Study in Greece

Although Greece is bound to offer you unforgettable memories and some amazing experiences, it’s more than just a place for a nice holiday. Who says you can’t also enjoy the Mediterranean weather, the delicious and fresh seafood and charming beaches as a foreign student living in Greece?

One of the oldest nations in the world, with an extraordinary history and culture, Greece has several universities that welcome thousands of international students each year. In Greece, you have the amazing opportunity to study your favourite discipline, visit remarkable sites from Ancient times and enjoy the most laid-back atmosphere you can imagine.

Why study in Greece?

1. Greece is famous for its hospitality

Greeks are some of the most hospitable people in the world. So even if you might suffer from a (minor) cultural shock, the friendly environment will soon make you feel right at home.

2. Greek universities provide modern high education standards

Greek universities have a long history in academics and an increasing number of international students have been enrolling in the past few years.

University classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open debates between students and professors. Courses usually combine theoretical knowledge with research, laboratory work, and internships.

3. Low tuition fees and living costs

At public universities, students from the European Union or the European Economic Area don't usually pay any fee for most Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Non-EU/EEA internationals do pay tuition, but the rates are low, between 1,500 and 2,000 EUR per academic year.

In terms of living costs, you won't need more than 400–750 EUR per month, but this also depends on your lifestyle.

4. Relaxing sunny weather

If you love the sun and cannot get enough of it, then Greece is the right place for you. With a Mediterranean climate that involves warm summers, gentle winters, and beautiful beaches, you can forget about thick clothes, frozen fingers, and the especially frustrating runny nose.

5. Greece is the cradle of civilization

With a long history and stunning landmarks and monuments, it's no wonder that Greece is a major touristic attraction.

After you get tired of enjoying the sunny beaches and visiting the largest islands, don't forget to check out the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi, the Metéora Monasteries, the temple ruins of the Parthenon, the sacred site of Delos, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, etc.

What is it like to study in Greece

Within Greek universities, the class atmosphere is generally very relaxed and professors are very friendly, encouraging students to ask questions. You will be surrounded by international students, coming from all over the world, so you will enjoy a multicultural environment.

Generally, the class schedule is pretty busy, lectures start early in the morning and you would have to attend several lectures in a row. Practical exercises or laboratories always complement theoretical knowledge, regardless of your chosen study field.

In most university campuses, students frequently organise social activities like plays, painting exhibitions, or scientific lectures.

What to study in Greece

Greece is known as the birthplace of democracy and the country had also had a major influence on early sciences such as mathematics and physics. Plus, many of the world’s best-known philosophers were known to teach around Ancient Athens: Socrates, Plato, or Aristotle – to name a few.

Due to this interesting legacy, you can’t go wrong if you choose to study history and philosophy, but you can also find many Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees specialising in fields like Archaeology, Finance, Communications, Economics, or Business Administration.

Here are some of the most popular study options in Greece

• Masters in Transport Management in Greece 
• Masters in Psychology in Greece 
• Masters in Management in Greece 
• MBA degrees in Greece 

Major cities in Greece

A large portion of Greek universities are located in the country’s biggest cities, Athens and Thessaloniki; but you can also find other universities in Heraklion, Mytilini, Patras, and Volos.

In any student city you will choose, you will feel the relaxed atmosphere that everyone talks about in Greece. Major Greek cities are filled with cultural attractions, from old churches to castles and since all cities are surrounded by the sea, you can either enjoy walks on a beach or boat rides in your free time.

Check out some of these cities and learn more about what it is like to study there:

• Study in Athens 
• Study in Thessaloniki 

Which universities and colleges to attend in Greece

Higher education in Greece is divided as follows:

• Universities – award Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Health Sciences, Technology, Economics and Business.
• Technological institutions (universities) – award technical and vocational degrees and certificates in Art, Music, Business, Economics, Health, and Agronomy.

Greece has 24 universities (public and private) and 16 technological educational institutes.

Examples of higher education institutions in Greece are:

• Metropolitan College 
• Alba Graduate Business School 
• Athens University of Economics and Business 

Practical Information

Let's look at a few useful tips and tricks you can use during the university application process:

Apply for a Bachelor’s degree

You have to submit all required application documents online through the Hellenic Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs.

All of your documents must be translated into Greek and authenticated by a Greek diplomatic authority abroad or by the Translation Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Greece.

Apply for a Master’s or PhD degree

You have to apply online and send all of the required application documents to your chosen university.

Carefully check all the required application documents, making sure they are all translated into Greek. For instance, an internationally recognised Bachelor's degree or equivalent is the main requirement for enrolling in a Master’s degree at a university in Greece.

Make sure to know what the language requirements are, and whether you need to prove skills in English before enrolling in a degree programme.

Show how you performed as a student, and be sure to know what your Grade Point Average (GPA) was during your studies.

To help your chances of going to Greece, be sure to apply to more than one university!

Make sure you qualify for a Greek university

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Greece, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

There are over 500 English-taught programmes in Greece.

Universities in Greece will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills so that you can easily succeed in their courses. Almost all Greek universities accept these official English exams:

• PTE Academic
• IELTS
• TOEFL
• C1 Advanced