digital media agreement

8/3/2019 Digital Media Agreement

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Training Subsidy Scheme MCAST(TSSM)

Grant Scheme for Programmes at EQF/MQF levels 5 and 6 inDigital Media. Part of the ESF 1.33 - Increasing ICT Student

Capacity in Malta

AGREEMENT

1. Parties to the Agreement

This Agreement is entered into on the_______________________________________

Between: The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology(MCAST) represented by Prof. Maurice Grech,In his capacity as MCAST Principal and CEOI.D. Card No: 000000 (M).

and _____________________________________

I.D. Card No: _________________________

Hereinafter referred to as the Beneficiary.

Contract No: _____________________________________

Each a Party and collectively referred to as Parties


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Whereby the Parties agree to the following:

2. Purpose of the Agreement

2.1 The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology(MCAST) by virtue of ESF Project 1.33 has awarded theBeneficiary a grant as defined in Clause 4 of this Agreement and

as stipulated in Schedule B hereto attached for the purposes ofcarrying out studies in Higher Education for a full time/distancelearning (delete as applicable) leading to a Diploma/Degree(delete as applicable) in Digital Media entitled_________________________________________________________________

(Full title of course)awarded by _____________________________________________hereinafter referred to as the education institution.

2.2 The value of the award is subject to the TSSM regulationsgoverning the Grant Scheme hereto attached as Schedule D, andthe additional provisions of this Agreement.

2.3The Beneficiary agrees to accept the funding for the intendedpurpose as stipulated in Clause 2.1 above, and agrees toundertake the course as indicated in Schedule A in accordancewith the conditions stipulated in the Regulations and in thisAgreement.

3. Explanatory Notes

3.1 Definitions

3.1.1 All definitions listed in Article 3 of the Regulationsgoverning the scheme shall apply to this Agreement.

3.1.2 The following definitions shall also apply:

3.1.2.1 Commencement Date shall mean the datespecified in clause 5.1 of this agreement.

3.1.2.2 Completion Date shall mean the date when theStudies(see definition below) are completed and theresult/s is/are published.

3.1.2.3 Duration of this Agreement shall mean theperiod between the Commencement Date and the

Training Subsidy Scheme MCAST - ESF 1.33, Increasing ICT Student Capacity in Malta 2/23


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End Date (see definition below) if not earlierterminated or extended in accordance with clauses 5and 8.

3.1.2.4 End Date shall mean the date on which thepayments to the Beneficiary conclude as specified inSchedule A if not earlier terminated in accordancewith Clauses 5 and 8.

3.1.2.5 Beneficiary shallmean the person that submits a TSSM application and who is interested inparticipating in further education leading to aqualification as specified in 2.1 of this Agreementthrough the education and/or training institutionreferred to in Schedule A.

3.1.2.6 VAT means a Value Added Tax imposed on the

supply of goods and services (including intellectualproperty) under the Value Added Tax Act (Law ofMalta, Chap. 406).



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4. Details of the Amount of the Scholarship

4.1 It is hereby agreed that the Beneficiary will be granted the sumof _____________

___________________________________________________EURO, (in

words)

_______________________________________________________ (infigures)

(hereinafter referred to as the Amount) for the purpose ofstudying as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Agreement. The Grantshall be payable in accordance with Schedule B.

Provided that the sum indicated is based on Tuition Fees andResources as officially communicated by the Licensed TuitionCentre or a recognised Higher Education Institution at the time of

signing this Agreement. The grant may be revoked if Beneficiaryis found of giving false information at the point of signing thisAgreement.

Funding will be subject to the terms and conditions of thisAgreement and the TSSM Regulations attached hereto asSchedule D.

4.2This Amount will be co-financed through EU and National Funds. This scheme is co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF)under Operational Programme II Cohesion Policy 2007-2013,Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life.

5. Implementation

5.1The implementation period for this Grant commences from

__________________.

5.2The completion date of the studies is____________________________________. (This date could not be laterthen the 30th September 2014).

5.3 Any amendment or alteration to this Agreement shall have effectonly upon being consented to in writing by both parties.

5.4The Beneficiary shall be entitled to the Grant subject to, and onreceipt of, official acceptance by the licensed tuition centre or theHigher Education Institution.

6. Payment Process

6.1 Initial and final payment will be made directly to the Beneficiary:



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The Maximum grant allowable will be twelve thousand Euro(12,000) for Programmes at EQF/MQF level 5 and eighteenthousand Euro (18,000) for Programmes at EQF/MQF level 6.

The grant will cover tuition fees only and shall be reimburseddirectly to the applicant as follows:

For EQF/MQF Level5 50% at application stage provided this does not exceed theamount that would have been paid by the applicant at thatinstant;

50% or the remaining amount on successful completion ofthe course and upon presentation of an official receipt ofpayment together with a certified true copy of thecertificate and/or transcript denoting successful completionissued by the licensed tuition centre, University and/or

College.

