For undergraduate and postgraduate students, the academic year runs from 1 September to 31 August and is divided into two semesters: autumn and spring. Each semester includes at least 13 full weeks of teaching and 3 weeks of examinations.
The University Senate authorises Schools and Departments to set the exact start and end dates of their semesters according to their individual needs.
Autumn Semester
The autumn semester begins in the last week of September, and, in any event, no later than 1 October. It ends around 20 January, followed by the autumn-semester examination period.
Spring Semester
The spring semester begins after the autumn-semester examination period, normally around mid-February. It ends in late May, followed by the spring-semester examination period.
Classes and examinations are not normally held in July and August. Schools and Departments may adjust their teaching schedules during this period where circumstances require.
In September, resit examinations are held for courses taught during the academic year. These are open to students who failed or did not take the examinations held earlier in the year.
Closed Days and Public Holidays
28 October (National Day)
17 November (Anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic Uprising)
24 December to 6 January inclusive: Christmas and New Year holidays
21 February (Commemoration of the 1973 Law School student uprising against the Dictatorship; no classes or examinations. University services operate normally)
Clean Monday (Moveable public holiday)
25 March (National Day)
Monday of Holy Week to Thomas Sunday inclusive: Easter holidays
1 May (May Day)
3 May (Anniversary of the University’s founding)
Whit Monday (Moveable public holiday)
No classes are held on the day of the student elections or the following day.
