Study in Thessaloniki, Greece

About Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece, in the north of the country, with an uninterrupted history of some 2,300 years. Perrotis College describes it as known for its lively student atmosphere, seaside views and rich cultural heritage.

The city is one of Greece's main university centres: the Aristotle University alone has about 88,000 students. English-taught programmes at a public university and at American colleges make Thessaloniki a choice for international degree students, Erasmus students and North American study abroad programmes alike.

Studying in Thessaloniki

Our directory lists 5 entries for Thessaloniki: universities and colleges plus one study abroad programme. The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) was founded by an act signed on 5 June 1925 and opened its doors in 1926. It describes itself as the largest university in Greece, with about 88,283 students, and its main campus covers some 33.4 hectares in the city centre. AUTh also runs a School of Modern Greek Language.

The International Hellenic University (IHU) was first established in 2005 as Greece's first public university teaching exclusively in English, and was re-established in 2019 with branches in Thessaloniki, Serres, Katerini and Kilkis. Its University Center of International Programmes of Studies, on a 16,000-square-metre campus outside the city, offers programmes taught entirely in English.

The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT), a division of Anatolia, offers undergraduate and graduate studies, including an MBA and an MSc in Organizational Psychology, as well as a study abroad programme; its campus is in Pylaia. Perrotis College, part of the American Farm School, has taught agriculture, business and environmental subjects since 1996. Its study abroad programme, taught entirely in English, offers fall and spring semesters, a summer term and faculty-led programmes, and the college is NECHE-accredited, so credits can be transferred to US universities.

Admission and visa

Public Greek universities accept foreign students, and their bachelor's and master's programmes are taught in Greek or in English. Students from outside the EU need a student visa; according to Study in Greece, the official portal of the Greek universities, the first step is an official acceptance letter from an institution certified by the Greek Ministry of Education.

Cost of living for students

Study in Greece estimates apartment rents of €250 to €600 a month and €80 to €120 for utilities. Tuition for international programmes averages €5,000 to €13,000 a year for bachelor's degrees and €1,000 to €8,000 a year for master's degrees. University dormitories are cheap or free, but places are limited, and university restaurants serve free meals to eligible students and low-priced meals to others. At Perrotis College, the study abroad fee typically covers tuition, full room and board, orientation and excursions.

Buses are inexpensive. According to the Transport Authority of Thessaloniki, an urban ticket valid for 70 minutes costs €0.60 and a 30-day pass €16. Students of public universities, including Erasmus students, pay reduced fares (€0.30 and €8) with a personalised ThessCard; students at private colleges are not entitled to the reduction.

Getting around and daily life

The Thessaloniki Metro runs on Line 1 between the New Railway Station, Nea Elvetia and Mikra, with a station at the university (Panepistimio). Trains run from 05:15 to 00:30 from Sunday to Thursday and until 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Buses cover the rest of the city and the suburbs. Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English in Thessaloniki?

Yes. The International Hellenic University's international centre teaches entirely in English, and the American College of Thessaloniki and Perrotis College also teach in English.

Which universities are in Thessaloniki?

Our directory lists the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, founded in 1925, the International Hellenic University, the American College of Thessaloniki and Perrotis College's study abroad programme.

Do students get discounts on public transport in Thessaloniki?

Students of public universities, including Erasmus students, pay reduced fares with a personalised ThessCard, for example €8 instead of €16 for a 30-day bus pass. Students at private colleges do not qualify.

How much does it cost to rent a flat in Thessaloniki?

Study in Greece estimates €250 to €600 a month for an apartment in Greece, plus €80 to €120 for utilities. University dormitories are cheaper, but places are limited.