Tension at the University of Patras: students try to approach Minister Zacharaki ahead of the launch of the English-language Medicine programme

Tension prevailed on Monday morning at the University of Patras, shortly before the planned arrival of the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, for the official launch of the new English-language undergraduate Medicine programme, as newsonline.gr reports. A group of students had gathered on campus and tried to move toward the place where the event would be held, in order to “welcome” the minister. Because of the presence of police forces, moments of tension arose as the gathered students tried to approach the event area.

The situation remained under police control and, in the end, Sofia Zacharaki arrived at the University’s Conference and Cultural Centre without further problems, according to newsonline.gr’s reporting.

The event marks the official welcome of the first students of the new English-language Medicine programme: 168 applications from candidates from 23 different countries, including Cyprus, Turkey, the USA, Australia and European countries, with around 50-55 admitted in the first intake according to estimates. The six-year programme will be conducted exclusively in English, with an annual tuition fee of €12,000, while scholarships for excellence are also envisaged.

Students will also take Greek language lessons for six semesters, in order to communicate with patients during their clinical training at the Patras University General Hospital. It is the fourth English-language Medicine programme at a Greek public university, after EKPA, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the University of Crete; lessons already started on 29 September.

The minister’s visit also includes the inauguration of the new Innovation Centre of the Regional Directorate of Education of Western Greece in Paralia Patron, as well as the expected announcement of €10 million in funding for 2026 to improve the infrastructure of the University of Patras, alongside 36 new academic positions.