In Crete there are three higher education institutions:

• The University of Crete with schools in Heraklion and Rethimnon
• The Polytechnic of Chania, based in Chania
• The Techological Education Institute of Heraklion (TEI) with schools in Heraklion and Chania

Additionally Heraklion is the base of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas one of the most important research organizations in Greece. The Foundation comprises seven research Institutes with five of them based in Crete :

• Biology
• Computer Science
• Applied Mathematics
• Laser and Microelectronics
• Mediterranean Studies

Chania also is the base of the Meditteranean Agronomic Institute (MAICh), a constituent post-graduate education and research Institute of the International Centre of Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM). MAICh offers postgraduate training programs leading to a Master of Science degree in the following fields :

• Horticultural Sciences & Technology
• Natural Products
• Environmental & Renewable Resources
• Economic & Management Sciences
• Food Quality Management