The planning phase for new joint postgraduate programs (Joint or Dual Master’s degrees) between Greek public universities and renowned international institutions is well underway. A total of 74 programs have secured funding approval and are being developed to launch in the 2026–2027 academic year.

Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Nikos Papaioannou, told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA):

“This is a major reform that enhances the status of Greek universities on the global map of higher education. It creates new opportunities for our students and academics and positions Greece as a hub for high-level studies in Southeastern Europe.”

Papaioannou emphasized that the announcement of funding approval for these joint postgraduate programs is a clear sign of the government’s commitment to investing in knowledge, outward engagement, and international recognition of Greek higher education.

“With support from the Recovery and Resilience Fund and the National Public Investment Program, we secured nearly €94 million to fund 74 new and innovative programs linking Greek institutions with top universities worldwide — from Yale and Harvard to Columbia and the Sorbonne,” he added.

“Universities of Excellence” Initiative

He noted that this effort, under the project “Universities of Excellence,” confirms that higher education is a strategic priority for Greece:

“We are investing in human capital, showcasing the capabilities of our universities, and creating conditions that not only prevent talent from leaving the country but actually attract it. Internationalizing higher education is not just policy — it’s a vision for a Greece that leads in knowledge and excellence.”

Challenges Ahead

Christos Michalakelis, President of Study in Greece (a public interest company promoting Greek higher education abroad), stated:

“The state’s strategic support for joint postgraduate programs clearly shows the intention to internationalize.”

However, Greek universities face organizational and logistical challenges, including tight timelines and the need to meet funding disbursement criteria from the Recovery Fund.

Out of the €94 million budget, €80 million comes from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and €12 million from the National Public Investment Program (to cover VAT).

Concerns from the Academic Community

Sources from the academic community voiced concerns to AMNA over whether all Greek institutions will manage to:

• Finalize agreements with their international partners in time.
• Complete the program certification process via the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE).

Another key challenge will be the timely promotion of these programs to attract international students. Michalakelis stressed:

“A coordinated effort to promote all English-language undergraduate and postgraduate programs is necessary, especially now that Greek institutions are entering a highly competitive international education landscape.”

Study in Greece offers Greek universities a comprehensive service package to help improve outreach, appeal, and the recruitment of international students.

Example: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) & Yale

One of the programs already in advanced planning is a Dual Master’s between NKUA and Yale University titled “Environmental Science and Global Public Health”.

Nikos Thomaidis, Deputy Chair of NKUA’s Board and academic lead for the program, told AMNA:

• By May 31, 2025, all approved programs must submit a certification file to HAHE.
• To begin in September 2026, application calls should be issued by June 2026.
• However, NKUA is planning earlier promotional activities to attract students in time.

This dual program will admit students simultaneously at both universities in the first year. In the second year, students will study at the partner institution.

There will be scholarships for students admitted in Greece, providing incentives to apply.

NKUA will accept up to 30 students, with a quota of 20 from the EU and 10 from non-EU countries.

Each joint program will have its own guidelines and quotas, particularly distinguishing between European and international students.

Other Notable Collaborations (starting in 2026–27)

• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki & Harvard University: Personalized Medicine in Multifactorial Eye Diseases via Interdisciplinary Approaches
• Democritus University of Thrace & Sorbonne Université: Industrial Catalysis and Sustainable Energy
• Panteion University & Columbia University: Global China
• University of Western Macedonia & Boston University: Craniofacial Engineering
• Agricultural University of Athens & University College London: Nutrition and Sustainability
• Technical University of Crete & ETH Zurich: Sustainable Infrastructure Technology and Innovation for the Future
• University of Thessaly & Columbia University (NY): Humanitarian Action and Inclusive Governance of Public and One Health Challenges
• National Technical University of Athens & Heidelberg University: Cultural Heritage Landscapes and Design
• University of Ioannina & Imperial College London: The Microbiome in Health and Disease

Additional partner universities include:

• King’s College London
• George Mason University
• State University of New York
• University Paris VIII
• York University
• Ludwig-Maximilians University
• Sibelius Academy
• Beijing Language and Culture University
• Cyprus University of Technology

Greek Public Universities & Number of Collaborations

• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – 12
• University of Ioannina – 7
• University of the Aegean – 6
• Democritus University of Thrace – 5
• National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) – 4
• Ionian University – 4
• University of Macedonia – 4
• Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) – 3
• University of Crete – 3
• University of Thessaly – 3
• University of the Peloponnese – 3
• Agricultural University of Athens – 3
• University of Western Macedonia – 3
• Hellenic Mediterranean University – 3
• National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) – 2
• University of Patras – 2
• Harokopio University – 2
• International Hellenic University – 2
• University of Piraeus – 1
• University of West Attica – 1
• Panteion University – 1