The AUA is an autonomous state university. It is responsible to the Ministry of Culture, Education and Religion, which acts as overseer and provides financial support. It operates within the framework of Article 16 of the present Constitution and the laws that govern higher education within the country (Laws 4115, 4009, 4076, 4115).

The institutional Framework of the AUA is based on respect for  democratic institutions and the adoption of academic ethics.  The decision-making procedures of all the bodies of the University are characterized by transparency and aim at meritocracy and justice for all members of the academic community.

Recognizing the need for the systematic collection and recording of objective qualitative and quantitative indexes, in 2008 the AUA first implemented an assessment system for the academic year 2007-2008 according to the institutional framework of the country (Law 3374/2005) and continues to implement it each academic year.