DOATAP and rankings: choosing a university that counts
In short
- Before any enrolment we check the programme’s recognition by DOATAP.
- A university’s overall ranking says less than its ranking in your subject.
- Combining recognition and prestige protects the family’s investment.
Two questions must be answered before any decision to study outside Greece: Will my degree be recognised? and What is it worth internationally? The first concerns DOATAP; the second, the global university rankings.
What DOATAP is
DOATAP (the Hellenic NARIC) is the body that recognises degrees from foreign institutions in Greece. Recognition is needed, for example, for public-sector jobs, for further studies or to practise certain professions.
The institution is not enough; the programme counts
The recognition of a degree and its professional rights depend on the content and structure of the specific programme: length, mode of study and accreditation. A recognised university may have programmes with a different status. That is why we map everything before enrolment, so the choice is academically and legally sound.
For regulated professions (for example engineers, health professionals and lawyers), we also check what the relevant authorities and professional bodies require.
How to read rankings properly
The most reliable international rankings are the QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) and the Shanghai Ranking (ARWU). Each measures different things, such as research, employer reputation and internationalisation.
- Subject rankings: a university may not be in the overall top 100 but be among the best in medicine, shipping or business. That matters more for you.
- Employer reputation: shows how recognisable the degree is in the job market.
- Trend: institutions that rise steadily are investing in innovation and openness.
Cyprus and Greece now have institutions on these lists. For example, the University of Nicosia is among the world’s top 501–600 in the THE 2026 rankings, while NKUA and AUTh consistently appear in the international lists.
The double check
Our method combines the two: we propose universities that rank well in your subject and also offer a programme with a clear recognition status. This protects your degree both academically and professionally.
Questions we ask about every programme
- Are the institution and the programme accredited in their own country?
- What length and mode of study apply (on campus, distance learning)?
- What professional rights does it give in Greece and Cyprus?
- Where does it stand in the subject rankings?
See also our guide to studying in Cyprus and studying abroad.
Frequently asked questions
What is DOATAP?
The body that recognises degrees from foreign institutions in Greece, which is needed for example for public-sector jobs, further studies or certain professions.
If the university is recognised, is my degree automatically recognised?
Not necessarily. The specific programme, its length and the mode of study also matter. That is why we check each programme separately.
Which rankings are reliable?
The QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education and the Shanghai Ranking. For your choice, the ranking in your subject matters most.
