The Greek Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports announced the official licensing of four private universities that will begin operating in Greece beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. This decision, described by Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki as a “historic step for the younger generations of our country,” introduces new academic options for Greek and international students alike.
According to the ministry, all applications were from universities of established international reputation, ensuring that their entry into the Greek academic landscape will enhance quality and diversity.
The four licensed foreign universities in Greece
The following universities have received licenses to establish and operate under the legal framework of University Education Legal Entities (Ν.Π.Π.Ε.):
- The Open University – American College Anatolia, Thessaloniki
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Business Administration
- School of Technology and Sciences
2. The University of York City, Thessaloniki
- School of Law and Humanities
- School of Sciences
- School of Business Administration
3. The University of Keele, Greece, Athens
- School of Law
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences
4. University of Nicosia (UNIC Athens), 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
Rigorous evaluation process
The ministry emphasized that the licensing procedure followed strict quality standards set by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education. The evaluation focused on compliance with the academic practices of the parent institutions, adequacy of academic and administrative staffing, completeness of infrastructure and equipment, organizational structure, and student support services.
Additionally, the National Organization for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance assessed 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.
Next steps
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.
Minister Zacharaki reaffirmed that these developments will strengthen Greece’s higher education system, creating new opportunities for students while aligning the country with global academic trends.
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