Study and find schools in Greece

Studying in Greece

Greece combines a large public university system with a growing number of programmes in English. According to Study in Greece, the official national portal, the country has 24 public universities, including 4 polytechnic schools, and its universities offer more than 200 international study programmes. As an EU member state that uses the euro, Greece is easy to reach for European students, and tuition for Greek-taught undergraduate programmes is free.

Our directory lists 11 schools in Greece: eight universities and colleges, two schools offering other courses (fine arts and hairdressing) and one study abroad programme. Most are in Thessaloniki (5), with others in Athens and its suburb Aghia Paraskevi, on the island of Paros and in Thrace.

The education system

Higher education in Greece is offered mainly by state universities, funded and accredited by the state, which teach more than 1,000 undergraduate programmes in Greek. Undergraduate degrees take 4 years in most fields, 5 years in engineering, dentistry, pharmacy, agriculture, forestry and fine arts, and 6 years in medicine. Credits follow the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), and the system has three levels: bachelor's, master's and PhD.

Greece also has non-state universities registered as University Legal Entities. The national recognition body DOATAP lists, for example, Anatolia American University in Thessaloniki as a non-state university; the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) is a division of Anatolia. Other private colleges, such as Deree – The American College of Greece, City Unity College or Perrotis College, award degrees in cooperation with or accredited by foreign institutions. Before enrolling, check what kind of qualification a private college awards and how it is recognised in your country.

Examples of English-taught options in our directory include:

• the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, which offers English-taught bachelor's degrees such as a Bachelor of Laws and a Medical Degree
• the International Hellenic University (IHU), whose University Center of International Programmes of Studies in Thessaloniki teaches in English
• Perrotis College in Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, with bachelor's degrees such as Sustainable Agriculture and Management and a study abroad programme
• the American College of Thessaloniki, with undergraduate, graduate and study abroad programmes

Admission and recognition

Foreign students whose parents are not Greek citizens can apply to Greek-taught undergraduate programmes as a special category of candidates through the Ministry of Education. For the 2026-27 academic year the online application ran from 2 July to 9 July 2026, and results are usually announced in late August. Documents need an Apostille stamp and an official Greek translation. Courses in these programmes are taught in Greek, so learning the language first is essential; several universities run Modern Greek courses for foreigners; at the University of Patras, for example, they include 6 to 20 teaching hours and are open to all levels.

English-taught degrees and master's programmes are applied for directly at the university. According to DOATAP, holders of foreign degrees do not need to have their degree recognised by DOATAP before applying for a master's or PhD: the university assesses the degree itself, checking DOATAP's registers of recognised foreign institutions and degree types.

Student visa and residence

EU citizens, including Spanish students, do not need a visa to study in Greece. Non-EU students need a national (long-stay) visa, which requires an official acceptance letter from a Greek university certified by the Ministry of Education; the visa's length matches that of the residence permit. Applications go through the Greek embassy or consulate in your country, and a medical certificate is required. Check the current document list with the consulate before applying (information checked October 2026).

Costs

According to Study in Greece:

• Greek-taught undergraduate programmes at public universities are free
• English-taught bachelor's programmes cost 5,000 to 15,000 EUR per year
• master's programmes cost about 1,000 to 8,000 EUR per year
• renting an apartment costs 250 to 600 EUR per month, plus around 80 to 120 EUR for utilities

Students with financial needs can often live in university residence halls for free, and university refectories offer free meals to students who meet criteria such as low income or holding a scholarship, and low-priced meals to others. A student academic ID gives reduced fares on public transport and discounts on museums and archaeological sites.

Where to study

• Thessaloniki: the main student city in our directory, home to the Aristotle University, the International Hellenic University, ACT and Perrotis College
• Athens: the capital, with private colleges and vocational schools; Deree – The American College of Greece is in the suburb of Aghia Paraskevi
• Paros: an island in the Cyclades with art-focused programmes such as Hellenic International Studies in the Arts and the Aegean Center for the Fine Arts
• Thrace: the Democritus University of Thrace, based in Komotini, describes itself as "at the crossroads of Europe and Asia"

Study in Greece's housing partners also cover Patras and Volos, two other university cities.

Culture and practical life

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, but winters are cooler in the north and in the mountains, where snow is common. International students must have health insurance during their studies, which can be taken out with a private insurer. Daily life is organised around the academic ID, student refectories and public transport in the larger cities.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in Greece in English?

Yes. Greek universities offer more than 200 international programmes, including 16 English-taught bachelor's degrees listed by Study in Greece. Most regular undergraduate programmes, however, are taught in Greek.

Is university free in Greece?

Greek-taught undergraduate programmes at public universities are free. English-taught bachelor's programmes cost 5,000 to 15,000 EUR per year and master's programmes about 1,000 to 8,000 EUR per year.

Do I need a visa to study in Greece?

EU citizens do not. Non-EU students need a national visa, which requires an acceptance letter from a Greek university and is applied for at the Greek embassy or consulate.

Are degrees from private colleges in Greece recognised?

It depends on the institution. State universities and registered non-state universities award Greek degrees, while many private colleges award degrees of partner foreign universities. Check the qualification and its recognition before you enrol.

Which are the main student cities in Greece?

Athens and Thessaloniki have the most universities and colleges. Patras, Volos, Komotini and the islands also host universities or specialised programmes.