Is it permissible to shorten the beard to less than a fistful because the father ordered it, with the intention of letting it grow freely after finishing university studies?

Taking what is less than a handful of the beard is a matter of scholarly disagreement. We do not issue a fatwa permitting taking what is less than a handful in normal circumstances. However, if there is a need for it during studies, there is no harm in adopting the view of those who permitted it.