Hundreds of students took to the streets of downtown Athens yesterday to protest controversial university reforms which they fear will see their influence on higher education sidelined by businesses.

Chanting “Down with the Bill, a con aimed to pass the fees on to students!” and “We want work, not unemployment!” the protesters, largely members of radical left movements, marched from Athens’ Polytechnic University to Parliament.

Greek media report the measure – which the government says will be introduced in Parliament early next year following discussions with academics and students – foresees an overhaul of university departments and closer links between university research programmes and businesses.

Students argue the draft legislation would reduce their representation in university councils, as traditional diplomas are superseded by professional certificates.

The student protest follows a series of demonstrations against government austerity measures that have rocked the debt-strapped country in recent months.