Law like Philology
The article discusses the declining popularity of Philology in Greece compared to Law, analyzing the factors behind this trend.
In Greece, the popularity of academic fields has shifted significantly from 1993 to 2025, particularly in the areas of Law and Philology. In 1993, both fields had similar entrance scores in major cities like Thessaloniki and Athens. This parity indicated a high demand for both fields among applicants, driven by their prestigious reputation and promising career prospects. However, over the years, Philology has seen a steep decline in applicants, while Law has maintained its attractiveness, largely due to changes in job market dynamics.
By 2025, the disparity between the two disciplines became markedly pronounced, with Law students in Athens having an entrance score 6,571 points higher than their Philology counterparts. This decline in Philology's popularity can be attributed to an oversupply of graduates in the field against a backdrop of decreasing demand. In 2025, there were 20 departments in Greece where graduates were awarded professional rights as Philologists, but only a fraction of the available positions were filled, highlighting a significant mismatch between supply and demand.
The article also notes the statistics surrounding the competitive examinations for university placements, emphasizing that 3,466 positions were made available in 2025, yet 1,007 remained unfilled. Meanwhile, Philology departments graduated 2,628 students, further illustrating the sector's challenges in securing employment for its graduates. The overall trend raises concerns about the future of Philology as a viable academic and career path in Greece, indicating a need for potential restructuring within educational offerings to meet market needs.