Socratic Method: How to Go to College in Greece

The 101 Guide to Going to College in Greece (for International Students)

Going to college in Greece isn’t new. In fact, Greece is a well-known study-abroad destination. It’s risen to 12th overall for students looking to spend time abroad during the school year, up almost 12% from 2017 to 2018. Greece hosts almost 6,000 American students yearly, most at the University of Thessaloniki, the University of Athens, and a handful of “American universities” — institutions of higher education within Greece that cater to students looking for a U.S.-style education that can help them transfer to a U.S. career or higher education in the states later on.

But far fewer American students make Greece their academic home for all four years.

Why not?

Well, for one, Greece has far fewer university programs taught in English than students can find in other European countries. Its two international universities—the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the National Kapodistrian University Of Athens—offer just a couple of English-taught options:

• Medicine (University of Athens)
• Medicine (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)
• Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece (University of Athens)

There’s also a degree in international medicine from the University of Crete.

That situation isn’t helped by the fact that private universities in Greece cannot offer higher education degrees. Some private schools in Greece do offer programs through foreign university partnerships, with the partner issuing degrees instead of the Greek school.

Finally, plagued by poor funding after years of austerity measures, universities in Greece haven’t exactly been expanding. In fact, in 2013 they faced a staffing crisis as EU mandates forced cuts. Even foreign university programs in Greece eliminated programs.

Today, five universities rank in the world’s top 1000 according to the 2023 Times rankings:

• National Kapodistrian University of Athens
• University of Crete
• Harokopio University of Athens
• University of the Aegean
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

But there aren’t English-taught degrees at all of them, and students are limited by the degrees they might pursue in English. That keeps full-time degree-seeking student numbers low compared to study-abroad students, who can find all their major requirements back home.

But when student interests align with Greek offerings, this affordable, historic, and sun-drenched country has much to offer international undergraduates. Let’s break down some of the most common questions about getting a degree in Greece.

Can I go to college in Greece?

Yes, non-EU students are welcome to apply. However, they’ll pay international tuition and fees. That’s not a deal-breaker for many American students, for whom the low tuition and cost of living can be a huge discount. While medicine programs have international tuition around €12,000 euros (and last 6 years), the history and archaeology program tuition is about half that.

International students do not need to learn about Greek high school life to apply — just submit required transcripts, letters, and test scores (each program has different requirements). There are even short entrance exams for medical programs to help understand a candidate’s background in biological sciences. That system helps equalize divergent high school experiences and helps local committees ensure they get an incoming class with comparable needs and qualifications.

For example, medical applicants at the University of Thessaloniki who don’t have British high school qualifications find a 60-question multiple choice test qualifies them to study in the program.

Can I transfer to a university in Greece?

Students looking to join specialized programs will likely find they haven’t completed the coursework in their programs to warrant earning transfer credit in medicine or ancient Greek history. But other specialized programs are more amenable to transfer students.

American colleges, for example, are used to accepting new transfer students and recognizing work completed at American universities.

Is Greece good for international students?

In many ways, Greece is a great choice for international students. It:

• Has strong ties (especially in classics and history) with many American institutions, and longstanding study-abroad partnerships that give many universities a lot of experience working with American students.
• It is one of the most affordable European countries.
• There is strong English competency in large cities for students who do not speak Greek.
• There’s a culture of care and hospitality that these small departments and their staff have for international students. To make programs accessible, staff must help coordinate international relocation, housing, and acclimatization for new students. That can make attending these programs feel homier than attending fresher’s week and then carrying on, alone, as would be the case at other European options like a large British university.

The drawbacks to a degree in Greece are:

• It can be hard to get around smaller towns, get medical care, see films, peruse menus, and browse bookstores that are in Greek.
• Recovery from the financial crisis over the last decade has been slow, and investment in higher education does not rival other Western European powerhouses.

Can international students work in Greece?

You can work with a student visa in Greece. The problem is that without fluent Greek, students can find a side job more difficult to find. Students can work 20 hours per week while studying during the term. Students can work full-time during school breaks in Greece. It’s common to require students get university authorization to work, so check with your program.

How many universities can you apply to in Greece?

With few English-taught degrees and no nationwide application portal, students apply to their university programs separately. Students can apply to as many programs as they like in Greece.

How many universities are in Greece?

That’s a million-dollar question. Greece has 17 public universities and 30 technical institutes, with five ranking in the Times top 2,000. The following programs offer full-time undergrads an English-taught degree in Greece:

• AAS College (Thessaloniki)
• Aegean Omiros College (Athens)
• Alpine Center (Glyfáda)
• American College of Greece (Athens)
• Business College of Athens (Athens)
• Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Thessaloniki)
• Democritus University of Thrace (Komotiní)
• ELGS European Law and Governance (Athens)
• Hellenic American College (Athens)
• Mediterranean College (Thessaloniki and Athens)
• National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Athens)
• New York College (Athens)

These programs don’t tell the whole story. For instance, New York College is accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC), and public universities from the U.S. and U.K. partner to offer degrees at another Czech location in Prague.

Whether the university could offer a quality option for English-speaking international student goals is a question worth asking before applying. For example, a blog on the university’s website asks, “Why Studying English language and English language Teaching?” An ESL staff may be positive for American students looking to immerse in another culture. But the university’s English advocacy suggests it caters mainly to non-English native speakers, increasing their fluency for future international jobs.

The only English-taught programs geared toward international learners, taught in English, with degrees awarded by accredited and awarded by Greek public universities are those in English and Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece.

How much is going to college in Greece?

College in Greece is very affordable. The Archaeology program tuition is less than $7000 per year, while the 6-year medical degree tuition is closer to $12,000. American colleges also charge around $12,000 per year with roughly $1,100 in fees). The cost of living is also low. Apartments in Athens can be purchased for under $100,000 or rented for $650. Low living expenses help students save cash for internships, summer programs, and travel. The cost of living in Greece can be 70% less than in the U.S.

Don’t forget that Greece is in the Schengen zone, so students can travel with their student visa to most European countries for 90 days without any other documentation.

Is university free in Greece?

For Greek students, university in Greece is free. However, students often enroll in private educational organizations to help them prepare for tests and secure the top spots. These lucky students get to study the majors they want at universities close to home with fewer costs. Universities are free, but a private industry helps support admissions. Therefore, students tend to think of private universities in Greece as inferior. However, private schools offer an alternative for students who could not secure spots at public universities. They are also cost-savers for families who cannot send students to far-away colleges (or who can’t pay for all the help they need to secure admission at one).

Can I use financial aid to go to college in Greece?

Students can use U.S. financial aid at only one Greek college: the American College of Greece.

When does university start in Greece?

Typical Greek schools have a three-term year (fall, spring, and summer) with 13-week terms. Fall stretches from mid-September to February, including a shorter winter break than many American universities. Spring term lasts until mid-June. In general, summer courses are reserved for graduate study. However, students who fail exams can study up during the summer break and re-sit exams in September.

How to apply to colleges in Greece

Applying to college in Greece is an individual process. You’ll need a high school diploma and transcripts, and any other credentials your university requires. That could include a letter of recommendation, AP or SAT test scores, and a personal essay explaining your interest and academic qualifications. For medical programs, an entrance exam can help prove to committees that you’re ready and able to handle the coursework.