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Last modified: 2026-09-30

# Free Education in Greece: Who Studies Tuition-Free and What the "Free" Route Really Costs

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In Greece, tuition-free study means Greek-taught bachelor's programmes at public universities. International applicants with no Greek origin reach them through a separate Ministry of Education quota: no entrance exams, selection by school-leaving grade, and a Greek B2 certificate required at registration. Almost everything else is paid: an English-taught bachelor's runs from $5,110 (€4,500) to $19,300 (€17,000) per year, most master's programmes charge fees, and the income-based master's fee waiver does not apply to non-EU citizens by law.

Only the teaching is free. The Greek language year, housing and the funds you must prove for a residence permit — at least $740 (€650) a month — come out of your own budget. This guide explains what exactly is free for a non-EU student, how many quota places existed in 2026 and what grades they required, what a language year costs, and which student benefits an applicant from Russia, Kazakhstan, Central Asia or elsewhere outside the EU can actually use.

The main building of the University of Thessaly in Volos. Photo: Giorgos Voudouris (Apaleutos25) / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%CE%A0%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AE%CE%BC%CE%B9%CE%BF_%CE%98%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%AF%CE%B1%CF%82,_%CE%92%CF%8C%CE%BB%CE%BF%CF%82.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

## What Is Free and What Is Not {#section-1}

| Item | Does a non-EU student pay? | Basis |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Greek-taught bachelor's and five-year integrated programmes at a public university | no, if admitted through the quota for foreign nationals | Study in Greece: Greek-taught undergraduate programmes are free |
| English-taught bachelor's at a public university | yes, $5,110–19,300 (€4,500–17,000) a year | programme websites, 2026/27 academic year |
| Master's degree | depends on the programme: some are free, most charge fees | decision of the department and the university senate |
| Income-based master's fee waiver | no, the law expressly excludes third-country nationals | Article 86 of Law 4957/2022 |
| Greek language course before starting | yes, $850–1,400 (€750–1,230) per academic year | NKUA and Aristotle University language centres, 2026/27 |
| Course textbooks | no, they are provided free | Eurydice country profile for Greece |
| University canteen meals | free if income criteria are met, otherwise about $3 (€3) a day | NKUA Student Welfare Directorate |
| Student residence place | free for students selected on social and financial criteria | Aristotle University, NKUA |
| Student housing allowance of $1,140 (€1,000) a year | not available: Greek and EU nationals only | Eurydice, Aristotle University |
| Branches of foreign universities and private colleges | yes, always | Law 5094/2024, Eurydice |

The tuition-free route exists, but it is narrow: Greek language only, and only through the central quota. If learning Greek is not part of your plan, you are looking at paid study, and it is more useful to compare it with paid options in other countries than with "free Greece".

## Who Can Study Tuition-Free Through the Foreign Nationals Quota {#section-2}

Each year the Ministry of Education admits school graduates from outside the EU under a special category. For an applicant with no Greek roots, this is category A.2, which requires that neither the student nor the parents have Greek origin. If only one parent lacks Greek origin, the applicant uses category A.1.

The conditions checked first:

- both final school years were spent in class, for the whole school year, in the country where the certificate was issued;
- the certificate is valid for university entry in its home system;
- the qualification was not earned through correspondence or distance schooling;
- no two school years were compressed into one on a fast-track programme;
- the candidate has not already graduated from a Greek university through this same category.

There are no entrance exams. Candidates are ranked by their overall school-leaving grade converted to the Greek 0–20 scale and allocated to the departments they listed in order of preference. Admission is confirmed by a decision of the Minister of Education. The full document list and translation and apostille rules are in our guide to [applying to Greek universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-greek-universities); this page focuses on what decides the outcome and the budget. For a country overview, see [studying in Greece](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-greece).

## How Many Free Places There Were in 2026 and What Grades They Needed {#section-3}

After each round the ministry publishes a table of cut-off grades for non-EU applicants. The 2026 table (published 28 August 2026) shows the scale of the quota:

| 2026 admission figure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Places for non-EU foreign nationals | 922 |
| Departments and programmes offering such places | 417 |
| Candidates admitted | 662 |
| Places left unfilled | 268 |
| Programmes where every place was filled | 292 of 417 |

Most programmes offer between one and eight quota places, so you compete for a specific department rather than for a university in general. On the most popular programmes the cut-off hits the maximum, while some regional programmes leave places empty.

