Greece is welcoming a wave of international universities after three British institutions — Keele University, University of York, The Open University — and Cyprus’s University of Nicosia received licenses to open fully accredited branch campuses. The approvals come under recent legislative reforms designed to simplify the establishment of fee-charging, non-profit international universities in the country.

The new regulatory framework allows private institutions to award degrees comparable to public universities and sets standards for licensing, operation, and oversight. The initiative is part of Greece’s broader strategy to attract foreign students, retain domestic talent, and expand its higher education ecosystem.

The University of York, in partnership with CITY College, Thessaloniki, has rebranded the campus as University of York Europe Campus, CITY U.L.E., offering programs in English Studies, Psychology, Business Administration, and Economics. The university will also open a Computer Science hub in Athens, featuring technology-driven education, and plans to introduce postgraduate and doctoral programs from 2026. The Department of Law in Thessaloniki will offer a unique curriculum combining Greek and Common Law.

“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,” said Charlie Jeffery, vice-chancellor of the University of York.

Keele University, collaborating with Metropolitan College, will launch its first European campus in Athens in 2025, offering undergraduate programs in Bioengineering, Psychology with Neuroscience, English Language and Literature, and Law, with postgraduate programs like Forensic Science with Policing (Integrated Masters) following in 2026/27. The campus will include state-of-the-art laboratories, innovation hubs, and collaborative learning spaces, reflecting the university’s commitment to global education.

While the Greek government hails the reforms as historic, aiming to attract Greek scientists back home and meet domestic demand, the legislation has faced criticism. Opponents, including Syriza and student groups, argue it favors wealthy students and challenges Article 16 of the Greek Constitution, which prohibits private universities. The country’s highest court upheld the law, dismissing these claims.

Experts see potential benefits for Greece’s higher education internationalisation. Professor Vassilis Papadakis, vice-rector at the Athens University of Economics and Business, said, “If incoming foreign universities bring a new level of internationalisation, the prospects look promising. However, if Greek students simply choose to stay instead of studying abroad, the impact may be less significant.”

The move positions Greece as an emerging hub for global education, with campuses expected to attract students from over 60 countries across Europe, Asia, and beyond.