Μake us preferred on Google The University of Patras is strengthening its international profile after attracting significant global interest in its new English-language undergraduate medical program, while also securing €14 million in funding to upgrade its facilities and expand its academic offerings.
According to the Greek Ministry of Education, the university’s new medical degree has already received 168 applications from prospective students in 23 countries, even before welcoming its first class. The program is scheduled to begin on September 29, 2026, and is expected to enroll around 50 international students in its inaugural year.
Applications have been submitted from Cyprus, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Norway, India, Pakistan, Iran, Jordan, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon, Palestine, Turkey, and Kosovo, highlighting the growing international appeal of Greece’s public universities.
The program’s progress and the university’s broader development strategy were discussed during a meeting between Greek Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Minister Sofia Zacharaki and University of Patras Rector Professor Christos Bouras.
The ministry said the strong response reflects the success of its strategy to internationalize higher education, improve infrastructure, and enhance academic quality.
Three New International Master’s Degrees
Through Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Fund, the Ministry of Education is financing three new joint international master’s programs at the University of Patras in partnership with foreign universities:
- Digital Governance in Education, in collaboration with the University of Nicosia.
- Literary Citizenship and the Public Sphere, in collaboration with Sapienza University of Rome.
- Sustainable Energy Technologies, in collaboration with the University of Delaware.
€14 Million for Campus Upgrades
The university will receive a total of €14 million for infrastructure improvements during 2025–2026.
In 2025, €4 million was allocated through Greece’s Public Investment Program to upgrade student dining facilities and dormitories, as well as fund repairs and new equipment.
An additional €10 million has been approved through the 2026–2030 Sectoral Development Program under Greece’s National Development Program for maintenance, repairs, and operational upgrades across the university’s facilities.
For 2026, the university’s regular state funding amounts to €9,786,876, while 36 new faculty positions are also planned.
Minister Highlights International Ambitions
Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki said the 168 applications from 23 countries demonstrate both the quality and growing international reputation of Greece’s public university system.
She said the figures show that universities investing in academic quality, international outreach, and global partnerships can attract students from around the world.
Zacharaki added that the government intends to continue supporting the University of Patras through increased funding, infrastructure investment, new faculty positions, and financing for the three new joint international master’s programs.
“The Greece can develop into a strong international hub for knowledge, research and higher education,” she said. “That is the goal we are working toward every day.”
