Greece approves seven foreign private university campuses for 2026‑27

The Greek Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports issued seven decisions granting installation and operation licences to non‑state private universities for the 2026‑27 academic year. The authorised institutions are Georgetown University, Iowa State University of Science and Technology (to be based in Thessaloniki), Roger Williams University, the European University of Cyprus, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, the University of Essex and the University of Derby. Six campuses will open in Athens and one in Thessaloniki.

The licensing process required positive opinions from the National Authority for Higher Education and the National Organisation for Certification of Skills and Professional Orientation, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also consulted for the foreign‑based institutions. Education minister Sofia Zacharaki called the move a "historic reform – a compass for a new direction in Greek higher education" intended to turn Greece into a regional educational hub, attract top‑ranked foreign universities, strengthen research and innovation, and expand opportunities for Greek students. The reform is presented as complementary to the public university system, which will receive increased funding and infrastructure support.