Study in Greece (SiG) is on a growth trajectory, aiming to attract international students to Greek universities.

At the heart of efforts to internationalize Greek higher education and foster the outward orientation of universities is the national organization Study in Greece (SiG).

The idea for the creation of SiG began in 2015 when Professor Christos Michalakelis voluntarily took the initiative. In 2020, this initiative was formalized under the auspices of Harokopio University, supported by ESPA funding. However, the real breakthrough came in 2023, when 24 Greek universities signed the establishment of the Study in Greece organization, acknowledging the need for a unified and coordinated internationalization body.

Since then, as the official internationalization body of Greek Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), SiG has become a core element of the national education strategy, with the ultimate goal of securing a prominent position for Greece on the global academic map. Notably, Study in Greece (SiG) operates under the auspices of four Greek ministries: the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Tourism, while also enjoying the broader support of the Greek state.

“The internationalization of Greek universities is no longer limited to research collaborations and Erasmus programs. It is a multidimensional process that includes the creation of international study programs, the attraction of foreign students, and the strategic promotion of Greece as an educational destination,” explains Dr. Theodoros Papaiwannou, Director of Academic Relations at Study in Greece.

Regarding the significance of university internationalization, it is emphasized that beyond enhancing the prestige of Greek universities, attracting international students offers multiple benefits to the Greek economy, society, and diplomacy. However, this requires a well-structured plan. According to Dr. Papaiwannou, “SiG is not just a private initiative or a fragmented effort, but a comprehensive strategy based on international standards. The goal is for Greece to become a hub for international studies, with programs that meet the demands of the global market.”

The Work of Study in Greece

One of SiG’s primary priorities has been the development of a high-level digital ecosystem, comprising a series of digital platforms that support the internationalization of higher education in Greece, facilitate networking, and strengthen collaboration between Greek and international universities, faculty members, and researchers.

The digital gateway for those interested in studying in Greece includes all Greek universities, their study programs—both Greek and English-taught—along with platforms for applications, scholarships, and housing, among others. Through this digital presence, Greek universities acquire a unified identity and are promoted on an international level.

Regarding the organization’s global presence, it is worth mentioning that SiG participates in leading international education fairs, such as NAFSA (National Association of Foreign Student Affairs – Association of International Educators) and EAIE (European Association of International Education), centrally representing Greece’s HEIs. In 2024, for the first time, representatives of nine Greek public universities participated in NAFSA, while twelve attended EAIE.

A key strategic focus is the Balkans. “As part of our information sessions aimed at attracting students, SiG will organize a roadshow in early May in Albania and Skopje,” Dr. Papaiwannou states, clarifying that Greek universities are coordinating their efforts to ensure the success of this event.

Strategic Collaborations

In the framework of international and strategic partnerships, SiG invests in maintaining existing collaborations:

• US-Greece Pharos
• UK-Greece Strategic Partnership in Education (SPE)
• China-Greece Educational Exchanges

At the same time, it is paving the way for new collaborations, including:

• Unitalia (Italy)
• IFG (France)
• DAAD (Germany)
• India
• Taiwan

Additionally, SiG organizes information sessions, events, tours, and presentations in cooperation with Greek diplomatic missions, embassies, and consulates abroad, as well as with foreign diplomatic delegations in Greece. It designs and coordinates global campaigns to promote Greek universities internationally.

Beyond these, Study in Greece is continuously expanding its international network of partner universities and educational or cultural organizations, by establishing new agreements and memoranda of cooperation.

Advisory Services and Networking

To shape effective internationalization strategies, SiG provides advisory services to universities. Through specialized webinars and analyses, it guides institutions in the development and promotion of international programs in targeted markets. It monitors global trends in academic disciplines and student mobility, conducting focused marketing efforts to promote programs and attract students.

A significant step forward is the establishment of “welcome offices” in universities, which will support international students from the moment they arrive.

It is also worth noting that universities engaging in internationalization efforts have the incentive of additional funding, subject to evaluation.

As Dr. Papaiwannou emphasizes, “Internationalization is a science in itself—it requires research, knowledge of global market trends, demand in various academic disciplines, market analysis, and expert insights.”

However, the internationalization of universities is not a new concept—Greek universities have always been engaged in research, collaboration with foreign professors, and Erasmus programs. “Study in Greece is not here to ‘impose’ internationalization,” he clarifies, adding that “Internationalization is now being done in a structured and strategic way to attract foreign students to Greece. Our priority is to make Greece a global education hub. The truth is that internationalization was not originally in the DNA of our institutions—now universities are gradually developing an internationalization strategy in line with global standards. For example, next year, the University of Western Macedonia will offer four undergraduate programs in English, taking advantage of the new law that allows universities to create tuition-based foreign-language undergraduate programs.”

Greek Culture as a “Passport” to Internationalization

Among SiG’s objectives is the promotion of Greek history and culture. To this end, it organizes short-term courses that combine academic studies with cultural experiences, giving international participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in Greek history and civilization.

SiG also serves as a point of reference for Greeks of the diaspora, providing information about study opportunities and educational activities in Greece, helping them reconnect with their Greek heritage.

Challenges and Prospects

The path to internationalization is far from easy for Greek universities, as they face significant challenges. A longstanding request has been increased administrative staffing, as underfunding has led to chronic understaffing, while there is also a lack of experience in managing international applications and programs. Moreover, the development of English-taught programs remains difficult, as it requires specialized personnel and significant structural adjustments within universities.

For SiG to operate smoothly and sustainably, permanent and stable funding is essential. This would secure the organization’s viability and enhance universities’ capacity to attract international students.

“It is worth noting that funding will, among other things, allow universities to participate in Greece’s national booth at international exhibitions free of charge,” Dr. Papaiwannou highlights.

With approximately 160,000 annual visitors to SiG’s website, 3,000–4,000 of whom request further information, it is clear that Greece’s international visibility is already yielding positive results. However, to establish Greece as a premier international education destination, continued investment in infrastructure and internationalization services is required.