University of Patras’ New English-Taught Medical Program Attracts 168 Applications from 23 Countries

The new English-taught undergraduate Medicine program at the University of Patras has attracted strong international interest even before welcoming its first students, receiving 168 applications from 23 countries.

According to the Ministry of Education, the response is an early indication that Greece’s strategy to internationalise higher education is already producing measurable results, strengthening the global presence and international profile of the country’s public universities.

Applications have been submitted by prospective students from Cyprus, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Norway, India, Pakistan, Iran, Jordan, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon, Palestine, Turkey and Kosovo.

The broad geographical reach highlights the international appeal of Greek medical education and the country’s public university system.

The new programme is scheduled to begin on September 29, 2026, with approximately 50 international students expected to make up its first cohort.

The progress of the new programme, as well as the University of Patras’ broader development plans, were discussed during a meeting between Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Minister Sofia Zacharaki and the university’s rector, Professor Christos Bouras.

Three New International Master’s Programmes

As part of its internationalisation strategy, the Ministry of Education is funding the creation of three new joint international postgraduate programmes at the University of Patras through Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Fund, in cooperation with leading universities abroad.

Minister Sofia Zacharaki described the 168 applications from 23 countries as “strong confirmation of the quality and international appeal of Greece’s public university system.” She said the figures demonstrate that investment in quality, internationalisation and global partnerships can attract students from around the world.

She stressed that the state is continuing to support the university’s internationalisation efforts through investment in infrastructure, student services, research and academic staff, including increased funding, new faculty positions and the creation of three international postgraduate programmes through the Recovery and Resilience Fund.

“Greece can develop into a strong international hub for knowledge, research and higher education. That is the goal we are working towards every day,” the minister said.

New Heraklion International Airport to Welcome First Flights in November 2028

The new Heraklion International Airport in Kastelli, Pediada, is expected to be ready to welcome its first aircraft arrivals and departures in November 2028. The timeline was reaffirmed on Friday, August 7, during a visit to the construction site attended by Infrastructure Minister Christos Dimas and Deputy Minister Nikos Taahias, where a key contract for the airport’s operational systems was signed.

The €75 million contract, signed between Spanish company Intra and the management of the new airport, covers the installation of air navigation and communications systems. Installation work is set to begin immediately and will progress alongside construction of the terminal building, control tower, and runways.

The new airport is being developed in response to growing congestion at Heraklion’s existing “Nikos Kazantzakis” Airport. Passenger traffic increased by 5% in July compared with the same period last year, reaching approximately 1.8 million passengers, putting the existing infrastructure under increasing pressure.

The new airport is expected to significantly expand Crete’s aviation capacity and provide the infrastructure needed to meet the island’s growing demand for international and domestic air travel.