With strong participation from students, parents and educators across the United States and Greece, the “Studying Opportunities in Greece” Virtual Open Day dedicated to international Bachelor’s degree programs offered by Greek universities was successfully concluded on Saturday, March 28th 2026, highlighting the growing momentum of Greece’s outward-looking higher education strategy and its meaningful engagement with the Greek Diaspora.
The initiative, jointly organized by Study in Greece, the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Greek American Educators, took place under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports and the Consulate General of Greece in New York. Bringing together key institutional stakeholders and representatives of the academic community, the event provided a comprehensive overview of study opportunities in Greece, with a particular focus on 13 English-taught undergraduate programs designed to meet the needs of international students.
Participants were introduced to the academic strengths of Greek universities, which combine high-quality education, internationally recognized degrees and a significantly more accessible cost of study compared to leading institutions abroad. At the same time, the discussion highlighted the unique added value of studying in Greece, where rigorous academic training is complemented by a rich cultural experience and a meaningful connection to the country’s historical and intellectual heritage.
The importance of strengthening educational ties between Greece and the Diaspora was a central theme throughout the event. The Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Professor Nikolaos Papaioannou, underscored the strategic role of such initiatives in fostering academic exchange and enhancing the international competitiveness of Greek universities, while commending the contribution of Study in Greece to advancing the internationalization agenda. In a message conveyed on his behalf, the Secretary General for Primary and Secondary Education, Giannis Papadomarkakis, described the event as part of a broader, systematic national effort to position Greece as a hub for high-quality higher education, emphasizing the Diaspora’s role as a vital scientific and cultural bridge.
From the perspective of public diplomacy and outreach, the Consul General of Greece in New York, Iphigenia Kanara, highlighted the Consulate’s role as a key channel of communication between Greek academia and prospective students in the United States, reaffirming its strong support for initiatives that promote the international presence of Greek universities.
The transatlantic dimension of the initiative was further emphasized by Eftychia Pylarinou-Piper, President of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce, who noted the Chamber’s longstanding commitment to strengthening ties between Greece and the United States through education and dialogue, as well as by Stella Kokoli, President of the Federation of Greek American Educators who highlighted that the current internationalization strategy of Greek universities reflects years of sustained effort and collaboration. Particular emphasis was placed on the catalytic role of Study in Greece as a driving force behind this transformation, contributing to the emergence of a more extroverted and globally competitive academic environment.
The educational and cultural significance of the initiative for the Greek Diaspora was also underlined by Rev. Protopresbyter Dr. Gregory Stamkopoulos, who pointed to the strong desire among young members of the Diaspora to reconnect with their roots. Greek universities, he noted, offer a unique opportunity to combine academic development with a deeper engagement with Greek language, culture and identity, while also providing a cost-effective alternative to studies in the United States.
Within this context, the President of Study in Greece, Professor Christos Michalakelis, emphasized the importance of this first coordinated outreach effort to the American student audience, noting that it marks a significant step in showcasing the quality and diversity of Greece’s international study programs.
The presentation of 13 English-taught Bachelor’s degrees from leading Greek universities attracted particularly strong interest, with active participation and well-informed questions reflecting the growing awareness and appeal of Greece as a study destination. These programs, carefully designed to respond to the expectations of international students, demonstrate the readiness of Greek higher education institutions to operate within an increasingly global academic landscape.
The event reaffirmed that initiatives of this kind can serve as meaningful bridges between Greece and the Greek Diaspora, strengthening educational, cultural and institutional ties while contributing to the broader strategy of internationalization. By connecting academic excellence with cultural identity and accessibility, Greek universities are steadily positioning themselves as a compelling choice for students worldwide, and especially for members of the Diaspora seeking to engage more closely with their heritage through education.
The “Studying Opportunities in Greece” Virtual Open Day was recorded and is available for everyone to watch in this YouTube link.