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Eurydice

EACEA National Policies Platform:Eurydice
Types of higher education institutions
Greece

Greece

7.Higher education

7.1Types of higher education institutions

Last update: 20 March 2025

In accordance with the Greek Constitution, higher education in Greece is public, that is, free of charge and provided by  Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)(l. 4957/2022). HEIs are legal entities under public law, fully self-governed and include Universities, Polytechnic Schools, the Higher School of Fine Arts and the Higher School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPETE).

 The Departments of Applied Sciences and Technology of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) may organize first-cycle orientation programmes in applied sciences and technology. The aim is development of skills in applied sciences and technologies, of problem solving in practical issues and the development of systematic methodologies of vocational orientation. First-cycle study programmes in applied sciences and technology, exceptionally, may have a duration of seven (7) academic semesters instead of 8 and educational activities correspond to a minimum of two hundred and ten (210) credit units under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). In the present study programmes, it is foreseen that students are required to take up internship or work-based learning for a total duration of six (6) calendar months, which corresponds to thirty (30) credits (ECTS). The successful completion of these study programmes leads to the awarding of a level six (6) degree, in alignment with both the National and European Qualifications Framework.
The admission of students is based on their performance in the national pan-hellenic exams at the end of grade C of lykeio (upper secondary school).

 For admission to higher education institutions the following criteria (l. 4777/2021), by order of priority, are taken into consideration:

  1. The Minimum Admission requirements of each department, faculty.
  2. The total sum of marks gained in the 4 lessons being examined in the pan-hellenic exams at each scientific field.

Pursuant l. 5094/2024 the licensing of the establishment and operation of branches of foreign parent institutions in Greece in the form of University Legal Entities (ULE) has been regulated in a manner consistent with the constitutional objectives of higher education. ULE are special purpose legal entities with non-profit status, with the exclusive purpose of providing higher education services which award higher education degrees equivalent to the corresponding degrees conferred by Greek public universities. The ULE are associated with higher education institutions, which are located and recognised in other European Union member states or in third countries, and are licensed after the application of a specific evaluation process by the competent bodies of the country’s relevant authorities in their respective countries. Moreover, the ULE provide first, second and third cycle programmes of study, as well as short term and lifelong learning programmes, and may develop educational and research activities both in Greece and abroad to promote education, research, technology and culture.

The ULE are under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, in cooperation with the National Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) and the National Organisation for the Accreditation of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP) with regard to their organisation, operation and mission within the context of the constitutional objectives of higher education, with respect to academic freedom and freedom of teaching and research.

The Military Education Institutions (ASEI) are equivalent to those of the university sector.  They offer equivalent higher education and degrees (l. 3187/2003).

Merchant Naval Academies (AEN) are state institutes of higher education under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy. Since 2005-2006, AEN are equivalent to TEIs.
Last, the state offers vocational and other specialised training in institutions of higher learning.  The duration of studies does not exceed 3 years.  The following fall under this category: