The University of Gibraltar is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week.

A statement from the University of Gibraltar follows below:

The University of Gibraltar is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week, marking a decade of  academic expansion, research progress and community impact since it first opened its doors  on 21st of September 2015. 

From an inaugural intake of fewer than 50 students, the University has grown to a  community of nearly 700, supported by over 70 staff. During that time, its academic offering has expanded from a handful of short courses to 24 undergraduate and postgraduate  degrees across business, education, health sciences, maritime science and environmental  and marine sciences, all validated to rigorous UK standards. 

The University’s growth is reflected in the achievements of its students and graduates. In the  past four years alone, the number of degree graduates has risen from 21 in 2020 to 100 in  2023, with 94% progressing into employment or further study within six months. Student  satisfaction remains consistently high, averaging 95%. 

The last decade has also seen the University establish itself as a research-active institution  with international reach.

Its academic output has grown to more than 70 publications annually, with collaborations extending to institutions such as Yale and Cambridge. Flagship  conferences and events, from the Island Biology Conference to the International Behavioural  Addictions Conference, have placed Gibraltar on the global academic map. 

Investment in facilities has kept pace with this growth. The expansion of the North Wing has  created new teaching and research spaces, including a state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation  Suite and a cutting-edge Maritime Fire Simulator, enhancing student training and industry  engagement. 

Catherine Bachleda, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University, said: 

“Ten years ago, we set out to create a university that combined academic excellence with  personal attention and close links to industry. Today, we can proudly say that we have not  only achieved that vision but surpassed it. This anniversary is a celebration of our students,  alumni, partners, donors, and our dedicated UniGib team – all of whom have made this  journey possible. As we look ahead to the next 90 years, we remain committed to inspiring  generations of learners and researchers who will shape Gibraltar’s contribution to the wider  world.” 

This week’s anniversary celebrations included a time capsule ceremony, with items and  messages from students, staff, and community leaders buried on campus to be opened in  2115 on the University’s centenary. 

The University’s progress has been made possible through the continued support of the  Government of Gibraltar and industry partners, alongside contributions from donors including  the Parasol Foundation, Kusuma Trust, Kishin Alwani Foundation, GibDock, Boluda, and  Barzeli.

As it reflects on its first decade, the University of Gibraltar remains focused on its founding  vision: delivering high-quality education, producing research of global relevance, and making  a lasting impact in Gibraltar and beyond.