How to Apply to a University in Greece: 2026 Guide

Studying in Greece feels like joining the holy grail of higher education and knowledge.

The Greeks were the first ones to develop the idea of higher education through philosophical schools. That was… well… about two millennia ago.

If you want to be a part of this long academic tradition as an international student - and enjoy the Mediterranean climate and cuisine - it’s time to get some up-to-date info about how to apply to a university in Greece.

Key takeaways:

Limited English-taught programmes: Most Bachelor’s degrees in Greece are taught in Greek, while Master’s programmes offer more English-taught options.
Greek preparatory course: For Bachelor’s degrees, a Greek level of B1/B2 is needed. Otherwise, you will have to do a preparatory year to gain Greek skills.
Centralised application platform: International students apply via the @SIG platform for BAs as well as for some MAs. After submitting online, you must also send printed documents to the authorities.
Affordable costs: Public universities are often free (for EU/EEA) or have low fees (for Non-EU/EEA). Living costs are around 450–800 EUR per month.

Where to study in Greece: the most popular universities

To apply for a degree in Greece, you first have to decide what you want to study and in what language.

If you want to study an English-taught degree, you have to search carefully because, unlike other countries, Greece only has a limited number of Masters taught in English.

Bachelor’s programmes are often in Greek only, while for Master’s, there are more English-taught options.

So, if you don’t speak Greek, focus on the universities with international programs to choose your studies.

The following are some great internationally-oriented universities:

Browse through the complete list of all 24 public universities and find your study programme in Greece.

Tip: Greece’s higher education system provides lots of Greek language courses. Even if you don’t study in Greek, learning the local language will add so much to your daily life experiences, trust me!

Admission requirements at Greek universities

To apply to a Greek university, you have to first make sure that your educational background allows you to study there. There are basic admission criteria for all degrees.

Admission requirements for a Bachelor’s in Greece:

Recognised secondary school certificate
Minimum GPA (grade point average)
English language certificate for English-taught Bachelor’s (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Cambridge Advanced)
Greek language certificate for all Bachelor’s studies. If you are admitted but don’t have a Greek certificate, you will have to take a one-year preparatory course.

Admission requirements for a Master’s in Greece:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
English language certificate (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Cambridge Advanced) with a minimum grade score defined by the university.
GPA of at least 7.5 on a scale from 1 to 10
2-4 years of work experience (only for MBA programmes)
GMAT scores of at least 500 (applies mostly to MBAs)

From one university to another, the admission criteria can vary, especially between public universities and private schools.

Are you looking for a postgraduate study? Browse all available Master’s degrees in Greece to find what you’re looking for.

Make sure to carefully check the language requirements for your chosen studies. Even for postgraduate programmes, a B1/B2 proficiency in Greek is sometimes required.

Also, did you know that you can take your English language test with Duolingo? The Duolingo English Test (DET) is now more widely accepted at universities worldwide - Greece is no exception.

The DET has more flexible test dates and costs less than other English tests. It’s worth checking it out!

Application process at Greek universities for Bachelor’s studies

If you want to apply for a Bachelor’s degree, you will have to submit your application documents electronically through the @SIG platform, a centralised platform for international applications.

The good news is that because the system is centralised, you can list as many as 20 undergraduate programmes you want to be considered for with your application.

There is also a document with further general instructions for admission to higher education available from the Hellenic Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs and Sport. It looks a bit bureaucratic, but has helpful information in there.

After that, you also have to print and send the documents to the same government authority.

We have been talking about these application documents, but what do they contain exactly? Here’s the essential list:

Application form
Photocopy of the certificate of equivalence of the candidate’s graduation diploma issued by the local Greek authority in your country (Embassy, Consulate)
Transcript of records with your GPA
Photocopy of the graduation certificate with an official Greek translation
Photocopy of passport or ID card
Proof of language skills (English, Greek)

The deadline for applying to a Bachelor’s degree in Greece is usually in July. You will be notified about the results through an announcement on the online platform.

Application process at Greek universities for Master’s studies

For Master’s applications, you can now also often use the centralised @SIG platform to apply electronically.

However, some universities still allow or want direct applications through the university website. Just check on the website of your chosen university what it says there.

The selection is usually done by each university. This is why it’s important to become best friends with your chosen programme website by constantly reading and checking the admission procedure.

The application documents for a Master’s degree usually include:

Online application form
Portrait photograph
Proof of paid application fee (50 EUR)
Academic records
Proof of English language skills (if you're not a native English speaker)
Personal statement
Scholarship request (optional).
Two reference letters (if employed, one must be from the current employer)

Additional documents might be:

Research proposal (for PhD)
Academic writing samples
Your Bachelor’s thesis (translated into Greek or English)

Many graduate programmes in Greece accept applications on a rolling/ongoing basis.

However, since most programmes start in autumn, typical application deadlines are in May - July.

After you have been accepted at a Greek university

Whatever degree you want to start in Greece, if you are from outside the EU/EEA, you will need a student visa.

You can get your student visa at the Greek embassy or consulate of your country. Check the list of required visa documents before applying, so you have everything ready.

Remember that if you go for a Bachelor’s degree and you don’t speak Greek, you will have to take a preparatory year to learn the language before you can enrol at the university.

When you receive the letter of acceptance, the university will inform you about the next steps in the enrolment process and about the fees you have to pay (if you are a non-EU/EEA student).

To give you an idea about the costs of your studies in Greece, here are some essential figures:

Tuition fees at public Greek universities for EU/EEA students: usually free of charge.
Tuition fees at public Greek universities for non-EU/EEA students: 1,500 - 9,000 EUR/year. The highest fees are at private universities.
Living costs in Greece: 450-800 EUR/month.

Tip: You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help with financing your Master's studies abroad.

So what are you waiting for? Ready, set, apply!

Frequently asked questions about studying in Greece

Can international students work while studying in Greece?

Yes, international students are generally allowed to work part-time while studying.

However, there may be restrictions depending on your nationality and visa type.

It’s best to check the specific rules with your local Greek embassy or your university’s international office.

Are scholarships available for international students in Greece?

Yes, there are scholarship options offered by the Greek government, universities, and external organisations.

Availability and eligibility vary depending on your level of study and nationality, so make sure to check early and prepare your documents in advance.

Is Greece a good destination for studying abroad?

Greece offers a unique mix of academic tradition, affordable living costs, and a Mediterranean lifestyle.

While English-taught options are more limited than in some other European countries, students enjoy a welcoming culture, rich history, and vibrant student life.

If you’re unsure about whether studying abroad is for you, our tips on doing a Master’s study abroad can help you decide.

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