The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Greece in 2025

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?

If you're looking to study at a university in Greece, you will find a variety of higher education options in a country steeped in ancient history and vibrant modern culture. There are many amazing reasons why you should study in Greece. Let's have a look at some of them:

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

Greek universities have affordable tuition fees for International students. On average, students pay a tuition fee of 5,000-13,000 EUR per year for international Bachelor’s degrees, and 1,000–8,000 EUR per year for Masters. Being one of the most affordable countries in Europe, you won’t spend a lot on accommodation in Greece. For instance, students with financial needs can often live in university residence halls for free. If you choose to live in an apartment, the rent is between 250 and 600 EUR/month. Monthly utilities can cost you around 80–120 EUR.

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.

Which universities and colleges to attend in Greece?

Greece has 24 public higher education institutions. Greek universities award Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees in a broad range  of scientific disciplines from STEM to Arts and Humanities, Health Sciences, Economics and Business.

Here is a list of Greek universities to consider:

• National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
• Athens University of Economics and Business
• University of Piraeus
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• University of Patras

What is it like to study in Greece?

In Greek universities, the class atmosphere is generally very relaxed, and professors are 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, Shipping, and Business.

Here are some of the most popular study options in Greece

• Masters in Medicine in Greece 
• Masters in Archaeology in Greece 

• Masters in Management in Greece 

You can find more study programmes by browsing through this booklet.

Where to study 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

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!

You can submit your application using the @SiG platform

How to 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 200 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