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Admissions

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Admission Overview for International Students

The Greek higher education system, comprised of Public Universities (AEI), offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs to international students. Admissions for foreign nationals are categorized primarily by the applicant's origin (EU or non-EU) and the language of instruction. While most undergraduate programs are taught in Greek, there is a growing number of English-taught programs designed specifically for international cohorts.

For undergraduate studies, the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports centralizes the application process for foreign students of non-Greek origin. This system allows candidates to apply to multiple departments across different universities using a single electronic application. Postgraduate admissions, however, are handled directly by the individual university departments.

university campus athens
University Campus Athens

Undergraduate Application Process

International students (non-Greek origin) who have graduated from a high school abroad apply through the General Secretariat of Higher Education. This process usually takes place annually in July. Applicants must submit a computerized preference form listing the departments they wish to enter, ranked by priority.

Eligibility Categories

  • EU Citizens: Graduates from EU member state high schools.
  • Non-EU Citizens (Third Country Nationals): Graduates from schools outside the European Union.
  • Graduates of Greek High Schools Abroad: Specific rules apply to those with Greek heritage living overseas.

Required Documents

All documents must be officially translated into Greek and bear the Apostille stamp or be legalized by the Greek Consular authorities in the country of origin. The standard dossier includes:

  • High School Graduation Certificate: Validated by the competent educational authority in the applicant’s country.
  • Certificate of Correspondence: Issued by the Greek Educational Authorities (External School Units or Directorates of Secondary Education) confirming the diploma is equivalent to the Greek "Apolytirion."
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) Certificate: Showing the final grade on a 0-20 scale (converted by Greek authorities).
  • Citizenship Certificate: Proof of the applicant’s and their parents’ nationality and origin.
  • Access Certificate: A document stating the applicant has the right to enter higher education in their home country.
official document stamps
Official Document Stamps

Language Requirements and Certification

Academic instruction in Greece is primarily in Greek. Even if a student is accepted into a Greek-taught program, they cannot enroll until they provide a Greek Language Proficiency Certificate (Level B2). Students who do not hold this certificate must spend their first year in Greece attending intensive language courses.

Greek Language Exams

Certificates are accepted from the following institutions:

  • The Modern Greek Language Center of the University of Athens.
  • The Modern Greek Language Center of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
  • The Center for the Greek Language (KEG).

English-Taught Programs

For programs taught in English, applicants must provide proof of English proficiency (C1 or C2 level) via recognized exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge/Michigan certificates. Application for these programs is typically done directly through the program's dedicated website rather than the central Ministry portal.

Costs and Administrative Fees

While tuition for undergraduate programs in public universities is often free or low-cost for EU citizens, non-EU students may be required to pay "participation fees" or tuition for specific international programs. Fees for postgraduate studies vary significantly by department.

Standard Fees (2025/2026 Estimates)

  • Application Fee (Ministry): Usually free of charge for the electronic submission.
  • Student Visa (Type D): Approximately 90 EUR ($95 USD, Jan 2025).
  • Residence Permit Fee: 150 EUR ($158 USD, Jan 2025) plus a 16 EUR ($17 USD, Jan 2025) electronic fee for the card printing.
  • Translation and Legalization: Prices vary by service provider, typically ranging from 20 EUR to 50 EUR ($21 to $53 USD, Jan 2025) per document.
student study laptop
Student Study Laptop

For the most accurate and up-to-date announcements regarding the 2025/2026 academic year, students should consult the following official sources: