Rectors call for exemptions to law ousting university loafers

Greek university rectors have urged exemptions to a deregistration policy targeting students who exceed a time limit for completing their studies, highlighting that some students have valid reasons for slower academic progress.

The National Higher Education Authority (ETHAAE) reports that Greek universities have 695,678 registered students, of whom 361,937 (52.03%) are active, meaning they are within the legally allowed study duration. The remaining 333,741 (47.97%) have exceeded this limit.

Under a law ratified in 2022, students on four-year degree programs are entitled to an additional four years to complete their studies. A first wave of deregistrations based on this law is approaching, sparking significant opposition from student bodies and university rectors.

Rectors, at a recent summit, expressed concerns over the broad application of the cut-off policy,...