University of Nicosia Becomes First Foreign University Licensed to Operate in Greece
Greece Approves Six Foreign University Branches as Part of Higher Education Reform
The University of Nicosia has become one of the first foreign universities to receive an official license to operate in Greece.
The National Authority for Higher Education evaluated 12 applications from international universities seeking to open branches in Greece, approving only six. Among these, the University of Nicosia is the sole institution granted permission to operate autonomously, without the requirement of a partnership with an existing Greek college.
Alongside the University of Nicosia, five other foreign universities secured approval through collaborations with local institutions:
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University of York – Partnering with City College Thessaloniki
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Keele University – Partnering with Metropolitan College
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Open University (UK) – Partnering with Anatolia College Thessaloniki
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London Metropolitan University – Partnering with City Unity College Athens
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University of Derby – Partnering with Mediterranean College
The remaining six applicants—including the Universities of East London, Queen Margaret, West London, Essex, Paris 13 (Sorbonne Paris Nord), and Greater Manchester (formerly Bolton)—were rejected in the first round. One institution withdrew its application at the last moment. Several of the rejected universities have criticized what they describe as “excessive requirements” and may appeal the decisions or reapply next year.
