Private university

Greek high school graduates could soon attend tuition-based, English-language programs at public universities if a proposal by University of Athens Rector Gerasimos Siasos gains traction.

A big bang in the secondary, tertiary and post-secondary education sectors is being pursued by the government.

A few weeks ago Greece passed a law allowing the operation of private, non-profit universities, including allowing foreign private universities to set up branches in the country. The move came despite weeks of demonstrations that included scores of university building occupations by students.

Since I work at a private, not-for-profit university in the USA, one would expect me to be in favor of such institutions for Greece. While I do believe that not-for-profit private higher education is indeed fine, I am not sure if this model will work in Greece.

The government's university reform bill, which paves the way for private universities to set up branches in Greece, is set to be debated and voted on this week in parliament.

The establishment of private universities in Greece should proceed on the basis of a well-defined institutional framework, the country's Council of Rectors said on Friday.

Students and teachers rallied in central Athens on Thursday to protest against the establishment of private universities in Greece.

Despite the rain, protesters gathered at Propylaia and are expected to mark towards the Parliament. 

Student associations are continuing their protests against a government bill allowing the establishment of private universities as of next year, with a new rally scheduled on Monday.

Protesters will gather outside the Education Ministry. A follow-up rally is planned for February 15.

More than 15,000 protesters gathered in central Athens Thursday to oppose plans by Greece's conservative government to allow private universities in the country starting next year.

Greek students enrolling at private branches of foreign universities founded in Greece will be required to go through the local nationwide university entrance exams and meet some minimum requirements in order to be offered a place, Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis said on Wednesday while unveiling draft legislation allowing the establishment of private universities in the country.