Study abroad
Study in Greece
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Greece
Higher education in Greece, in South-Eastern Europe, on the Mediterranean, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in maritime trade, tourism and culture and heritage, which is reflected in many study options. Teaching is often in Greek, so check the language of instruction and any language requirements for each course. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in Greece?
Students choose Greece for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in South-Eastern Europe, on the Mediterranean. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Maritime & Shipping, Hospitality, Tourism & Events and Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Maritime trade, tourism and culture and heritage matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Greece means everyday contact with Greek and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
- European mobility: as part of the European Union, Greece takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Greece
Students heading to Greece often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Maritime & Shipping
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Architecture & Built Environment
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Business & Management
Links to maritime trade, tourism and culture and heritage mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Greece on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Universities in Greece
- Harokopio University of AthensKallithea, Greece
- THE 2026 601–800
- University of CreteRethymnon, Greece
- THE 2026 601–800
Scholarships to Study in Greece
Paying for study in Greece can involve more than one source of support, and it is worth researching them before you apply for a course.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Greece
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
- European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Greece
The academic year in Greece commonly begins around September or October. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Greece
There is no single price for studying in Greece. Fees are set by institutions and differ by course, level and type of institution. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Greece
Studying in Greece usually involves an immigration step as well as an admission step, and the two often depend on each other. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Greece in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Greece
Day-to-day costs in Greece are shaped by where you live, the type of accommodation you choose and how you get around. Costs in Athens can differ noticeably from those in Thessaloniki or Patras and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Greece
Is Greece a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Greece offers programmes across many subjects, a location in South-Eastern Europe, on the Mediterranean and study in Greek (with some English-taught options). Students interested in maritime trade, tourism and culture and heritage may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Greece?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Maritime & Shipping, Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and Architecture & Built Environment. The subjects page for Greece lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Greece?
Many programmes start around September or October. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Greece?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Greece?
EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Greece.
Are scholarships available for international students in Greece?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Greece?
Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Greece?
Many courses are taught in Greek. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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