The deadline for submitting applications to the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs & Sports for the issuance of operating licenses for foreign university branches in Greece ended on Monday, March 31. These institutions will operate as branches of Legal Entities of University Education (L.E.U.E.), in accordance with Law 5094/2024.

The applications will now be forwarded to the National Authority for Higher Education (N.A.H.E.), which is responsible for evaluating the conditions for establishing and operating foreign university branches, as well as for accrediting their study programs. Simultaneously, the applications will be reviewed by the National Organization for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (E.O.P.P.E.P.), which will assess the building infrastructure requirements. The criteria used by both N.A.H.E. and E.O.P.P.E.P. are strictly defined by the regulatory framework. It should be noted that submitting an application does not equate to receiving approval.

The timeline for the universities’ operations will depend on the time required to process the applications by N.A.H.E. and E.O.P.P.E.P., as well as the completeness of each application.

This initiative represents a landmark reform by the Mitsotakis government. As the Prime Minister himself has emphasized, this is an achievement with multiple benefits: for students, their families, the Greek economy, and Greece as a whole.

Which Foreign Universities Have Applied?

Twelve (12) applications have been submitted by foreign universities to establish branches for the 2025-26 academic year. Additionally, one (1) application has been submitted for a branch to begin operations in the 2026-27 academic year.

The universities that have applied are:

1. The Open University
2. The University of York
3. University of Greater Manchester
4. Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
5. University of Derby
6. The University of West London
7. University of Essex
8. University of Nicosia
9. London Metropolitan University
10. Queen Margaret University
11. The University of Keele
12. University of East London

The university that has applied for the 2026-27 academic year is Sunderland University. The process remains open for additional universities to apply.

Minister of Education, Religious Affairs & Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, commented:
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Greek higher education. The application process for foreign university branches in Greece has been completed. Twelve plus one universities from abroad have formally expressed their interest in establishing branches in our country. Greece is implementing a historic reform—one that provides new opportunities for Greek students, transforms the country into an educational hub for thousands of international students, and offers an avenue for talented Greek academics and researchers working abroad to return. This reform turns Greece from an educational ‘exception’ into a knowledge and innovation hub for Southeastern Europe. It is about unlocking creativity, opening up to the world, and investing in the future of our youth.

The next phase will involve the evaluation of all applications by the National Authority for Higher Education, based on strict, internationally recognized quality criteria that ensure academic freedom. The government remains the guarantor of quality, transparency, and equal opportunities. At the same time, Greece’s public universities will also benefit, as they have already been strengthened through significant reforms and will continue to receive further support. I sincerely thank everyone who worked with dedication to reach this milestone.”

Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs & Sports, responsible for Higher Education, Nikos Papaioannou, stated:
“The completion of the application process for the establishment and operation of foreign university branches in Greece, under the framework of Legal Entities of University Education, marks another significant step toward upgrading and internationalizing higher education. The legislative reform introduced by Law 5094/2024 sets the framework for the establishment of non-profit foreign university branches, offering new academic choices for students and positioning Greece as a global educational hub. The strong interest from leading foreign universities confirms that Greece is becoming a key player in the international academic community.”