The Greek government plans to institutionalize non-state universities via transnational agreements, which has piqued the interest of a private equity fund with a strong presence in the international higher education sector and a Spanish university.
A Cypriot institute of higher education has already announced its plans to invest in private Greek higher education, causing turmoil in the market for Greek private colleges operating as branches of European universities as the industry believes it will be “strangled” by competition.
The National Authority for Higher Education will play a key role in the licensing of the proposals submitted, assessing whether each proposal for a non-state university meets the academic conditions, as well as the financial conditions, for the viability of the institution.
Image by Dimitris Vetsikas
Many issues are still under development, but the government plans to present the relevant bill around the end of 2023 or early 2024.
The selection of students for foreign universities will be based on the system followed by the parent university and not on national examinations, as is the case in public Greek universities. The same will happen with the selection of lecturers, as well as the percentage of lecturers holding doctoral degrees.
Each file will have to include a specific plan for the development of facilities and infrastructure, “to avoid universities in a rented apartment building.” The National Authority for Higher Education will assess the plan for the development of facilities and infrastructure to ensure the viability of the institution.
The moves by foreign institutes of higher education and funds have caused turmoil in the market for Greek private colleges operating as branches of European universities as the industry believes it will be “strangled” by competition. However, crucial issues such as how students of foreign universities will be selected and what evaluation process will be used to recruit lecturers remain to be clarified.
The government plans to institutionalize non-state universities via transnational agreements, which will facilitate the “circumvention” of Article 16 of the Constitution, which prohibits non-state institutes of higher education. The legal basis of the political decision is Article 28 of the Constitution.
The institutionalization of non-state higher education has the potential to increase competition, attract investors, and provide students with more options for private higher education. However, the government must ensure that the academic and financial conditions for the viability of the institution are met, and that the development of facilities and infrastructure is adequate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Advantages of Attending a Private University
Private universities offer several advantages to students, including smaller class sizes, more individualized attention from faculty, and access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Private universities also tend to have more rigorous academic programs and a wider range of extracurricular activities.
Cost of Private Universities
Private universities are generally more expensive than public universities, but they often offer more generous financial aid packages to help offset the cost. It is important for students to research and compare the cost of attending different universities before making a decision.
Financial Aid for Private University Students
Private universities offer a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Students should consult with the university’s financial aid office to determine what options are available to them and how to apply for them.
Differences in Academic Programs
Private universities often have more specialized academic programs than public universities. They may also offer more opportunities for research and hands-on learning experiences. Students should research the academic programs of different universities to find the best fit for their interests and career goals.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio at Private Universities
Private universities generally have a lower student-to-faculty ratio than public universities, which means that students have more opportunities to interact with faculty and receive individualized attention. This can lead to a more personalized and engaging learning experience.
Career Opportunities for Private University Graduates
Private universities often have strong connections with employers and offer robust career services to help students prepare for the job market. Graduates of private universities may have access to a wider range of job opportunities and higher starting salaries than graduates of public universities.
