The government’s decision to partly finance universities and hbo colleges according to how quickly their students graduate should be applied less strictly, according to several opposition parties.

The measure, meant to stimulate universities to ensure students do not take too long to get a degree, is more of a bounty than a benefit, D66, Socialist and SGP parliamentarians say.

Socialist MP Jasper van Dijk says financial incentives to ensure students pass their exams quickly can have a detrimental effect. ‘Poor theses might be approved in order to speed up students’ graduation and so boost university finances,’ he told news agency ANP.

MPs are set to discuss higher education on Thursday. The debate will focus on a damning inspectors’ report earlier this year which said 26 academic studies are not up to scratch and need drastic improvement.