The Hellenic Open University was founded in 1992 in Patras, but remained defunct until 1997 at which time legislation was enacted (Act 2552/97) regarding its operation.

[17] Attrition levels are high: for instance, out of more than 500 students who registered in the Natural Sciences program in 2000, only 8 had graduated by the end of 2006.

[20] A university culture that is reluctant to use ICT,[21] and embraces distance-learning (rather than e-learning) as a preferred teaching methodology[22] is also cited as an example of practices that depress learning outcomes.

[24] An external evaluation of all academic departments in Greek universities was conducted by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE).

[25] Formal self-evaluations and external reviews, which are mandated by legislation for all public tertiary institutes, have been taking place in the HOU.

[32] Due to the above, HOU is viewed with skepticism by Greece's academic community,[33] despite its legal recognition, awards, acceptance and reputation.

In addition to the above the HOU's School of Arts was awarded an Excellence by the National Ministry of Education[35] for its Pervasive Computing Games.