Greece is an increasingly attractive destination for students seeking high-quality universities, affordable education, scholarships, tuition assistance, and student funding. Known for its ancient academic traditions, Mediterranean lifestyle, and growing number of English-taught programs, Greece offers international students the opportunity to earn a European degree while experiencing one of the world’s most historically significant countries.
The Greek higher-education system includes 24 state-funded and accredited universities, offering more than 1,000 undergraduate programs in Greek, as well as a growing selection of English-taught degrees. The official Study in Greece platform reports that more than 200 degree programs are available in English across bachelor’s, master’s, joint, and other study formats. (Study in Greece)
For students concerned about affordability, Greece can be especially appealing. Greek-taught undergraduate programs at public universities are generally free, while English-taught programs and many postgraduate degrees may charge tuition. For non-EU/EEA students, current guidance gives typical tuition ranges of approximately โฌ5,000โโฌ15,000 per year for bachelor’s programs and โฌ3,000โโฌ7,000 for master’s programs, although individual programs can differ considerably. (European Education Area)
This guide explores the Top 10 Best Universities in Greece, together with scholarships, tuition assistance, grants, and other ways students can finance their education.
Why Study at a University in Greece?
Studying in Greece combines academic opportunities with a distinctive cultural and geographical setting.
Some of the main advantages include:
- Public universities with strong academic traditions
- More than 200 English-taught programs
- Free Greek-taught undergraduate programs in many public universities
- Scholarships for international students
- Government-funded financial support
- Relatively moderate living costs compared with some Western European destinations
- European academic recognition
- Research opportunities
- Historic cities and campuses
- Mediterranean climate and lifestyle
According to current European guidance, students in Greece typically spend approximately โฌ700โโฌ1,200 per month on housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses, although the actual amount depends heavily on location and lifestyle. (European Education Area)
1. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) is one of Greece’s most prestigious and historically important universities.
Founded in 1837, it offers a comprehensive selection of programs covering:
- Medicine
- Law
- Economics
- Psychology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- History
- Political science
- Languages
- Social sciences
NKUA is consistently among Greece’s strongest universities. In the 2026 AD Scientific Index ranking, it was ranked first among Greek and Cypriot universities and 61st globally. (Hub ฮฮฮ ฮ)
The university also remains highly popular among applicants. In Greece’s 2026โ2027 admissions, NKUA recorded the highest number of newly admitted students among Greek universities. (Hub ฮฮฮ ฮ)
Scholarships and funding
Students can investigate government scholarships, university scholarships, research grants, Erasmus+ opportunities, and other forms of financial support.
Best for: Medicine, humanities, law, sciences, social sciences, and research.
2. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) is one of Greece’s largest and most comprehensive public universities.
It offers programs in:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Engineering
- Law
- Agriculture
- Psychology
- Economics
- Computer science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Humanities
- Education
In the 2026 uniRank Greek university ranking, Aristotle University was ranked first in Greece. (uniRank)
Its large academic community provides students with opportunities to study across a broad range of disciplines.
Scholarships
AUTH offers several scholarship opportunities. Its official scholarship information includes opportunities for undergraduate students, postgraduate students, PhD candidates, and international students under specific programs. (Auth.gr)
Best for: Medicine, engineering, sciences, agriculture, law, and humanities.
3. National Technical University of Athens
The National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) is one of Greece’s leading institutions for engineering and technology.
Students can specialize in:
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Architecture
- Chemical engineering
- Mining engineering
- Computer science
- Applied mathematics
- Energy
- Environmental engineering
The university is particularly suitable for students who want a career in engineering, infrastructure, technology, or scientific research.
The 2026 uniRank ranking places NTUA among Greece’s three highest-ranked institutions. (uniRank)
Financial support
Engineering students should explore institutional scholarships, research opportunities, Erasmus+ mobility funding, and government scholarship programs.
Best for: Engineering, architecture, technology, computer science, and applied sciences.
4. University of Patras
The University of Patras is a major public research university located in western Greece.
It has academic strengths in:
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Humanities
- Social sciences
The university is especially notable for its research activity in engineering, technology, science, and health.
It ranked fourth in the 2026 uniRank Greek university ranking and third among Greek universities in the 2026 AD Scientific Index ranking. (uniRank)
Scholarships and grants
Students can explore university scholarships, national funding, Erasmus+, research projects, and postgraduate opportunities.
