ATHENS, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Greece has opened its higher education system to private institutions for the first time, with four foreign university branches set to operate from the academic year beginning this September.
According to the declaration of the Ministry of Education on Friday, two universities will be based in Athens and two in Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city.
The Greek official news agency AMNA reported that these institutions include the American University of Anatolia, CITY (affiliated with the University of York), the University of Keele, Greece, and UNIC Athens (affiliated with the University of Nicosia).
The ministry said the licenses were granted under strict criteria covering academic quality, staffing, and infrastructure.
"This is a historic step for the benefit of younger generations," Education Minister Sophia Zacharaki said, noting that the reform would expand study options and strengthen Greece's role as a regional education hub.
For decades, private higher education was banned under the Greek constitution. However, the parliament changed course in 2024 by passing a law allowing non-state, non-profit universities to operate under close supervision.
The reform has sparked protests from students and critics, but the government insists it will help curb the brain drain and align Greek education with international standards. ■
