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Meta title: Universities in Greece for International Students 2026
Meta description: Greece’s 24 public universities, all 20 English-taught bachelor’s degrees with 2026/27 fees, the free Greek-taught quota route and why colleges differ.
Last modified: 2026-09-30

# Universities in Greece for International Students: Public Universities, English-Taught Degrees and Private Colleges

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Greece has 24 public universities, including its polytechnics, and only these hold university status — private colleges are not universities under Greek law. International students can enter them in three ways: a tuition-free Greek-taught bachelor's through the Ministry of Education's quota for foreign applicants; one of 20 English-taught bachelor's degrees costing $5,110–19,300 (€4,500–17,000) a year; or a master's, where the international catalogue lists around two hundred programmes.

This guide lists every English-taught bachelor's degree with its 2026/27 fee, maps the main universities by city, explains why a college diploma is not the same as a university degree, and ends with a decision table by goal. Fees come from the official Study in Greece portal and university websites; US dollar figures use the ECB rate of 29 September 2026. A short country overview is on our [Greece page](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-greece).

The library of the University of Patras. Photo: Iaberis / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Library_(BYP)_-_University_of_Patras.JPG), [CC BY 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0).

## How Greek higher education is organised {#section-1}

All 24 universities are funded and accredited by the state and together run more than a thousand Greek-taught bachelor's programmes across every field.

Bachelor's length depends on the subject:

- four years for most programmes;
- five years for engineering, dentistry, pharmacy, agronomy, forestry and fine arts;
- six years for medicine.

Programmes use ECTS credits, so semesters completed in Greece transfer to other European universities under standard mobility rules. Master's degrees usually run three semesters including the thesis, though one-year and two-year formats exist.

The Hellenic Open University teaches at a distance and also appears in the catalogue of English-taught master's programmes.

## Three ways into a Greek university {#section-2}

| Route | Language | Tuition | Who selects, and how | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bachelor's via the foreign-applicant quota | Greek | none | the Ministry, by school-leaving grade, no exams; one July window a year | students ready to reach B2 in Greek |
| English-taught bachelor's | English | $5,110–19,300 (€4,500–17,000) a year | the programme's admissions committee: documents, sometimes a test and interview | students who want to start straight away without a language year |
| Master's | English or Greek | typically $3,410–7,950 (€3,000–7,000) a year per Study in Greece; some are free | each department under its own regulations | bachelor's graduates |

Step-by-step procedures are in our guide to [applying to Greek universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-greek-universities); second-cycle options are covered in [master's in Greece](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-greece).

## Every English-taught bachelor's degree in Greece, with fees {#section-3}

The Study in Greece bachelor's page lists 20 programmes that public universities teach in English for international students. Fees are per year of full-time study.

| Programme | University, city | Length | Annual fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Artificial Intelligence and Data Science | University of West Attica, Athens | 4 years | $6,810 (€6,000) |
| Applied Philosophy in Business Decision Making | University of West Attica, Athens | 4 years | $6,810 (€6,000) |
| Archaeology, History and Literature of Ancient Greece | NKUA, Athens | 4 years | $6,810 (€6,000) |
| International Business and Technology | Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) | 4 years | $6,810 (€6,000) |
| Integrated Master in Pharmacy | NKUA, Athens | 5 years | $10,220 (€9,000) |
| Medical Degree | NKUA, Athens | 6 years | $19,300 (€17,000) |
| Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) | Aristotle University, Thessaloniki | 4 years | $7,950 (€7,000) |
| Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance | Aristotle University, Thessaloniki | 4 years | $6,810 (€6,000) |
| Clean Energy Science and Engineering | Aristotle University, Thessaloniki | 4 years | $9,080 (€8,000) |
| Materials Science and Engineering | Aristotle University, Thessaloniki | 5 years | $9,080 (€8,000) |
| Environmental Sciences and Engineering | Aristotle University, Thessaloniki | 5 years | $6,810 (€6,000) |
| Sustainable Agriculture and Food Science | Aristotle University, Thessaloniki | 5 years | $7,950 (€7,000) |
| Medical Degree | Aristotle University, Thessaloniki | 6 years | $13,630 (€12,000) |
| Accounting and Finance | University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki | 4 years | $6,700 (€5,900) |
| Economics and Sustainable Development | University of Western Macedonia, Kastoria | 4 years | $6,810 (€6,000) |
| Creative Writing, Arts and Humanities | University of Western Macedonia, Florina | 4 years | $5,680 (€5,000) |
| Eastern Mediterranean Studies. Archaeology, History, Culture | University of the Aegean, Rhodes | 4 years | $5,110 (€4,500) |
| International Program in Medicine | University of Crete, Heraklion | 6 years | $17,030 (€15,000) |
| Medical Degree | University of Thessaly, Larissa | 6 years | $13,630 (€12,000) |
| Medical Degree | University of Patras | 6 years | $13,630 (€12,000) |

Points worth noting:

- A third of the list belongs to Aristotle University: law, sport, engineering, agriculture and medicine.
- Five of the twenty are medicine; requirements, deposits and deadlines for each are in our guide to [medicine in Greece](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-medicine-in-greece).
- Application windows differ. Aristotle University's LL.B. accepts applications throughout the year on a rolling basis, according to its official FAQ, while its engineering and agriculture programmes accepted 2026/27 applications until 30 September 2026.
- Living costs come on top: for a student residence permit Greece requires proof of at least $740 (€650) a month. The full calculation is in the [cost of studying in Greece](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-greece).

