If you’re thinking about studying abroad in Greece, often called the cradle of civilisation, we don’t blame you. Greece is a fascinating country, with a unique ancient history, one-of-a-kind monuments, an excellent cuisine, and affordable costs for international students.
But how affordable exactly? How much does it cost to live and study in Greece? Let’s find out!
1. University tuition fees in Greece
Tuition fees at public universities
Students from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) don’t pay tuition fees for undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degrees at public Greek universities.
Most Master’s programmes are also free, with a few exceptions in areas like Business, Medicine, and others, which can cost up to 8,000 EUR per year for both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens.
If you’re a non-EU/EEA student, expect to pay between 1,500 and 2,000 EUR per academic year for most Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
Tuition fees at private universities
At private higher education institutions, tuition costs are usually the same for both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students. These costs vary based on many factors — e.g. the length of your study programme, the type of degree, the specialisation — and can reach up to 10,000 EUR per year or more.
Most affordable universities in Greece
- National Technical University of Athens – Masters start at 0 EUR/year
- University of Thessaly – Masters start at 2,000 EUR/year
- International Hellenic University – Masters start at 2,500 EUR/year
These are only a few examples of Greek universities offering cheap academic courses. You can keep looking for other options or even check out online study programmes from Greece.
Universities we recommend in Greece
- Alba Graduate Business School
- Athens University of Economics and Business
- National Technical University of Athens
Check out the best universities in Greece according to global rankings.
2. Student living costs in Greece
Greece is one of the more affordable European destinations for international students. Most people should live comfortably on a budget of 450–750 EUR per month. Your lifestyle and choices will decide if this budget goes up or down.
Greece is part of the European Union, so the national currency is the euro (EUR). If you come from another European country that has the same currency, you won’t have to bother converting your money or getting used to different coins and banknotes.
3. Student accommodation costs
Renting a private apartment or flat is an affordable accommodation type for most foreign students. Prices vary based on the proximity to the city centre, the number of rooms, and so on. But you can always share a flat with other students to lower the overall costs.
- one-bedroom apartment in the city centre: 250–450 EUR/month
- one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: 200–350 EUR/month
- three-bedroom apartment in the city centre: 450–600 EUR/month
- three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: 400–600 EUR/month
Don’t forget to take into account monthly utilities, which can add another 80–140 EUR to your expenses.
4. Food costs in Greece
Most students will end up spending around 200 EUR per month on food and groceries. While shopping at local supermarkets, look for discounts or bundle offers. These are some of the average prices for food products in Greece:
- 1 loaf of bread: 0.87 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 1.19 EUR
- 12 eggs: 3.17 EUR
- 1 kg of local cheese: 8 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 1.55 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: 1.51 EUR
- 1 meal at affordable restaurants: 10 EUR
Check out other living costs in Greece.
5. Transportation costs
A regular monthly pass for public transport is 30 EUR, but students benefit from a discount and only pay 15 EUR. For a single trip, the ticket is around 1.40 EUR. You can also take a taxi; in this case, you’ll pay 3.50 EUR for the starting fee and then 1 EUR per km.
6. Extra costs in Greece
- entertainment (cinema, concerts, theatre): 40–80 EUR/month
- student visa fee (only needed by non-EU/EEA students): 90 EUR
- private medical insurance (only needed by non-EU/EEA students): it depends on your personal insurance plan, the medical services covered, and so on
7. University scholarships and grants
There are hundreds of scholarships available to international students who want to enrol in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree in Greece. Some require high academic achievements, others are available based on financial and social situations — so, make sure you meet the criteria before applying.
While you’re at it, apply for our Studyportals Scholarship.