Thirteen foreign universities have applied to establish branches in Greece, with 12 targeting the 2025-2026 academic year and one for 2026-2027, the Education, Religion & Sports Ministry said on Tuesday.
The institutions seeking to open branches in Greece include:
1. The Open University
2. The University of York
3. University of Greater Manchester
4. Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
5. University of Derby
6. The University of West London
7. University of Essex
8. University of Nicosia
9. London Metropolitan University
10. Queen Margaret University
11. The University of Keele
12. University of East London
Sunderland University has applied to launch operations in the 2026-2027 academic year, while applications for that period remain open to other institutions.
The deadline for submissions for the upcoming academic year was March 31. Under Law 5094/2024, applicants are required to obtain a license to establish and operate as Legal Entities of University-Level Education.
Education, Religion & Sports Minister Sophia Zacharaki described the initiative as “a historic reform” and “a new chapter for Greek higher education,” saying it would expand opportunities for students and position Greece as an educational hub in southeastern Europe.
“The reform will create new choices for Greek students, attract thousands of foreign students, and encourage the return of distinguished Greek scientists working abroad,” Zacharaki said. “It transforms Greece from an outlier in global education into a center of knowledge and innovation.”
She added that the state would ensure “quality, transparency, and equal opportunity” while also expressing confidence that Greek public universities would benefit from the changes.
The applications will be reviewed by the National Higher Education Authority, which will assess whether institutions meet the requirements to establish and operate branches. A separate body will evaluate the physical infrastructure of the proposed campuses, with approval required from both organizations.
