Time is running out for the issue of at least 330,000 “eternal” students at universities. A circular from the Ministry of Education has already reached institutions across the country, informing administrations that departments must annually compile lists of expelled students, while providing opportunities for appeals.
Read: “Eternal” students: How they will be expelled, when studies can be extended at universities (Video)
One-year extension for 35,000 students who meet requirements
At the same time, a favorable ministry regulation provides a “lifeline” extension of one year for approximately 35,000 students who meet the requirements to complete their studies. According to the ministry’s timeline, the relevant list must be posted anonymously on the department’s website and sent to the Ministry of Education by December 31st of each year, meaning the first expulsions are expected next December.
Time will also be given for filing remedial applications and the possibility of supplementary examination periods for students who have up to 2 courses remaining for graduation. Within the framework of university autonomy, each institution will have the ability to announce its results when it completes the process, applying the law that is expected to bring significant changes to the operation of university institutions.
Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki stated: “We want institutions that operate with stable and clear rules, that provide prospects with credible degrees, while supporting those who genuinely try. We leave no one behind. We’re putting an end to 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 beside students, and opens the path for universities that inspire confidence and young people who enter society with knowledge, strength and self-confidence.”
Statistics: Active and “eternal” students at NKUA and AUTH
The number of “eternal” students exceeds 330,000, as student registers have never been cleared, resulting in students who enrolled 50 or 60 years ago and may have passed away. Some estimates, based on this factor, raise this number to over 500,000. It has been revealed that central universities still have enrolled students from the 1930s. Most “stagnant” students are found at NKUA and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. At NKUA, at the end of last academic year, out of 100,303 enrolled students, 38,998 were active, and at AUTH out of 72,628 enrolled students, 37,054 were active. The total number of enrolled students at universities by the end of 2024 was 703,857, of which 352,099 are active.
Active students are defined as those completing a year less than or equal to n+2 for four-year programs and n+3 for five and six-year programs. According to the ministry, the “end of time” for “eternal” students is not punitive, which is why it was decided to give one last chance, which universities estimate affects more than 35,000 students, to complete their studies. Those who have accumulated 70% of the program’s credit units and participated in examinations at least twice in the last two years are entitled to one more year. Specifically, based on the Ministry of Education’s “roadmap,” it is determined that the maximum study duration for first-cycle study programs applies to students who entered universities from the 2022-2023 academic year onwards. For students enrolled in first-cycle study programs at the law’s effective date who had not exceeded the minimum study duration of their program by February 17, 2021, the maximum study duration calculation applies from the beginning of the 2021-2022 academic year onwards.
In certain cases, the right is given, under conditions that must be cumulatively met, to request an extension of the maximum study duration
How limits are set for “eternal” students
As provided, students enrolled in first-cycle study programs at the law’s effective date who had exceeded the minimum study duration of their program at the law’s publication have time equal to the minimum study duration for completing their studies from the beginning of the 2021-2022 academic year onwards without extension rights. Students who have exceeded maximum study duration are entitled, under conditions that must be cumulatively met, to request extension of maximum study duration. The extension time provided after application approval is as follows: two academic semesters for students in all study programs and three academic semesters for students in programs where completion of practical training or thesis or dissertation is mandatory and has not been completed by the application submission time.
Additionally, for students who have successfully completed all courses in the current study program and only practical training or thesis or dissertation completion remains for graduation, participation in two academic assessments, with success in at least one, in one of the last four academic semesters is not required. It is clarified that in this case, the extension time is also three academic semesters. Finally, students who owe one or more courses and have not participated in at least two academic assessments in any of the last four academic semesters before application submission are not entitled to exercise extension rights and are automatically expelled.
Published in Parapolitika
