Higher Education Systems - Greece

Higher education in Greece is public and provided by higher education institutions (HEI), which are Legal Entities under Public Law. HEIs are subject to state supervision which is carried out by the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs and are financed by the government.

According to the Framework Law (2007), higher education consists of two parallel sectors: the University sector (Universities, Polytechnics, Fine Arts Schools, the Open University) and the Technological sector (Technological Education Institutions (TEI) and the School of Pedagogic and Technological Education). The same law regulates issues concerning governance of higher education along the general lines of increased participation, greater transparency, accountability and increased autonomy.

Studies leading to a first cycle degree in Greek Universities last at least four years for most scientific sectors while they last five years at Polytechnics, other applied sciences and certain Art Departments and six years for Medical School. Each academic year comprises two semesters and every semester includes thirteen weeks of teaching. Obtaining a University diploma/certificate requires the attendance of a study program which includes courses corresponding to a minimum of 60 ECTS credits per academic year.

Entrance to the various Schools of the Universities (Panepistimio) and Technological Education Institutions (Technologiko Ekpaideftiko Idryma - TEI) depends on the general score obtained by Lyceum graduates, on the results of state examinations, on the number of available places and on the candidates' ranked preferences among schools and sections.

Students who successfully complete their studies in Universities and TEIs are awarded a first cycle degree, which is called Ptychio. Recent legislation on quality assurance in Higher Education, the Credit Transfer System and the Diploma Supplement defines the framework and criteria for evaluation of university departments and for certification of student degrees. These measures aim at promoting student mobility and contributing to the creation of a European Higher Education Area.

Ptychio leads to employment or further study at the post-graduate level that includes the second cycle leading to the second degree, which is called Metaptychiako Diploma Eidikefsis - equivalent to a Master's degree - and the third cycle leading to the Doctoral degree, which is called Didaktoriko Diploma. A program leading to a Master’s degree includes courses corresponding to a minimum of 60 ECTS credits. A Doctoral study program includes courses corresponding to at least 30 ECTS credits, as well as a dissertation preparation with a public defence which must be approved by a seven-member committee of experts. Some of the committee members can be affiliated with foreign universities.