IST College
For 35 years now, we have actively contributed to upgrading the provision of higher education in Greece.
Establishment
IST College was founded in 1989 and today it is a versatile and multi-level educational institution recognized by the Greek Ministry of Education, with licenses as a College, a Vocational Training Institute and Center for Lifelong Learning. It has an excellent track record in educational events, an active and diverse community of distinguished professors, renowned professionals and entrepreneurs with vision, ambitious start – ups and enthusiastic students developed within it.
Our Vision
IST College’ s vision is to provide the highest quality of education and services, to link education with the labor market, as well to actively contribute to the upgrading of higher education in Greece and internationally. Our strategy is to promote entrepreneurship, encourage innovation and cultivate the skills of our students to become competitive and successful in an ever-changing global economy.
Our Mission
We are committed to providing our students with the necessary knowledge, skills and learning experience that will contribute to reaching their full potential, to adapt to an ever-changing society and labor market. At the same time, our main goal the is the creation of a learning environment which encourages the cultivation of entrepreneurship among our students, broadening their horizons and contributing to the enhancement of their career prospects in order for them to achieve their future goals with right guidance and encouragement. Upon graduation, our students will have gained academic knowledge, ethics and consistency, professionalism, business skills, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, effective communication and the networking necessary to succeed.
Because at IST College, the focus lies on the student!
Our History
For 35 years now, it has been actively contributing to the upgrading of higher education in Greece.
IST College was founded in 1989 by Mr. Drakoulis Fountoukakos and Mr. Georgios Kastrinakis and a group of Distinguished University Professors consisting of:
- Delis Con. – An. Professor of the University of Athens
- Iordanidis Kosmas – Professor of the University of Patras
- Kouloubis Theod. – Professor of the University of Athens
- Bitros Georg. – Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business
- Papakyriiazis Pan. – Professor of Athens University of Economics and Business
- Papamichael Dim. Professor, Agricultural University of Athens
- Tzoannos Ioannis. – Professor of Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens University of Economics and Business
- Chiotis Geog. – Professor of Athens University of Economics and Business
- Valentinakis Ioann. – An. Professor, University of Athens
Today, it is a multi-purpose and multi-level educational institution licensed by the Ministry of Education. It has an academic structure and organization comparable to those of renowned universities abroad, maintaining close relations and cooperation with businesses and organizations for better education and rehabilitation of its students, while it is housed in a modern, historic building in the center of Athens.
Testimonials
Dimitra Tsakiroglou-Monokrousou
Psychology department
"Having completed the BSc (Hons) Psychology program at IST College in collaboration with Wrexham University, I can confidently say that it was a valuable and enriching experience that has well prepared me for my future in the field of psychology. The professors are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, creating a supportive learning environment. They foster critical thinking and encourage meaningful discussions that enhance the understanding of psychology.
The program is full-time and is well-structured and comprehensive. It covers a wide range of topics, such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, biological psychology, clinical psychology, health psychology, and research methods. It achieves a balance between theory and practice, encouraging students to apply their theoretical knowledge through essay writing, research projects, and case studies.
For this reason, I am convinced that the BSc (Hons) Psychology program at IST College in collaboration with Wrexham University has provided me with a strong foundation and a comprehensive understanding of psychology. Through this program, I gained a strong understanding of theoretical knowledge and developed essential research skills that have equipped me to move forward with confidence in my academic and professional career in the science of psychology. I highly recommend this program to individuals who wish to study psychology and pursue a successful career in this field."
