Best universities in Greece 2026

• Free education in state universities. However, knowledge of Greek is required. You can take special language courses, lasting for 3-8 months. These courses are paid.
• There are no entrance exams. It is necessary to provide a certificate with good grades/bachelor's degree and a language certificate.
• An applicant can apply simultaneously to 20 (!) faculties of different universities.
• In Greek universities, students who do not pass the exams are not expelled - they are sent to retake the course or are given additional time to retake.
• A diploma is recognized throughout the EU.
• A warm climate, rich ancient history and culture, the presence of ancient sights, excellent cuisine are additional bonuses for students who are studying at Greek universities.
• Excellent attitude towards foreign students.

In Greece, students can pursue any of the three degrees of higher education. But there are some differences: for example, studying for a bachelor's degree will take from 4 years. However, in other European countries, students study for an average of 3 years. Many specialties take more time - up to 5-6 years. The highest degree of study is doctoral studies, which are not offered in all Greek universities.

Education at universities in Greece has a number of features:

• About 40% of time are taken by lectures at the university,
• All educational materials are provided free of charge,
• Bachelor's programs are conducted in Greek; Studying in English is possible under the master's and doctoral programs,
• It is possible to receive a scholarship and work part-time without special permission.

Students of Greek universities are provided with the following benefits:

• Meals in university canteens,
• Travel in public transport,
• Visiting gyms, libraries, attractions,
• Medical care,
• The ability to live in a dormitory, which significantly reduces housing costs (but there are usually very few places),
• Obtaining a residence permit with the right to move around Europe,
• Paid internship in Greek companies.

Curricula in Greek universities include compulsory material in the specialty and classes of the student's choice. At the beginning of the school year, students independently draw up a study plan, which includes optional courses. The first two years are devoted to general education disciplines, the rest of the time students study subjects in their main specialty.

There are no special requirements for foreign students: it is enough to pass 35% of the required program to continue studying. 

The final stage of studying stipulates writing of a thesis and passing exams. In addition, some areas involve practical preparation (for example, engineering and medicine). With a bachelor's degree, students can already look for a job or continue their studies in a master's program. With a master's degree, a graduate has a better chance of finding a prestigious job. Each university has a special organization that helps graduates find a job.

All universities in Greece, which have accreditation, are state-owned, managed by collective bodies in accordance with special legislation. The government is responsible for their financing.

Educational institutions are classified into academic universities and institutes of technology. Their difference concerns  the direction of studying: in universities, the emphasis is on theoretical knowledge, and in institutes, the practical component is more developed with mandatory internships.

Greek universities (Panepistimia) pay attention to the quality of education, regularly invest in innovation, striving to meet the requirements of the ever-changing international academic community. Greek universities issue certificates in 5 main directions:

1. Humanities, Law and Social Sciences,
2. Science
3. Health Science,
4. Technology
5. Economics and Management.

Formally, there are no private higher education institutions in Greece, but they still work, just without state accreditation. All private universities work as non-accredited studying centers of  universities abroad and issue the appropriate diplomas. Also , many foreign universities have their branches in Greece: as a result, graduates receive, for example, British or American ones. Among such institutions are the American Pharmacological School, Alpine Center (Swiss business school of hotel and tourism management) and others.

In Greece, there is the Hellenic Open University (HOU), where studies are conducted remotely.

The top universities in Greece are:

• Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB),
• The University of the Aegean (UAegean),
• Technical University of Crete — TUC.

Admission to Greek universities is quite easy even for foreign students. The higher diploma score, the greater the chances of entering  the best universities in Greece. To obtain the next degrees of higher education (master, doctor), you must provide a bachelor's degree.

You will need to provide a package of documents, including a birth certificate and a certificate of knowledge of the Greek language.

You should start collecting documents in advance, because the whole procedure can take from 2 to 4 months. All submission materials for admission must be translated into Greek. Foreign applicants will also need to apply for a visa.

Education in public universities in Greece is free for all applicants. Foreign students only need to pay an annual fee. At the same time, they will still have additional costs:

• Greek language courses (from €3000 to €8500 for the entire program),
• Accommodation and meals ,
• Flights and transfers,
• Household needs and entertainment (trips, clubs, etc.).

Tuition fee at commercial universities depends on the chosen institution and faculty, and the program duration. Local and foreign students pay for studying. On average, the cost of studying accounts to €10,000 per year.