Education policy on ‘eternal students’ sparks protests
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Student protests are intensifying over a law mandating the dismissal of “eternal students” (long-term enrolled students), with nationwide demonstrations on Thursday organized by the student group MAS, aligned with the communist KKE party. The contentious law requires students exceeding standard program durations to be removed in September.
Asserting that the law will be enforced, the Education Ministry noted that nearly half of current university students are at risk of dismissal, yet less than 10% have registered for exams in the current academic year, signaling minimal intent to complete degrees.
MAS cites the lack of student care, financial difficulties and the fact that often the content of the course delivery and the subjects of the examinations are mismatched, resulting in high exam failure rates. Rectors propose distinguishing inactive students from those actively pursuing degrees, urging flexibility.
Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis insists universities submit detailed data to ensure fair implementation.
