The Education Ministry expects more than five new applications from foreign universities seeking to establish branches in the country for the 2026-2027 academic year, Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki announced during a television interview.

The applications, due by February 28, include both institutions that didn’t apply during last year’s inaugural application period and those whose previous submissions were rejected by the National Authority for Higher Education.

“Foreign universities are observing how the new law is being implemented and examining infrastructure and substantive issues, expressing optimism about the momentum developing,” Zacharaki said. She added that this development creates opportunities for young people to study in Greece at institutions with strict standards and encourages Greek professors who worked abroad during the crisis to return.

Among new applicants, the American College of Greece-Deree plans to submit an application aiming to begin operations in 2026 in partnership with an American educational institution. The European University of Cyprus is also expected to apply, along with three British universities currently in discussions.

Several universities rejected last year plan to resubmit applications addressing the authority’s concerns. These include British universities East London, Queen Margaret, London Metropolitan, Derby, West London, Essex, and Greater Manchester, along with France’s Paris 13-Sorbonne Paris Nord, all partnering with Greek colleges.

Four foreign universities received approval last year and currently operate in Greece: the University of Nicosia, the University of York partnering with City College Thessaloniki, Keele University with Metropolitan College, and Open University with Anatolia College Thessaloniki.

Zacharaki also announced plans for a nine-month national dialogue on university entrance examinations and the education system, aimed at ending high school’s role as merely an “exam anteroom.” Any resulting changes would apply to current seventh-grade students.

Source: Ekathimerini.com