The Best Universities in Greece: Where to Study

For young people, studying abroad is one of the best ways to relocate and obtain a residence permit.

First, it is a valuable investment of time and money: a degree opens many opportunities.

Second, graduates gain access to the local job market, which gives them a chance to stay in the country legally and with fewer difficulties than an ordinary foreigner.

Greece offers many opportunities to receive a high-quality international education.

In addition, students can visit the country’s historical and cultural sites for free or at a discount.

Below, we explain in detail the specifics of admission and studying in Greece.

Advantages of Studying in Greece

In many public universities, studying in Greek is completely free.

Students only pay a semester fee — around €700 per year.

To be admitted, applicants must complete a one-year language course, which costs about €750.

Private universities charge from €2,000 per year, depending on the program.

A degree from a Greek university is recognized throughout Europe.

Applicants to public universities do not take entrance exams: what matters is knowledge of Greek and the average school grade (for bachelor’s programs) or having a bachelor’s degree (for master’s programs).

Admission is based on a grade competition, and a bachelor’s applicant may submit applications to up to 20 faculties across different universities.

It is almost impossible to be expelled from a public university: if a student fails an exam, they simply retake the course the following year.

Private universities in Greece are officially prohibited, but many operate as unaccredited educational centers or branches of foreign universities.

They issue diplomas recognized in the countries where their main campuses are located.

Why Families Choose Greece

The cost of living is lower than in most EU countries, while the quality of life is high: the country is safe, with good healthcare, ecology, and infrastructure.

Greece is favored for its warm climate, rich history, and endless opportunities for leisure and travel.

In addition, the country has a Golden Visa program — one of the fastest and most affordable ways to obtain EU residency.

For an investment in real estate of at least €250,000, you can obtain a 5-year renewable residence permit for the entire family.

Legal residency provides the right to live and run a business in the country, as well as visa-free access to the Schengen Area.

The investor gets their own property on the Mediterranean and the opportunity to apply for citizenship after 7 years.

For Russians and Belarusians, participation is possible with an alternative citizenship, for example, Vanuatu.

The best universities in Greece include:

• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
• National Technical University of Athens
• University of Crete
• University of Patras

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

This is the largest university not only in Greece but also in the Balkans.

Founded in 1925 and named after the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, it now has over 95,000 students across 11 faculties.

The university has a library, hospital, farm, botanical garden, and a seismology station.

It is considered one of the most prestigious institutions in the country.

Faculties:

• Medicine
• Philosophy
• Engineering
• Education
• Theology
• Law
• Natural Sciences
• Fine Arts
• Economics
• Physical Education and Sport
• Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Environment

Language of instruction:

Free programs are in Greek; paid programs are available in English, French, and German, starting at €3,183 per year.

Tuition in Greek:

Bachelor’s – free,

Master’s – from €3,200 per year.

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

This is the oldest and second-largest university in Greece, and one of the biggest in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean.

It was founded in 1837.

Its main building, designed in neoclassical style, is considered an architectural landmark.

The university consists of 5 institutes and 5 independent faculties.

Medicine is traditionally the most prestigious field.

It is listed among reliable universities worldwide according to the World Universities Rankings and is ranked in the top 400 by the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Faculties:

• Theology
• Philosophy
• Medicine
• Natural Sciences
• Law
• Physical Education
• Communications and Mass Media
• Philosophy and History of Science

National Technical University of Athens

Founded in 1836, it originally functioned as the Royal School of Arts for artisans and builders, with classes held on weekends and holidays.

Later, it became the School of Industrial and Fine Arts, then the Higher School of Engineers and Architects, and eventually a university.

Today, it offers programs across nine faculties. It ranks 82nd in the world for civil engineering and is a member of the international technical university associations TIME and CESAER.

It is known as a major center for research in technology, computer science, and innovation.

Faculties:

• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Surveying Engineering
• Mining and Metallurgical Engineering
• Naval Architecture
• Applied Mathematics and Physics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Architecture
• Chemical Engineering

University of Crete

A public university on the island of Crete, with campuses in Rethymno and Heraklion, founded in 1973.

It is part of the European University Association, featured in the QS ranking of top emerging universities, and ranks in the top 300 globally according to Leiden University.

In 2012, it was recognized as the best university in Greece.

It is known for its strong medical school and high-quality education in the exact sciences.

Several research centers operate under the university.

Faculties:

• School of Philosophy (philosophy, social sciences, history and archaeology, philology)
• School of Education (primary and preschool education)
• School of Social Sciences (economics, psychology, sociology, political science)
• School of Sciences and Engineering (mathematics, applied mathematics, physics, biology, computer science, chemistry, materials science, and technology)
• School of Medicine

University of Patras

Founded in 1964, this is the third-largest university in Greece.

It ranks among the best universities in the country in engineering, technology, biomedical sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, and management (QS ranking).

The university actively cooperates with international organizations, providing opportunities for student exchanges and internships abroad.

Faculties:

• School of Natural Sciences
• Engineering (Polytechnic) School
• School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• School of Medicine
• School of Business and Management

What Documents Are Required for Admission to a Greek University?

You will need:

• Secondary school certificate with an apostille
• School letter confirming your right to enter a university in your home country
• Bachelor’s or master’s diploma with an apostille (if applicable)
• Birth certificate with an apostille
• Grade conversion certificate with an apostille
• Academic transcript from school or university
• Certificate confirming you have not previously studied in a Greek school or university
• Passport copy
• Two photographs

The exact list may vary by university.

All documents must be translated into Greek by a certified translator (available through the embassy) and legalised in your home country.

After admission, the student receives a residence permit and can travel freely within Europe.

Education in Greece can be free, and high-achieving students may receive scholarships.

A Greek degree opens many opportunities for work and life in Greece and across Europe, making higher education an important step for relocation and career development.

After completing studies, when the student’s residence permit expires, it’s possible to stay in the country legally by applying for the Greece Golden Visa.