Piraeus University of Applied Sciences (Technological Education Institute of Piraeus) is an independent and self governed Institute of higher education. The operation of the Institute is based on the Greek laws 4009/2011, 4076/2012, 3549/2007, 2916/2001. The degrees offered are recognized by the Greek state and EU and are fully evaluated. The studies in the Departments of Piraeus University of Applied Sciences (Technological Education Institute of Piraeus) for the first level degrees are lasting four years typically and are equivalent to 240 ECTS, according to the Bologna Process Guidelines. After graduation, the new scientists may continue their studies in the second level (MSc) programs that last one to two years weighted 90-120 ECTS. Then, a third level course is possible for PhD studies in collaboration with several Universities in Greece or in European region.