For EQF/MQF level 6 50% at application stage provided this does not exceed theamount that would have been paid by the applicant at thatinstant;

25% on initiation of second year of studies and uponpresentation of a letter issued by the licensed tuition centre,University and/or College denoting promotion to secondyear;

25% or the remaining amount on successful completion of

the course and upon presentation of an official receipt ofpayment together with a certified true copy of thecertificate and/or transcript denoting successful completionissued by the licensed tuition centre, University and/orCollege.

6.2 The grant scheme may not be extended beyond 31st October2014.

6.3 If a Beneficiary for whatever reason foresees the probability

that he/she will not conclude the studies by the completion datestipulated in 5.2, the Beneficiary is obliged to inform the MaltaCollege of Arts, Science and Technology, attention ProjectLeader (ESF 1.33), in writing by not later than three (3) monthsbefore the said completion date. MCAST reserves the right toterminate the grant and the Beneficiary will be required, torefund the entire amount that would have already been paid,within three (3) months of termination.

7. Publicity



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7.1 TSSM is part of ESF 1.33 Increasing ICT Student Capacity inMalta which is part-financed by the European Union,Operational Programme II Cohesion Policy 2007-2013Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality Life European Social Fund.

7.2 If a thesis/dissertation/final project has to be presented as partof the programme selected, the ESF logo, the EU flag, theNational flag of Malta and the co-financing text are to featureon the first pages of the thesis/dissertation/final project, as perlayout stated under Section 4.1 of the Visual Identity Guidelines(downloadable from www.ppcd.gov.mt/publicity).

All publication arising from the degree being sponsored shouldreflect the following acknowledgment on the first pages of thepublication: The research work disclosed in this publication isfunded by the ESF 1.33 Increasing ICT Student Capacity. Thescholarship is part-financed by the European Union EuropeanSocial Fund (ESF) under Operational Programme II CohesionPolicy 2007 2013, Empowering People for More Jobs and aBetter Quality of Life, provided that if the Scholarship Awardedfails to make the said acknowledgement, MCAST may requirethe reimbursement, in full or in part, of the Amount awarded tothe Scholarship Awardee.

7.3 MCAST reserves the right to publish the names and Identity

Card numbers of potential Beneficiaries selected as and whennecessary. For avoidance of doubt, in applying for a TSSMGrant, the Applicant has given consent for such publication inthe event that her or his application is successful.

8. Termination prior to completion of programme

8.1 A Beneficiary who, for any reason whatsoever, discontinues/failshis/her studies, should immediately inform the MCAST (ProjectLeader ESF 1.33) in writing.

8.2 MCAST shall terminate the Grant if - the Beneficiary s progress is deemed unsatisfactory;

the Beneficiary discontinues the Studies; and/or

the Beneficiary is in breach of any provision of this Agreementand the TSSM Regulations and such breach is not remediedwithin thirty (30) days of receipt of written notice requiringhim/her to do so.

8.3The Beneficiary who has his Grant terminated under the abovementioned conditions in article 8.1 and 8.2, shall be required to

refund the entire amount that would have already been paidwithin three (3) months of failing the course or failing tocomplete the course of studies.

http://www.ppcd.gov.mt/publicityhttp://www.ppcd.gov.mt/publicity


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8.4 The Beneficiary who cannot pursue further studies due tounforeseen health situations or exceptional circumstances(approved by MCAST) shall not be deemed to be in breach ofthis Agreement and shall be required to refund the Amount asapproved by MCAST.

In such situations, the Beneficiary must provide justifiableexplanation as to why the course was not completed or why theBeneficiary failed to obtain the qualification. Documentedevidence, medical certificates and testimonials mustaccompany each claim. MCAST is in no way bound to waiver allclaims put forward.

MCAST reserves the right to appoint its own expert/s, be itmedical or otherwise, to advise and assess the case of theBeneficiary claiming such exemption as specified in this Clause8.4.

9. Notices to the Project Leader

9.1 Any notice or communication made pursuant to this Agreement

9.1.1 Must be in writing addressed as shown below:

If to the Project Leader (ESF 1.33)

Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)

Institute of Information and Communications Technology(ICT)

Corradino Hill,

Paola, PLA 9032

Tel.: +356 2398 7352

If addressed to the Beneficiary:________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________



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Tel.: __________________________________

Mobile: __________________________________

e-mail: ________________________________

Or to any other address specified by any Party to thesender by prior and adequate notice.

9.1.2 Any correspondence sent pursuant to this Agreementshall be deemed only to be received by the receivingParty if signed by the sending Party or any other personduly authorised to sign documents and letters on behalfof the sending Party.