Magki Kontou
Co-founder and Lead Product & UI/UX Designer | SimpleApps.gr Co-organizer | Google Developers Group Athens (GDG) Women Techmakers (Greece) Ambassador • x2 Fortune 40under40 | GES2016 & AEIF 2018 Alumni
1. Describe your professional situation and your journey here.
In 2012 I graduated from the Computer Science department (BSc) of IST College, while in 2014 I completed the MSc in Mobile Computing, in collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire (UH), UK. On the occasion of the student innovation and entrepreneurship competition organized by IST College in 2012 – and the distinction of our team/idea – my entrepreneurial journey and the establishment of the company SimpleApps began. Today I am co-founder & Lead Product and UI/UX Designer at the company, a multi-awarded mobile and digital marketing agency, which works with some of the most popular brands in Greece. The company's services have been distinguished with more than 18 innovation, design and entrepreneurship awards worldwide. I have represented Greece at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2016 (GES) organized in San Francisco, I participated as a Role Model in the #WomenChangingGreece campaign organized by the American Embassy in Greece, while I have twice been included in Fortune's 40under40 list. I often participate as a speaker in startup competitions, speeches and events about entrepreneurship, women in technology, while I organize hands-on workshops on digital/mobile product design, UI/UX and mobile marketing. I am a co-organizer of the GDG Athens (Google Developers Group Athens) and WTM Greece (Women Techmakers) actions and a trainer in the digital marketing program of the Grow with Google action and the Digital Marketing Diploma of IST College.
2. How did you decide to pursue this profession?
From an early age I had a strong interest in the development of technology, while I was excited by the process of creation – from a thought to paper. This was the reason for me to study IT and combine my knowledge with entrepreneurship – specifically mobile application development.
3. What criteria did you use to choose IST College for your field of interest?
The combination of studies in Greece, with a recognized degree and study program of an English university – in the field of Informatics.
4. What do you think is the most important benefit you got from choosing IST College to study?
The profile of a "business facing" college, which creates opportunities, encourages and supports its students over time to engage in entrepreneurship and innovation, was later the reason to create my own team and technology company.
5. What is the best experience/memory from your studies at IST College?
My graduation speech for my degree! Just the thought of addressing such a large audience made me incredibly anxious. And while I was shaking as soon as I got on stage – I turned to the audience and saw the smiles of my fellow students and professors. And so simply I remembered all the wonderful times they had given me over the years – I may have been the only girl in the department, but they made me feel special and I thank them.
6. What is the most important goal you have set and achieved as a professional now? How did IST College contribute to this?
Immediate professional employment is usually one of the biggest concerns of graduates. The college course provided me with knowledge, experiences and a recognized degree from the labor market – so that with confidence, I could not only apply for a job in Greece and abroad, but also create the conditions to be active in business from a young age.
7. What advice would you give to young people who are now starting their studies?
Not to be satisfied only with the knowledge that their study program will offer, but to take advantage of their student years by participating in events, conferences and career days. It is an essential opportunity to gain knowledge from different fields and to expand "build" their professional network.
8. What are the reasons why you would recommend IST College to young people who wish to study?
Comprehensive study program and recognized foreign degree with the possibility of studying in Greece. But perhaps the most important reason is the people of IST – the management and the teaching staff, who express their continuous interest and support their students selflessly – at every step of their development.
Anargiros Papageorgiou
Sales Director Atcom S.A
1. Describe your professional situation and your journey here.
I am Sales Director at the company Atcom AE which is the leader in the Greek Market in the field of Web & Mobile Solutions.
2. How did you decide to pursue this profession?
Given my studies at IST College and having ease in communication and relationships with potential & existing clients, the field of Sales was something I liked quite a bit and that's why I followed it from 1998 until today.
3. What criteria did you use to choose IST College for your field of interest?
Initially by recommendation of my personal friend (it was the 1st year of operation of IST College) and then by my brother (1991 to 1994) who studied at IST College and I also followed during the years 1992 to 1995.
4. What do you think is the most important benefit you got from choosing IST College to study?
The most important of all was the level of study and the assignments throughout the 3-year course and of course the degree from the University Of Hertfordshire which is among the very good institutions in England.
5. What is the best experience/memory from your studies at IST College?
The moment of receiving the degree in England!
6. What is the most important goal you have set and achieved as a professional now? How did IST College contribute to this?
To be in a company that is the leader in its field and from the initial & basic knowledge I received from the Bachelor and that is why IST College contributed to the maximum.
