Frequently
Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about admissions, requirements, fees and student life.
Academics & Admissions
What is the level of international recognition of a Bachelor's, Master's Degree or PhD awarded by a Greek university?
- EU: Most universities, employers, and regulatory bodies accept a degree issued by a Greek public university. There may be a need for additional recognition by individual national authorities for academic recognition of member states. Because undergraduate studies in Greece last 4 years, instead of 3 years as in many EU member states, a Greek Bachelor’s Degree renders a graduate eligible to enroll directly in the second year of a Master’s program at a different EU member state university.
- Outside EU: Generally accepted, but subject to national legislation about academic recognition. There might be exceptions for closed professions, such as medical, legal or engineering professions that require additional accreditation.
- Bottom line: Greek degrees are equally recognized as any EU member state university degree.
What are the required application documents for the English taught, International Bachelor's Programs of Greek Universities?
Most undergraduate applications require a high school diploma (or equivalent: International/European/French Baccalaureate, A Levels, or AP & SAT results), final grade transcripts, a valid passport or ID, and proof of English proficiency (B2 level or higher via IELTS/TOEFL, unless educated in English). Some programs may also request a CV, motivation letter, interview, or entrance exams – particularly in medical schools.
Where can I take courses and exams in Greek and is there a preparatory year to learn the language?
You can learn more about Greek courses and exams here. The language teaching centers of each Greek university provide courses of all levels, with in person and distance learning study modes, as well as intensive, fast-track courses.
The examinations for the Greek language certificate are held twice a year around May and September in ATHENS, at the Modern Greek Language Centre of the University of Athens in Zografou (tel: 0030 210 7277672 / 7277971 / E-mail: info@greekcourses.uoa.gr / Web site: www.greekcourses.uoa.gr); also, in June and October in THESSALONIKI, at the School of Modern Greek Language of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (tel: 0030 2310 997571 / 997572 / Email: school-mg@smg.auth.gr, sneg@smg.auth.gr / Web site: http://www.smg.auth.gr). The examinations for the B2 level certificate issued by the Greek Language Center are held in May (www.greeklanguage.gr/certification)
For further information concerning the language examinations and the exam periods, candidates need to contact either the University of Athens or the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki at least a month prior to the exam date, to make sure that they will not miss the deadline or any potential changes of the language exam.
Tuition & Finance
What kind of tuition fees can I expect at Greek universities?
International Bachelor’s programs range from 5.000 to 15.000 euros a year. Master’s Programs typically range from 3.000 to 7.000 euros per year, but there are lots of Masters that are even more affordable or even free.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
Several Greek universities offer scholarships for international students, primarily based on academic merit. To learn more details, visit the university’s official website or each individual program’s website. To access the official websites of all Greek public universities, please click here:https://studyingreece.edu.gr/universities/
In addition, the Greek government collaborates with organizations like the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY-https://www.iky.gr/en/) and Fullbright Greece (https://www.fulbright.gr/en/study-in-greece) to provide funding for international students.
Living in Greece
What sort of living costs should I expect?
Living costs vary by city, but students can generally expect to budget €1000-1500 per month for housing, food, transport, and personal expenses. Greece is generally affordable compared to other European destinations.
Students are also entitled to certain benefits granted with their Academic ID. For a more detailed description on student life and benefits, click here: https://studyingreece.edu.gr/survival-guide/
What is student life like in Greece?
Greek campuses are lively, with numerous cultural, social, and sports activities available to students. The country’s Mediterranean lifestyle, combined with an active student community, creates a vibrant atmosphere. Student events, festivals, and organizations are common, and most cities have a mix of affordable cafes, bars, and cultural venues.
Click here to get a basic idea: https://studyingreece.edu.gr/student-life/
What are the accommodation options?
Accommodation options include on-campus housing, private rentals, and shared apartments. Universities’ dormitories are very limited. Most international students opt for private rentals, individual or shared with other students to reduce costs. SiG’s platform, HouSiG, supports students in finding housing options across Greece.