10 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

10.1This Agreement shall in all respects be construed as anagreement made in accordance with and subject to the Laws ofMalta and Community Rules.

11 Severability

11.1The invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more of the

provisions hereof shall not invalidate or render unenforceablethe remaining provisions of this Agreement. Any illegal orinvalid provision of this Agreement shall be severable and allthe other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

12 Other Agreements

12.1The beneficiary cannot be a holder of another scholarship for asimilar programme of studies.

13 Interpretation

13.1This Agreement together with all attached Schedules shall bethe entire agreement between the two Parties and anyamendments to the Agreement shall not be valid unlessconsented to in writing by both Parties.

13.2 This Agreement is construed under and governed by the Lawsof Malta and any disputes arising as a direct result of thisAgreement shall be submitted to the Courts of Malta.

This Agreement has been executed by each Party on the day andyear here under written.



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SIGNED in his/her capacity by1

__________________________________________

Signature __________________________________________

Identity Card Number __________________________________________

Date __________________________________________

SIGNED by(MCAST Principal and CEO)__________________________________________

Signature __________________________________________

Identity Card Number __________________________________________

Date__________________________________________

Data Protection:The Malta College of Art, Science and Technology (MCAST) collectsand processes information to carry out its functions under theEducation Act, All data is collected and processed in accordance tothe Data Protection Act 2001, other subsidiary legislation and thePrivacy Policy of the Scheme, a copy of which is available ondemand.

1On signing this Agreement, the Scholar is agreeing also to Footnote 2 on Page 8.



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SCHEDULE A: Summary of the Agreement

INFORMATION ABOUT BENEFICIARY

NAME: ____________________________________

ADDRESS IN MALTA: ____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

ADDRESS ABROAD: ____________________________________(if applicable)

____________________________________

____________________________________

PREFERED ADDRESS FOR ____________________________________NOTICES:

____________________________________

____________________________________

STATUS: ____________________________________

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION2

If scholar is retaining part-employment (less than 19 hours perweek) during the same time as the completion of full-time studies,please provide the following information:

NAME OF EMPLOYER: _________________________________________

ADDRESS OF EMPLOYER: _________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

2In signing this agreement, the Scholar is giving consent to the Project Leader to confirm/verify with the Employer

the number of hours per week worked by the Beneficiary.



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TRAINING PROVIDER INFORMATION

NAME OF INSTITUTION ____________________________________(Licensed tuition centre /higher education institution):

OFFICIAL ADDRESS: ____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

DIPLOMA / DEGREE COURSE INFORMATION

DIPLOMA/DEGREE IN WHICHENROLLED: ____________________________________

NAME OF COURSE: ____________________________________

START DATE OF STUDIES: ____________________________________

COMPLETION DATE OFSTUDIES: _____________________________________

TUITION FEES

TOTAL FEE APPLICABLE: ____________________________________



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DOCUMENTS ATTACHED

Official Unconditional Letter of Acceptance from the licensedtuition centre or a recognised higher education institution.

Official original invoice/s covering tuition

Official original receipt/s of equivalent (i.e. receipted invoiceswhere applicable from the licensed tuition centre or arecognised higher education institution.

Certified copy of Beneficiarys identity card.



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SCHEDULE B:Payments

PAYMENTS

The Malta College of Art, Science and Technology (MCAST) shallthrough the Treasury Division pay the beneficiary as follows:

For EQF/MQF level 5 50% at application stage provided this does not exceed the

amount that would have been paid by the applicant at thatinstant;

50% or the remaining amount on successful completion of thecourse and upon presentation of an official receipt of paymenttogether with a certified true copy of the certificate and/ortranscript denoting successful completion issued by thelicensed tuition centre, University and/or College.

For EQF/MQF level 6 50% at application stage provided this does not exceed the

amount that would have been paid by the applicant at thatinstant;

25% on initiation of second year of studies and uponpresentation of a letter issued by the licensed tuition centre,University and/or College denoting promotion to second year;

25% or the remaining amount on successful completion of thecourse and upon presentation of an official receipt of paymenttogether with a certified true copy of the certificate and/ortranscript denoting successful completion issued by thelicensed tuition centre, University and/or College.

The amount stipulated in Section 4.1 of this agreement shall be thetotal amount granted to the Beneficiary. In the eventuality that thecompletion of the diploma/degree requires further expenditureand/or Tuition Fees exceed that amount granted by TSSM, theBeneficiary shall bind himself to pay the remaining amounts,

provided that in the eventuality that non-payment of any remainingamounts by the Beneficiary is the reason for the non-completion ofthe Programme of studies the Beneficiary shall refund the entireAmount granted.



