The University of Crete is a young public higher educational institution.  Established in 1973, the University accepted its first students in 1977-78.  It now has 16 Departments in 5 Faculties (Philosophy, Education, Social Sciences, Science & Technology, and Medicine) as well as a number of affiliated research-oriented institutions, including the Skinakas Observatory, the Institute of Theoretical & Computational Physics, the Museum of Natural History, and the University Hospital.  Currently, around 17,000 undergraduate and 2500 postgraduate students are registered here. They are educated by an outward looking academic staff of over 470 members, supported by  teaching assistants/instructors, post-doctoral researchers, and around 300 scientific, technical and administrative staff.

   Located in campuses in Heraklion and Rethymnon on the island of Crete, a site rich in ancient and modern Mediterranean cultures, the University is well placed to offer a vibrant social and intellectual life. Research and research training at all levels benefits from the close collaboration between many of the University's research groups with the Institutes of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) and the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture (IMBBC), as well as through the multiple networks of national and international educational and research collaborations.

   The University is committed to providing a stimulating environment that promotes education by teaching and research.  We strive for quality in teaching, research, and community partnerships, and aim to

- provide a secure and open teaching and learning environment for our students;

- take a leading role in research and the resulting innovations;

- promote the cultural, social and economic development of the region; and

- develop and strengthen collaborations with other academic institutions within Greece, Europe and worldwide.