| Programme (2026) | Places | Admitted | Grade of last admitted candidate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Medicine, NKUA (Athens) | 2 | 6 (all scored 20.00, so ties were admitted above the quota) | 20.00 |
| Medicine, Aristotle University (Thessaloniki) | 2 | 2 | 19.84 |
| Informatics and Telecommunications, NKUA | 2 | 2 | 19.30 |
| Psychology, NKUA | 3 | 3 | 19.50 |
| Law, NKUA | 8 | 8 | 16.20 |
| Law, Aristotle University | 7 | 6 | 12.83 |
| Russian Language and Literature, NKUA | 2 | 2 | 18.15 |
| All NKUA programmes | 106 | 104 | — |
| All Aristotle University programmes | 87 | 80 | — |

The grade is the school-leaving average after conversion to the 20-point scale. Only a Greek authority can issue the conversion certificate: the Ministry of Education, regional Directorates of Secondary Education or the education coordinators at Greek embassies. According to the national register of public procedures, it is free and takes about 15 days; you file in person or by post.

### How a five-point school certificate converts, roughly

The ministry circular gives a formula: Greek grade = (your average − pass mark of your scale) × 10 / number of intervals in your scale + 10. On a five-point scale where 3 is the lowest pass and 5 the maximum, this gives:

| School-leaving average | Approximate 0–20 grade | What it meant in 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 5.0 | 20.0 | enough even for NKUA medicine, but ties are common |
| 4.9 | 19.5 | NKUA psychology level; borderline for medicine in Thessaloniki |
| 4.5 | 17.5 | realistic for philology, NKUA law, economics |
| 4.2 | 16.0 | just below the NKUA law cut-off; many regional options |
| 4.0 | 15.0 | mainly programmes that still had vacancies in 2026 |

Treat this as a guide, not your official grade. The Greek authority sets the final number on the certificate, and cut-offs move every year with the number of places and applications. The practical conclusion: with an average below 4.5, include departments at regional universities, where some 2026 places remained vacant.

## Greek B2: What the Language Year Costs and When It Runs {#section-4}

There is no entrance exam, but registering at the department requires a Greek certificate. The ministry instructions accept three options: the NKUA language centre exam certificate, the certificate of Aristotle University's School of Modern Greek Language, or the B2 certificate of the Centre for the Greek Language. Without one, an admitted candidate can only register in the following academic year, and only after obtaining the certificate in that year. Otherwise the place is lost.

So for a school leaver with no Greek, the free route almost always runs like this: admission through the quota, a year of Greek, the exam, and only then the start of the degree.

| Option for 2026/27 | Dates | Workload | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| NKUA eight-month course for ministry-admitted students | 5 Oct 2026 – 14 May 2027; registration ran 24 Aug – 16 Sep 2026 | 20 hours a week, 13:00–17:00, beginners only | $1,120 (€985) |
| NKUA eight-month intensive course open to all | same dates | 20 hours a week, 9:00–13:00 | $1,400 (€1,230) |
| Aristotle University one-year course, 20 hours a week | 28 Sep 2026 – 28 May 2027; applications closed 30 Aug 2026 | entry from A1 to B2, exit up to C2.1 | $850 (€750) plus a $57 (€50) registration fee |

Exam fees:

- NKUA runs its B2 certificate exam in May and September. Students of its courses pay $79 (€70), external candidates $91 (€80); a September resit after failing in May costs $57 (€50).
- Aristotle University holds a separate "B2 for University Enrollment" exam; in autumn 2026 it took place on 1 September, fee $79 (€70).
- The Centre for the Greek Language holds its B2 exam in May.

Two details affect planning. The NKUA course for admitted students requires a letter of admission to a Greek university or of a scholarship, and a non-EU student cannot register without a valid visa. The centre also does not refund fees if you stop attending. How to obtain a national D visa for the language year is covered in our [Greece student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-greece-student-visa).

Greek continues after the degree begins. At Aristotle University, every student admitted through the quota studies academic Greek at C1–C2 level instead of a foreign language, to the extent set by the department's curriculum.

