Six private (non-state) universities have been granted approval to operate in Greece starting from the next academic year, 2025–2026, following a recommendation by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) to the Ministry of Education, according to Kathimerini.

At the same time, five applications were rejected, and one was withdrawn, as reported.

According to HAHE’s evaluation report, the following applications received the green light:

• University of Nicosia, which has established facilities in Greece for its branch campus and does not currently collaborate with any Greek private educational institution or college.
• University of York, which collaborates in Greece with City College in Thessaloniki.
• Keele University, in cooperation with Metropolitan College.
• The Open University (UK), in partnership with Anatolia College in Thessaloniki.
• London Metropolitan University, working with City Unity College in Athens.
• University of Derby, collaborating with Mediterranean College.

Not included in the approved list are the following institutions:

• University of East London and Queen Margaret University (UK), both of which planned to collaborate with Metropolitan College.
• University of West London, which was to collaborate with BCA College.
• University of Essex, expected to collaborate with Aegean College.
• Paris 13 – Sorbonne Paris Nord (France), which planned a partnership with Institution d’Études Francophones (IdEF).
• University of Greater Manchester (formerly University of Bolton), in partnership with New York College.

Regarding the one application that was withdrawn at the last minute, Kathimerini reports that there was an issue with the UK institution’s certification by British authorities.

It is worth noting that universities whose applications were rejected are allowed to address the shortcomings identified by HAHE and reapply, potentially to begin operations in the 2026–2027 academic year or later.

As emphasized by HAHE officials, the evaluation process was particularly strict to ensure compliance with the quality standards established under the Pierrakakis law. The next phase—evaluation of study programs—is expected to be announced in early September.