Why study a Bachelor or Master in Greece

Study in Greece

There are many reasons why students should study in Greece, from the highly affordable lifestyle to the specialized degree subjects available in Greece. International students go there to have not only a great educational experience but also a change in lifestyle that is free, warm and optimistic. Read on to find out exactly why you should study in Greece and how much it will cost you to do so. 

Why should you study in Greece?

A great place to live, Greece is a country chosen by many students to study in. Bubbling with international communities, international students will never feel out of place there when studying abroad. Here are some good reasons why students decide to choose Greece as a study destination for them.

 

Reasonably priced tuition and living costs 

The first reason why Greece is a great study destination is the reasonable tuition fees and costs of living for students. If you are an EU student, you won’t be charged any tuition costs, except for some specialized master’s degrees. International students who aren’t EU citizens will pay from 1,500 to 10,000 euros per year as tuition, in addition to textbooks and study materials. However, you can choose to borrow the study books and some universities actually give the books to the students free of charge. University of Thessaloniki actually offers services like free hot meals and gym use to all enrolled students. 

 

Greece is also one of the cheapest countries in Europe for international students to live in. You’ll need less than half of the costs of living when comparing Greece to neighbours like Spain, Germany or Italy. This cost includes accommodation costs which are also considered reasonably priced. 

 

Specialised Greek degree subjects 

Another reason to study in Greece is if you are choosing to study subjects that the Greeks have a legacy in teaching. The Greeks want to preserve their traditions through education and they offer great degree subjects in their areas of expertise like Philosophy, Architecture, Politics, History or Medicine.

 

Thankfully, these subjects are taught in English so that international students can take advantage of them. What better place to study these subjects than in the land of Philosopher Socrates, doctor Hippocrates who created the Hippocratic oath that doctors all around the world use today or famous architects who built and designed the Acropolis? 

 

Enjoy stunning nature and attractions 

Enjoying beautiful natural sights and attractions is another reason why international students decide to go study in Greece. From the great Mediterranean climate to the amazing historical sights to the tasty food, there are many different places to visit and enjoy, all at a good price.  

 

Greek beaches are also amazing with white sands and crystal-clear waters. Students can enjoy seaside spots like Thasos, Crete and Corfu where they can relax and get a nice tan while soaking in some Vitamin D.

 

Warm weather all year long

Finally, a good reason to study in Greece is the great weather all around the year. Because of it’s location geographically, Greece has a climate that is generally moderate, warm most of the year. Even in winter, the temperature never falls below zero, especially in southern areas. This means you can enjoy studying and visiting historical sights and attractions in great weather.

 

How much does it cost?

How much you’ll pay in Greek Universities depends on the type of university you will study, the discipline and how long you’ll study there. If you are talking about studying at public universities and are an international and non-EU student, you’ll pay somewhere between 1500 and 2000 euros per year if you are at a bachelor’s level. However, if you are studying a postgraduate degree, you’ll pay somewhere between 7,000 and 20,000 euros a year for a business or medicine master’s degree. When it comes to a PhD degree, you’ll pay somewhere around 13,000 euros per semester.

When talking about private universities, study costs for EU students and non-EU students are around the same price. Fees are typically significantly higher than the fees at public universities. They depend on how long the program is and the type of degree, but you should expect to pay up to 10,000 euros per annual year for your tuition fees.

 

Living in Greece

When it comes to costs of living, the average living cost is 1,000 euros a month, with rent taking up around half of that price. However, you can expect that the rent in big cities is way more expensive than that in smaller cities. In general, costs of living are cheaper than costs in other countries so international students can rest assured that they’ll get a great study experience, as well as lifestyle, at a good cost.

 

Accommodation

When it comes to Greece, finding accommodation is easy and cheap for international students. However, there are several types of accommodation available so you should think carefully before booking one, based on what you need. However, prices differ per region so be sure to check for the region you are living in to know exactly how much you’ll need to pay for accommodation.

University Dorms

The first type of accommodation in Greece for international students, and the most common one, is the university dorms. These dorms are located near the universities and have all services that students would need. The rooms are either single rooms or with roommates and typically have a shared kitchen on the floor that all students share, in addition to a common lounge area. Students can expect to pay an average of 125 euros for this type of housing, based on the city and university they are studying in.