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SCHEDULE C: Banking Details

BANKING DETAILS

It is required that a Financial Identification Form, commonly referredto as TRS9, is filled in by the Beneficiary. The Form TRS9 can bedownloaded from the website:

http://www.mjha.gov.mt/eu/documents/annex6_financial_id_form.pdf

In this form the Treasury will have the necessary information on the

Beneficiary for the proper execution of bank credit transfer. Thisapplies to both local and cross-boarder payments. The Treasury willissue payment against the details of the latest TRS9 form, thereforepayments into other accounts will not be effected unless theBeneficiary submits a new TRS9.

Payments are made via a bank credit transfer only.



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SCHEDULE D:Training Subsidiary Scheme MCAST(TSSM) Regulations

Training Subsidy Scheme MCAST (TSSM)

Grant Scheme for Programmes at EQF/MQF levels 5 and 6 in Digital Media.This Grant Scheme is part of the ESF 1.33 Increasing ICT Student Capacity in Malta

REGULATIONS



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction2. Aims and Objectives

3. Explanatory Notes4. Eligibility5. Types of programmes eligible for funding6. Education and Training Institution Providing Programmes7. Administration of TSSM scheme8. Application Forms9. Selection Process, Procedure, Criteria and Appeals10. Payment of Grant11. General Conditions of Award12. ESF Publicity Obligations13. Information



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1. Introduction

1.1 Over the last decade, Malta has witnessed significant overall expansion in the higher

education sector. In a knowledge-based economy, it is imperative to have a strongbase of qualified individuals especially in the Digital Media sector where the island isexperiencing an increase in investment and growth in jobs.

1.2 The aim of ESF 1.33 is that of:

Attracting and giving opportunities to students to take up programmes inInformation and Communication Technology;

Providing a trained, knowledgeable and qualified workforce which is in greatdemand as a result of the continuous investment and growth of the sector;and

Supporting MCAST in attaining a number of targets laid out in the strategicplan namely those related to student population.

1.3 Therefore the Training Subsidy Scheme MCAST (TSSM) is being offered within thecontext of ESF 1.33 with the aim of providing financial assistance in the form of atraining grant payable to individuals who want to pursue education on a full-timebasis and distance learning and who are interested in obtaining a Higher Educationqualification at EQF/MQF level 5 or level 6 in an area related to Digital Media.

1.4 The TSSM which aims to address the above objectives is part-financed by theEuropean Union Operational Programme II Cohesion Policy 2007-2013Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life European SocialFund.

2. Aims and Objectives

2.1 The objectives of this new initiative are to: assist full time students pursue further education and training in programmes

related to Digital Media which are provided both locally and internationally; improve the quality and relevance of the education system as the variety of

programmes on offer will be increased; reduce skills mismatches particularly within higher value added and expanding

economic sectors related to the Digital Media sector, target emerging ICT sub-sectors and enhancing the variety of courses available.

3. Explanatory Notes

3.1 Agreement shall mean a legally binding document to be signed by the ScholarshipAwardee as beneficiary of the Scholarship and the MCAST Principal and CEO. TheAgreement shall include these Regulations.

3.2 Appeals Board shall mean a Board set up by the Ministry of Education, Employmentand the Family, MCAST and ETC to deal with objections raised by Applicants afterthey are informed in writing with the decisions of the Selection Board.

3.3 Applicant shall mean a person that submits a TSSM application. If selected, theapplicant would become the beneficiary of the grant. Such a person shall be a fulltime student and is interested in participating in further education leading to a

qualification at either level 5 or 6 of the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) orEuropean Qualifications Framework (EQF) in Digital Media.



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3.4 Compulsory Education shall mean the programme of studies normally followed bystudents between the ages of 5 to 16 and as directed by the Director General,Directorate for Educational Services in Malta.

3.5 Digital Media shall mean training and/or education programmes which enableindividuals to gain ICT practitioner and professional skills necessary to: researching,

developing, designing, strategic planning, managing, producing, testing, consulting,marketing, selling, integrating, installing, administering, maintaining, supporting andservicing ICT systems. Digital Media courses also include those training and/oreducation programmes which will enable individuals to gain e-business skills andtherefore be knowledgeable on how to exploit the opportunities provided by ICT,including: being knowledgeable on how to manage more efficiently and effectivelythe performance of different types of organisations through the application oftechnology; explore possibilities for new ways of conducting business oradministrative and organisational processes; and/or to establish new businesses.3

3.6 Education and Training Institution shall mean an establishment providingeducation/training and recognised by the competent National Authority of aparticipating country as accredited to its system of further and higher education.

3.7 EQF (European Qualifications Framework) shall mean a translation device to makenational qualifications more readable across Europe, promoting workers andlearners mobility between countries and facilitating their lifelong learning.

3.8 ESF shall mean European Social Fund.

3.9 First Degree (Undergraduate Course) shall mean a first cycle higher educationprogramme that leads to a degree at EQF/MQF level 6.

3.10 Further Education shall mean all formal education of persons above thecompulsory school age generally up to EQF/MQF level 5.

