Introduction

The National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), fully aware of its historic role as the first technological university in the country and its continuous contribution to national development through the high-level education of its graduates, the generation of new knowledge, the promotion of innovation, social engagement, and cultural activities, has established and implements an Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS), which is reviewed annually and updated at least every five (5) years. The aims are: a) to maintain its long-standing tradition of providing high-quality education, b) to strengthen its position as a center of excellence in a highly competitive national and international landscape, c) to produce high-level graduates equipped with modern knowledge and the capacity to meet the demands of the times, and d) to ensure and continually improve the quality of its research output.

The implementation of the Quality Policy at NTUA, as set out in the Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS), is a strategic choice and a commitment of the Institution to cultivate a culture of quality and excellence across all its fields of activity. It is fully aligned with the national legislative framework for Higher Education, the standards of the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE), the internal decisions of the University’s governing bodies, and the principles and guidelines of the European Higher Education Area (ESG 2015).
Through the implementation of the Quality Policy, NTUA aims to achieve continuous improvement with measurable results in all areas of activity, including: 1)education and research, 2) the quality and efficiency of services and administrative procedures, 3) the working and living conditions of staff and students, and 4) outreach and international recognition.

Alignment with the Institution's Strategy

NTUA’s Quality Policy is closely linked to the Institution’s overall Strategy and aims to systematically monitor its implementation and provide feedback on strategic goals. The implementation of the IQAS and related quality indicators supports the continuous evaluation and improvement of the Institution's performance across all strategic pillars: High-level education aligned with international standards and contemporary trends, Excellence in basic and applied research with global impact, Engagement with society and promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship, International presence and outreach, Sustainable development and environmental awareness, Good and effective governance.

Core Principles and Objectives

The NTUA Quality Policy is based on the following principles:

• Continuous improvement of the quality of academic programs, research, and institutional services.
• Participation of all members of the Polytechnic community (academic staff, researchers, administrative and technical personnel, students) in quality assurance processes and promotion of an inclusive and fully accessible university environment.
• Transparency, accountability, and service excellence in decision-making and dissemination of results.
• Feedback from students, alumni, and external stakeholders.
• Compliance with national and European regulatory frameworks, international standards, and best practices in higher education.

The main objectives of the NTUA Quality Policy are:

a) the ongoing reform and improvement of academic programs based on national needs and international trends,
b) the improvement of indicators related to undergraduate and postgraduate studies,
c) the enhancement of research performance and its integration with education,
d) the improvement of organizational structures and resolution of administrative issues,
e) the strengthening of the Career Services Office and support services for students and alumni,
f) the encouragement and support of outreach activities of the Schools,
g) the implementation of measures to reinforce environmental responsibility, such as carbon footprint reduction, energy upgrades, and development of green infrastructure (https://sustainability.ntua.gr).

Implementation Principles

For the effective implementation of the IQAS, all members of the academic community acknowledge that: a) achieving excellence across all areas of activity involves both individual and collective responsibility, b) every member (faculty, researchers, administrative and technical staff, students), unit (academic or administrative), and body (Administration, QA Unit, IET) has a distinct role and responsibility for implementing actions assigned to them as described in the IQAS, and c) the implementation of the IQAS is an ongoing improvement process that requires collaboration and collective involvement of all stakeholders.

Roles and Responsibilities of QA Unit – IET – Schools and Services

The NTUA Quality Assurance Unit (QAU) is responsible for the coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of the Institution’s IQAS. Internal Evaluation Teams (IETs) of each School collaborate with the QAU, collect data, and compile annual quality reports on study programs and other academic activities. The Schools and administrative services actively participate in quality assurance processes by submitting data, proposals, and improvement plans. The continuous collaboration of all stakeholders ensures timely, reliable, and objective evaluation of both academic and administrative functions.

Quality Indicators and Evaluation (KPIs)

The QAU collects and analyzes quality indicators annually, covering all fields of activity at NTUA, such as graduation rates, student performance metrics, international rankings, participation in competitive research programs, number of publications and patents, and satisfaction ratings of students, staff, alumni, and external stakeholders. These indicators are used to monitor progress, identify best practices, and design improvement actions.

NTUA’s Quality Policy incorporates Digital Transformation at all levels of institutional operation, leveraging digital tools, metadata platforms, and modern information management systems. The collection and analysis of data support continuous quality improvement, transparency, immediate stakeholder information, and reduction of administrative burden.

Monitoring and Review of the Quality Policy
NTUA’s Quality Policy is publicly posted on the QAU website, evaluated, and revised as needed, taking into account the Institution’s Strategic Plan, internal and external evaluation reports, guidelines from HAHE, decisions of governance bodies related to quality assurance, and suggestions from IETs and Schools. This process ensures the Policy remains current, effective, and aligned with the Institution’s strategic development.

Institutional Commitment
NTUA is committed to ensuring that, with the active participation of all members of the Polytechnic Community, its Quality Policy serves as a central tool, regularly reviewed and continuously adapted to meet evolving scientific, technological, and socio-economic conditions, as well as the national and European regulatory framework for Higher Education. This contributes to enhancing the Institution’s competitiveness at national, regional, and international levels.