Homestay

Another option for accommodation is the homestay option. This a good option for students as it allows them to really immerse in the Greek culture by staying with a Greek family. They can also learn the Greek language quickly, if they choose to do so, as they’ll be able to interact on a daily basis with Greek people. Students have the option to rent a room in the house and then they’ll receive daily meals, though they may be expected to do chores or babysit or help around the house.

In general, students pay around 200 euros per month for this kind of accommodation, though they may get a discount if they help around the house and do their part in cooking or cleaning.  

Private Rental

A popular option for students, though more common among older students rather than first year students, are private rentals. These accommodations are more flexible and you can find something exactly tailored to your needs. Amenities and services differ and so does location. These are all factors that will affect the cost of rent. You can expect to pay a bit more than the other accommodation types, with rent ranging from 150 to 300 euros a month, in addition to utilities cost. Some students choose to share with flat mates to split the costs between them.

There’s also the option to rent a single student room, which is cheaper than renting an entire apartment. These might be either single or shared rooms, though shared rooms will be shared with other students so you may not get the same amount of privacy. You can expect to pay an average of 150 euros a month if you rent a room.

Hotels

Hotels are another option for foreign students to stay at when they first get to Greece. However, this option isn’t sustainable over time as costs of night can be expensive and build up over time to an exorbitant cost. This is because the per night cost at most hotels ranges from 50 to 100 euros.

Other costs of living

You should also take into consideration other costs of living with utilities costing somewhere from 90 to 200 euros per month. Students will pay an average of 200 euros for groceries. Students get a discount of 50 percent on transportation monthly tickets, which means they pay around 15 euros monthly rather than 30 euros.

Another cost of living to take into consideration is health insurance, which you must pay if you don’t have a European Health Insurance Card. This will range between 200 and 600 euros per year, based on your circumstances and the type of health insurance you choose to get.

Universities in Greece

Many Greek universities are highly ranked, making Greece one of the favorite study locations for students around the globe. It has 24 universities and 16 technical universities that rank in the top universities in Europe. From the National Technical University of Athens to Aristotle University, there are many universities that you should investigate if you are deciding to study abroad in Greece. Read on to learn more about the different degrees that are available and what the top ranked universities in Greece are.

Degrees available

In Greece, there are several types of degrees available when it comes to higher education degrees. If you are considering a university, there are Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees available in the fields of Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Economics, Technology and Business. When it comes to technical universities, they offer technical degrees and certificates in areas like Art, Music, Business, Health and Agronomy.  

Top-ranked universities

There are several great universities in Greece and some of them are highly ranked and well known around the world. These universities have great quality degree programs, talented and knowledgeable faculty and exciting on-campus lifestyles.

National Technical University of Athens

Location: Athens 

 

One of the top universities in Athens is the National Technical University in Athens. It is also one of the oldest universities, founded in 1837, and home to around 24,000 students. The university is one of the best engineering schools in the country and has 9 schools and thirty departments. 

 

The schools at the university include the faculties of Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Rural Engineering, Mining Engineering, Naval and Marine Engineering and finally, applied and mathematical sciences.  

Aristotle University

Location: Thessaloniki

Located in Thessaloniki, Aristotle University has one of the vastest campuses in Greece. It is also one of the most important campuses in the country. The university campus spans 230,000 square meters and has 75,000 students studying on campus. The university has 11 faculties and 36 academic departments. The faculties are the faculties of mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, geology, engineering, medicine, philosophy, law, physical education and economics and political science. 

The best subjects at the university include Agricultural Sciences, Biology and Biochemistry so if these subjects are of interest to you, you should research the university as an option for your study abroad adventure in Greece. 

University of Crete

Location: Crete

The university of Crete is another top ranked university in Greece. It is a more modern university than the previous ones as it was founded in 1973. The university is a member of the European University Association and has a diverse student body and faculty who are dedicated to research and teaching students at the best level possible. The university also has a technologically innovative campus and advanced infrastructure system. More than 18,000 students attend the university.  

The university can be found in the Greek area of Crete with five faculties. These five schools are the school of Philosophy, school of Education, school of Social Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering and School of Medicine. 

