Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Minister Sofia Zacharaki on Thursday spoke about the interest that has already been expressed by foreign universities in establishing non-state universities in Greece.

As the minister noted in an interview on SKAI television, by February 28 – according to the relevant ministerial decisions – new applications from foreign universities will be submitted. “ There is already interest and, based on the picture I have today, I estimate that there will be more than five new applications,” she pointed out, stressing that “ foreign universities are observing how the new law is being implemented and are examining issues of infrastructure and substance, expressing optimism about the momentum that is developing.”

Zacharaki expressed the view that this development creates prospects both for young people and for Greek professors who worked abroad during the period of the crisis. “ It is very important that we have finally managed, here in our country as well, to give our children this opportunity. At the same time, however, it also opens up prospects for the return of professors who had to leave during the crisis in order to work abroad – for a position to open up so they may come back. And for young people to stay here and study at institutions that operate under strict standards and terms,” the minister said.