## The main public universities and what they offer in English {#section-4}

This is not a ranking — it shows what each university actually offers international students in English according to the Study in Greece catalogue for 2026/27.

| University | City | In English |
| --- | --- | --- |
| National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) | Athens | medicine, pharmacy, a bachelor's in ancient Greece; master's degrees in data science, nanomedicine, philosophy, linguistics, EU law — see our [NKUA profile](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-athens) |
| Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) | Thessaloniki | seven bachelor's degrees including law and medicine; master's degrees in logistics, biomedical engineering, applied bioinformatics, EU business law — see our [AUTh profile](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-aristotle-thessaloniki) |
| Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) | Athens | International Business and Technology (bachelor's); Business Analytics, International Shipping, Finance and Management, MBA International |
| National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) | Athens | master's degrees in Automation Systems, Geoinformatics, Ship and Marine Technology, Microsystems and Nanodevices |
| University of Crete | Heraklion, Rethymno | medicine; master's degrees in molecular biology, neuroscience, physics, data analysis |
| University of Patras | Patras | medicine; master's degrees in personalised medicine, cell and gene therapy, human–computer interaction |
| University of Thessaly | Larissa and other cities in the region | medicine; master's degrees in lifestyle medicine and host–microbe interaction |
| International Hellenic University (IHU) | Thessaloniki | a wide range of English-taught master's degrees: energy, data, cybersecurity, business, law |
| University of Piraeus | Piraeus | master's degrees in cybersecurity and financial technology |
| University of West Attica | Athens | bachelor's degrees in AI and applied philosophy; master's degrees in AI, cybersecurity, energy |

## Greek-taught bachelor's: free, but only through the language {#section-5}

For foreign applicants without Greek descent this is the cheapest route — Greek-taught study at a public university carries no tuition fee. Applications are centralised on the ministry portal once a year in July; you rank departments in order of preference and are selected on your school-leaving grade converted to the Greek 0–20 scale.

The deciding condition is language. To enrol you need a B2 certificate from the Centre for the Greek Language, or a certificate from the examinations held at NKUA or Aristotle University. Without it your place moves to the following academic year and you must obtain the certificate during that year. NKUA's language centre runs an eight-month course for students admitted through the ministry: 20 hours a week, $1,120 (€985) for 2026/27.

## Private colleges: why the diploma is not a university degree {#section-6}

Greece has private colleges that deliver programmes under franchise or validation agreements with foreign — mostly British — universities. A college operates under a licence granted under Law 3696/2008 but is not a university: Article 16 of the Greek Constitution reserves higher education to the state.

In practice:

- The degree is awarded by the foreign partner university, not by the Greek state.
- DOATAP, the Greek recognition centre, does not grant academic equivalence to degrees earned wholly or partly at branches or partner colleges of foreign universities in Greece.
- Professional equivalence of such degrees for work in Greece is assessed by a separate Ministry of Education service (ATEEN).
- College students receive their own residence permit type, "H.5.2": it allows up to 20 hours of work a week but cannot be switched to another category while valid; after graduation the only move is to a one-year job-search permit.

None of this makes a college a bad choice. For applied careers — hospitality, tourism, events — practical training and a partner university's international degree can matter more than state status. An example in our catalogue is [Alpine Center in Athens](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-alpine-center). Before paying, check which university awards the degree, whether it is recognised where you plan to work, and what it qualifies you for next.

## Choosing: a decision table by goal {#section-7}

| Your situation | Where to start |
| --- | --- |
| You need free tuition and have a year for Greek | the ministry quota plus a university language course |
| You want to study in English from year one | the 20 English-taught bachelor's degrees above |
| Your goal is medicine | five English-taught programmes, or Greek-taught medicine via the quota |
| You already hold a bachelor's degree | English-taught master's programmes; departments accept applications directly |
| You are interested in hospitality or tourism | a private school, after checking the partner degree and placement terms |
| Tight budget, strong English | programmes at $5,110–6,810 (€4,500–6,000) in Rhodes, Florina, Kastoria and Athens |

## Cities where international students study {#section-8}

- Athens — the most universities and programmes: NKUA, AUEB, NTUA, the University of West Attica, with the University of Piraeus nearby. Rents are higher than in the regions.
- Thessaloniki — Aristotle University, the University of Macedonia and the International Hellenic University; the country's second student city.
- Patras, Heraklion, Larissa — university cities with medical programmes and university hospitals.
- Rhodes, Florina, Kastoria — smaller towns with one or two English-taught programmes and a quieter pace.

