The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the largest university in Greece and covers all fields of study. It is widely recognized as an active center of learning based on a long tradition of academic excellence. Its international role is reinforced by its academic expertise in disciplines such as sciences, arts, theology, medicine, and technology. The majority of its academic staff has been trained at reputable universities in Europe, the United States, Australia, and Japan. Aristotle University has been actively participating in the Erasmus program since 1987, representing approximately one-fourth of Erasmus mobility in Greece in the activities of the Programme for Studies and Academic Staff.

Nevertheless, considering the rapid change and progress of societies, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki aims to improve its strategy, policies, and daily practices to meet modern local and global academic needs. Evaluating its progress so far, the university is able to identify its strengths and weaknesses, adopting a holistic internationalization strategy, the main objectives of which are briefly described as follows:

1. Strengthening its role in the European and international academic community by leveraging collective and individual academic achievements.
2. Enhancing its visibility as part of academic institutions worldwide through the establishment of long-term collaborations in research, education, and training.
3. Reinforcing its traditional presence as a leading educational and research institution in Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean through the construction of strategic partnerships focused on the aforementioned region.
4. Adopting a decisive role in academic exchange, dissemination of best practices, and knowledge diffusion.
5. Supporting multicultural coexistence, social and cultural cohesion, and promoting sustainable regional development.
6. Embracing a multilateral, rather than unilateral, approach as a fundamental aspect of its engagement in the field of education, research, and administration.
7. The goal is for graduates of Aristotle University to be able to think and act beyond traditional academic boundaries and national borders. The university equips its graduates appropriately so that they can benefit from international academic knowledge and experience, while also supporting them in national and local development dynamics.
8. Active responsiveness of Aristotle University to the demands of the global market and the corresponding adaptation of its educational policies.
9. Enhancing cooperation with commercial enterprises abroad regarding internship offers aimed at improving the international employability of its students.
10. Improving and strengthening its relationship with Greek society.

The Department of International Relations and the Department of European and Educational Programs are responsible for the development, cultivation, organization, and maintenance of good relations of the University with the International Academic Community and the promotion of the Institution abroad, aiming to promote cooperation and academic communication in the field of teaching and research.

The achievement of these goals is achieved through participation in International Organizations, Associations, and University Networks, through the conclusion and implementation of Bilateral Agreements between the AUTh and Universities from all over the world, as well as through the application of the European Policy of the AUTh, which is implemented both through the ERASMUS+ program and through other European Educational Programs (Erasmus Mundus, Eramsus+ International, etc.).

Finally, crucial to shaping the international profile of the Institution is the contribution of the Unesco Chair/Education for Human Rights, Democracy and Peace, the Unesco Chair/International Network Water-Environment in the Balkans, the UNESCO Water Center Category II – Integrated Water Resources Management, and the IASON Program.