AUTH is the biggest University in Greece and the 1st in ranking among 23 Greek Universities, according to international ranking lists, including Departments from all of the range of scientific disciplines. About 72,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students currently study in the Aristotle University (62,000 in 42 undergraduate courses, and 10,000 in 67 postgraduate courses). Moreover, AUTH cooperates with 19 universities abroad for the co-supervision of PhD dissertations. Aristotle University has signed Bilateral Exchange Agreements with 101 congener Universities or equivalent Higher Education Institutions in European, Balkan and Black Sea countries, Russia, the US, Canada, Australia, Africa, Latin America, the Near, Middle and Far East. AUTH participates in a number of international forums, such as the International Association of Universities, the European Association of Universities, the Coimbra Group, EMUNI, AUF-Francophonie, the European University of Beijing, TIME, etc. It is also actively involved in 35 international associations, organizations and networks, and in 5 international student organizations.
The University Research Policy has two main objectives: to promote quality and to foster excellence. At the basis of the philosophy of quality are the principles of measurement, correction, evaluation and redefinition, which ultimately provide for the continuous development of products or/and services produced or provided by the institution. The policy of excellence, aiming at the University’s distinction in the international research arena, is implemented by gathering a critical mass of scientific research projects, and adopting an interdisciplinary approach; it is further supported by setting up research teams and incorporating processes for innovation development in research activity. This policy also focuses on recognising high individual performance, establishing new research units and fostering an environment that enhances innovative actions.