York granted licence to open Europe campus in Greece

Posted on Wednesday 3 September 2025

The new venture is an expansion of the partnership between the University and CITY College, based in Thessaloniki, which began admitting students in 2021, allowing York to award degrees across a range of subject areas including English Studies, Psychology, Business Administration and Economics, and Computer Science. 

Now known as the University of York Europe Campus, CITY U.L.E., it is set to be the highest ranked international university operating a campus in Greece, based on the Times Higher Education university rankings.

The campus has been made possible by recent changes in Greek legislation, which supports the establishment of global university branches as university legal entities (ULE).

Athens 'hub'

As part of its strategic expansion as a ULE, the Europe branch campus will also establish a hub for Computer Science studies in Athens, incorporating new facilities specifically designed for technology-driven education.

The new legal status formally recognises the ability to confer higher education degrees that are academically equivalent to those of Greek state universities, a crucial benefit for graduates as they develop career plans or if they choose to pursue further studies. 

As a recognised university legal entity, it also means York’s Europe Campus will be more formally integrated into the region’s higher education landscape, facilitating more collaborations with other universities, attracting more funding and involvement in national research programs.

New avenues

Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor at the University of York, said: “We welcome the Greek government’s decision, which gives students unparalleled access to a world-class degree, and which helps position this region as an international destination for education.

“In a region rich in history, talent and opportunity, this new legal entity not only formalises our strong presence in Europe, but also opens up exciting new avenues for academic collaboration, research impact and a vibrant academic ecosystem.”

York’s Europe Campus offers students the opportunity to study for a top class British degree in their region. Based in Thessaloniki and Athens, it delivers academic programmes in seven countries across Southeast Europe and the Caucasus.

Social purpose

Attracting students from more than 60 countries, it is also developing its curriculum to prepare students for success. For example, for the first time, its Department of Law in Thessaloniki will also offer a unique curriculum that combines Greek with Common law, designed exclusively for Greek students. Running with a portfolio of undergraduate courses, York’s Europe Campus will also offer postgraduate and doctoral programmes from 2026. 

Professor Tracy Lightfoot, Academic Provost of the University of York Europe Campus, added: “We are a pioneering UK higher education institution, building a very special presence in Greece, providing an excellent, impactful education with dynamic research collaborations. 

“Across Business, Psychology, Computer Science, Humanities and Law, we’ll give students an unrivalled experience of a UK degree - based on the quality and values of a University with a social purpose - with students shaping a meaningful future for themselves and society. We are looking forward to exploring even more opportunities as we attract the very best talent to our wonderful Europe campus.” 

The new licence in Greece follows York’s recent announcement to set up a new campus in Mumbai, set to welcome students in 2026. University of York Mumbai will initially offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in computer science with AI and cyber security, business, economics and creative industries.