Greece announces higher education reform to enable opening of private universities

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – In a historic move, the Greek prime minister announced higher education reforms that would allow for the establishment of private universities in the country, local media reported on Wednesday.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis decided in a Cabinet meeting to introduce the reform bill, which he said will bring a significant change to the country to attract foreign students, public broadcaster ERT reported.

Mitsotakis said private universities would be able to operate as Greek branches of foreign universities, some of which are already seeking to operate in the country.

He added that the approximately 40,000 Greek students who travel abroad for higher education each year would have the option to study in the country.

He also emphasized that the reform would make a significant contribution to the Greek economy.

Greece has 24 accredited public universities as well as a number of private colleges.

Currently, the country's constitution prohibits private institutions from operating as independent universities for postsecondary education.

Colleges generally overcome this constraint by forming collaboration agreements with foreign universities to offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs.