Greek 2026 University Admissions Show Surplus Seats and Low Entry Scores

The 2026 university admission round in Greece revealed a stark contrast between highly competitive pedagogy programmes and a surplus of university places. The Pedagogic Department of Primary Education at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens recorded the highest entry score at 15,950 marks, while the lowest score among all pedagogy and preschool programmes was 9,850 marks at the University of the Aegean on Rhodes. All available pedagogy seats were filled, unlike many other faculties where demand is lower.

At the same time, the state allocated 68,788 spots in public universities for 2026, yet only 65,594 children were born in 2025. This results in more than two university places for every newborn, projecting roughly 30,200 prospective students for the 2043 admission cycle. The 2026 higher‑education budget is about €1.46 billion, with €778 million earmarked for staff salaries and compensation.