A significant initiative to promote the internationalization of Greek higher education took place on September 22, 2025, when Study in Greece held an online session with international schools in three African countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.
The aim was to establish a stable communication channel with students and the academic community in the region, and to showcase Greece as a top European educational destination for those wishing to continue their studies abroad.
The event drew strong participation and opened with warm greetings from Mayra Myrogianni, Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Panagiotis Passas, Head of the Directorate for International, European Affairs, Greek Diaspora Education, and Intercultural Education at the Ministry of Education. Both highlighted the importance of such initiatives in strengthening Greece’s presence in the international academic arena, while also supporting Greek-language education and the outward orientation of Greek universities.
The teleconference was organized by Dr. Georgios Vlachos, Education Coordinator at the Consulate General of Greece in Johannesburg, who has long worked systematically to promote Greek education in South Africa.
Three leading schools from the region took part: the Hellenic Academy in Harare (Zimbabwe), St. Constantine’s School in Arusha (Tanzania), and Saheti School in Johannesburg (South Africa).
The keynote speaker was Professor Christos Michalakelis, President of Study in Greece, who presented the Greek higher education system and the opportunities available to international students.
In his address, he emphasized the wide range of English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programs now available in Greece, as well as summer schools, short-term courses, and the digital platforms provided by Study in Greece to support prospective students. He underlined that Greek universities are internationally recognized, offering high academic quality and competitive tuition fees, making Greece an attractive study destination.
The schools’ response was particularly positive, with both teachers and students expressing interest in English- and Greek-taught programs. Students showed special interest in medical studies in Greece, known for their quality and lower costs compared to other European institutions. There was also strong interest in fields such as economics, business administration, computer science, and sustainable development. Questions from school representatives focused on application periods and admission deadlines, indicating that some students are already seriously considering enrollment.
Professor Michalakelis assured participants that Study in Greece will remain available to students and schools for all information regarding admission procedures and enrollment in Greek programs.
At the end of the event, teachers and students from the three schools expressed their gratitude for the initiative, while Dr. Vlachos noted:
“With such collaborations, Greek universities are reaching all the way to Africa – and together we will go even further.”
The decisive role of Study in Greece in the internationalization of Greek universities
This initiative is part of the broader outreach strategy of Greek higher education, which is gaining increasing importance for the country’s academic landscape.
Africa, in particular, was highlighted as a region with great potential, as it is considered one of the fastest-growing student markets worldwide.
Special thanks were extended to all contributors – from the organizers and institutional representatives to the Greek communities that support diaspora schools and keep them at a high level of education in their respective countries.
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