\n<\/p>\n
Greek universities are on the brink of transformation, with the Education Ministry announcing a dramatic increase in the percentage of students admitted via placement exams.<\/p>\n
Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, universities can accept up to 30% of their students through this route, a significant rise from the current 12%.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis reform is about opportunity,\u201d said Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis during a rectors\u2019 summit.<\/p>\n
The policy allows departments to set admission caps within the new range, enabling regional institutions to address challenges like unfilled seats due to stricter entrance requirements.<\/p>\n
The move aims to open paths for second degrees and benefits graduates aiming for interdisciplinary studies or career pivots.<\/p>\n
It gives them the chance to gain new degrees in fields of higher interest or market value.<\/p>\n
Placement exams test knowledge in three department-selected subjects, with exemptions provided for relevant coursework already completed in prior studies.<\/p>\n
Each November, applicants can submit materials, and exams follow in December.<\/p>\n
Successful candidates often join their new programs in their first or third semester, depending on the overlap between their original and new fields of study.<\/p>\n
The adjustment enhances flexibility without compromising academic integrity.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis change expands access and empowers individuals to reimagine their academic and professional trajectories,\u201d said Higher Education Secretary-General Nikos Papaioannou about the initiative, which will also support regional growth.<\/p>\n
More specifically, the reform also targets boosting enrollment in regional universities, many of which face challenges attracting students under current policies.<\/p>\n
Experts expect such institutions to embrace the higher 30% cap. Conversely, high-demand schools in urban areas are likely to maintain stricter limits to manage resources and enrollment pressure.<\/p>\n
Another benefit of the reform is additional improvements in governance, with Pierrakakis committing to reducing bureaucratic delays, including accelerating the lengthy process of faculty hiring and simplifying administrative tasks, such as public procurement.<\/p>\n
He emphasized that these adjustments aim to modernize the higher education landscape in alignment with European transparency standards.<\/p>\n
\u201cEfficiency is key to competitiveness,\u201d Pierrakakis noted.<\/p>\n
As Greece embraces these changes, experts believe they could increase flexibility, support student mobility, and help Greek universities meet evolving needs more effectively.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n