National Kapodistrian University of Athens 

Location: Athens

 

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is another highly ranked university that was founded in the year 1837. With a large number of students, 65,000 students attend the university. The university has several faculties, with many facilities available for students. Schools at the universities include the school of Arts and Humanities, the school of Technology and Engineering, the School of Life Sciences and Medicine, the School of Natural Science, the School of Social Sciences and Management and Physics. 

International Hellenic University 

Location: Thermi 

International Hellenic University which is located in Thermi is another top-ranked institution in Greek. A relatively newer university, it was founded in 2005. Because the university teaches all subjects in English, it is one of the best options for international students. It also offers students many scholarships or bursaries. 

 

The university has nine schools that have different departments in them. The schools are the faculty of Science and Technology, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of economics, faculty of engineering, faculty of exact sciences, faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of geosciences and faculty of social sciences. The best subjects to study there, which are the highest ranked, are agricultural and biological sciences, business, management and accounting subjects. 

 

Examples of other universities

Examples of other good universities in Greece worth researching are the University of Ioannina, the University of the Aagean, Harokopio University and University of Patras, including the University of Western Greece. Be sure to check that the subject area you are interested in is offered at the university of your choice before applying.

Student Visa - Greece

Studying in Greece, as in any other country, will require a study visa. This is the case if you are an international student that isn’t from a Schengen country. If you are from the EU or EEA then you are exempt from a study visa and can study in Greece without it. Read on to learn more about the different types of study visas and how to obtain one. 

Types of Study Visas

There are two types of study visas, short stay visas and long stay ones. You should choose the visa you are applying for based on your need and the duration of how long you intend to stay in Greece.

Short Stay Visa 

The short stay visa, often called the Type C visa is issued to students who will stay in Greece for a short period of time or on a short study program. This visa lasts up to 90 days. This visa allows students to attend university and conferences, as well as symposia. 

You should keep in mind that the short stay visa can’t be renewed. If the student wants to stay longer, they’ll need to go back to their home country and apply again for a Long term study visa. 

Long Term Visa 

The long term visa, referred to as Type D, allows students to stay in Greece for longer than 90 days, until a year in time. It also gives students the right to have a job, as long as the job is for less than 20 hours weekly. The good thing about this visa is that the student can extend it in Greece, without needing to go back home. This is the visa that most students typically need when studying an undergraduate or graduate degree. 

Visa Cost 

The cost of a long term visa is a fee of 90 euros but you should keep in mind that the least amount of processing for a student visa application is 6 days. The maximum amount of time is usually three months. The visa fee for Greece is non-refundable even if you are rejected or decide to withdraw your application, 

Visa Requirements 

One of the most important requirements for the student visa in Greece is the visa application form, which should be filled with the correct information. If the student is younger than 18 years of age then their parents will need to sign it. You will also need a valid passport that stays valid for at least 6 months after the date of return from Greece. You should also have two blank pages for the visa to be stamped on. 

You’ll also need 3×4 sized passport photos with white backgrounds and your letter of acceptance from the university, as well as proof you have paid your tuition fees, whether an invoice or transfer. Another requirement is language proficiency certificates for English or Greek, depending on what their degree requires.  You’ll also need proof that you can support yourself during your studies, with a minimum of 400 euros per month, shown in a bank statement that presents the last three months. 

Another requirement is proof of accommodation, showing where you will stay such as a hotel reservation or lease for private or university accommodation. You’ll need to hand in a police certificate, showing good conduct and a medical certificate, outlining any diseases you may have and showing if you have any disabilities. 

The student should also have health insurance. If you are taking a short term visa, you’ll need at least 30,000 euros of coverage in the Schengen area, while for a long term visa, you’ll need to show proof of medical insurance covering your entire stay in Greece. 

Steps to Apply

After gathering the required documents, you will need to make an appointment at your local Greek embassy. Next, you’ll need to complete the application form and attend the visa interviews, once you have been assigned one. Next, you should submit the documents you need to hand in. The following step is handing in biometrics like fingerprints and facial recognition image. Finally, you should pay the visa fee for 90 euros.

How to apply - Greece

After learning how to apply for your study visa and finding out what the top universities are, you should learn how to apply to the best universities in Greece. These steps are simple once you know exactly what to do. How to apply is also based on whether you are applying for a bachelor’s, master’s degree or PhD degree. To help increase your chances to get accepted at a degree, try to apply at more than one university and for several degree programs. 