## What Tuition-Free Study Costs: First-Year Budget {#section-5}

Tuition is zero, but the first year is usually the most expensive: language, relocation, the rental deposit and the residence permit all fall into one period. The table lists items with official figures for 2026/27, converted at the ECB rate.

| Item | Amount | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Greek course (Athens, for admitted students) | $1,120 (€985) | NKUA language centre |
| B2 exam | $79–91 (€70–80) | NKUA |
| Student residence permit fee, paid on issue (since 2026 the permit covers the full programme length) | $170 (€150) | Article 171, Law 5038/2023; Law 5275/2026 |
| Private health insurance for the permit | from $78 (€69) a year | NKUA International Students Support Unit |
| One-bedroom student flat in Athens | $400–570 (€350–500) a month | NKUA International Students Support Unit |
| Rental deposit | usually two months' rent | same NKUA unit |
| Campus canteen meals without a waiver | about $3 (€3) a day | same NKUA unit |
| Student public transport pass in Athens | $15 (€13.50) for 30 days or $88 (€77.50) for 180 days | same NKUA unit |
| Minimum funds to prove for the residence permit | $740 (€650) a month, i.e. $8,860 (€7,800) a year | Joint Ministerial Decision 225679/2024 |

Adding the course, exam, permit fee, insurance, twelve months of rent, canteen meals and transport gives roughly $7,640–9,700 (€6,730–8,540) for the first year in Athens. That is a floor: it excludes flights, the visa fee, translations and apostilles, utilities, furniture and personal spending. The European Commission puts student living costs in Greece at $790–1,360 (€700–1,200) a month, which is the safer range for a multi-year budget. Rent in Thessaloniki is usually lower than in Athens, and the year-long Greek course there is cheaper.

Russian citizens also need a lawful way to move money for the course, the deposit and proof of funds; see [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia). A full budget for every route, including paid programmes, is in our guide to the [cost of studying in Greece](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-greece).

## Student Benefits: What a Non-EU Student Gets and What Not {#section-6}

The Greek state covers more than teaching, but some benefits depend on family income and some on EU citizenship.

Textbooks. All students receive course textbooks and printed materials free of charge through the Eudoxus system, a real saving for undergraduates.

Meals. At NKUA, free meals are available to all active bachelor's, master's and doctoral students whose annual family income does not exceed $51,100 (€45,000). The threshold rises by $5,680 (€5,000) for each child after the first and by $3,410 (€3,000) for each sibling who is also an undergraduate. For unmarried students over 25, personal income up to $28,390 (€25,000) counts. Applications for 2026/27 were taken online from 24 August to 25 September 2026. The document list is built around Greek tax assessments, so ask the NKUA welfare office in advance which proof of foreign family income it accepts. If funding does not cover everyone, lower-income families take priority.

Student residences. Places are limited and allocated competitively. NKUA's FEPA student residence complex on its campus has four buildings; applications open every September and free rooms are allocated by lottery. Aristotle University runs three residences in the "40 Ekklisies" area plus an annex in the former Egnatia hotel, about 1,500 beds in total; students selected on social and financial criteria live there free for the programme length plus two years.

Healthcare. Students without other health cover are entitled to free care in public and university hospitals with their academic ID or AMKA social security number. The residence permit still requires private insurance with the coverage set by Ministerial Decision 2724/2024.

Housing allowance. The annual $1,140 (€1,000) allowance for students living away from home goes to Greek and other EU nationals only. Non-EU students do not qualify.

## Master's Degrees: Where They Are Free and Where Fees Are Unavoidable {#section-7}

A department introduces a master's fee itself, and the senate approves it, so one university can run both free and paid master's programmes. Greek law lets up to 30% of a programme's students study fee-free on income grounds, but paragraph 8 of Article 86 of Law 4957/2022 states that this does not apply to third-country nationals. For a non-EU student, a master's is free only when the programme charges no one.

Such programmes exist. NKUA's list of foreign-language master's programmes for 2025/26 showed these as fee-free:

| NKUA programme | Language | Length | Intake |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| English Language, Linguistics and Translation | English | 3 semesters | every May |
| Translation: Greek, English, Russian | English, Greek, Russian | 3 semesters | May, every other year |
| English Studies: Literature and Culture | English | 3 semesters | September |
| German Philology: Theory and Applications | German | 4 semesters | September–October |
| Greek-Italian Studies | Greek and Italian | 2 years | August–September |
| Language Teachers in Europe (joint French-Hellenic master: one semester in Angers, one in Athens) | French, English | 1 year | March–May |

The other programmes on the list charge fees, from $570 (€500) to $4,540 (€4,000) a semester; the most expensive cost $13,630 (€12,000) for the whole course. For master's admission, the university evaluates your degree itself. More in our guide to [master's degrees in Greece](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-greece); NKUA's fee-free programmes are also listed in our [NKUA profile](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-athens).

