The National Student Travel Foundation (Malta) – NSTF - is an organisation with a philanthropic dimension founded in 1977 by a special resolution taken at an Extraordinary General Meeting convened by the University Students’ Council (KSU) for all University Students who collectively resolved to grant the sub-committee responsible for travel and exchanges within KSU full separate economic and legal existence so that NSTF be created. NSTF that is directly in touch with a number of Maltese students through the various educational programmes it organizes each year strives to provide a unique non-formal educational experience.
The main objective of the Foundation is in fact: “The direction and development of educational, cultural and social travel and exchange for students, scholars and youth at all educational levels in the nation, the expansion and improvement of services and promotion of a better understanding on an international level”.
NSTF’s prominent programmes include the NSTF Mini European Assembly, NSTF Science programmes and the NSTF Malta Student Psychology Forum. These programmes complement the educational efforts of local primary, secondary, post-secondary and tertiary educational institutions. All educational programmes on a national level are held on a non-contributory basis for students.
The Foundation also encourages young people to travel and participate in international events, as NSTF believes that travel experiences are an integral part of one’s educational process and a way to engage in society through these local and overseas experiences. NSTF is in contact with many youth NGOs overseas, such as MILSET (Mouvement International pour le Loisir Scientifique Et Technique) and its members, the Model European Parliament Foundation, and others, through its participation in various EU sponsored Youth Exchange programmes and European / International events.
NSTF also executes deeds of a philanthropic nature associated with the restoration and preservation of Malta’s cultural heritage.
NSTF assists students to further their full-time tertiary education overseas through the NSTF Student Travel Bursaries Scheme and awards secondary schools students for particular initiatives taken among their companions and in extra-curricular events through the NSTF Prize for Initiative.