The Minister of Education, Religion, and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, in an interview she gave on ERT radio earlier today, Thursday.
More specifically, regarding student dormitories, Ms. Zacharaki emphasized that the ministry, in collaboration with universities and “by allocating significant resources from various funding instruments,” is implementing a broad program of renovations and upgrades to existing dormitories, while new modern dormitories are being built throughout the country using the PPP model.
“The goal we have set and are implementing is to add an additional 10,000 new beds over the next five years, through the creation of new dormitories and the full utilization of existing infrastructure,” the minister stated, adding: “I firmly believe that the next five years will be years of decisive support and development for student housing, as renovation projects are already underway, and we have secured a very significant amount after six months of hard work with the European Commission through the Social Climate Fund. 220 million euros for tenders to be launched in the coming months. For energy and operational upgrades to an additional 18 student dormitories. At the same time, new dormitories are being developed through PPPs, for example in Crete, Western Macedonia, and Thessaly.”
More specifically, regarding the creation of student dormitories through public-private partnerships, the total number of beds in the dormitories will reach 8,609, and the total budget amounts to 737,500,000 euros.
Specifically:
1. Two new complexes will be built at the University of Crete: in Rethymno, they will accommodate an additional 2,710 students. In Heraklion, they will accommodate 2,136 students
2. Two student housing complexes will also be built at the University of Thessaly: in Volos, they will accommodate an additional 640 students, and in Lamia, 123 students
3. Two complexes will be built at the Democritus University of Thrace: in Alexandroupoli for 350 students and in Komotini for another 350 students
4. Four complexes will be created at the University of Western Macedonia: in Kozani for 350 students, Florina for 150, Kastoria for 150, and Ptolemaida for 100 students
5. University of West Attica: A total of 1,100 students will benefit
6. The renovation of the National Technical University of Athens student dormitory will benefit 450 students.
The Minister of Education reiterated that the government is “strategically investing” in transforming Greece into a regional hub for education through the internationalization of Greek universities , joint and dual master’s programs with leading institutions abroad, and the promotion of the outward-looking nature of universities.
Referring to the recent incidents of violence at universities, Ms. Zacharaki noted that these are “few and isolated,” clarifying, however, that “there is zero tolerance for even a single incident during the year,” and stated that as of July 2025, “the strictest framework to date for sanctions against criminal acts within universities,” and that, at the same time, the implementation of security plans, controlled access, and electronic student ID cards is proceeding.
In view of the Panhellenic Examinations, Sofia Zacharaki assured that everything is ready for their smooth conduct, noting that preparations begin immediately after the completion of the exams each year.
At the same time, she made special mention of the Digital Tutorial, which has seen a 30% increase in usage compared to last year, offering live lessons, practice tests, and asynchronous educational materials for students throughout Greece and Cyprus. Ms. Zacharaki also announced that starting in 2026, live-streamed instruction will be expanded to include 10th and 11th grades, while Artificial Intelligence will be utilized through a digital personal assistant to provide personalized support to students.
SOURCE: APE