The Federation of Francophone Students (FEF) is planning a demonstration outside the office of Elisabeth Degryse, the Minister-President of the Walloon Region, on Wednesday to protest funding policies and other student issues.

The Minister faces mounting pressure from the FEF, student associations, and university rectors to take stronger actions against the increasing precarity and vulnerability faced by students.

As the new academic year begins, efforts are underway to combat sexist and sexual violence in higher education, especially after a 2023 study revealed that nearly 30% of female students, researchers, and doctoral candidates experienced such violence within their institutions.

Belgian higher education is starting its new academic year amid ongoing debates over funding rules, which were recently reinstated after being temporarily relaxed last year before elections.

Despite these efforts, Belgian students continue to rank poorly in a global comparison regarding graduation rates within the expected timeframe, raising concerns about student success and retention.

In response to these challenges, Elisabeth Degryse has announced plans to revise university policies through a new legislative measure called the 'decret parcours,' set to be implemented in the 2026 academic year, aiming to reshape student pathways.