7. What advice would you give to young people who are now starting their studies?
To follow their instincts as to the bucket they will work in considering that apart from their core studies and industry, they will have to devote significant time to their work every day, outside of their hours, if they want to excel and stand out from their colleagues .
8. What are the reasons why you would recommend IST College to young people who wish to study?
Because it is a worthy and serious choice for initially obtaining the 1st degree (Bachelor) which gives the prospect of work or continuation for an MBA, without wasting the student's time. He also receives important knowledge related to the market so he does not stay only at the theoretical level of knowledge but through tasks he realizes how businesses actually work and thus he is prepared for what he will have to do as an employee.
Theodoros Touloupidis
Graduate International Tourism & Hospitality and Fellow of AEGEA AMKE
1. Describe your professional situation and your journey here.
One season at Asteras Vouliagmenis, in the reception of customers and the service at Zolota beach. At the same time, the collaboration with REMAX and then with New Deal.
2. How did you decide to pursue this profession?
The high clientele in Asteras Vouliagmenis was keenly interested in acquiring a holiday home in Greece and it seemed like an excellent opportunity to combine the two sectors.
3. What criteria did you use to choose IST College for your field of interest?
The strong partnerships with universities abroad and the family atmosphere I had heard a lot about, but also the high success rates of graduates.
4. What do you think is the most important benefit you got from choosing IST College to study?
Smooth preparation and integration into the workplace.
5. What is the best experience/memory from your studies at IST College?
The 3 diplomas I attended filled me with additional and more specialized knowledge as well as the Personal Growth course.
6. What is the most important goal you have set and achieved as a professional now? How did IST College contribute to this?
My first collaboration with one of the biggest hotel groups, Four Seasons. Definitely the strong degree on the CV, which played an important role in my recruitment.
7. What advice would you give to young people who are now starting their studies?
To study in the field they love, it fills them and they can imagine themselves in 20 years dealing with the same subject.
8. What are the reasons why you would recommend IST College to young people who wish to study?
The personal interest of the faculty and administration as well as the friendships and professional relationships I have developed through IST College.
Maria - Sofia Mourtzini
Ministry of Finance
1. Describe your professional situation and your journey here.
After my studies at I.S.T. College, in 1998, I continued my studies at the postgraduate level. From 2001, I worked for a short time at Coca Cola 3E, in the private sector and from September 2003 until now I have been working in the public sector, first at the Anti-Drug Agency (NAA) and then at the Ministry of Finance.
2. How did you decide to pursue this profession?
From the beginning I liked business administration and financial studies. I like to feel productive and creative, strongly combining social contribution. So I ended up working as an economist in the health sector and in the public sector. Later, I sought to be even more involved in my subject of study and so I moved to the Ministry of Finance.
3. What criteria did you use to choose IST College for your field of interest?
I knew that at IST College, its people consistently and professionally deliver education, aiming for the best outcome for all and looking forward to a wider education for its students. The I.S.T. College adheres to the principles of positive entrepreneurship and the principles of sustainability, i.e. with respect for the environment, society and people. With an experienced and at the same time human eye, they connect education and the labor market, giving the students the resources to highlight the positive side of themselves and develop into the profession they desire.
4. What do you think is the most important benefit you got from choosing IST College to study?
I have many positive memories from IST College: I learned to work in a collaborative spirit, with analytical thinking and to study any subject in depth, recognizing to develop my science and knowledge for life.
5. What is the best experience/memory from your studies at IST College?
In the demanding environment for a lot of study in order to prepare for the competitive job market, I met people who share the same spirit of thinking and at the same time we had good times and memories. At IST College I met my future partner and husband with whom we have two wonderful sons.
6. What is the most important goal you have set and achieved as a professional now? How did IST College contribute to this?
My principle is always to seek the best result in everything I do, with respect for my society, the people I have in front of me and myself. Now, in 20 years of work experience, I recognize that the required adaptability and flexibility should not be associated with discounts on principles, values and results. IST College helped me to work and dare to pursue high goals, in the same context.
