📋 Tender Overview
05-03-26 4 new foreign universities have submitted applications for the license to operate a branch in Greece -Sofia Zaharaki: Greece is not only a destination for studies but is developing into an important hub of knowledge research and innovation
Four (4) new applications from university institutions abroad were submitted to the Ministry of Education Religion & Sports within the relevant deadline that ended on 28/02/2026 for the issuance of a license to establish and operate a branch in Ellada in the form of University Education Legal Entities (N.P.E.E.) with the aim of starting their operation in the academic year 2026-2027.
With these new applications the interest of the international academic community for a presence in our country is further strengthened in the context of the new institutional environment formed for the operation of non-state non-profit branches of foreign universities.
The four (4) parent institutions that submitted complete files in accordance with Law 5094/2024 are as follows:
1) Georgetown University
2) Iowa State University of Science and Technology
3) European University Cyprus
4) Roger Williams University
With reference to Georgetown University - which plans to offer two postgraduate programs in Greece - it is pointed out that three of its schools are in the first 20 positions of international school rankings.
Also one (1) application was submitted by the University of Sunderland for the opening of a branch in the academic year for2027-2028.
At the same time within the relevant deadline the following five (5) parent institutions requested a re-evaluation of the initial application for the issuance of a permit to establish and operate a PNPE:
1) University of Essex
2) Universite Sorbonne Paris Nord
3) London Metropolitan University
4) University of Derby
5) The University of West London
The applications will be forwarded directly to the National Authority for Higher Education (ETH.A.A.E.) which is responsible for evaluating the installation and operating conditionsfor the annexes as well as for the certification of their study programs. At the same time the files will be forwarded to the National Organization for the Certification of Qualifications and Professional Orientation (E.O.P.E.P.E.P.) which will examine the building conditions of the annexes under establishment.
The criteria that will be applied by ETH.A.A.E. and the E.O.P.E.P.E.P. are strictly defined based on the institutional framework. It is clarified that the application does not constitute licensing. The start timeof the annexes will depend on the completion time of the processing of the files by ETHA. and the E.O.P.E.P.E.P. as well as by the degree of merit of the applications.
In the context of the process the total number and characteristics of the applications will be taken into account in relation to the strategy for strengthening the extroversion of higher education the internationalization of Greek universities and the complementary operation of N.P.P.E. to the public university system.
YMinister of Education Religious Affairs and Sports Sofia Zaharakis stated:
Greece is steadily strengthening the extroversion of higher education and its position on the international academic map. The four new applications for the establishment of branches from universities of international prestige reflect on the one hand the increased interest of the academic community for a presence in our country but also their confidence in the new legal framework and the institutional environment thus expanding the reliable study options for theyoung people. The presence of leading institutions such as the American Georgetown University confirms that Greece is not only a study destination but is developing into a hub of knowledge research and innovation in the wider region. Each application is examined with strict and completely transparent quality criteria in the context of a process that guarantees academic competence and institutional credibility. The public university remains the pillar of excellence and the heart of our academiccommunity. We are strengthening regular funding making historically high funding for student care and making significant investments in catering housing infrastructure equipment and research alongside a statutory framework that protects institutions and their members. Our goal is a dynamic and open academic ecosystem where Greek and international institutions operate in a complementary manner. More options for our young men and women. Stronger international presence for the country.Progress is a central Government choice and in this direction we continue with consistency and determination.
The Deputy Minister of Education Religion & Sports responsible for Higher Education Prof. Nikos Papaioannou said:
The submission of applications from four new highly prestigious parent universities with schools of one in the first 20 positions of international rankings proves the importance of the reform brought by the Mitsotakis government for Higher Education. ORmomentum that is developing confirms that the reform for the NPPE is gaining a substantial footprint. It is not a theoretical institutional prediction but a real change with an international impact.
Greece is gradually establishing itself as a reliable and attractive academic destination with a clear framework transparency strict evaluation and respect for the quality of studies. Our goal is to expand the options for students retain scientific potential in the country and strengthen the international positionof Greek higher education.
We are moving forward consistently in the implementation of a reform that strengthens the academic ecosystem of the country and creates new perspectives for the next generations.
