With more than 200 students from Greece and abroad, a flexible curriculum modeled on American universities, and a high percentage of scholarships, Anatolia American University is the first non-profit, non-state university to begin full operation in October 2025.

The unique character of the new university was presented at a press conference held at the Anatolia American University campus in Thessaloniki. The press conference was attended by journalists from Thessaloniki, Athens, Komotini, Lesbos, Rhodes, Crete, as well as the Greek diaspora media, who were addressed by the President of Anatolia, Dr. Panos Vlachos, and the Rector of Anatolia American University, Dr. Stamos Karamouzis.

The President of Anatolia Αmerican University, Dr. Panos Vlachos

«Δυνατότητες ανάπτυξης για τη Θεσσαλονίκη

“This is an extremely important moment in the history of our organization; a development we have been waiting for many years. It is a reform that opens new horizons and creates opportunities for the young people of the country,” said Anatolia President Dr. Panos Vlachos.

“For the first time, Greek students will be able to stay in Greece and have access to a multicultural, high-quality academic environment, comparable to that found in leading universities abroad. With a unique structure that complements public universities—rather than competing with them—and with modern services that substantially enhance the educational experience of Greek and foreign students. This reform is also crucial for the way higher education in the country functions as a whole. One axis is the establishment of non-state universities and the second is the extroversion of Greek public universities, which we consider very important. In combination with non-state universities, Greece is acquiring a truly competitive and international academic orientation for the first time,” Dr. Vlachos pointed out.

For Thessaloniki, the significance is even greater. “The city has a tradition of attracting international students and has proven, through the thousands of visiting students we have welcomed, that it can offer high-quality academic and social experiences. It has all the characteristics to quickly evolve into an important educational destination—on par with cities known for their strong academic tradition, such as Boston in the US. Thessaloniki is a lively, open, and safe student city. The contribution of students from the United States who have come to Anatolia over the past ten years is significant: they have boosted the local economy by around €100 million, and their continued presence will further contribute to the economic and residential development of the city, as suitable accommodation will be needed. At the same time, foreign students have become ambassadors for modern Greece internationally. Our country is strengthening its position on the global education map through educational tourism, and Thessaloniki is in a privileged position to play a leading role in this new era,” Dr. Vlachos emphasized.

The President of Anatolia American University, Dr. Stamos Karamouzis

“Complementary and not competitive with Greek public universities”

For his part, Anatolia American University President Dr. Stamos Karamouzis emphasized the operating philosophy of a non-governmental, non-profit institution that does not compete with but seeks to complement public universities. “We offer something different in every program: an American approach, a teaching method that cultivates skills and enhances student autonomy. We rely on tuition fees and the generosity of philanthropists who embrace our institution’s philosophy and support us in maintaining high academic standards, investing, and evolving.”

Currently, more than 200 Greek and foreign students from 23 different countries are enrolled, with the five main countries of origin being Greece, the United States, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria, while the future goal is to expand to countries in the Middle East and India.

There is already increased interest in the next intake period for first-year students. The university provides accommodation for students from abroad, while also supporting Greek students in finding suitable accommodation close to the campus.

The teaching staff consists of renowned professors—both Greek and foreign—with experience teaching abroad. Gradually, visiting professors from the US and Europe, who are highly specialized in their fields, will join the faculty, while academics from Greece have also expressed interest in working at Anatolia University.

Certified study programs and future planning

The fully accredited English-language programs offer degrees that are equivalent to those awarded by Greek public universities and are fully equivalent to those that foreign students would obtain in their countries of origin.

Anatolia American University consists of three (3) Schools offering seven (7) Undergraduate Programs:

(School of Business Administration)-Bsc Hons in Business Administration-, and directions:

α) στην Επιχειρηματική Διοίκηση (Entrepreneurial Management),

β) τις Διεθνείς Επιχειρήσεις και Χρηματοοικονομικά (International Business & Finance),

γ) το Μάρκετινγκ (Marketing),

δ) τον Τουρισμό (Tourism).

Σχολή Ανθρωπιστικών και Κοινωνικών Σπουδών (School of Humanities & Social Sciences), με Προγράμματα Σπουδών:

A) English Language (BA Hons in English), with specializations in:

a) Language & Literature

b) Communication & New Media,

B) Political Science and International Relations (BA Hons in Political Science & International Relations), and

C) Psychology (Bsc Hons in Psychology)

 (School of Science & Technology), with course of studiens on:

A) Applied Informatics (BSc Hons in Business Computing),

B) Informatics (BSc Hons in Computer Science), and

C) Biology (BSc Hons in Biological Sciences).

The university is already considering adding new programs in different fields over the next five years, and is ready to offer postgraduate programs in Business Administration, Hospitality & Tourism, and Industrial Psychology. “We hope that in the current academic year we will have the opportunity to apply to the Hellenic Accreditation and Quality Assurance Agency (HQAA) for certification of our postgraduate programs,” noted Dr. Karamouzis. “Provided that the certification procedures go ahead, the postgraduate programs will be offered in a hybrid format—with in-person and distance learning—so that there is flexibility for students with work and family commitments.”

The strategy for Anatolia American University, as clarified, is not to evolve into a large university in terms of student population, but to move towards a number of 2,000–2,500 students. This size will allow the university to offer an American-style curriculum, characterized by small classes (average of 18 students), daily, compulsory attendance, the opportunity to attend courses from different scientific fields, active participation in research, and the development of skills critical for the 21st century.

There will also be opportunities to study abroad in collaboration with international universities for one academic semester or one year. Similarly, students from partner institutions will be able to study at Anatolia University, strengthening the international dimension of the academic community.

Scholarships

Anatolia University has developed and established a comprehensive financial aid system that provides:

• 30% tuition subsidy for candidates from cities outside the prefecture of Thessaloniki.
• Scholarships based on academic performance and financial situation of candidates.

For the first semester of the academic year 2025–2026, an average of 30% of tuition fees will be awarded in the form of scholarships. The scholarship amount can reach up to 70% and, in special cases, up to 100% of tuition fees. Each application is evaluated individually, taking into account the specific circumstances of each candidate.

“At Anatolia today, across all levels, we have more than 1,100 scholarship students. Although the law refers to 10% scholarships, we are already at 30%,” noted Anatolia President Dr. Panos Vlachos, emphasizing that in the last five years alone (2020–2025), more than $23 million has been allocated to scholarships.

Facilities and investments

Three buildings serve these needs: West Hall, with classrooms, a multipurpose room, faculty rooms, a medical clinic, a student interview room, and a wellness room; Constantinidis Hall, which houses the chemistry, biology, and physics laboratories, classrooms, recreation areas, and a cafeteria; and the Bissell Library, one of the largest English-language academic libraries in Greece and one of the most important centers of learning and research in Southeast Europe.

Anatolia American University will proceed with significant investments, both in human resources and in building infrastructure, based on its strategic plan.

The Campus Master Plan envisages the construction of four new buildings over time, with immediate priority given to the completion of the first by 2027. Building “X” will house a variety of learning environments, flexible lecture halls, a multimedia space, classrooms, and multifunctional spaces for group work, study, and project-based learning.