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日本語Greece's universities carry centuries of intellectual heritage — the University of Athens was founded in 1837, and Greek academic culture has deep roots in philosophy, science, and medicine. While Greek higher education has historically been Greek-language-centric, the country has expanded its English-taught offerings significantly, particularly at postgraduate level. International students benefit from a dedicated admissions pathway with reserved seats, low costs, and one of Europe's most affordable student lifestyles.
Academic Qualifications
How Greece recognizes foreign secondary and university qualifications
Greek universities require a secondary school diploma equivalent to the Greek Apolytirion (awarded after 12 years of schooling). Foreign qualifications are recognized by DOATAP (Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center — ΔΟΑΤΑΠ), which is Greece's ENIC-NARIC center. For undergraduate admissions, non-EU international students apply through a special quota (eidiká tópia) reserved specifically for foreign nationals — this is separate from the Greek national entrance examination (PanHellenic Examinations) system used by domestic students. For Master's programs, a recognized Bachelor's degree of at least three years in a related field is required.
Language Requirements
| Greek-taught programs | Certificate of Attainment in Greek (B2 minimum); C1/C2 recommended |
|---|---|
| English-taught programs | IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–88 |
| Greek language tests | Offered by the Center for the Greek Language (Thessaloniki) worldwide |
| English test exemptions | Students from English-speaking countries typically exempt with school records |
How to Apply
International students apply through a dedicated quota system — separate from Greek national exams
- Identify your target institution and program. Greece's main universities include the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Athens University of Economics and Business, and the University of Crete.
- Request a DOATAP recognition assessment for your secondary school diploma. This confirms equivalency with the Greek Apolytirion and is typically required as part of your application package.
- Apply through the special international quota. Contact the international office of your target university directly for their specific application procedure and deadlines — the process is managed individually by each institution.
- Prepare your language proficiency certificate — Greek for Greek-taught programs, or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs.
- Submit your complete application package — including diploma, transcripts, DOATAP assessment, language certificate, motivation letter, CV, and passport.
- After receiving your acceptance, non-EU students must apply for a Greek student visa (Type D — Long Stay) at the nearest Greek Embassy or consulate.
Required Documents
- Certified copy of secondary school diploma (Apolytirion equivalent)
- Official transcripts for all completed years of study
- Certified Greek or English translation of all documents
- DOATAP recognition certificate for foreign qualifications
- Proof of Greek language proficiency (Certificate of Attainment) or IELTS/TOEFL for English programs
- Motivation letter / Statement of purpose
- CV / Résumé
- Passport copy (valid throughout planned stay)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial means (~€6,000–€8,000/year)
- Health insurance certificate (required for visa and enrollment)
Financial Requirements
Proof of funds for the Greek student visa
Non-EU students applying for a Greek long-stay student visa must demonstrate sufficient financial means. Greek immigration authorities generally require proof of at least €500–€600 per month, or approximately €6,000–€7,200 for a full academic year. Accepted proof includes a personal or sponsor's bank statement, a scholarship letter, or a combination of both. Greek public university tuition is free for all students — Greek nationals and international students alike — so your main expenses are living costs. Athens and Thessaloniki are among the most affordable major European cities for students.
Key Application Deadlines
| International quota applications | Typically June – September for October intake (confirm with each university) |
|---|---|
| DOATAP recognition assessment | Allow 4–8 weeks — request early |
| Postgraduate applications | March – June for October intake (program dependent) |
| Student visa processing | 4–8 weeks after admission confirmation |
| Academic year start | October (winter semester); February (spring semester) |
Watch Out For
The international quota is limited at most Greek public universities — seats fill quickly. Contact the university's international office early to understand the exact number of available places for your program.
DOATAP assessments can take 4–8 weeks. Request yours as early as possible in your application process.
Medicine and dentistry programs in Greece attract very high demand from international applicants. These programs have extremely limited international quota seats and competitive selection.
Greece has not historically had a centralized international application portal — each university manages its own process. Always go directly to the university's international admissions office for current procedures.
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DOATAP (Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center) is Greece's official body for recognizing foreign academic qualifications — the Greek equivalent of a NARIC center. It assesses foreign secondary school diplomas and university degrees and confirms their equivalency to Greek qualifications. A DOATAP recognition certificate is typically required as part of the application process for Greek universities.
Yes, particularly at Master's level. Athens University of Economics and Business, the University of Piraeus, and several other institutions offer well-regarded English-taught Master's programs in business, economics, and technology. Some private colleges in Athens also offer English-medium Bachelor's programs. The number of English programs is growing as Greek universities internationalize.
Yes — Greek public universities charge no tuition fees to any student, including international students. This makes Greece one of the most cost-effective study destinations in Europe. Students pay only small administrative fees at enrollment. Private colleges and institutions do charge tuition.
Greek public universities reserve a special quota of places (eidiká tópia) for international applicants who have not completed their secondary education in Greece. This quota system means international students are not competing against Greek students who sat the PanHellenic Examinations — they are evaluated separately based on their own academic records and language proficiency.
Greece is one of Western Europe's most affordable student destinations. Monthly living costs in Athens average €600–€900, including rent, food, and transport. Thessaloniki is even cheaper at €500–€750 per month. With no tuition to pay at public universities, total annual costs can be well under €10,000 — among the lowest in Europe for a full degree experience.
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