Syria has banned students from wearing full-face veils in public and private universities, said a report, citing top education officials.

The ban applies to women wearing full-face veils (niqab) and not those who only wear headscarves, the state-run news agency Sana reported on Sunday.

The directive banning niqab came from the country's Minister of Higher Education, Ghaith Barakat after receiving similar requests from a large number of university students and their families, the report added.

The full-face veil, or niqab, that is worn by some Muslim women is 'inconsistent with the values and ethics of academic traditions,' the minister said.

The education ministry's ban on the niqab comes as similar moves in Europe spark cries of discrimination against Muslims.