New rules for master’s programmes in Moldova: students expelled for serious misconduct to no longer be able to be reinstated

People expelled from master’s programmes for serious misconduct, such as plagiarism, fraud, corruption or harassment, will no longer be able to be reinstated. The change is included in a draft approved by the government today, which introduces new rules for the organization and conduct of master’s degree studies.

The amendments focus on adapting master’s programmes to labor market requirements, strengthening academic integrity and providing more flexibility for students.

Thus, in order to combat cheating and the abusive use of technologies, including artificial intelligence, the changes stipulate that universities will place greater emphasis on oral examinations or combined assessments.

Additionally, the Regulation requires higher education institutions to actively promote a culture of academic integrity, through clear rules, transparent assessments and the constant informing of students and teaching staff.

“We are addressing the issue of the so-called ‘curricular minimum’. Essentially, when a student enrolls in a master’s programme in a field different from the one their bachelor’s degree, they are required to accumulate 30 credits either during the summer or in the first month of studies. It is obvious that such a large volume of courses, taken in such a short time, turns the process into a mere formality. With this amendment, we will allow these credits to be accumulated during the first year of study, with an emphasis on quality,” said Education and Research Minister Dan Perciun.

The initiative also sees that public or private institutions and organizations may submit proposals to higher education institutions to develop programmes adapted to real needs in the field, on condition that they ensure funding for these programmes from their own resources. In addition, companies will be able to request the introduction of new modules focused on modern technologies and methods that are not yet included in traditional study programmes.

As for transfers between higher education institutions, between different forms of study or between master’s programmes within the same professional training field, students will have to fully complete the study plan for the concerned semester. By way of exception, in cases established by the senate, transfers from one master’s programme to another within the same field will be allowed in the first semester of studies, with recognition of accumulated credits.

Higher education institutions of Moldova organize around 300 master’s programmes, either provisionally authorized or accredited.