The government is expected to soon announce the initial batch of successful applications to establish the first recognized non-state universities in Greece, one of the main pledges repeatedly made by the current conservative government and a development that entails a major reform in the east Mediterranean country.

If reports pan out, the first non-profit, non-state universities in Greece, which will operate as subsidiaries of fully recognized foreign tertiary institutions, will begin tentative operation come October, with the issuance of relevant ministerial decisions.

According to media reports over the recent period, four out of the 12 applications submitted have received a “green light”. The same reports cite approvals for the University of Nicosia (Cyprus), and three British institutions: the University of Keele, the University of York and the British Open University. In terms of approved faculties among the four aforementioned universities, reports cite pending accreditation for two medical schools, two law schools, four psychology programs, three IT departments and two for business administration.

Required infrastructure and facilities has reportedly proved to be the biggest “obstacle” in receiving approval and accreditation by the Greek state.