The Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, responsible for Higher Education, Nikos Papaioannou, has signed a Ministerial Decision authorized under Law 5224/2025, regulating procedural matters related to the implementation of Article 76 of Law 4957/2022 regarding the maximum duration of undergraduate studies.
Key Provisions of the Ministerial Decision:
- Sets the maximum duration of study for students enrolled from the academic year 2022–2023 onward, as well as those who enrolled in previous years.
- Defines how the maximum study time is calculated in academic years and the consequences of exceeding it.
- Details the extension process under specific conditions, allowing an additional two or three semesters, depending on the case.
- Provides for emergency re-sit exam periods for students with up to two remaining courses before graduation.
- Outlines the dismissal procedure and the right to request remedial review.
- Defines exceptions to the maximum duration rule, e.g., students with certified disabilities (≥50%).
- Specifies the supervisory bodies responsible for proper implementation.
A circular with detailed guidelines on all of the above has been sent to all Higher Education Institutions.
Statements
Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, stated:
“Today’s decision is a clear commitment to the future of our universities and students who strive every day. We want institutions that operate with stable, transparent rules and offer credible degrees while supporting those who are genuinely trying. No one is left behind. We are ending chronic distortions that hurt both students and universities. This is more than a technical regulation—it’s a message that the State acknowledges difficulties, stands by the student, and is building universities that inspire trust and produce graduates with knowledge, strength, and confidence.”
Deputy Minister Nikos Papaioannou added:
“We are implementing a clear and socially fair framework for the maximum duration of studies. We ensure academic consistency and proper university function while giving fair chances to those close to completing their degrees. We are ending decades-old dysfunctions and enabling institutions to operate under rules that uphold academic quality and degree credibility. Greece needs modern, reliable, globally competitive universities—and that’s what we’re working toward, with students, excellence, and societal relevance at the center.”
Practical Guide Based on the Ministerial Decision
Clarifications for Article 76 of Law 4957/2022, as amended by Law 5224/2025
1. What Is the Maximum Study Duration?
- Programs with minimum 8 semesters → Max = 8 + 4 semesters
- Programs longer than 8 semesters → Max = minimum duration + 6 semesters
- Dismissal: If the student exceeds the limit without graduating → automatic dismissal two months after the September re-exam results are posted
2. When Can a Study Extension Be Granted?
- Extension: +2 semesters, or +3 semesters if mandatory internship/thesis is pending
- Requirements (cumulative):
a) Passed at least 70% of ECTS
b) Participated in at least 2 academic exams in the last 4 semesters, with at least 1 pass - Special case: If only internship/thesis remains → condition (b) is waived
- Application deadline: Within 30 days after September grades are released
- During the extension:
- Part-time study is not allowed
- Temporary suspension is not allowed
3. Emergency Re-Sit Exam Periods (Εμβόλιμη Εξεταστική)
- Allowed for students who, after the extension, owe 2 or fewer courses
- Application deadline: Within 10 days of the last exam period results
- Organized by the department, with results due by December 15
- If the student fails again → automatic dismissal
4. Transitional Provisions (Art. 454 §3 Law 4957/2022 as amended)
- New students (2022–23 onward) → Normal application of paragraph 1
- Students enrolled before Feb 17, 2021 (Law 4777/2021):
- If minimum duration not yet exceeded → count begins from 2021–22
- If already exceeded → allowed only the minimum program duration starting from 2021–22, without added semesters
5. Examples of Maximum Study Durations
- 4-year program (entered 2023–24) → must graduate by September 2028–29
- 5-year program (entered 2023–24) → by 2030–31
- 6-year program (entered 2023–24) → by 2031–32
- 4-year program (2017–18 to 2020–21) → by 2026–27
- 5-year program (2016–17 to 2020–21) → by 2028–29
- 6-year program (2015–16 to 2020–21) → by 2029–30
- Students who had already exceeded min duration by 17.2.2021:
- 4-year → until 2024–25
- 5-year → until 2025–26
- 6-year → until 2026–27
6. Extension Requirements by Program
- 4-year → at least 168 ECTS
- 5-year → at least 210 ECTS
- 6-year → at least 252 ECTS
7. Obligations of Universities and Secretariats
- Timely release of September exam results
- Mandatory notification of students about deadlines (via website, email)
- Annual list of dismissals (with: ID, department, enrollment year, reason)
- Anonymous list posted on the department’s website
- List sent to General Directorate of Higher Education by Dec 31 (email: foitmer@minedu.gov.gr)
8. Exceptions and Special Provisions
- Students with certified disability ≥50%
- Exempt from dismissal
- Must submit valid certification (e.g., from KEPAs or relevant medical boards)
- If time-limited → must renew
- Periods of disability do not count toward study time
- Serious health issues (Article 76 §4)
- Request to exceed maximum duration possible
- Student status is suspended (excluding housing rights)
- Period not counted in total study time or extension
- Requires documents as per university internal rules
- Students from merged or abolished Technological Institutes (T.E.I.)
- Granted time equal to the minimum university program duration from the year of transfer
9. When Are Automatic Dismissals Enforced?
- After reaching the maximum allowed duration
- After the extension expires
- After failing the emergency re-sit
- If no request is made for extension or re-sit
10. University Obligations
- Update internal regulations to align with the new law
- Inform the academic community about the rules and deadlines
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