The University of Crete was established in 1973, and presently it has 17 Departments in 5 Faculties (Philosophy, Education, Social Sciences, Sciences & Technology, and Medicine) as well as a number of affiliated research-oriented institutions. Presently there are around 13,000 undergraduate and 2000 postgraduate students study at the university and a staff of 540.
The international orientation of the University is reflected in its track record of collaborations with many of the leading research and educational institutions in Europe and worldwide as well as active promotion of mobility and exchange programmes. It is the first Greek University to have signed the EU Charter and the Code for the recruitment of researchers, and forms part of the Euraxess European network for the mobility of researchers. The University fully participates in quality assurance mechanisms both for its academic and administrative structures, and it is a strategic choice of the University that there will be an ongoing effort to meet quality in all its structures.
The Preschool Education Department of the University of Crete was established in the early 90s and along with the Elementary Education Department comprises the School of Education preparing preschool educators and elementary education teachers. The Preschool Education Department is comprised of more than 30 faculty members and serves an undergraduate population of 600, 20 Masters Students, and 5 Ph.D candidates. The Department of Preschool Education has hosted numerous international conferences, and participated in various European programs and interuniversity links.