Another major initiative to strengthen the University of Ioannina and improve the everyday experience of thousands of students, members of the academic community and employees is being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports.
Following a decision by Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Sofia Zacharaki, €3.5 million in funding is being activated for an extensive maintenance and infrastructure-support program at the University of Ioannina.
The new €3.5 million initiative is the first activation of the total €7 million in funding earmarked for the University of Ioannina under the Ministry’s 2026–2030 Sectoral Development Program. It forms part of a major €115.85 million nationwide intervention for university infrastructure. Particular emphasis has been placed on regional universities, which will receive approximately €70 million.
The decision reflects a clear policy priority: strong public universities in the regions, with modern infrastructure, adequate resources and genuine opportunities for development.
From elevators and fire protection to landscaping and electromechanical installations
The €3.5 million funding will cover critical interventions directly related to the safe and efficient operation of university facilities.
Among other things, it provides for the maintenance and operation of the electromechanical installations at the University’s Main Ioannina Campus and at the former TEI of Epirus facilities; maintenance, repair and certification of elevators; and work on plumbing systems, air-conditioning installations, medium-voltage substations and high-current systems, lightning protection and fire protection.
Funding will also cover maintenance of green spaces and outdoor areas, rainwater drainage networks and irrigation systems, as well as technical work involving painting and insulation.
The project also includes the Arta campus in Kostakioi, where part of the irrigation network will be repaired, giving the funding a clear regional dimension.
Steady support – €1 million in 2025, €7 million under the new program
The new funding adds to a continuing series of initiatives aimed at upgrading the University of Ioannina’s infrastructure.
In July 2025, following ministerial decisions, €1 million had already been approved for work on five main buildings at the Main Campus. The interventions included, among other things, repairs to deterioration, structural reinforcement, waterproofing repairs, replacement of gutters, drainage works and electromechanical work.
14.45% more regular funding in one year
Support for the University of Ioannina is also reflected in its annual state funding.
For 2026, the university is receiving a total of €7,289,700, an increase of €920,415.80 compared with 2025, or 14.45%. This is one of the largest percentage increases among Greece’s public universities and places the University of Ioannina second among the universities in this respect.
At the same time, 17 new teaching and research positions have been allocated to the University of Ioannina for 2026, strengthening its staff, teaching and research activities.
Dedicated resources for student support
Support for the University of Ioannina also covers students’ everyday needs. For 2026, annual funding of €3,344,110 is provided for student meals.
In addition, through a special Ministry decision, the University of Ioannina received €4,896,000 to pay housing allowances to eligible students.
Under the Ministry’s 2021–2025 Sectoral Development Program, a separate project has also been included for improving, modernizing and upgrading the student residences and Student Club, with a current budget of €3,068,896.98.
The student residence managed by INEDIVIM has also been included, at the Ministry’s initiative, in the planning of the Social Climate Fund for the renovation and energy upgrading of existing student residences.
Investment in research, excellence and international outreach
Support for the institution extends beyond its buildings.
Through the NSRF 2021–2027, more than €13.4 million is being directed to the University of Ioannina for internships, psychosocial and student support, equal access for students with disabilities, improving the quality of studies and teaching, and supporting young researchers and scientists.
Nearly €7 million for the Excellence Strategy
A particularly important part of the overall plan is the project “Strengthening Excellence Initiatives at the University of Ioannina,” with a total budget of €6,954,900.
Of this amount, €5,610,000 comes from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, while €1,344,900 covers VAT through national resources. Payments totaling €6,259,410 have already been made for implementation of the project.
The funding strengthens the university’s research and educational infrastructure, innovation and its ability to develop modern academic and research initiatives.
International academic partnerships worth €2.93 million
The University of Ioannina is expanding its international presence through six approved joint and dual master’s programs, with a combined budget of €2,930,019.24, supported by the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Funding totaling €906,625.01 has already been activated for three of these programs. Among them is the dual master’s program “One Health Education for Global Sustainability,” with a total budget of €514,250, implemented in cooperation with George Mason University in the United States.
The university’s international presence is further strengthened through two significant partnerships: with the University of Münster in Germany, focusing on Byzantine Studies through artificial intelligence and immersive technologies; and with Klaipėda University in Lithuania, focusing on the use of artificial intelligence in learning through digital media and electronic games.
Three additional international partnerships have also been approved with Monash University, Imperial College London and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, with a combined budget of €2,023,394.23.
Together, these six partnerships create new academic and research opportunities, bring the University of Ioannina closer to major institutions abroad, and strengthen its position on the international academic map.
Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Sofia Zacharaki said:
“For us, strengthening the public university is measured in practice: in classrooms, laboratories, student residences and the infrastructure used every day by students, professors and employees.
With the new €3.5 million in funding for the University of Ioannina, we are turning available resources into concrete interventions for safety, functionality and the quality of everyday university life. From electromechanical installations and fire protection to elevators, green spaces and outdoor areas, we are investing in the elements that make up a modern academic environment.
The University of Ioannina is one of the country’s strong regional universities, with significant research activity, international partnerships and a decisive contribution to Epirus. Strengthening it is simultaneously an investment in young people and an investment in the region.
That is why we are moving forward consistently: increased regular funding, a new €7 million infrastructure program, new teaching and research positions, and resources for student support, research and international outreach. We want a university that gives our children more opportunities and gives Epirus greater ability to retain and attract young people, knowledge and creativity.
Strong regional universities are a development choice for the entire country. And we are supporting that choice through projects, funding and a consistent presence alongside the academic community.”
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