## Paid Options Often Confused With Free Study {#section-8}

English-taught bachelor's at a public university. No Greek needed, but the programme is paid: NKUA medicine costs $19,300 (€17,000) a year and the Aristotle University LL.B. $7,950 (€7,000). You apply directly to the programme, not through the ministry quota. The full list with fees is in our overview of [universities in Greece](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-greece).

Branches of foreign universities. Law 5094/2024 allowed non-state universities in Greece in the form of branches of foreign institutions. They are non-profit but receive no state funding, so tuition is charged. The ministry publishes the list of licensed institutions, and it changes.

Private colleges. They operate under licence, usually through franchise agreements with British universities, and are not universities under Greek law. Study there is always paid, and degree recognition follows a separate procedure.

## Working During and After Your Studies {#section-9}

A student residence permit allows part-time work only, outside study hours. Since 2026 the law caps this work at 20 hours a week, and NKUA's International Students Support Unit points out that earnings carry social security contributions and a tax return. Part-time earnings will not cover the $740 (€650) monthly minimum at the start, so first-year money must be in place in advance.

After graduating you can stay for a year to look for work or start a business on a separate type "H.11" residence permit; the fee is $170 (€150). This is provided by Article 119 of Law 5038/2023, as amended by Law 5275/2026.

## Timeline for the Tuition-Free Route {#section-10}

Dates below follow the 2026 cycle; for 2027/28 the ministry will announce its own dates, usually in early summer.

1. Last two school years. Make sure both are attended in person and get the school to confirm it. Start Greek from zero, even online: a year of study in Greece targets B2.1, and a head start reduces the risk of losing the place.
2. Spring of the final year. Apostille the certificate and school letters, arrange the official Greek translation, and apply for the correspondence and grade-conversion certificate (about 15 days).
3. Early July. Submit the online application on the ministry portal; the 2026 window ran 2–9 July, with the signed paper file posted by express courier afterwards.
4. Late August. Results: in 2026 they were published on 28 August. Then register for the Greek course (NKUA deadline 16 September in 2026) and ask the department secretariat for visa documents.
5. September. Registration of admitted candidates: 11–25 September in 2026. Without a B2 certificate, registration is completed a year later.
6. October to May. Language course, student residence permit application before the visa expires, B2 exam in May (or September).
7. The following September. Register at the department with the certificate and start the degree.

## Mistakes That Make "Free" Expensive {#section-11}

- Counting only tuition. The language year, rent and the residence-permit minimum add up to more than $8,000 a year before the first lecture at the department.
- Applying only to the most popular departments. In 2026 everyone admitted to NKUA medicine scored 20 out of 20; with a 4.5 average that strategy almost certainly leaves you without a place.
- Postponing Greek. The place is held for one academic year only.
- Counting on an income-based master's waiver. The law excludes non-EU citizens.
- Confusing a foreign-university branch or college with a public university. Everyone pays there, and degrees and recognition work differently.
- Expecting the housing allowance. It is for Greek and EU nationals only.
- Changing department twice. Under the ministry instructions, a student residence permit is not granted to someone who changes department more than once.

## FAQ {#faq}

### Can international students study in Greece for free?

Yes, on Greek-taught bachelor's programmes at public universities, if admitted through the ministry quota for foreign nationals. You need a strong school-leaving average and a Greek B2 certificate at registration. English-taught programmes, most master's degrees, foreign-university branches and colleges charge fees.

### Is studying in Greece free for Russian citizens?

The quota rules do not depend on citizenship: they cover graduates of schools outside the EU with no Greek origin. A Russian citizen applies on the same terms but has to plan the D visa and a lawful way to transfer money for the course, deposit and proof of funds.

### What school-leaving grade do I need for tuition-free admission?

There is no single threshold; each department has its own competition. In 2026 only candidates with 20 out of 20 entered NKUA medicine, NKUA law admitted from 16.2, and some regional programmes left places empty. On a five-point scale, a 4.5 average converts to roughly 17.5.

### Do I need Greek to apply?

No, you apply without a certificate. But you can only register at the department with a Greek B2 certificate or the NKUA or Aristotle University exam certificate. Without it, registration moves to the next year, and if you still have no certificate then, the place is lost.

### How much does the Greek preparatory year cost?

For 2026/27, the NKUA course for ministry-admitted students costs $1,120 (€985), the NKUA intensive course open to all $1,400 (€1,230), and the Aristotle University year-long course $850 (€750) plus a $57 (€50) fee. The B2 exam costs $79–91 (€70–80).

