At a Glance
- 308,605 students removed from official rolls
- Active student population now just over 350,000
- 35,000 students applied for reenrollment in 2025
- Why it matters: Greece’s education ministry ends a decades-long practice, halving the official student count and reshaping university planning.
Greek authorities announced on Friday that more than 300,000 inactive university students have been purged from the official rolls, cutting the country’s student population by nearly half. The move ends a practice that had allowed extended enrollment for lifelong learning and long breaks for work.
The Reform and Its Rationale
The Education Ministry said that 308,605 students admitted to state-run universities’ four-year degree programs before 2017 were removed. Minister Sofia Zacharaki explained that student status is not valid for life in any modern European university, adding that degrees should reflect effort, skills and passion.
Sofia Zacharaki stated:
> “Student status is not valid for life in any modern European university.
> We want degrees with value, which reflect effort, skills and passion.”
Reenrollment and Academic Impact
About 35,000 people successfully applied for reenrollment in 2025. Deputy Education Minister Nikos Papaioannou said updated lists allow universities to plan more precisely, improving academic quality, daily operations and international ranking criteria.
Nikos Papaioannou said:
> “With updated student lists, universities gain the ability to plan more precisely.
> That is a prerequisite for improving academic quality, daily operations and the criteria used to evaluate Greek universities in international rankings.”
Student Numbers Before and After
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Official student population | 658,605 | 350,000 |
The active student population now stands at just over 350,000, studying at 25 public higher education institutions, according to 2024 data from the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education.
Key Takeaways
- 308,605 dormant students removed, halving the official roll.
- 35,000 reenrolled in 2025, showing continued demand.
- Universities can now plan better, improving quality and rankings.
With the purge complete, Greek universities can focus on quality and planning, while the reform signals a shift toward more accountable higher-education standards.
