Greece has approved seven new licences for the establishment and operation of non-state universities, allowing them to begin offering higher education programmes from the 2026–27 academic year.
The Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports announced that the approved parent institutions are Georgetown University, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Roger Williams University, European University Cyprus, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, University of Essex, and University of Derby.
The ministry signed seven licensing decisions, covering four new applications and three successful re-evaluations, following positive assessments by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (ETHAAE) and the National Organisation for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP). For universities based outside the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also provided the required opinion.
Six of the approved institutions will operate in Athens, while Iowa State University of Science and Technology will establish its campus in Thessaloniki.
Minister: Reform marks a new era for higher education
Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki described the approvals as further proof that Greece’s higher education reform is progressing steadily.
She said the rigorous evaluation process, high academic standards and strict quality requirements demonstrated that the legislation is being implemented consistently, without exceptions.
Zacharaki added that the government aims to transform Greece into a regional education hub that attracts leading international universities, strengthens research, innovation and international collaboration, and offers Greek students more educational opportunities.
She also stressed that the expansion of non-state universities would not come at the expense of public universities, noting that the government continues to increase funding, improve student welfare, build new accommodation, modernise infrastructure and expand research partnerships across the public higher education sector.
Deputy Minister: Historic reform reshapes academic landscape
Deputy Education Minister Nikos Papaioannou, who oversees higher education, described the second round of licensing as another milestone in what he called a historic reform.
He said Greece had long remained one of the few countries that prohibited the operation of non-state universities, forcing thousands of students to study abroad and limiting the country’s international academic competitiveness.
Papaioannou said Greece now operates one of Europe’s strictest regulatory frameworks, ensuring that non-profit, non-state universities meet high academic standards through continuous quality assurance, transparency and oversight.
He added that the coexistence of public and non-state universities would strengthen the competitiveness of Greek higher education while creating new opportunities for research, investment and international cooperation.
Programme accreditation is the next step
The Ministry of Education said the licensing process assessed institutional quality assurance systems, implementation of the parent universities’ academic procedures, staffing levels, administrative capacity, infrastructure, organisational structure and student support services.
EOPPEP separately evaluated the technical and building specifications of each campus.
Following the completion of licensing, the approved institutions must now undergo programme accreditation by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education before offering courses.