If we think of the Academy as a collection of courses, rather than a 20th-21st century university, then the time it takes to complete the minimum or the chosen courses could vary greatly.
A genius would be able to complete 10 courses in a month, while an average student could take a whole year for that.
Perhaps the time taken, along with the choice of courses and the grade in each would reflect on the position the attendee is given upon graduation. Those who take too long end up in DamCon teams, for example.