Best for: Engineering, science, medicine, pharmacy, and technology.
5. University of Crete
The University of Crete is a respected public research university with campuses in Heraklion and Rethymno.
Its academic areas include:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Medicine
- Computer science
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Education
- Social sciences
The university has a particularly strong research profile in natural sciences, medicine, and related disciplines.
The 2026 AD Scientific Index ranked the University of Crete fourth among Greek universities and 384th globally. (Hub ฮฮฮ ฮ)
Financial opportunities
Students can investigate scholarships, research funding, Erasmus+ programs, and university-level support.
Best for: Science, medicine, mathematics, computer science, and research.
6. University of Thessaly
The University of Thessaly is a public university with campuses in several cities, including Volos.
Its programs span:
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Veterinary science
- Agriculture
- Economics
- Computer science
- Physical education
- Humanities
- Education
- Social sciences
The university ranked sixth in the 2026 uniRank Greek university ranking. (uniRank)
Its diverse academic portfolio makes it suitable for students who want a public university outside Athens or Thessaloniki.
Scholarships and funding
Students can explore institutional scholarships, Erasmus+ mobility, research funding, and national scholarship programs.
Best for: Engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary science, and education.
7. University of Ioannina
The University of Ioannina is a major public university in northwestern Greece.
Its academic programs include:
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Psychology
- Humanities
- Social sciences
The university is particularly attractive to students interested in science and health-related disciplines.
It ranked tenth in the 2026 uniRank Greek university ranking and seventh among Greek institutions in the 2026 AD Scientific Index. (uniRank)
Scholarships
Students can investigate scholarships, research grants, Erasmus+ opportunities, and postgraduate funding.
Best for: Medicine, pharmacy, science, computer science, and humanities.
8. Democritus University of Thrace
Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) is a public university with campuses across northeastern Greece.
Its academic fields include:
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Law
- Education
- Economics
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Computer science
- Social sciences
- Physical sciences
The university provides an alternative for students who want to study outside Greece’s largest metropolitan areas.
It ranked 11th in the 2026 uniRank Greek university ranking. (uniRank)
Financial aid
Students should investigate scholarships, university grants, research opportunities, Erasmus+ funding, and other national programs.
Best for: Engineering, medicine, law, education, and science.
9. Technical University of Crete
The Technical University of Crete (TUC) is a public technical university located in Chania.
It focuses heavily on engineering and applied sciences.
Major fields include:
- Electrical engineering
- Computer engineering
- Production engineering
- Mineral resources engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Architecture
- Chemical engineering
The university is a strong choice for students seeking a specialized technical education in a smaller Greek city.
The 2026 AD Scientific Index placed TUC among Greece’s leading research institutions. (Hub ฮฮฮ ฮ)
Scholarships
Students can explore university scholarships, research assistantships, Erasmus+ opportunities, and external funding.
Best for: Engineering, computer science, architecture, and environmental technology.
10. Athens University of Economics and Business
The Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) is a public university specializing in economics, business, management, and related fields.
Programs cover areas such as:
- Economics
- Business administration
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management
- Statistics
- Informatics
- Data science
- Operations research
Its location in Athens provides students with access to Greece’s largest business and employment market.
AUEB ranked eighth in the 2026 uniRank Greek university ranking. (uniRank)
Scholarships and financial support
Business students can investigate scholarships, Erasmus+ mobility programs, research grants, and university-specific financial assistance.
Best for: Economics, finance, business, management, accounting, and data science.
Tuition Fees at Greek Universities
One of the biggest advantages of Greek public universities is that tuition depends strongly on the language of instruction, degree level, nationality, and program.
For eligible students, Greek-taught undergraduate education at public universities is generally tuition-free. The official Study in Greece platform states that Greek-taught undergraduate programs are offered free of charge. (Study in Greece)
For international students, particularly those outside the EU/EEA, English-taught programs generally charge tuition.
Current European guidance gives the following approximate ranges:
| Program | Typical Tuition Range |
|---|---|
| Greek-taught undergraduate programs | Generally free for eligible students |
| English-taught bachelor’s | โฌ5,000โโฌ15,000/year |
| Master’s programs | โฌ3,000โโฌ7,000/year |
| Specialized programs | Varies by institution |
These are broad guidelines rather than universal prices. Individual programs can charge substantially different amounts.