Bachelor’s Degree Application 

When applying for your bachelor’s degree, you should hand in all the documents through the Greek Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs. They should all be translated into the Greek language and approved by a Greek authority abroad or a translation service by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Greece.

Master’s or PhD degree Application 

In order to apply for a Master’s or PhD degree, you will need to apply online and hand in the documents that are required to the institution of your choice. Make sure you check that you have all the requirements and that they are all translated into Greek. 

The main requirement for a master’s degree is that you have a bachelor’s degree that is recognized in Greece, or an equivalent degree. You’ll also need to hand in language requirements, if needed by the degree. You should also present your GPA during any previous studies, whether high school or bachelor’s degree studies. 

English Language Proficiency 

There are over 500 degrees taught in the English language in Greece, meaning that if you don’t speak Greece you will probably be pursuing your degree program in English. Universities will need to know that you are fluent in English and have good skills to be able to do well in the degree course. Proficiency of English language could be in test results of exams like PTE Academic, IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced. 

Bachelor’s Admission Requirements

• High school certificate
• Transcript, fulfilling a minimum GPA grade
• English language proficiency certificate for degrees in English
• Proof of Greek language proficiency. All Greek universities will need their students to know at least a little bit of Greek. If you don’t know any Greek, you’ll be forced to take a one year preparatory course to be able to be enrolled in the program. 

Post-graduate Degree Admission Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree diploma from an approved university
• Proof of work experience (If needed for your program)
• English language proficiency, with a minimum score of B or 7, ranging on the scale from 1.0 to 9.0
• GMAT score certificate (if needed by the program)

However, you shouldn’t worry if you don’t fulfill all the requirements as admission requirements change based on university. Be sure to check the requirements for your program and university to make sure you meet all the criteria needed. 

General Admission Requirements 

• University Application form
• Photocopy of the diploma, certified by Greek authority
• Transcript of grades, with your GPA included
• Copy of your previous graduation certificates, translated in Greek (with an official translation) 
• Passport photos
• Copy of your passport or identification card 
• Proof of language proficiency skills (English or Greek, depending on what is asked for you)
• Application fees
• Personal statement (if needed)
• Reference letters (if for postgraduate and you are employed, then one needs to be from your employer).
• Research proposal 
• Writing samples 
• Possibly, your bachelor’s thesis (Translated into English or Greek if in another language) 

 

Application Deadlines 

When it comes to Bachelor’s degree programs, the deadline for applying is typically in July. You’ll find out your results in an announcement on the website of the Greek ministry. 

When it comes to graduate programs, applications are accepted and submitted on an ongoing basis. However, you should check for your own specific program as most deadlines range from May to July, as most programs start in the Fall timeframe. 

 

Scholarship in Greece

When applying for universities in Greece, international students have many scholarship opportunities. Students should research scholarship providers and find out precisely what the requirements are. They should also gather letters of recommendation from people who are trusted academics. Students should know that even though Greek scholarships cover many costs, they won’t cover everything. Read on to learn about some of the scholarships available for international students in Greece. 

 

 National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Scholarships

The National and Kapodistrian university offers scholarship amounts of 10,000 euros for undergraduate students. These students should be studying Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology, History or Literature of Ancient Greece. 

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Scholarships

The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki offers scholarships for all study levels, in many degree programs. You should look into whether the program you are studying has this scholarship available to apply to. These scholarships offer a monthly stipend of 345 euros for undergraduate students and 450 euros for postgrad students. 

Onassis Foundation Annual Scholarships

Since 1978, the Onassis Foundation has offered scholarships with a monthly stipend from 300 to 600 euros to students to continue their education and gain postgrad degrees. They also give 5,000 extra euros for tuition and relocation fees. The exact price depends on your program and where you are studying. The scholarship has a list of approved degree programs, so you should check to see if your program is eligible. 

Fulbright Foundation Scholarships

The Fulbright Foundation offers scholarships to American citizens to study in Greece. This scholarship provides partial tuition fees coverage and a monthly stipend of 1,300 dollars and more advantages. These scholarships are available for all students in all fields and study levels. However, they prefer awarding them to students studying Modern Greek studies, social sciences, education policy, government or public administration, arts and culture, environmental sciences, and business-related degrees.