3.11 Further/Higher Educational Institution shall mean an establishment (including aCollege/University) which does not operate in the Maltese Islands, providingfurther/higher education and recognised by the competent National Authority of aparticipating country as accredited to its system of further/higher education.

3.12 Higher Education shall mean all activities and programmes of teaching, trainingand research at tertiary level, and in terms of teaching includes the Diploma,Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate levels, and also comprises education provided byUniversities, Institutions, Colleges, and franchises of higher education providingcourses at and above EQF/MQF level 6.

3.13 Licensed Tuition Centre shall mean an intermediary local body licensed by aforeign education institution to act on its behalf.

3.14 Maintenance Grant shall mean the financial benefits paid to full time, post-secondary and tertiary students as outlined in Legal Notice 372 of 2005 as amendedby Legal Notice 424 of 2007.

3.15 Programme shall mean a programme that leads to a qualification at EQF/MQF level5 or 6 that is provided by a Licensed Tuition Centre or a recognised foreign HigherEducation Institution and leads to a qualification in areas related to Digital Media.The programme is chosen by the applying individual and is to be approved byMCAST.Programmes are to be completed by the end of July 2014. The certificate and/ortranscript denoting successful completion is to be issued by the Licensed Tuitioncentre, University, and/or College by September 2014.

3 European Commission European e-Competence Framework



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3.16 Project Leadershall mean the person who carries the overall financial and legalresponsibility for the implementation of the project.

3.17 Resources shall mean any other additional material requested by the LicensedTuition Centre or the Higher Education Institution such as books and paid by theindividual. The purchase of equipment and hardware including computers shall be

excluded.

3.18 Scholarship Awardee shall mean the Applicant who has been granted the TSSM.

3.19 Selection Board shall mean a Board set up by the Ministry of Education,Employment and the Family, MCAST and ETC to operate the process of awardingTSSM scholarships. This Board shall be responsible for all matters concerningevaluation, selection and determination of appropriate awards according to theregulations.

3.20 Training Costs for the purposes of determining the award, training costs shallmean tuition fees paid by the applicant to a Licensed Tuition Centre or a recognisedHigher Education Institution. The training costs do not cover the acquisition of

equipment even if this is necessary for the individual to undertake the programme.

3.21 Training Grant is the sum payable to the individual applying for TSSM. This willcover the tuition fees and are capped as follows: Programmes at EQF/MQF level 5 up to a total ofEuro 12,000 Programmes at EQF/MQF level 6 up to a total ofEuro 18,000

The grant shall be reimbursed directly to the applicant as follows:

For EQF/MQF Level 5 50% at application stage provided this does not exceed the amount that would

have been paid by the applicant at that instant; 50% or the remaining amount upon successful completion of the course and

upon presentation of an official receipt of payment together with a certified truecopy of the certificate and/or transcript denoting successful completion issued bythe licensed tuition centre.

For EQF/MQF Level 6 50% at application stage provided this does not exceed the amount that would

have been paid by the applicant at that instant; 25% on initiation of the second year of studies and upon presentation of a letter

issued by the licensed tuition centre, University and/or College denotingpromotion to second year;

25% or the remaining amount upon successful completion of the course andupon presentation of an official receipt of payment together with a certified truecopy of the certificate and/or transcript denoting successful completion issued by

the licensed tuition centre, University and/or College.

The grant amount will be based on the amount indicated in the Unconditional Letterof Acceptance or on the official receipt of payment issued by a Licensed TuitionCentre or a recognised Higher Education Institution.

3.22 Training Subsidy Scheme MCAST (TSSM) shall mean an award of financial aidgranted to a student to further his/her education in the Digital Media sector.

3.23 Tuition Fees shall mean those costs which include enrolment, administration,registration and/or examination fees and other resources requested by a Universityor a Higher Education Institution.

3.24 Unconditional Letter of Acceptance (ULA) shall mean a letter issued by theRegistrar (or a designated high authority) of a University or Higher EducationInstitution which shall have the following details:



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A clear statement by the University or the Higher Education Institution that it isunconditionally accepting the Applicant to follow a programme of studies;

The commencement date of studies; The end date of studies (which shall mean when the results are expected to be

published);

The Tuition Fee (if applicable). Applicant should note that the Agreement to besigned at a later stage shall include only the information contained in this ULA.The Principal/Project Leader shall not accept amendments to the Agreementother than those which reflect the information and/or data clearly stated in theoriginal ULA;

Any other information required by the Project Leader; Modality of study (that is whether it is distance learning or full time studies).

It is the duty of the Applicant to ensure that when s/he chooses a University orHigher Education Institution, this is in a position to issue such an UnconditionalLetter of Acceptance with all the above details. This has to be in the form of anoriginal letter, signed by the Registrar of the University (or delegated high authority).Scanned, PDF copies or other electronically transmitted formats shall be accepted

PROVISIONALLY. The original copy of the ULA must be produced before thesigning of the Agreement.