For example, the Aristotle University School of Medicine currently lists โฌ12,000 per academic year for its international medicine program. (Aristotle University School of Medicine)
Students should always verify tuition directly with their selected university and program.
Scholarships for International Students in Greece
Scholarships are one of the best ways to reduce the cost of studying in Greece.
The Greek government, universities, foundations, and international organizations offer different forms of funding.
Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarships
The Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Greek public higher-education institutions for eligible foreign citizens and Greek expatriates permanently residing in third countries. (Kementerian Luar Negeri Yunani)
For the 2026โ2027 academic year, the Ministry has announced calls for both undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships. (Kementerian Luar Negeri Yunani)
Depending on the program and conditions, scholarship benefits can include significant financial support for the duration of study.
For some undergraduate applicants, the program can also include one year of free Greek-language study before the degree begins when language preparation is required. (Kementerian Luar Negeri Yunani)
This makes government scholarships particularly valuable for students who want to pursue a Greek-taught degree.
State Scholarships and Research Funding
Greece also provides scholarship opportunities through the State Scholarship Foundation (IKY).
The Greek government provides an online service through which students can apply for financial support for undergraduate, postgraduate, or research activities when scholarship calls are available. (Pemerintah Yunan)
Funding opportunities may include:
- Undergraduate scholarships
- Master’s scholarships
- Doctoral funding
- Research grants
- Mobility programs
- Academic excellence awards
Eligibility depends on each individual call.
Study in Greece Scholarship Platform
International students should also use the official Study in Greece Scholarships platform.
The platform brings together scholarship opportunities, awards, and grants and allows students to search using different filters. It also provides information about active and upcoming scholarship calls. (Scholar Studyingreece)
This can save students considerable time because scholarship information is available in one centralized location.
University-Based Scholarships
Many Greek universities offer their own financial assistance.
For example, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki lists scholarship opportunities for:
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- PhD candidates
- International students
- Students from specific countries or backgrounds
Its official scholarship information also includes reciprocal scholarships and CERN-related opportunities. (Auth.gr)
Students should visit the scholarship or international office of their chosen university before applying.
Erasmus+ and International Funding
Students studying at participating European institutions can also explore Erasmus+.
Erasmus+ can provide financial support for eligible mobility activities, including periods of study abroad.
For students already enrolled in European higher education, an exchange semester in Greece can sometimes be significantly more affordable than enrolling as a fully self-funded international student.
Other possibilities include:
- Joint-degree scholarships
- Bilateral exchange programs
- Research grants
- Foundation scholarships
- Department-level awards
- International mobility grants
Student Loans in Greece
Student loans can provide another financing option, although they should generally be considered after scholarships and grants.
Students may investigate financing from:
- Commercial banks
- Education loan programs
- Family-supported financing
- International lenders
- Private financial institutions
International students should check eligibility carefully because access to Greek financial products can depend on citizenship, residence, income, enrollment, and credit history.
Before borrowing money, students should compare:
- Interest rates
- Repayment schedules
- Application fees
- Grace periods
- Currency risks
- Total repayment costs
- Requirements for international students
A scholarship or grant is usually preferable to a loan because it does not create the same repayment obligation.
Cost of Living for Students in Greece
Tuition is only one component of the total cost of studying abroad.
Students should budget for:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Books
- Internet and mobile service
- Personal expenses
- Entertainment
Current European guidance estimates typical student living costs in Greece at approximately โฌ700โโฌ1,200 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. (European Education Area)
Athens and some popular tourist destinations can be relatively expensive, particularly for accommodation. Students may reduce expenses by choosing university housing, sharing apartments, using public transportation, cooking meals, and taking advantage of student discounts.
Cities such as Patras, Ioannina, Volos, and parts of Crete may provide alternatives to the housing costs of central Athens.
Best Greek Universities by Subject
Choosing the best university depends on your academic goals.
Best for Medicine
Consider National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Crete, University of Patras, and University of Ioannina.
Best for Engineering
National Technical University of Athens, University of Patras, and Technical University of Crete are strong choices.
Best for Economics and Business
Athens University of Economics and Business is particularly specialized in this area.
Best for Computer Science
University of Athens, NTUA, University of Patras, University of Crete, and Technical University of Crete offer strong options.