For more information, please visit: https://studyingreece.edu.gr/accommodation/
To request housing, please contact HouSiG (https://housig.studyingreece.edu.gr/).
Can international students work while studying in Greece?
International students from EU countries can work without restriction. Non-EU students may be permitted to work part-time, typically up to 20 hours per week, but it’s essential to check the specific visa restrictions, as regulations can vary.
What are the prospects for internships and jobs after graduation?
Internships are encouraged within many academic programs and can be arranged with companies or organizations in Greece. For post-graduation, Greece’s EU membership allows graduates from Greek universities to pursue career opportunities within the EU, although fluency in Greek is advantageous in the local job market. Many Greek universities have career services that assist students with internships and job placements.
You are also welcome to check SiG’s platform, MatSiG (https://matsig.studyingreece.edu.gr/jv/internship), to find internship opportunities.
Visa & Procedures
What documents do I require for visa application?
Greek campuses are lively, with numerous cultural, social, and sports activities available to students. The country’s Mediterranean lifestyle, combined with an active student community, creates a vibrant atmosphere. Student events, festivals, and organizations are common, and most cities have a mix of affordable cafes, bars, and cultural venues.
Click here to get a basic idea: https://studyingreece.edu.gr/student-life/
Necessary steps to travel and study in Greece in general, after being accepted to a program:
- Fully completed and signed application form (found at the official website of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs), which also serves as a declaration of truthfulness under Law 1599/1986, that the declared data are true and the supporting documents are not forged or falsified.
- Valid passport or other recognized travel document, meeting all the following criteria:
- Valid for at least 3 months after the scheduled departure date from the Schengen area, or in the case of multiple visits, after the last scheduled date of the intended departure from the territory of member countries. In case of a justified emergency, the aforementioned obligation may be lifted.
- Containing at least 2 blank pages,
- Issued within the last 10 years.
If the travel document is not recognized by Greece, the visa may be issued on a uniform format form, as per Regulation (EC) No 333/2002. This form is used for holders of travel documents that are not recognized by the issuing member state, according to Article 2 of the Visa Code.
- A certificate of criminal record from the relevant foreign authority that certifies the applicant’s criminal status in their country of residence.
If the applicant has resided in a country other than their country of origin for more than one year before submitting an application for a national entry visa, the consular authority may also request a criminal record from the applicant’s country of origin, provided that the country of residence does not require a criminal record from the country of origin in order to grant the foreign applicant a residence permit. If the applicant has previously resided in Greece, the diplomatic or consular authority may, on its own initiative, request a criminal record for judicial use from the Greek Ministry of Justice. In cases where there are entries in the criminal record related to court decisions or pending criminal proceedings, individual factors are considered, such as the seriousness of the offenses, their frequency, and the applicant’s overall propensity for criminal behavior. These factors are evaluated to determine whether their entry and stay in the country pose a threat to public order and security.
- A Medical certificate from an accredited public or private institution, stating that the applicant does not suffer from:
- any disease that could pose a risk to public health, according to the WHO international guidelines and EU standards,
- any Other infectious, communicable or parasitic diseases requiring public health measures.
- Travel insurance with a duration equal to or greater than the length of the national visa granted, covering costs that may arise in the event of repatriation for medical reasons, emergency medical care, and/or emergency hospitalization.
What is the process for Visa application?
The applicant must appear in person at the nearest Hellenic consulatory authority (Embassy or Consulate) and:
- submit a complete application along with the required general documents as stipulated herein, and the specific documents (under Joint Ministerial Decision per Article 176(1) of Law 5038/2023),
- be interviewed by the Consul or a designated official, in order to establish the purpose of their entry and stay in Greece,
- pay the applicable fees as per national legislation,
- consent to the collection of biometric data, in accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 539/2001.
