Greece opens higher education to private institutions

Greece will allow private higher education for the first time, with four foreign university branches set to begin teaching from September in Athens and Thessaloniki.

According to the state-run news agency AMNA, the list includes the American University of Anatolia, CITY College (affiliated with the University of York), the University of Keele, Greece, and UNIC Athens, linked to the University of Nicosia.

Education Minister Sophia Zacharaki described the move as “a historic step for the benefit of younger generations”, stressing that the reform would broaden study options and enhance Greece’s standing as a regional education hub.

The ministry said licences were granted under strict conditions, including academic standards, staff qualifications, and infrastructure requirements.

For decades, Greece’s constitution prohibited private higher education. That position shifted in 2024 when parliament passed legislation to allow non-state, non-profit universities to operate under close oversight.

The reform has provoked strong criticism from student groups and unions, who argue that it undermines public education. However, the government maintains the change will help reduce the country’s long-standing brain drain, attract international students, and bring Greek higher education closer to global norms.

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