A total of 220 students aged over 60 have graduated from the University of Malta over the past 10 years, according to information tabled in parliament.

Education Minister Byron Camilleri revealed the figures in response to a parliamentary question, showing that dozens of older adults have continued pursuing higher education well beyond retirement age.

In the 2015/16 academic year, six students graduated with a Diploma, six with a Bachelor’s degree, 10 with a Master’s degree and two with a Doctorate.

The following academic year saw one Diploma graduate, four Bachelor’s graduates, one Postgraduate Certificate recipient, eight Master’s graduates and two Doctorates awarded to students over the age of 60.

The trend has continued in recent years. During the November 2024/March 2025 graduation period, three students earned Diplomas, six completed Bachelor’s degrees, three obtained Postgraduate Diplomas, eight graduated with Master’s degrees and two received Doctorates.

Meanwhile, during the November 2025/March 2026 graduation period, four students graduated with Diplomas and another seven completed Bachelor’s degrees.

The figures highlight that age continues to be no barrier to lifelong learning, with hundreds of older students successfully completing university qualifications over the last decade.

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