7. What advice would you give to young people who are now starting their studies?
My advice is to pursue their goals to the best of their ability, it takes effort and to make their own mark without being afraid to differentiate themselves positively. In today's age, competitiveness at all levels is much more intense, but when one works hard in the direction one desires, many achievements can come.
8. What are the reasons why you would recommend IST College to young people who wish to study?
For all the above reasons I would suggest IST College. It offers the student a balanced framework and environment, with high quality studies in order to help students pursue and achieve their vision either as scientists, business executives and organizations. I consider it particularly important to support the business initiative of students, which has a prominent importance for the Greek economy and sustainable development.
Theofilos Kiratsoulis
General Manager MINDHAUS/ V+O Greece
“Before opening its doors, more than 30 years ago, IST studies had the genuine vision of transforming higher education in Greece. I am happy to see many IST graduates sticking to this path and excelling in their professional and personal lives.”
Georgos Metsis
Head of Finance (CFO) & BoD member, JTI-Macdonald Corp.
"The system of pan-Hellenic exams and state universities does not suit everyone. IST is an excellent alternative choice for quality studies in Greece. It offers an excellently organized environment, high-level facilities, international experience and know-how and ensures its graduates all the academic resources necessary for their professional advancement.”
Papathanasiou Giannis
President of HelleniQ Energy AE Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance v. President of EBEA
“IST graduates have earned the trust and preference of business and the market. "They have stood out because they have sufficient theoretical knowledge and great ability to adapt to changing market conditions."
Pegki Xalkou
Psychology department
“I completed my studies at IST College! Starting from scratch and with the support of my teachers I managed to complete this beautiful journey! Now that I have such important foundations and knowledge, I optimistically define my next goal, which is postgraduate studies."
Anastasios Simitzis
Psychology department
“After two years of studying Psychology at IST, I am confident that I am on the right path: My understanding of human cognition, emotions, and behavior has expanded significantly, and at the same time, I feel like I’m just beginning this journey of understanding all of these.”
Mixalis Skliros
Psychology department
“Having completed my second year in IST College's undergraduate Psychology program I could not be more pleased with my experience so far. The flexible way of attending, the guidance and communication with the professors and the abundance of additional resources and activities provided are just some of the reasons that differentiate this particular program. During my studies, I have seen my academic and research abilities form and evolve, while my interpersonal skills and motivations are constantly developing in a way that can already be applied in my personal and professional everyday life. The above is due to the fact that the specific program escapes from the theoretical framework of the science of Psychology and aims to equip the participants with the necessary skills both at an academic and practical level."
Vasiliki Ximiali
Psychology department
"I'm Vasiliki Ximiali and I'm a graduate-scholar of the Psychology department at IST College. The past three years have been significant in both my academic and personal development. At IST College I encountered a highly professional, academic and at the same time familiar environment. During these three years I was trained to learn, search and research, resources that will be important tools in my career path. So, in this three-year journey, in addition to the knowledge I received and the skills I developed, I felt part of a team that I knew I could rely on for whatever I needed. So, thank you to all of IST College, who created for me an incredible student reality that I will always remember with nostalgia!”
Elena Papanikolaou
Psychology department
"Completing my first year as a psychology student at IST College, I feel great joy and excitement! The structure of the program and the adaptation to a new learning system helped me to know myself better, enrich my knowledge and face challenges as motivation for my personal and professional development. All the teachers gave their best to support us in our endeavor and I thank them from the bottom of my heart."
Nikolaos Zintros
Psychology department
"My experience from the first year was definitely positive, because I managed to gain important knowledge about the science of Psychology and many benefits for my personal development. The quality of the program is very high, with interactive lessons that kept my interest intact throughout the year. An important role in the whole process is played by the excellent professors, where with systematic guidance they were always by my side, willing to help even after the completion of the courses. I feel happy to study, in a modern and well-structured curriculum, which contributes to the cultivation of the student's critical thinking. I can't wait for the next two years of study!”
