‘Ciclo cero’ para ingresar a universidades: ¿De qué trata y qué efectos tendría el dictamen aprobado? | Educación universitaria | Comisión de Educación del Congreso | Minedu | PERU | EL COMERCIO PERÚ

Proposed 'Ciclo Cero' for University Admissions in Peru

A controversial proposal in Peru mandates a preparatory semester, 'Ciclo Cero,' before university admission. This initiative, backed by some members of Congress, aims to improve access to higher education for underprivileged students. It would involve pre-university courses, and students would need to pass three exams to gain admission.

Concerns and Criticisms

However, the proposal has drawn strong criticism from various academic sectors and key figures in the education field. Concerns include:

• Violation of University Autonomy: Critics argue it infringes on universities' autonomy to define their admission processes.
• Added Barriers: The additional semester could create further obstacles for students, especially those with financial constraints.
• Lack of Technical Support: The proposal lacks evidence to support its claim that 'Ciclo Cero' will improve student preparedness.
• Financial Implications: Public universities fear they lack the resources to fund this additional semester.

The proposed fee for the 'Ciclo Cero' is a small percentage of a UIT (Unidad Impositiva Tributaria), but concerns remain about its affordability and the overall cost to implement.

Potential Effects

Opponents suggest that the 'Ciclo Cero' would not resolve the core issues of access and affordability. Some believe the aim is to redirect funding from programs like Pronabec (National Program of Scholarships) to public universities.

Alternatives

Proponents of alternative solutions suggest a more centralized admission system, similar to those in Chile and Colombia, to streamline the process and reduce barriers. They emphasize the need for consultation with universities and consideration of practical, economical, and logistical concerns.

Opposition from Universities

Several prominent Peruvian universities, including those in the Consortium of Universities, have publicly expressed strong opposition, emphasizing the importance of university autonomy and their commitment to providing quality education.