Malta’s Kunsill Studenti Universitarji is ending use of its current smart card system for financial grant delivery and payments, opting instead to transfer grant monies directly to the students’ bank accounts.

The new system will process federal grants electronically to bank accounts for all eligible students, rather than use the university smart card. KSU officials claim this will provide added flexibility for students when purchasing educational materials and buying products online.

According to Gozo News, the system enables students to purchase Gozo Ferry tickets and will eliminate the challenge presented by the closed loop smart card when paying rent.

The university reports that the new system will save a considerable amount of money. There is some concern, however, that the new system can not ensure money is used only for education purposes – a primary objective behind the adoption of the smart card system. Under the new system, students can spend the grant money on whatever they choose.

While the smart card will no longer be for payments, the card will remain the primary means of identification for Malta students.