A 22-year-old man with cancer, who persevered through the disease to graduate from university, has died.

Miguel Borg was diagnosed with the illness in October 2017, just as he began reading for his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

In spite of the challenges brought about by his terminal illness, he graduated on September 30.

In an interview with Times of Malta weeks before his death he said he had managed to complete the course with the help of God and his friends and family. 

“Perseverance, faith and love are what life is all about," he had said at the time. "It's not easy but when we accept God, our lives become a bit easier”. 

His challenges included three medical trips to London, one of which lasted six months. 

He had a special graduation ceremony at his home in Lija, attended by the University of Malta rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella and other academics. 

In a Facebook post, the University of Malta announced that he had died on Thursday and sent its deepest condolences to family and friends.

Many students at the university commented that he was an inspiration for them.

Miguel was also a member of the University of Malta's racing team, and it said his death had caused the team "deep sadness and heavy hearts".

Lecturer Paul Refalo, who worked closely with him, had previously described how the course he completed required a consistent and dedicated effort, particularly in the fourth year when students were assigned engineering projects which required them to put into practice the knowledge and skills gained. 

“Miguel persevered and produced a very good work,” he said. 

Miguel’s dissertation focused on making industrial practices more sustainable. His work will form part of a larger project, Air Save, which aims to create systems that autonomously control air and energy consumption in industrial scenarios, Refalo said. 

Miguel’s parents thanked the Franciscan sisters in London as well as Fr Mario, Fr Joseph and Fr Stephen, Puttinu Cares, the Community Chest Fund, the NGO Smiling at Jerome, staff at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre, Hospice Malta, doctors Nick Refalo and Malcolm Buhagiar, and the Treatment Abroad Office for their help and support.