# University of Patras academic and demographic shifts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-patras-academic-and-demographic-shifts > Updated: 2026-10-24T15:05:54.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 4. Research from the University of Patras indicates a decade of changing student demographics in Greece. A study covering 2017 to 2026 shows a decline in total student enrollment that began around 2020, influenced by the 2021 implementation of the Minimum Admission Base (EBE). While total admission positions dropped from over 7,000 in 2019–2020 to 5,417 in 2026, the student profile has shifted toward Health Sciences and away from Humanities and Social Sciences. The study also noted a decrease in candidates scoring below 10,000 points, falling from 33.1% to 7.5%. In October 2026, the university officially launched its first English-language undergraduate medical program. The six-year, 360 ECTS program integrates biomedical sciences with clinical training, utilizing the University of Patras Medical Department, the University General Hospital of Patras, and the Patras University Health Center. The inaugural cohort consists of approximately 50 students selected from 168 applicants representing 23 countries. The launch event included a symbolic ‘White Coat Ceremony’ and was attended by Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki and University Rector Professor Christos I. Bouras. Minister Zacharaki noted the initiative is part of a strategy to internationalize Greek public universities, while Rector Bouras called the launch a “decisive moment” for the institution. However, the launch was marked by tension as student associations held protests outside the university conference center. Demonstrators clashed with riot police while demanding increased housing allowances, new cafeterias, facility renovations, and free public transportation. Protesters also expressed concerns regarding the high cost of tuition, set at 12,000 euros per year. In response to welfare concerns, Rector Bouras outlined a roadmap to address deteriorating facilities and improve housing oversight, including an audit of dormitory occupancy to ensure resources reach eligible students. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: University of Patras Rector prioritizes student welfare and housing University of Patras Rector Christos Bouras is implementing a roadmap to upgrade student housing, renovate aging infrastructure, and audit dormitory occupancy to ensure resources reach eligible students. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-patras-rector-prioritizes-student-welfare-and-housing ### 2026-10-05: University of Patras launches first English-language medical program The University of Patras launched its first English-language medical program with 50 international students, amid protests from student unions over tuition costs and living expenses. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-patras-launches-first-english-language-medical-program ### 2026-09-30: University of Patras launches English-language medical program The University of Patras is launching an English-language medical program, welcoming its first cohort of approximately 50 international students from 23 countries in October 2026. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-patras-launches-english-language-medical-program ### 2026-09-28: University of Patras study shows decade of shifting student demographics A study from the University of Patras shows a significant decline in student enrollment from 2017 to 2026, driven largely by the 2021 implementation of the Minimum Admission Base. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-patras-study-shows-decade-of-shifting-student-demographics --- Cite as: University of Patras academic and demographic shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-patras-academic-and-demographic-shifts