The Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, responsible for Higher Education, Nikos Papaioannou, has signed the ministerial decision that sets in motion the process of expelling “eternal students” by establishing the maximum duration for university studies. Specifically, according to the relevant ministry announcement, Mr. Papaioannou signed this ministerial decision under authorization from Law 5224/2025, addressing procedural issues related to the implementation of Article 76 of Law 4957/2022 regarding the maximum duration of first-cycle study programs.
Eternal students: What the ministerial decision states
The Ministerial Decision provides:
- The establishment of maximum study duration for students enrolled from the 2022-2023 academic year onwards, as well as for those admitted in previous years.
- The method of calculating maximum duration in academic years and the consequences of exceeding it.
- The procedure for exercising the right to extend studies under specific conditions, with the possibility of an additional two or three academic semesters, depending on the case.
- The possibility of extraordinary supplementary examinations for students who have up to two subjects remaining to complete their studies.
- The expulsion procedure and the possibility of filing a remedial application.
- Exemptions from the maximum duration rule for students with certified disability of at least 50%.
- The competent control and supervision bodies for proper implementation of the decision.
A circular with clarifying instructions on all the above matters has been sent to all Higher Education Institutions.
Zacharaki: We’re ending chronic distortions that wronged both our children and our universities
The Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, stated: “Today’s decision is a clear commitment to the future of our universities and for our students who struggle daily. We want institutions that operate with stable and clear rules, that provide prospects, with credible degrees, but also support those who truly try. We leave no one behind. We’re ending chronic distortions that wronged both our children and our universities. This isn’t just a formal regulation, but a message that the State recognizes difficulties, stands by students, and paves the way for universities that inspire confidence and young people who enter society with knowledge, strength and self-confidence.”
The Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, responsible for Higher Education, Nikos Papaioannou, stated: “We are implementing a clear and socially fair framework for the maximum duration of studies in our universities. We ensure academic consistency and smooth operation of institutions, while giving fair opportunities to those close to completing their studies. We’re ending decades-old pathologies and giving institutions the ability to operate with rules that enhance academic quality and degree prestige. Greece wants modern, credible and internationally competitive universities. This is what we serve with steady steps, putting the student, excellence and meaningful connection with society and the job market at the center.”
First 335,000 eternal students to be expelled by December
It should be noted that the first 335,000 “eternal students” are expected to be expelled in December, as Nikos Papaioannou revealed last week. “The law passed in late July is now being implemented, not mechanistically but with social sensitivity and respect for students who wish to complete their studies,” the Deputy Education Minister stated, speaking to Action24. According to parapolitika.gr sources, the total number of registered “eternal” students in Greek universities reaches 700,000, while the 335,000 being expelled are students whose first enrollment dates back even 90 years! The first enrollment was made in 1935, meaning many of the eternal students have passed away.
Papaioannou on expelling “eternal” students: It’s not vindictive, but rationalization
According to Deputy Education Minister Nikos Papaioannou, after the end of the September examination period there will be clarifications regarding which students will receive extensions of up to one year or three semesters and those who don’t meet the requirements for study time extension will be incorporated into a unified list from each department and school of each university, which will be sent to the Ministry of Education by the end of December.
“We leave the autonomy of each university, based on its progress, that is, when results come out,” Mr. Papaioannou noted. At the same time, he emphasized that there is a small time period after compiling the list when students can file an objection. Furthermore, the Deputy Education Minister spoke of approximately 335,000 “eternal” students up to last June’s examination period. Referring to the goal of expelling inactive students, Mr. Papaioannou emphasized that it’s not vindictive, but rather rationalization.
