Language

Overview of Language Requirements in Greece

Academic institutions in Greece offer programs in both Modern Greek and English. For the academic years 2025/2026, the language requirement depends primarily on the level of study (Undergraduate vs. Postgraduate) and the specific language of instruction for the chosen curriculum. While the majority of undergraduate degrees are taught in Greek, there is an increasing number of English-taught programs designed specifically for international students.

Prospective students must provide standardized proof of proficiency during the application or registration process. Failure to meet these requirements usually results in a conditional offer, requiring the student to complete a one-year intensive language preparatory course before commencing their main studies.

greek university campus — Greek University Campus

Proficiency in Modern Greek

For all undergraduate programs taught in Greek, foreign nationals must hold a certificate of proficiency. The standard requirement is the B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This level ensures the student can understand the main ideas of complex text and interact with a degree of fluency.

Accepted Greek Language Certificates

The following certifications are officially recognized by the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs:

The Certificate of Attainment in Modern Greek: Issued by the Centre for the Greek Language (CGL). This is the most widely recognized qualification.
The Language Center Certificate: Issued by the University of Athens (Modern Greek Language Teaching Center) or the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (School of Modern Greek Language).

Examination Costs

Examination fees for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Greek typically range from 70 EUR to 90 EUR ($75 USD to $96 USD, Jan 2026), depending on the level and the testing center location.

language proficiency certificate — Language Proficiency Certificate

Proficiency in English

Greece has expanded its "Study in Greece" initiative, resulting in more than 140 postgraduate programs and several undergraduate programs (mainly in Medicine and Classical Studies) being taught entirely in English. For these programs, students do not need to speak Greek but must demonstrate high-level English proficiency.

Standardized Tests and Scores

Most universities require a minimum of B2 or C1 level English. Accepted tests typically include:

IELTS Academic: Usually a minimum score of 6.0 or 6.5.
TOEFL iBT: Usually a minimum score of 79 to 90.
Cambridge English: First Certificate (FCE), Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), or Proficiency (CPE).
PTE Academic: Accepted by many institutions as an equivalent.

Specific requirements vary by department. For example, Law and Medical schools often require a C1 or C2 level (Advanced/Proficiency).

international student classroom — International Student Classroom

The Preparatory Language Year

If a student is admitted to a Greek-taught program but does not yet possess the required B2 certificate, they must enroll in a mandatory one-year Greek language course. This "Preparatory Year" is designed to take a student from A0 (Beginner) to B2 (Upper-Intermediate).

Courses are held at:

The Modern Greek Language Teaching Center of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
The School of Modern Greek Language at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

The tuition for this intensive preparatory year is approximately 700 EUR to 900 EUR ($745 USD to $960 USD, Jan 2026). Successful completion of the final exam in June grants the student the right to begin their degree studies in the following September.

Exemptions and Special Cases

Certain applicants may be exempt from providing language certificates based on their educational background:

Native Speakers: Citizens of countries where the official language is the language of instruction (e.g., Cypriot students for Greek programs, or UK/USA/Australian students for English programs) are generally exempt.
Previous Education: Students who have completed a high school diploma or a previous degree where the medium of instruction was Greek or English (verified by a transcript or diploma supplement).
International Baccalaureate (IB): IB Diploma holders are often exempt from English proficiency tests if the curriculum was delivered in English.

Note: Exemption policies are determined at the departmental level. Applicants should verify their status with the University's International Students Office or the Study in Greece official portal.