Study in Greece gives $280–680 (€250–600) a month as a guide for renting a flat and $91–140 (€80–120) for utilities; actual costs vary widely by city and neighbourhood.

## Common mistakes {#section-9}

- Treating a college as a university. Find out first who awards the degree and whether it is recognised where you will work.
- Assuming English is only available at private schools. There are already 20 public English-taught bachelor's degrees and around two hundred master's.
- Choosing by brand rather than programme. Fees and language depend on the programme: one university can run free Greek-taught and fee-paying English-taught courses side by side.
- Missing the July window. The quota application lasts about a week, and the system closes at the deadline.
- Underestimating Greek. Even on an English-taught degree, you will need the language for daily life, placements and work in Greece.

## FAQ {#faq}

### How many universities are there in Greece?

Twenty-four public universities, including the polytechnics. Private colleges are not universities under Greek law.

### Can I study in Greece in English?

Yes. Public universities offer 20 English-taught bachelor's degrees ($5,110–19,300 (€4,500–17,000) a year) and around two hundred international master's programmes. Most bachelor's programmes are still taught in Greek.

### Is university free in Greece for international students?

Greek-taught bachelor's study at a public university charges no tuition if you are admitted through the foreign-applicant quota and obtain a B2 Greek certificate. English-taught bachelor's degrees charge fees; master's fees are set by each department and some programmes are free.

### Which Greek university is best for international students?

It depends on the programme. NKUA and Aristotle University are the largest and offer the most English-taught options; AUEB is strong in economics and business, NTUA in engineering, and the International Hellenic University has a particularly wide English-taught master's portfolio.

### Is a private college diploma recognised in Greece?

DOATAP does not grant academic equivalence to these degrees; professional equivalence is assessed by the Ministry of Education's ATEEN service. The degree is awarded by the foreign partner university, and its recognition elsewhere depends on that university.

### Can I apply to a Greek university straight after secondary school?

Yes — either through the ministry quota or directly to an English-taught bachelor's degree. The quota route requires an apostilled school certificate, a Greek translation, an official grade conversion and, later, a B2 Greek certificate.

## Sources {#section-11}

- [Study in Greece: education in Greece](https://studyingreece.edu.gr/education-in-greece/) and [bachelor's degrees: English-taught programmes, the Greek-taught quota, programme length](https://studyingreece.edu.gr/bachelors/) — checked 29.09.2026
- [AUTh Faculty of Law, International LL.B.: admissions FAQ](https://aristotlelaw.edu.gr/faq/)
- Study in Greece (AtSiG) programme pages with 2026/27 fees, e.g. [AUTh LL.B.](https://apply.studyingreece.edu.gr/en/programmes/bsc/1731/details/bachelor-of-laws-llb), [Eastern Mediterranean Studies](https://apply.studyingreece.edu.gr/en/programmes/bsc/1728/details/eastern-mediterranean-studies-archaeology-history-culture), [Artificial Intelligence and Data Science](https://apply.studyingreece.edu.gr/en/programmes/bsc/1724/details/artificial-intelligence-and-data-science) — checked 29.09.2026
- [Study in Greece: master's degrees and the 2026–2027 international programmes catalogue](https://studyingreece.edu.gr/masters/) — checked 29.09.2026
- [DOATAP FAQ on recognition, including partner-college degrees](https://www.doatap.gr/en/faq) — checked 29.09.2026
- [Law 5275/2026 (Government Gazette A' 17/06.02.2026), Article 33 on residence permits for college students (PDF)](https://sete.gr/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260100017.pdf) — checked 29.09.2026
- [Greek Ministry of Education: 2026 instructions for foreign applicants (PDF)](https://studyingreece.edu.gr/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/INSTRUCTIONS_en-2026.pdf) — checked 29.09.2026
- [NKUA Modern Greek Language Teaching Center: 2026/27 course for ministry-admitted students (PDF)](https://en.greekcourses.uoa.gr/fileadmin/depts/uoa.gr/greekcourses/uploads/Programma_Spoudon/2026-2027/2026-2027_8M_20H_MINISTRY_EN.pdf) — checked 29.09.2026
- ECB rate of 29.09.2026: €1 = $1.1355. Rounding step: $1 below $100, otherwise $10.

Shortlisting programmes against your goal and budget, checking requirements, preparing documents and submitting applications are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Admission decisions are made by the university or the Greek Ministry of Education; visa decisions by the consulate.

[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

- [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)
- [Medicine in Greece in English: Five Public Programmes, Fees and Admission for 2026–2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-medicine-in-greece)
- [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)
- [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)
- [Studying in Greece for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-greece)
- [Alpine Center (Swiss Business School for Hotel & Tourism)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-alpine-center)

Updated: September 2026