Zacharakis for student residents: “This is where the red line comes in – it’s not a theoretical scheme.”

“This is where the red line comes in. And this is not a theoretical scheme,” said the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sport, Sofia Zacharaki, speaking on ERTNews Radio 105.8 and the show “Morning Routes” with Vassilis Adamopoulos and Maria Georgiou, on the occasion of the report of the National Transparency Authority that recorded a series of irregularities in the management of student residences in the period 2020-2025.

“The next five years will be the era of student halls of residence”

The minister acknowledged that the problems in student halls of residence are real, noting however that the ministry is already funding extensive renovation interventions through the Public Investment Programme.

As he said, major changes are already underway in dormitories in Komotini, Xanthi, Akhaia, Koukouli and Rio, while stressing that the aim is to substantially improve the living conditions of students within the next five years.

He made special reference to the inclusion of 220 million euros from the Social Climate Fund for the energy and operational upgrading of 18 dormitory buildings, both of INEDIVIM and university institutions.

At the same time, a large SIPP programme is underway for the construction of new student housing. Thousands of new beds are already being built in Rethymno and Heraklion, while similar procedures are underway in West Macedonia and Thessaly.

“We will end up with about 10,000 new beds in the next five years, while the existing ones will be renovated,” he stressed.

Tighter rules in dormitories and universities

Mrs. Zacharaki noted that new operating regulations are already being implemented in student residences, with a maximum limit of accommodation and stricter criteria for those entitled to accommodation.

In the same context, she also mentioned the deletion of more than 308.000 inactive students, stressing that it “puts an order” on universities without disrupting their operations.

“I see the problems as opportunities,” he said, noting that Greece can become a regional education hub in the coming years through strategic planning, extroversion and strengthening student care.

Renovation of the historic dormitory in Patision

He made a special reference to the iconic dormitory of Patision, which – as he said – is already in the process of being renovated.

The project, worth about 24 million euros, already has a contractor after an international tender.

“The next few years will be years of implementing changes in student halls of residence,” the minister reiterated.

Tuition fees in postgraduate programmes and internationalisation of universities

Referring to the tension recorded at Panteion University regarding tuition fees in postgraduate programmes, the minister noted that the existence of tuition fees is already a reality in many postgraduate programmes at Greek universities.

As she stressed, through partnerships with leading foreign institutions, Greek universities will be able from 2027 to implement joint postgraduate degrees with universities such as Columbia University and leading European institutions.

“Our country should give more choices to children,” he said, stressing that there are both scholarships and different tuition fee scales.

“Zero tolerance” for violence at universities

As for the recent episodes of violence at universities, Zacharaki referred to “a few isolated incidents”, but clarified that “tolerance even for one incident does not exist”.

She reminded that from July 2025, a stricter framework of sanctions will apply, under which students involved in serious criminal acts within universities may lose their student status.

At the same time, he announced:

  • updating security plans,
  • installing cameras in specific areas,
  • electronic access cards,
  • controlled access to buildings with expensive equipment.

As he explained, everything will be done with respect to personal data.

National Baccalaureate: “The current system has reached its limits”

The minister confirmed that a dialogue on the National Baccalaureate and the new university access system is already underway.

He said the relevant committee is expected to deliver its findings by October-November so that a relevant bill can be formulated by the end of the year.

“The current system has reached its limits,” he stressed, however, clarifying that the debate should not intensify the pressure on students just before the Panhellenic exams.

Panelladikes and Digital Tutoring

Mrs. Zacharaki assured that everything is ready for the start of the Panhellenic Examinations, while she described the Digital Tutorial as a very successful institution.

According to her, the use of the platform has increased by 30% compared to last year, with students from all over Greece and Cyprus participating.

He also revealed that from 2026-27, artificial intelligence will be used through a personal digital assistant for personalised exercises and student support.

Support to Patriarchates and educational extroversion

In conclusion, the Minister referred to her recent trip to Egypt and her meeting with Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria.

As she said, a bill on the salary of clergy of the Patriarchates and the Sinai Monastery is being promoted by the Greek state, while special emphasis was placed on cooperation between Greek and Egyptian universities.

In fact, a joint undergraduate programme in physical education between the Egyptian university and the Democritus University of Thrace was announced, with part of the studies to be held in Komotini.

“Extroversion becomes a reality. It is not a theoretical exercise,” the minister concluded.