Greece Licenses First Four Foreign University Branches Under New Law

The Greek Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports has announced the first four licenses for the establishment and operation of non-state universities in Greece, marking a milestone in the country’s higher education system.

Starting in the academic year 2025–2026, the following institutions will operate under the legal form of a Legal Entity of University Education (N.P.P.E.)

1. The Open University (Thessaloniki)

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

School of Business Administration

School of Technology and Sciences

2. The University of York (Thessaloniki)

School of Law and Humanities

School of Business Administration

School of Sciences

3. The University of Keele (Athens)

School of Law

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

School of Medicine and Health Sciences

4. The University of Nicosia (Athens)

School of Medicine

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

School of Business Administration

School of Sciences and Engineering

School of Life and Health Sciences

School of Law

According to the Ministry, the applications underwent rigorous evaluation by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (ETH.A.A.E.), with a focus on quality assurance, the implementation of the academic procedures of the parent institution, the adequacy of staffing in academic and administrative/technical personnel, the completeness of the infrastructure and logistical equipment, the suitability of their organizational structure and the adequacy of their support service. The National Organization for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (E.O.P.P.E.P.) also reviewed the technical and building specifications of the facilities. For institutions based outside the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also provided input during the review process.

The decision follows the passage of Law 5094/2024, “Strengthening the Public University – Framework for the Operation of Non-profit Branches of Foreign Universities”, earlier this year. The law set the framework for foreign universities to establish branches in Greece as non-profit entities, under state supervision and licensing procedures.

The government argues that the presence of foreign university annexes will expand educational opportunities in Greece in a manner compatible with the social mission of higher   education, will provide Greek students with more choices and attract international students. Officials also emphasize that support for public universities remains a top priority, with commitments to increased funding, infrastructure projects, and student services.

While the reform has sparked debate, the approval of these first four institutions signals the beginning of a new era in Greek higher education. With the licensing stage completed, the process now moves to program certification. The Hellenic Authority for Higher Education will evaluate and certify the study programs of each institution, ensuring that academic offerings meet national and international standards.