4. Eligibility

4.1 In order to apply for TSSM an applicant should:

4.1.1 a) Be a Maltese Citizen who has been residing in Malta for more than five (5) years.Provided that for the purposes of calculating this 5 year requirement, considerationshall not be given to such period of time during which such Maltese citizen hasbeen residing outside Malta for study, health or work purposes or any other

purpose which the Selection Board may consider, or

b) Be a national of an EU/EEA state or family member of such EU/EEA national (asdefined in LN 191 of 2007 and in LN 205 of 2004 respectively for EU and EEAnationals), provided that such person has obtained permanent residence in Maltain accordance with LN 191 of 2007 and with LN 205 of 2004 respectively for EUand EEA nationals, or

c) Be a third country national who has been granted long-term residence statusunder LN 278 of 2006.

4.1.2 Be applying for a Digital Media programme of studies equivalent to EQF/MQF Level 5and Level 6 on a full-time basis or through distance learning. Within the context of

distance learning programmes, the applicant cannot work more than 19 hours perweek and must declare his/her employment at application stage.

4.1.3 Not registered for employment with the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC).

4.1.4 Not already following a course at the same level as that applied for by the start date ofthe scheme.

4.1.5 On the date of application, applicants are to be in possession of all documents asoutlined by these Regulations and specified in Clause 8.2.

4.1.6 It is the responsibility of Applicants, in possession of qualifications awarded by foreignUniversities/Higher Education Institutions, to produce an evaluation report on

equivalence and comparability of qualifications issued by the Malta QualificationsRecognition Information Centre (MQRIC) within the Ministry of Education,Employment and the Family (as per Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Act Act



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XVIII of 2002). A copy of the said report issued by the MQRIC, should be attached tothe application, with the original presented at the interview (if applicable).

4.1.6.1 Applicants whose qualifications are obtained from a foreign University or HigherEducation Institution listed on the website of MQRIC as Approved Institutions(http://www.mqc.mt/mqric), are not required to produce the evaluation report on

comparability of qualifications.

4.1.7 Applicants in possession of other national/ESF (or a combination of both) publicgrants or national/ESF (or a combination of both) scholarships for the same course orprogramme shall be deemed ineligible to the TSSM. In the event that an Applicant isgranted a TSS M Scholarship and the Project Leader is informed , after the grant ofsuch TSSM Scholarship, that the Scholarship Awardee had, at any point in time,whether prior to the award of the TSSM Scholarship, or after such award, acceptedany such national/ESF public grant or national/ESF scholarship, the ScholarshipAwardee shall be liable to refund the Amount/s up to then granted to him/her in full,and this without prejudice to any other legal action which may be taken in this regard.

Provided that any scholarships or other grants awarded to the Scholarship Awardee

shall be notified to and approved by the Selection Board, whether such are awardedto the Applicant prior to the TSSM Scholarship or throughout the duration of theScholarship. For the avoidance of doubt, any scholarships or grants awarded at anytime to the Applicant in relation to the course of studies for which the Scholarshipshall be granted, must be declared and approved by the Board. The Applicant shouldalso consult Clause 11.7. In the absence of a scholars declaration and writtenapproval by the Selection Board, the scholar is considered to be in breach of theseRegulations and may be accused of fraud.

4.1.8 Applicants should be in a position to complete the programme by the end of July2014.

4.1.9 Applications for courses commencing prior to the launch of the TSSM (31 July 2011)

will not be deemed as eligible for the purposes of the TSSM Scholarship.

5. Types of programmes eligible for funding

5.1 The TSSM will supportDiplomas at EQF/MQF level 5 and Degrees at EQF/MQF level6 in the Digital Media Sector. These programmes can be conducted on a full- timebasis or through distance learning (within this context please refer to Clause 4.1.2above).

5.2 The programme becomes ineligible if an identical programme is currently beingoffered by the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) or theUniversity of Malta (UoM). This condition does not apply in those instances where the

course applied for is provided in a different form to that provided by any of theseinstitutions such as distance learning.

5.3 Courses structured on the basis of an EQF/MQF level 5 Diploma combined with a topup EQF/MQF level 6 Degree are considered eligible (within this context please referto Clause 11.6).

6. Education and Training Institution Providing Programmes

The programme of study applied for can be provided at a local Licensed Tuition Centrerepresenting a foreign Further/Higher Educational Institution (e.g. University, College etc...) orat a foreign Further/Higher Educational Institution (e.g. University, College etc...).