### Are there free master's programmes in Greece for international students?

Yes, when a programme charges no student at all, for example several philology and translation master's programmes on NKUA's 2025/26 list. The income-based waiver under Law 4957/2022 does not apply to non-EU nationals.

### Do international students get free housing and meals?

They can, if they meet the criteria. At NKUA, free meals are available with family income up to $51,100 (€45,000) a year, but you should agree in advance which proof of foreign income the university accepts. Residence places are allocated competitively or by lottery and do not cover everyone.

## Sources {#section-13}

- [Ministry of Education: 2026 results and cut-off grades for foreign nationals (28 Aug 2026)](https://www.minedu.gov.gr/site/70726-28-08-apotelesmata-eisagogis-allodapon-allogenon-stin-tritovathmia-ekpaidefsi-2026) and [cut-off table for non-EU applicants (XLS)](https://www.minedu.gov.gr/publications/docs2026/%CE%91%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%AF%CE%B3%CF%81%CE%B1%CF%86%CE%BF_%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85_%CE%92%CE%91%CE%A3%CE%95%CE%99%CE%A3_%CE%95%CE%A0%CE%99%CE%9B%CE%9F%CE%93%CE%97_%CE%91%CE%9B%CE%9B%CE%9F%CE%94%CE%91%CE%A0%CE%A9%CE%9D_-_%CE%91%CE%9B%CE%9B%CE%9F%CE%93%CE%95%CE%9D%CE%A9%CE%9D_%CE%95%CE%9A%CE%A4%CE%9F%CE%A3_%CE%95%CE%A5%CE%A1%CE%A9%CE%A0._%CE%95%CE%9D%CE%A9%CE%A3%CE%97%CE%A3_%CE%A0%CE%91%CE%9D%CE%95%CE%9B.2026.xls)
- [Study in Greece: bachelor's programmes, free Greek-taught study and 2026/27 procedure](https://studyingreece.edu.gr/bachelors/)
- English-taught bachelor fee range: [Study in Greece — Eastern Mediterranean Studies, University of the Aegean, $5,110 (€4,500) a year](https://apply.studyingreece.edu.gr/en/programmes/bsc/1728/details/eastern-mediterranean-studies-archaeology-history-culture) and [NKUA Medical Degree — $19,300 (€17,000) a year](https://medicen.uoa.gr/overview/)
- [Ministry of Education: general instructions for foreign applicants 2026 (PDF)](https://studyingreece.edu.gr/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/INSTRUCTIONS_en-2026.pdf)
- [National Register of Administrative Procedures: correspondence and grade-conversion certificate](https://mitos.gov.gr/index.php/%CE%94%CE%94:%CE%92%CE%B5%CE%B2%CE%B1%CE%AF%CF%89%CF%83%CE%B7_%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%B9%CF%87%CE%AF%CE%B1%CF%82_%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B9_%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B1%CE%B3%CF%89%CE%B3%CE%AE%CF%82_%CE%B2%CE%B1%CE%B8%CE%BC%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%B3%CE%AF%CE%B1%CF%82_%CF%83%CE%B5_%CE%BE%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%82_%CF%84%CE%AF%CF%84%CE%BB%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%82_%CF%83%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%85%CE%B4%CF%8E%CE%BD_%CF%80%CF%81%CF%89%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%B2%CE%AC%CE%B8%CE%BC%CE%B9%CE%B1%CF%82_%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B9_%CE%B4%CE%B5%CF%85%CF%84%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%B2%CE%AC%CE%B8%CE%BC%CE%B9%CE%B1%CF%82_%CE%B5%CE%BA%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%AF%CE%B4%CE%B5%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B7%CF%82) and [conversion formula from the ministry circular (esos.gr)](https://www.esos.gr/arthra/mathites/eidhseis-lykeio/anagvgh-baumologias-titlvn-allodaphs)
- [NKUA language centre: course for ministry-admitted students 2026/27 (PDF)](https://en.greekcourses.uoa.gr/fileadmin/depts/uoa.gr/greekcourses/uploads/Programma_Spoudon/2026-2027/2026-2027_8M_20H_MINISTRY_EN.pdf), [intensive course (PDF, Greek)](https://www.greekcourses.uoa.gr/fileadmin/depts/uoa.gr/greekcourses/uploads/Programma_Spoudon/2026-2027/2026-2027_8M_20H_ENTATIKO_GR.pdf) and [B2 exam](https://www.greekcourses.uoa.gr/sychnes_erotiseis/exetaseis_pistopoiisis_epipedoy_b2)
- [Aristotle University School of Modern Greek Language: year-long course 2026/27](https://smg.web.auth.gr/on-site/yearly-20-on-site-course/), [B2 exam for university enrolment](https://smg.web.auth.gr/b2-for-university-enrollment/) and [Greek for quota-admitted students](https://smg.web.auth.gr/el/allodapoi-foithtes-auth/)
