The Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) has welcomed the first cohort of students to its new, innovative, and fully English-taught undergraduate program in International Business and Technology, marking a new chapter in the internationalization of Greek higher education.
The official welcome ceremony took place in the presence of AUEB Rector Professor Vassilis Vasdekis, who greeted students from across the globe — from Germany and the USA to Vietnam, China, and South Africa.
This four-year program, the result of a university-wide collaboration among all departments, blends business administration, economics, and information technology, while placing strong emphasis on leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
Students can choose between two specializations:
- Management, Leadership & Strategy
- Technology & Analytics
The final semester includes a mandatory internship in companies or organizations, ensuring a direct link to the job market.
“They chose us for the University’s reputation—and for Greece”
Associate Professor of Business Administration and Program Director, Dimitris Manolopoulos, describes the new program as “the first English-taught undergraduate degree offered by AUEB,” and emphasizes that interest from abroad “exceeded all expectations.”
“We used various methods to promote the program,” he explains. “We reached out to international high schools in multiple countries, ensuring English proficiency as a basic requirement. We sent emails, held open days, and received support from Study in Greece.”
Applicants were evaluated based on their school performance, interview results, and excellent command of English.
“We received about 200 applications, many from the Balkans and Cyprus,” he says. “In the end, we selected 25 students from 18 countries across 4 continents. We wanted to create a multicultural environment, without depending on any single nationality.
They chose us for the reputation of the university, for Greece—a safe country that always attracts international students— and because we offer a highly competitive curriculum by international standards.”
Manolopoulos points out that AUEB ranks among the top 150–200 universities worldwide in Business & Management, confirming its global standing and academic competitiveness.
“Students understand that AUEB can serve as a springboard for their future careers. Of course, parents were concerned—about accommodation, safety, their children living abroad for the first time. Many of these students are just 18 and traveling alone for the first time.
We supported them at every stage—from visas and insurance to airport transfers.”
With tuition fees set at €6,000 per year—“significantly lower than similar programs abroad, which can cost up to €20,000 annually”—the program offers an affordable option for international students.
“A celebration of internationalization for AUEB”
Nancy Pouloudi, Vice Rector for International Cooperation and Development, called the launch “a celebration and the culmination of efforts that began under previous university administrations.”
“Today we welcome students from all over the world,” she notes. “Starting with 25 students is an achievement, especially given the limited time we had to promote the program after its accreditation.
It is an interdepartmental effort—with outstanding faculty, many of whom are experienced in teaching in English through Erasmus and postgraduate programs.”
She highlights that this initiative is a long-standing vision that her team was fortunate to implement.
“Many people contributed to making this a reality, led by Mr. Dimitris Manolopoulos, who has poured his heart and soul into the program.” Additionally, students are required to take Greek language courses. “We want students to experience not just academic knowledge, but also the culture of the country hosting them.”
“Greece is wonderful—I want to explore it”
Mai from Vietnam, one of the program’s first students, shared her excitement: “Greece is a wonderful country, very different from mine. I want to explore it and gain unique experiences,” she says with a smile.
“It’s my first time traveling abroad. My parents are excited and supportive—they understand that I will gain not just knowledge, but also life experience.
My dream is to help our family business, which sells traditional Vietnamese food.”
“Greece is safe and welcoming”
Milad from Ethiopia explains why she chose Athens as her study destination:
“I looked at many universities, and chose Greece because it’s a safe country for international students. The people are friendly, the environment is pleasant, and the climate is similar to ours.”
“My family supports me a lot—they love Greece. I want to work in international business, and if I enjoy it here, I’ll stay for my master’s degree as well. I also want to learn Greek.”
A Bold Step Toward Internationalization
The new English-taught undergraduate program at AUEB represents a strategic move toward the internationalization of Greek public universities, attracting young people from around the world to the heart of Athens. With high-caliber faculty, cutting-edge courses in fields such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and entrepreneurial innovation, and a strong intercultural experience, the program aims to establish Greece as a competitive international study destination.
As Vice Rector Pouloudi concludes: “Now that we’re actively promoting the program abroad, we hope that next year will bring even more interest. This is just the beginning.”
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
