre for the teaching of English as a foreign or business language.
During the press conference, Mr Licudi revealed plans for the development of student accommodation in order to be able to attract international students. Two sites have been identified in the Europa Point area for this.
The Government says it will continue to fund Gibraltar students who wish to study in the UK, and the Department of Education’s scholarship scheme will continue to operate as it currently does.

The Chief Minister said this was a fantastic day for Gibraltar believing the new University would bring prestige to Gibraltar and benefits to both the public and private sectors. For his part, Mr Licudi said it was hugely satisfying for the Government to see its dream of establishing a University of Gibraltar take shape.