The University of Nicosia is among 13 foreign universities that have officially applied to establish branch campuses in Greece, following the enactment of the country's new legal framework for non-state higher education institutions.

According to Greece’s Ministry of Education, 12 universities aim to begin operations in the 2025–26 academic year, while one more has applied to open in 2026–27. This initiative is made possible under Law 5094/2024, which allows non-profit branches of foreign universities to operate legally in Greece for the first time.

Alongside the University of Nicosia, the list of applicants includes several leading universities from the UK and France:

• The Open University

• The University of York

• University of Greater Manchester

• Université Sorbonne Paris Nord

• University of Derby

• The University of West London

• University of Essex

• London Metropolitan University

• Queen Margaret University

• The University of Keele

• University of East London

• University of Sunderland (for 2026–27)

The University of Nicosia, based in Cyprus and already a recognized academic presence in the region, now seeks to expand its footprint in Greek higher education, pending approval from national authorities.

All applications will undergo a rigorous evaluation process. The Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) will assess the academic quality of proposed programs, while EOPPEP, the national certification agency, will examine infrastructure and building compliance.

The timeline for each university to begin operations will depend on the outcome and speed of the application review process, as well as the completeness of submitted documentation.