National Technical University of Athens

NTUA was established by Royal Decree in 1837, a few years after Greece gained its independence. It was then named the "Royal School of Arts", a part-time vocational school (Sundays and Holidays only) with the purpose of training craftsmen, builders and master craftsmen.

The educational curriculum at NTUA is divided into independent academic semesters, each one equivalent to 30 credit units. The courses taught in the different Schools last one semester. Studies in all Schools last ten (five fall and five spring) semesters. The tenth semester is devoted to the Diploma Thesis. Each semester covers in average 30 credit units and lasts 18 weeks; 13 weeks are devoted exclusively to teaching, 2 for the Christmas or Easter break, and the last 3 of each semester for final examinations in that semester’s courses. In the fall semester, the week after the final exams is given over to vacations or special educational purposes.

NTUA’s equal and interrelated priorities are education and scientific research. The research programmes that are undertaken at the Institution are subject to established academic standards and are funded by NTUA’s own resources, by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) and other public bodies, by the European Union or by private sector companies in Greece and other countries.

In exchange for the services and facilities provided (which include premises, equipment and infrastructure), NTUA withholds approximately 15% of the research programmes budget and By decision of the Senate, these amounts.

NTUA holds a prominent place in the international academic community as a distinguished state university which promotes science and technology. This place is also due to the postgraduate degrees which it awards. They are of a high standard and enjoy international prestige.The main aims of the NTUA’s postgraduate studies are to maintain and strengthen quality, to enhance international recognition of the degrees granted and to pursue cohesion between education, research advancement and scientific depth.