Greece is an increasingly popular destination for international students, offering a rich cultural heritage, Mediterranean lifestyle, and affordable living costs. With a growing number of English-taught programmes at both public and private universities, it’s an attractive option for students looking for quality education at a reasonable cost.
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1. University tuition fees in Greece
Tuition fees at public universities
Public universities in Greece offer free tuition for Greek nationals and EU/EEA students in Greek-language programmes. For non-EU/EEA international students, and for English-taught programmes, fees typically range from 1,500 to 9,000 EUR per year depending on the institution and programme. For example:
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: 0–4,800 EUR/year
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki: 0–5,000 EUR/year
Tuition fees at private universities
Private universities in Greece generally charge the same fees to both EU and non-EU students. Fees vary widely by institution and programme level.
Universities we recommend in Greece
Check out the best universities in Greece according to global rankings.
2. Student living costs in Greece
Greece is one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe. Most international students can live comfortably on a budget of 500–900 EUR per month in Athens, and somewhat less in Thessaloniki, which is around 12% cheaper overall.
The currency in Greece is the euro (EUR).
3. Student accommodation costs
University housing in Greece is limited but very affordable where available. The main options are:
- University dormitory: around 150–250 EUR/month
- Shared apartment (room): around 250–450 EUR/month
- Private studio or one-bedroom apartment: around 500–800 EUR/month in Athens; 400–650 EUR/month in Thessaloniki
Athens is significantly more expensive than other Greek cities for accommodation, with city-centre one-bedroom apartments ranging from 800 to 1,400 EUR/month.
4. Food costs in Greece
Food in Greece is relatively affordable, especially if you shop at local markets and cook at home. Students typically spend around 200–300 EUR per month on food. Average prices (Numbeo, May 2026):
- 1 loaf of bread: around 1.20 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: around 1.00 EUR
- 12 eggs: around 2.00 EUR
- 1 kg of feta/local cheese: around 6.00 EUR
- 1 kg of chicken fillets: around 5–7 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: around 1.00–2.00 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: around 1.00–2.00 EUR
- 1 meal at an affordable restaurant: around 7–12 EUR
Check out other living costs in Greece.
5. Transportation costs
Public transport in Greece is affordable, with student discounts available in most cities. Monthly transport passes typically cost around 15–30 EUR for students (half the standard price of around 30 EUR). A single-journey ticket costs around 1.40 EUR in Athens.
EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for healthcare. Non-EU students should arrange private health insurance, which costs approximately 15–50 EUR per month depending on coverage.
6. Extra costs in Greece
- Entertainment (cinema, museums, dining): 50–150 EUR/month
- Student visa fee (non-EU/EEA only): varies by country of origin; residence permit required for stays over 90 days
- Health insurance: EU students can use EHIC; non-EU students need private insurance at around 15–50 EUR/month
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7. University scholarships and grants
Several scholarship opportunities are available for international students in Greece, including those offered by individual universities, the Greek government, and the EU. Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or country of origin.
Also consider applying for our Studyportals Scholarship: International Distinction Awards.
