Resolved: students receive certificates following Commissioner for Education intervention

Resolved: students receive certificates following Commissioner for Education intervention

Published January 27, 2026

The complaint

The complainant completed a number of engineering related courses delivered by the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology to employees of the University of Malta under an EU funded project in 2022. The courses were successfully completed, including all required assignments and examinations.

After completion, the complainant did not receive the relevant certificates, and was repeatedly informed that the certificates would be issued during an award ceremony, which never took place. After changing employment and joining MCAST, the complainant attempted to collect the certificates directly but was informed that they were being withheld due to a dispute between the University of Malta and MCAST concerning unpaid costs for the delivery of the courses.

The complainant alleged that she was being unfairly disadvantaged by an unresolved contractual dispute between two institutions, despite having fulfilled all academic requirements. She filed a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman seeking assistance in obtaining the certificates.

The facts and findings

The Commissioner for Education opened an investigation and informed MCAST of the complaint. MCAST explained that the certificates had been withheld due to an ongoing contractual dispute with the University of Malta relating to unpaid invoices for the courses delivered. MCAST stated that the courses were provided on a cost recovery basis and that payment had not been received despite repeated requests.

Following further representations made by the Commissioner for Education, MCAST clarified that the certificates had already been prepared and that it was not its intention to disadvantage students.

In order to avoid continued prejudice to the students concerned, MCAST decided to release the certificates directly to individual students for collection from the Registrar’s Office. This decision was taken in good faith and without prejudice to any and all rights and remedies MCAST may have in relation to the outstanding financial dispute with the University of Malta.

Outcome

The Commissioner for Education welcomed the decision taken by MCAST, noting that it resolved the complainant’s grievance without the need to proceed to a full investigation or final opinion. The complainant was informed that she could collect her certificates directly from the MCAST Registrar’s Office.