It is the responsibility of applicants, applying for qualifications awarded by foreignUniversities/Tertiary Education Institutions, to produce an evaluation report on comparabilityof qualifications issued by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC)

http://www.mqc.mt/mqrichttp://www.mqc.mt/mqric


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within the Ministry of Education, Employment and the Family. A copy of the said report issuedby the MQRIC, should be attached to the application, with the original presented forverification purposes only (if applicable).

The MQRIC may be contacted as follows:

Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC)16/18 Tower Promenade,St. Lucia, SLC 1019Tel. No.: (+356) 2754 0051Fax No.: (+356) 2180 8758e-mail: [email protected]

Many courses have strict admission deadlines and applicants must take the necessary stepsto secure admission to their preferred institutions prior to submitting the application to theAdmissions Office at the MCAST Main Campus, Triq Kordin, Paola PLA 9032.

7. Administration of the TSSM Scheme

The TSSM is part of ESF 1.33 Increasing ICT Student Capacity in Malta administered bythe Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology.

The project is the responsibility of:Project Leader (ESF 1.33)Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)Institute of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)Corradino Hill,Paola, PLA 9032

8. Application Forms

8.1 Interested applicants are invited to apply using the appropriate application forms whichare available from the Reception Desk of the MCAST Administration Building within theMCAST Main Campus in Corradino. They can also be downloaded from the MCASTwebsite www.mcast.edu.mt/TSSM

8.2 Applicants shall submit their written application to the Admissions Office together withthe following:i) a copy of the Applicants certificates and transcript (detailed if applicable) issued by

his/her Further/Higher Education Institution (e.g. University/College) or licensedTuition Centre;

ii) a copy of the unconditional letter of acceptance from the Further/Higher EducationInstitution (e.g. University/College) or Licensed Tuition Centre applied for, thatamongst other include the fees applicable;

iii) a copy of MQRIC evaluation report (where applicable);iv) a copy of the applicants I.D. card;v) a statement by the applicant that s/he intends to complete the course in the time as

stipulated in Clauses 3.15 and 4.1.8.

If the above mentioned documents are not attached, the applicant must specify in aseparate sheet attached to the TSSM application the reason why they are not attached.Furthermore, applicants are to note that all pending documents must be submitted bynot later than 11 November 2011.

Note: In the case of disabled applicants the following is also to be submitted:vi) a copy of the Applicants disabled I.D. card issued by the Kummissjoni PersunibDiabilita (KNPD) for persons claiming that they do not have the possibility offollowing a full-time course due to their disability.

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8.3 Applications are required to be submitted by hand at the Admissions Officebetween 3rd and 14th October 2011. All applicants are to request an acknowledgementfor receipt of application from the receiving office.

9. Selection Process, Procedure, Criteria and Appeals

9.1 Selection Process and Procedure

9.1.1 All applications submitted will be evaluated by the Selection Board. The SelectionBoard shall be set up by the Ministry of Education, the Employment and the Family,MCAST and ETC. This Board shall be responsible for all matters concerning selectionand determination of appropriate awards according to the regulations.

9.1.2 The Selection Board will evaluate and select applicants according to pre-establishedcriteria identified in Article 9.2 below. The Selection Board reserves the right to askApplicants to sit for an interview.

9.1.3 Where necessary, the Selection Board shall appoint an expert with expertise in thesubject area concerned to evaluate the application. The Selection Board itself shallconsider the application and any advice submitted by appointed experts.

9.2 Selection Criteria

9.2.1 Applications shall be considered on the basis of the following selection criteria:(a) Academic merit of the Applicant;(b) The area of study;(c) The modality of the study programmes (preference shall be given to programmes in

the following orderceteris paribus): First preference Full time programmes; Second preference Distance learning programmes.

9.2.2 Provided that, students who are persons with disabilities and do not have anypossibility of following a full time programme unless through distance learning, shall begiven first preference in the same way as those who apply to follow full-timeprogrammes. For those who are shortlisted, the Selection Board shall consult furtherwith KNPD (Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Persuni bDiabbilt) to evaluate the nature ofdisability with respect to undergoing further studies and whether this disability shouldbe considered for the purpose of this Article.

9.2.3 An Applicant is considered to have passed the interview if the Applicant obtains a passmark (that is 50% of the total allotted marks) in the criteria (a), (b) and (c) quoted inclause 9.2.1 above. Obtaining a pass mark does not automatically mean that ascholarship is being awarded.

9.2.4 The Selection Board shall issue a separate rank order for the purpose of allocating theavailable scholarships.

9.3 Appeals

9.3.1 The Appeals Board shall be set up by the Ministry of Education, Employment and theFamily, MCAST and ETC. The Appeals Board shall deal with objections raised byApplicants after they are informed in writing with the decisions of the Selection Board.

9.3.2 If an Applicant disagrees with the Selection Board, s/he may present a petition to theAppeals Board within five (5) working days from the date when the Selection Boardcommunicates its decision to the Applicant in writing. In the petition, the Applicant has

to state clearly the reasons why s/he is contesting the decision of the Selection Board.

