In Greece, universities are constitutionally recognized institutions with the authority to award degrees. All universities in Greece are publicly owned and funded, and they have the legal authorization to confer bachelor’s degrees (level 6) in accordance with the Bologna Process and the Hellenic Qualification Framework. It is against the law for non-public institutions to award Greek university degrees.
Higher education institutions (HEIs) in Greece offer undergraduate programs that are government-funded and tuition-free. Some postgraduate programs are also tuition-free, with eligibility based on individual criteria. The Hellenic Qualification Framework (HQF) defines education qualifications and is linked to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Greece is a member of the Bologna Process, and its higher education aligns with European Union standards, offering programs in a three-cycle system: bachelor’s degree (EQF level 6), master’s degree (EQF level 7), and doctoral degree (EQF level 8). Universities can grant bachelor’s, master’s, integrated master’s, and doctoral degrees. Undergraduate programs typically last four years and result in a bachelor’s degree (240 ECTS). Technical universities, also known as polytechnics, offer integrated master’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Some disciplines have five-year undergraduate programs leading to integrated master’s degrees.
Medical schools in Greece require six years of study to earn a bachelor’s degree. In addition to academic degrees, state licenses are often required to practice certain professions in Greece, and some professions have further licensing requirements. Professional degrees and specific exams may be needed to obtain state practice credentials, and the use of professional titles is legally regulated.
Private colleges
Private colleges are not considered universities or recognized as Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by the Greek government. They are affiliated with Post-secondary Education Centers and are considered non-formal education bodies. The Greek Constitution mandates that university-level education must be provided by fully self-governed public law legal bodies, prohibiting private companies from offering post-secondary education at Level 6 and higher.
However, private colleges can collaborate with foreign universities to offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These collaborations are monitored by the Ministry of Education and confirmed by Parliament. The Panhellenic Association of Recognized Colleges represents recognized private colleges in Greece, which are all for-profit institutions.
Most private colleges in Greece offer programs through franchise or validation agreements with foreign universities, primarily in the UK. These programs lead to degrees awarded directly by the partner universities and are subject to monitoring by various educational authorities, including QAA and NARIC for British universities. Recognition of degrees, diplomas, and certificates obtained from accredited private colleges in Greece is professionally equivalent to titles from the formal Greek education system. Professional equivalence is granted by the Independent Department of Implementation of European Legislation of the Ministry of Education.
Foreign higher education qualifications are recognized by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center. The Hellenic Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency for Higher Education (HAHE) keeps the state and HEIs informed about international developments and issues in higher education. The internal and external evaluation of HEIs is conducted by the Quality Assurance Unit and the External Evaluation Committee, respectively.
List of Universities and Technical Universities
Rankings
| University | QS World |
|---|---|
| Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | 651–700 |
| National Technical University of Athens | 422 |
| University of Patras | 801–1000 |
| National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | 601-650 |
| University of Crete | 591-600 |
| Athens University of Economics and Business | 1001–1200 |
| University | T.H.E. (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings |
| University of Crete | 401–500 |
| National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | 401–500 |
| Harokopio University of Athens | 501–600 |
| University of the Aegean | 801–1000 |
| Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | 801–1000 |
| Athens University of Economics and Business | 801–1000 |
| University of Ioannina | 801–1000 |
| National Technical University of Athens | 801–1000 |
| University of Thessaly | 801–1000 |
| University of Patras | 1001–1200 |
| Technical University of Crete | 1001–1200 |
| Democritus University of Thrace | 1201–1500 |
| International Hellenic University | 1201–1500 |
| University of Western Macedonia | 1201–1500 |
| Hellenic Open University | 1501+ |
| University of West Attica | 1501+ |
Greece also offers lifelong learning primarily through various institutions, including Second Chance Schools (SDE), Vocational Training Institutes (IEK), Vocational Training Schools (ESK and EPAS of OAED), Lifelong Learning Centers (KDVM), and colleges. Non-formal education can lead to certifications recognised at national level. Lifelong learning is mainly provided at:
- Scholeia defteris efkairias (second chance schools – SDE)-https://www.inedivim.gr/en/programmes-actions/second-chance-schools
- Institouta epangelmatikis katartisis (vocational training institutes – IEK)
- Epangelmatikes Scoles Katartisis and Epangelmatikes scholes Mathitias OAED (vocational training schools, ESK and vocational training apprentiship schools, EPAS of OAED )- https://www.dypa.gov.gr/en/epaghghelmatiki-ekpaidefsi
- Kentra dia viou mathisis (lifelong learning centres, KDVM)-https://www.inedivim.gr/en/node/8272