12,268 students at risk of expulsion from Democritus University of Thrace
A total of 12,268 students at Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) face potential expulsion by August 31, 2025, for exceeding the legal study duration set by the Kerameos Law.
What the Law States
The Kerameos Law, passed in 2022, enforces a maximum study period:
📌 4-year programs: Maximum 6 years
📌 5-year programs: Maximum 8 years
If students fail to complete their studies within this timeframe, their university department’s administrative board issues an official expulsion order.
Who Is Affected?
🔹 9,877 students admitted before 2014
🔹 2,369 students admitted in the last decade who have exceeded the study period by more than two years
Exceptions to the Law
The law allows exceptions for students facing:
- Serious health issues (personal or immediate family)
- Part-time study status (for working students, students with disabilities, or athletes)
Additionally, students who have not yet exceeded the limit can suspend their studies for up to 2 years without being expelled.
University Rectors' Opposition
Greek university rectors are calling for case-by-case evaluations rather than a blanket expulsion policy. At the December 2024 Rector’s Conference in Mystras, they urged Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis to reconsider the law, especially for students close to graduation.
As of now, the Greek Ministry of Education has not indicated any policy changes. However, amendments may still be introduced before the August 2025 deadline.
