Flemish education minister Zuhal Demir (Flemish nationalist N-VA) concludes that ‘no fraud on a massive scale’ was committed in the university medicine studies entrance exam. She therefore sees no need to organise a new entrance exam. However, between 20 and 30 participants are believed to have committed fraud. ‘The cheats have been identified. Other candidates will take their place.’
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Education minister’s investigation into medicine studies entrance exam fails to detect ‘massive fraud’
Colin Clapson
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Minister Demir had promised to investigate this fraud case ‘to the bone’ and is now presenting the results. The investigation shows that ‘a limited number of candidates’ were caught cheating as the report of the examination board also notes.
In the course of the investigation, the exam data was examined anonymously, using a model that recognises AI patterns. In addition, random checks were carried out on the exam equipment and the level of difficulty was analysed.
‘There was no mass fraud,’ the investigators say. ‘But the fact that fraud was possible is a scandal. The system will now be overhauled. Participants who, based on our investigation, did not act correctly will have to appear before the examination board. The board will make the final decision on exclusion,’ says Demir.
VRT News understands between 20 and 30 cheats have been identified. Remarkably enough, one of their number is believed to have gone to court today seeking action against the fraudsters.
No new examination necessary, says Demir
Ms Demir believes that no new examination needs to be organised now, although a judge may decide otherwise. The participants who were found to have committed irregularities during the examination have now been identified and will be heard. Specifically, they will have to answer to the examination board, which will then decide what should happen.
‘If the examination board decides so, they will be excluded from the exam results. Candidates who just missed out by a whisker, but who have been wronged by the cheaters, will be reinstated.’ This could involve 30 to 40 candidates. The examination board will soon decide how exactly this will be arranged.
‘I understand the commotion,’ Demir adds. The fact that it was theoretically possible to commit fraud is unacceptable and must be made impossible in the future.
A court case revolving on possible cheating during the entrance exam began in Brussels today. Around thirty students are demanding an independent investigation, and the judge will decide tomorrow whether this is necessary.