Alpha News

Greek Universities Remove Over 300,000 Inactive Students

Published January 2, 2026, 11:25

Greek universities have completed the first phase of clearing student registers, removing 308,605 inactive students who were admitted to four-year programs before 2017 and did not meet the criteria for extending their studies, according to law 4957/2022 and its amendments 5224/2025. The Minister of Education, Sofia Zacharaki, emphasized that student status is not lifelong and that the process aims to upgrade the value of degrees, requiring effort and ability. Data on those who utilized the second chance offered for re-registration will be published soon. The government argues that the system of inactive students was unfair to both institutions and active students, hindering planning and effective university operations. According to the minister, the new law is not rigid and provides exceptions for those who work, have health problems, or have family obligations. Thousands of students took advantage of the “second chance” offered. The Deputy Minister of Education, Nikos Papaioannou, described the clearing of registers as a “necessary and substantial step towards rationalization” of the academic system. He explained that updating the registers will allow universities to better plan their needs in terms of human resources and resources, contributing to the upgrading of the quality of studies and international rankings. Overall, the government presents the removal of inactive students as a positive change that will strengthen the effectiveness and quality of higher education in Greece, while ensuring that students who remain in the system are genuinely committed to their studies.