Greek “eternal students” facing the risk of erasure

According to the Education Ministry, students who were admitted to universities or technical institutions before 2006, must get their degree within 2014 or else they will be removed from their department. The administrations of Greek universities estimate that half of the students in universities and technical institutions are non-active.

Meanwhile, many rectors have asked for favorable provisions for students who are also working, in order to enable them get their degree and not be deleted. Students who are working can be registered as part-time students. In such cases the normal length of studies is doubled.

The Greek government is trying to tackle the phenomenon of "eternal students" which is widespread in Greece. Although Greece has more universities than other European countries such as France, the number of students graduating is low. It is estimated that only 10% of Greek students manage to get a degree.

However, in recent years, Greek students' attitudes towards their studies has changed due to the financial crisis; they are now hurrying to get their first degree and enter the labor market.