- [Law 4957/2022, Article 86: master's fee waiver does not apply to third-country nationals (PDF)](https://blogs.uowm.gr/hrmcl/files/2023/08/%CE%86%CF%81%CE%B8%CF%81%CE%BF-86-%CE%9D%CE%9F%CE%9C%CE%9F%CE%A3-4957_2022.pdf)
- [NKUA: foreign-language master's programmes 2025/26 (PDF)](https://en.uoa.gr/fileadmin/user_upload/ekpaideysh/spoydes/LISTA_XENOGLOSSA_PMS_PAROYSIASI_EN_2025_2026_final-1.pdf)
- [Eurydice: higher education funding in Greece — free textbooks, healthcare, housing allowance for EU nationals](https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/eurypedia/greece/higher-education-funding) and [types of institutions, Law 5094/2024](https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/eurypedia/greece/types-higher-education-institutions)
- [NKUA: free meal criteria](https://merimna.uoa.gr/tmimata_kai_armodiotites/tmima_sitisis_stegasis/sitisi/proypotheseis_dorean_sitizomenon) and [2026/27 application dates](https://merimna.uoa.gr/anakoinoseis_kai_ekdiloseis/proboli_anakoinosis/nea_periodos_ypobolis_aitiseon_ton_foititon_gia_dorean_sitisi_gia_to_akadimaiko_etos_2026_2027)
- NKUA International Students Support Unit: [budget](https://issu.uoa.gr/guide_for_all_students/before_your_arrival/tuition_feesbudget), [accommodation](https://issu.uoa.gr/guide_for_all_students/getting_ready_for_your_studies/accommodation), [health insurance](https://issu.uoa.gr/guide_for_all_students/health_insurance), [working](https://issu.uoa.gr/guide_for_non_eu_students/working_and_studying), [options after graduation](https://issu.uoa.gr/guide_for_non_eu_students/options_after_finishing_studies)
- [Aristotle University: student residences and housing allowance](https://dps.auth.gr/%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AD%CE%B3%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%B7/) and [registration of admitted foreign nationals 2026/27](https://dps.auth.gr/2026/09/10/foreigners_2026/)
- [Joint Ministerial Decision 225679/2024: minimum funds for a residence permit (PDF)](https://migration.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3_%CE%9A%CE%A5%CE%91-%CE%95%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%BA%CF%8E%CE%BD-%CF%80%CF%8C%CF%81%CF%89%CE%BD.pdf)
- [Law 5038/2023 (Migration Code): Articles 118, 119 and 171 — work, job-search year, fees (PDF)](https://migration.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/%CE%9A%CF%8E%CE%B4%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%82-%CE%9C%CE%B5%CF%84%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%AC%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B5%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B7%CF%82.pdf)
- [European Commission, Study in Europe: student costs in Greece](https://education.ec.europa.eu/study-in-europe/country-profiles/greece)
- [Law 5275/2026 (Government Gazette A' 17/06.02.2026), Articles 30–32: student permit for the full programme length, 20-hour weekly work cap, H.11 permit (PDF)](https://sete.gr/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260100017.pdf)
- All sources checked on 29 September 2026. ECB rate of 29.09.2026: €1 = $1.1355. Rounding step: $1 below $100, otherwise $10.

Quota eligibility checks, a department strategy based on cut-off grades, document preparation and the application are provided under an agreement with StudyU. The Greek Ministry of Education decides who is admitted through the quota, the department handles registration, the visa by the Greek consulate, the residence permit by the migration authority, and meals and housing by the university.

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Applying to Greek Universities in 2026–2027: The Foreign-Applicant Quota, English-Taught Programmes and a Step-by-Step Plan](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-greek-universities)
- [Greece Student Visa: National D Visa, Documents and Study Residence Permit in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-greece-student-visa)
- [Cost of Studying in Greece: Tuition, Living Costs and Mandatory Fees for 2026/27](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-greece)
- [Master's in Greece for International Students: English-Taught Programmes, Fees and Admission for 2026–2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-greece)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)
- [Studying in Greece for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-greece)

Updated: September 2026