Four universities, Keele, York, the Open University, and Cyprus’s University of Nicosia, have received approval to open fully accredited branch campuses, months after 13 institutions from around Europe applied.
The international campuses being set up across the country have been launched under a new regulatory reform aimed at overseeing the licensing, establishment, and operation of non-profit, fee-charging international universities in Greece. The legislation also makes it easier for private universities to award degrees comparable to those of public institutions.
Institutions like the University of York see the new venture as an expansion of their partnership with CITY College in Thessaloniki, now rebranded as the University of York Europe Campus, CITY U.L.E.
The campus will offer degrees in English Studies, Psychology, Business Administration, and Economics, and will open a new Computer Science hub in Athens with facilities for technology-driven education, according to a university statement.
This new legal entity not only formalises our strong presence in Europe, but also opens up exciting new avenues
Charlie Jeffery, University of York
The university, with bases in Athens and Thessaloniki, aims to attract students from over 60 countries at its new campus.
Moreover, its Department of Law in Thessaloniki will offer a unique curriculum combining Greek and Common Law, primarily for Greek students, while also introducing postgraduate and doctoral programs from 2026 apart from its undergraduate offerings.
“In a region rich in history, talent and opportunity, this new legal entity not only formalises our strong presence in Europe, but also opens up exciting new avenues for academic collaboration, research impact and a vibrant academic ecosystem,” stated Charlie Jeffery, vice-chancellor, University of York.
The Greek campus follows the announcement of a new Mumbai campus in 2026, which will offer programs in AI, Cybersecurity, Business, Economics, and Creative Industries.
Keele University, supported by Metropolitan College, Greece’s largest private education provider, will from 2025 offer a range of programs at a new Athens campus featuring state-of-the-art laboratories, innovation hubs, and collaborative learning spaces.
Undergraduate programs in Bioengineering (Regenerative Medicine), Psychology with Neuroscience, English Language and Literature, and Law will launch in 2025/26, while the postgraduate Forensic Science with Policing (Integrated Masters) will follow in 2026/27.
“We are thrilled to announce Keele University’s first European campus in Athens. This milestone reflects our commitment to delivering world-class education beyond the UK and creating opportunities for students to thrive in a truly global learning environment,” said Kevin Shakesheff, vice-chancellor, Keele University.
“Keele University, Greece will deliver innovative and high-quality education, and an outstanding experience for students in Greece across a range of new programmes.”
Though the Greek government has hailed the new legislation as a “historic reform” that could encourage Greek scientists abroad to return, meet rising domestic demand for higher education, and curb the emigration of young nationals, the law has faced strong opposition from many academics and students.
Critics, including the left-wing party Syriza, argue it favors wealthy students, with “whoever has money being able to study”.
Thousands of students and faculty members have demonstrated outside the Greek parliament in recent months, while the legislation has faced strong opposition in parliamentary debate.
Opponents claim the new legislation circumvents Article 16 of the Greek Constitution, which prohibits the establishment of private universities, an argument rejected by Greece’s highest court, which upheld the law despite backlash from left-wing groups.
While the Greek government maintains that international campuses will cater to domestic demand, academics contend that “bringing a new level of internationalisation” could help Greece develop into a centre of global education, where international students currently make up less than 1% of enrolments.
“If incoming foreign universities bring a new level of internationalisation to Greek higher education, the prospects look promising,” explained Professor Vassilis Papadakis, vice-rector of international cooperation and growth at the Athens University of Economics and Business, as reported by University World News.
“However, if the primary result is that Greek students who would have gone abroad simply choose to stay in Greece, then the outlook is less optimistic.”
