The aim of this study was to analyse the permanence of students entering in 2011/01 on the undergraduate accounting course at UNEMAT's Cáceres Campus, from a quantitative and qualitative research perspective. Firstly, we analysed the historical situation of the students in order to trace their academic flow.

To do this, we analysed the transcripts of 41 students entering the class under study, which were made available by the Academic System. Secondly, we applied a questionnaire to analyse their opinions on permanence.

The results showed that only 22% of the students were able to complete the course in the minimum time required to complete it, 22% were held back, 2% withdrew, 10% transferred and 44% dropped out. The main causes of evasion and retention are related to socio-economic, learning and pedagogical issues.

We can see from the profile of the subjects that the admission policies are being implemented satisfactorily, catering for all genders, colours and social classes. The high level of evasion and retention demonstrates the need to implement student permanence policies.

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