9.3.3 The Appeals Board shall only address appeals from the Selection Board on mattersrelated to procedure or interpretation of the regulations in terms of eligibility, awards,



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and other decisions related to the granting of a Scholarship. Under no circumstanceshall the Appeals Board change the score of Applicants deriving from interviewsconducted by the Selection Board, nor change the ranking of an Applicant as a result ofsuch score.

9.3.4 The decision taken the Appeals Board is final.

10. Payment of Grant

Programmes at EQF/MQF level 5

The grant will cover tuition fees only up to a total ofEuro 12,000 for the entire duration of thecourse. The grant shall be reimbursed directly to the applicant as follows:

50% at application stage provided this does not exceed the amount that would havebeen paid by the applicant at that instant;

50% or the remaining amount on successful completion of the course and uponpresentation of an official receipt of payment together with a certified true copy of thecertificate and/or transcript denoting successful completion issued by the licensed tuition

centre, University and/or College.

Programmes at EQF/MQF level 6

The grant will cover tuition fees only up to a total ofEuro 18,000 for the entire duration of thecourse. The grant shall be reimbursed directly to the applicant as follows:

50% at application stage provided this does not exceed the amount that would havebeen paid by the applicant at that instant;

25% on initiation of second year of studies and upon presentation of a letter issued bythe licensed tuition centre, University and/or College denoting promotion to second year;

25% or the remaining amount on successful completion of the course and uponpresentation of an official receipt of payment together with a certified true copy of thecertificate and/or transcript denoting successful completion issued by the licensed tuition

centre, University and/or College.

11 General Conditions of Award

11.1 The general conditions in this section apply to all applicants for TSSM.

11.2 Application stageIt is important that applicants make clear at the point of application the following: the qualification for which they are applying. the start date the MQRIC validation the tuition fees involved

11.3 Formal confirmation of the grant will be issued when the applicant provides allnecessary documentation.

11.4 The TSSM Scheme is co-funded under the ESF Operating Programme II of 2007-2013. All funds available will expire in October 2014. No funds can be claimed beyondOctober 2014.

11.5 Termination prior to completion of programmeApplicants for TSSM who for any reason discontinue their studies should inform theProject Leader in writing immediately.

11.6 If a person discontinues the programme, s/he would be required to pay back infull the fees that would have already been reimbursed by MCAST. It is pertinentto note that students who apply for a combined EQF/MQF level 5 Diploma and a top-



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up EQF/MQF level 6 Degree are bound to complete the course in its entirety. In theeventuality that a student completes successfully the EQF/MQF level 5 Diploma butdoes not proceed with the top-up EQF/MQF level 6 Degree, s/he shall be bound toreimburse any amounts paid to him/her until then.

11.7 Supplementary Scholarship awards or supplementary grants to TSSM for the same

course or programme of studies must be declared at the point of interview ifapplicable or before formally accepting the other awards. All declarations requireapproval from the Selection Board. Any unapproved supplementary Scholarshipawards or supplementary grants additional to TSSM for the same course orprogramme shall be deemed to be in breach of the contract. As a result, cancellationof award and refund of all awards granted by then shall be required by the Board. TheBoard considers this as fraud and may proceed with a criminal liability suit againstsuch Awardees.

12. ESF Publicity Obligations

12.1 TSSM is part of ESF 1.33 Increasing ICT Student Capacity in Malta which is part-financed by the European Union, Operational Programme II Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality Life European SocialFund.

12.2 If a thesis/dissertation/final project has to be presented as part of the programmeselected, the ESF logo, the EU flag, the National flag of Malta and the co-financing textare to feature on the first pages of the thesis/dissertation/final project, as per layoutstated under Section 4.1 of the Visual Identity Guidelines (downloadable fromwww.ppcd.gov.mt/publicity).

All publication arising from the degree being sponsored should reflect the followingacknowledgment on the first pages of the publication: The research work disclosed inthis publication is funded by the ESF 1.33 Increasing ICT Student Capacity in Malta.The scholarship is part-financed by the European Union European Social Fund (ESF)under Operational Programme II Cohesion Policy 2007 2013, Empowering Peoplefor More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life, provided that if the Scholarship Awardedfails to make the said acknowledgement, MCAST may require the reimbursement, infull or in part, of the Amount awarded to the Scholarship Awardee.

12.3 MCAST reserves the right to publish the names and Identity Card numbers of potentialBeneficiaries selected as and when necessary. For avoidance of doubt, in applying fora TSSM Grant, the Applicant has given consent for such publication in the event thather or his application is successful.

13. Information

13.1 For further queries and information please contact via e mail [email protected] call on 23987100.

__________________________________________________________________

Monday 8 August 2011

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