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.
