Moldova’s Ministry of Education and Research, together with the Ministry of Health, has introduced new rules that significantly simplify how school absences are justified for pupils in grades 1–9.
Under the new system, students will no longer be required to present a medical certificate for absences due to minor illness or family reasons.
School absence rules Moldova: what changes
The reform aims to reduce bureaucracy and ease the administrative burden on families. The key changes include:
- Parental note replaces medical certificate: Parents or legal guardians can now justify a child’s absence by submitting a written explanation to the class teacher.
- Less pressure on healthcare system: During peak periods of seasonal illnesses, clinics are often overcrowded. Removing the requirement for certificates is expected to reduce unnecessary visits to family doctors.
- Lower infection risk: Children recovering from mild illnesses will no longer need to visit clinics, where exposure to other infections is possible simply to obtain documentation for school.
Move toward less bureaucracy
Authorities say the change reflects practices already used in many European countries and is based on increased trust in parents to manage minor health-related absences responsibly.
At the same time, officials stress that medical consultation remains mandatory in cases of serious or contagious illnesses, both to protect the affected child and to prevent risks to other students.
The reform is presented as part of a broader effort to streamline administrative procedures in the education system, though its implementation and impact will likely be closely monitored by schools and parents alike.
