Greek Court Paves Way for Recognition of Degrees From Private Colleges

Graduates of foreign private colleges operating in Greece will be allowed to apply for public-sector jobs and join professional associations, following a ruling last week by the country’s highest administrative court, the Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported. Greek law prohibits the establishment of private higher-education institutions, but dozens of foreign-owned colleges–many owned by British and American providers–operate in the country, awarding degrees accredited abroad. Graduates of those institutions have been barred from public-sector employment in Greece, although degrees earned from foreign institutions located abroad are fully recognized. The new ruling, which is expected to be applied retroactively to recent graduates, conforms with a European Union directive requiring member states to grant full recognition to degrees and qualifications from other European Union countries. According to Kathimerini, however, the new rules will still not allow graduates of foreign colleges “to pursue postgraduate studies at Greek state universities.”