How to Study in Greece for International Students

As an international student, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich and ancient culture when you study in Greece. The country is home to many world-renowned universities and research institutions that offer a wide range of academic and professional opportunities in fields such as business, engineering, science, and the arts. You can explore its diverse and impressive natural environment while learning its long and rich history dating back to the beginning of western civilization.

When it comes to the choices that are available, Greece currently has 28 universities, from which 26 universities are a part of the public sector and 2 universities are private institutions.

Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Greece you should definitely check out are National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Harokopio University, and University of Crete.

Being able to study in Greece as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Greece, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in Greece

The cost of your studies is a big factor to consider when you're planning to study abroad. It can financially burden you, but here's the good thing: the public universities in Greece don't charge tuition fees to international students like you! there is University of Crete a tuition-free school. You will just be required to pay some registration and other study fees, but these won't be as high.

On the other hand, if you choose to study in a private institution, expect that you'll pay higher fees. Here are some of the private universities in Greece with their tuition fees:

American College of Greece

  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee :American College of Greece - 8,760 Euros - 11,300 Euros
  • Master’s international tuition fee :American College of Greece - 7,920 Euros - 11,700 Euros

American College of Thessaloniki

  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee :American College of Thessaloniki - -1 Euros - -1 Euros
  • Master’s international tuition fee :American College of Thessaloniki - -1 Euros - -1 Euros

2. Requirements to Study in Greece for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Greece, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.

Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.

In Greece, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Greece may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Greece are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in Greece and their required minimum scores for each program level.

American College of Greece

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

American College of Thessaloniki

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Athens University of Economics and Business

Master’s degree

Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.

Application Procedure to Study in Greece

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Greece have online applications available on their websites, like National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Harokopio University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Greece.

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Harokopio University

University of Crete

Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.

After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!

The admission process in Greece differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.

The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Greece.

The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.

4. Visa Application for International Students in Greece

Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Greece. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Greece as an international student.

In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Greece. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a National Visa- D.

To start your student visa application in Greece, you will need to present the following:

  1. A filled out and signed form
  2. A valid passport or travel document
  3. A criminal record certificate from your country of residence
  4. A medical certificate
  5. A certificate of registration in a Greek University
  6. Proof of financial means
  7. Have travel insurance
  8. Provide proof of payment of tuition fees

Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Greece is 90 EUR.

After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:

  1. Apply online and schedule an appointment
  2. Visit the visa application center and submit the required documents

For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.

That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Greece. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!