Best for Humanities
University of Athens and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki provide broad humanities offerings.
Best for Agriculture
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and University of Thessaly are worth considering.
Comparison of the Top 10 Universities in Greece
| University | City | Major Strengths | Funding Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Athens | Medicine, law, sciences, humanities | Scholarships, grants, Erasmus+ |
| Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Thessaloniki | Medicine, engineering, sciences | University scholarships, grants |
| National Technical University of Athens | Athens | Engineering, architecture, technology | Scholarships, research funding |
| University of Patras | Patras | Engineering, medicine, science | Grants, scholarships, Erasmus+ |
| University of Crete | Crete | Science, medicine, research | Scholarships, research funding |
| University of Thessaly | Volos | Medicine, agriculture, engineering | Scholarships, mobility |
| University of Ioannina | Ioannina | Medicine, science, pharmacy | Scholarships, research grants |
| Democritus University of Thrace | Thrace | Engineering, medicine, law | Grants, scholarships |
| Technical University of Crete | Chania | Engineering, technology | Scholarships, research |
| Athens University of Economics and Business | Athens | Economics, business, finance | Scholarships, Erasmus+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Greek public universities free?
Greek-taught undergraduate programs at public universities are generally free for eligible students. However, tuition can apply to English-taught programs and many postgraduate courses. (European Education Area)
How much does it cost to study in Greece?
For non-EU/EEA students, current guidance indicates approximately โฌ5,000โโฌ15,000 annually for bachelor’s programs and โฌ3,000โโฌ7,000 for master’s programs, although actual fees vary. (European Education Area)
Can international students get scholarships in Greece?
Yes. International students can explore government scholarships, university scholarships, IKY opportunities, Erasmus+, and other grants.
What is the best scholarship for international students in Greece?
There is no single best scholarship for everyone. Government scholarships administered through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be particularly valuable because some are fully funded and specifically intended for eligible foreign citizens and expatriates. (Kementerian Luar Negeri Yunani)
Is Greece affordable for international students?
Greece can be relatively affordable compared with some Western European countries, but costs vary significantly by city and lifestyle. Current estimates place typical student living expenses around โฌ700โโฌ1,200 per month. (European Education Area)
Are there English-taught degrees in Greece?
Yes. The official Study in Greece platform lists more than 200 English-taught degree and study programs. (Studies Minedu)
Final Thoughts
Greece offers international students an appealing combination of strong public universities, European academic opportunities, scholarships, tuition assistance, and a comparatively accessible cost of living. Its higher-education system is particularly attractive to students who want to combine academic study with exposure to Greek history, culture, and Mediterranean life.
The Top 10 Best Universities in Greece highlighted in this guide are the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, National Technical University of Athens, University of Patras, University of Crete, University of Thessaly, University of Ioannina, Democritus University of Thrace, Technical University of Crete, and Athens University of Economics and Business. These institutions cover a wide range of academic disciplines and represent some of Greece’s strongest public higher-education options. Current 2026 rankings consistently place many of these institutions among Greece’s leading universities. (uniRank)
For students focused on affordability, tuition assistance and scholarships should be investigated before choosing a university. Greek-taught undergraduate programs at public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students, while English-taught and postgraduate programs may require tuition. (Study in Greece)
International students should pay particular attention to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship programs, IKY scholarships, university-specific awards, Erasmus+, research grants, and the Study in Greece scholarship platform. The Ministry’s 2026โ2027 scholarship call demonstrates that Greece continues to provide fully funded opportunities for eligible foreign citizens and expatriates studying at public Greek higher-education institutions. (Kementerian Luar Negeri Yunani)
Students should also remember that student loans are different from scholarships and grants. Loans must be repaid, so they should generally be considered only after exploring scholarships, grants, tuition waivers, and other non-repayable forms of financial assistance.
Before submitting an application, compare tuition fees, scholarship deadlines, admission requirements, language requirements, accommodation, monthly living costs, insurance, and visa requirements. Costs and scholarship conditions can change between academic years, so always confirm the latest information with the university and official Greek education authorities.
With careful planning, Greece can provide an excellent pathway to a European university education with multiple options for reducing tuition and managing student expenses. Whether your goal is medicine in Athens, engineering in Crete, business in Athens, science in Crete, or a broad academic education in Thessaloniki, Greece offers diverse opportunities for students seeking quality education and financial support.
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