Private universities: Two out of three law schools “rejected”

Two out of three law schools of private universities have been officially “rejected” by the National Authority for Higher Education (ΕΘΑΕΕ).

Οn Friday, it was announced that the National Authority for Higher Education accredited only the law program of the University of Nicosia.

The “rejected” universities (Keele University and York University) will now need to reapply for accreditation for the 2026-2027 academic year.

This development sparks a significant debate (which is already taking place in the public sphere) regarding the Pierraκakis Law, which established private universities in the country despite the constitutional prohibition.

It also opens up a conversation about the real relationship between the foreign parent universities and their branches in Greece.

It is also worth noting that on February 6th, a case will be heard at the Council of State regarding the appeal filed by Panagiotis Lazaratos, a professor of Administrative Law at the Athens Law School. The Greek professor seeks the revocation of the licenses of the three law schools that applied for accreditation.

Meanwhile, in recent days, an appeal was filed at the Council of State against the operating license of Anatolia American University, this time by the Panhellenic Union of Recognized Colleges.

According to the appeal, the operating license should be revoked since, at the time of submission and even now, it does not include the accreditation files of the programs from the parent institution and foreign accreditation bodies, contrary to the requirements of Article 145, paragraphs 1 and 2, and Article 138, paragraph 3, subparagraph (b) of Law 5094/2024.

Since early November, the Athens Prosecution Office has been investigating the authorization process of the private university Anatolia College, following a criminal complaint. Witnesses are being called to determine if any criminal offenses have occurred under Articles 13, 26, 27, 254, and 259 of the Penal Code.