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Overview of the Greek Education System

The Greek higher education landscape has undergone significant modernization as of 2025. Traditionally, higher education was the exclusive domain of state-owned public universities. However, following legislative reforms (Law 5094/2024), the system now includes provisions for "non-state, non-profit" branches of foreign universities. For foreign nationals, the options range from traditional academic degrees to specialized vocational training and international programs taught entirely in English.

The system is divided into three primary pillars: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Vocational Training Centers (SAEK), and Private Colleges (Kollegia). Each path has distinct requirements regarding residency permits, tuition fees, and language proficiency.

greek university architecture
Greek University Architecture

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

Public universities, or Panepistimio, are the most prestigious institutions in Greece. They are autonomous, state-funded entities. For European Union (EU) citizens, undergraduate tuition is generally free. For non-EU nationals, fees were introduced to cover administrative costs and specialized services.

Undergraduate Programs

Most undergraduate degrees last four years (five for engineering and certain sciences, six for medicine). While the majority of programs are taught in Greek, there is an increasing number of English-taught undergraduate programs specifically designed for international students.

  • Language Requirement: For Greek-taught programs, a B2 level certificate in Greek is mandatory. For English-taught programs, a B2/C1 level in English (IELTS/TOEFL) is required.
  • Tuition Fees (Non-EU): Typically range from 1,500 EUR ($1,575 USD, Jan 2026) to 9,000 EUR ($9,450 USD, Jan 2026) per year, depending on the field of study.

Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies

Master’s and PhD programs are widely available in English across most public universities. Unlike undergraduate programs, almost all Master's programs require tuition fees regardless of the student's nationality.

  • Average Costs: 2,000 EUR ($2,100 USD, Jan 2026) to 6,000 EUR ($6,300 USD, Jan 2026) for the entire program.
  • Structure: Usually 1 to 2 years for a Master’s degree.
classroom lecture hall
Classroom Lecture Hall

Vocational Training (SAEK)

The Schools of Higher Vocational Training (formerly known as IEK, now renamed SAEK) offer practical, job-oriented education. These programs are ideal for students looking to enter the workforce quickly in sectors like tourism, maritime studies, information technology, and gastronomy.

  • Duration: 2 years (4 semesters) plus 1 semester of mandatory internship.
  • Certification: Graduates receive a Diploma of Vocational Training at Level 5 of the National Qualifications Framework.
  • Fees: Public SAEKs are generally low-cost for residents, while private SAEKs may charge between 2,000 EUR ($2,100 USD, Jan 2026) and 4,000 EUR ($4,200 USD, Jan 2026) per year.
Please note: A student visa (National Visa D.1.1) is required for non-EU nationals enrolled in a SAEK, provided the institution is recognized by the Ministry of Education.
professional vocational workshop
Professional Vocational Workshop

Private Colleges and International Branches

Private colleges (Kollegia) operate in Greece through franchise agreements with foreign universities, primarily from the United Kingdom and the United States. These institutions provide degrees that are awarded by the parent university abroad.

Under Greek law, these degrees are recognized for "professional equivalence," meaning graduates have the same professional rights as public university graduates, though "academic recognition" for the purpose of further study in the Greek public sector may require additional steps through DOATAP.

  • Teaching Language: Almost exclusively English.
  • Tuition Fees: Significantly higher than public options, ranging from 6,000 EUR ($6,300 USD, Jan 2026) to 12,000 EUR ($12,600 USD, Jan 2026) per year.

Non-state University Branches (New for 2025)

Starting in the 2025/2026 academic year, top-tier international universities are establishing physical campuses in Greece. These operate as non-profit branches and follow the curriculum and standards of the home institution.

library study books
Library Study Books

For official information regarding applications, degree recognition, and specific program listings, students should consult the following institutional websites:

Language Proficiency: Non-EU students entering Greek-taught programs must usually pass the Greek Language Examination held by the Modern Greek Language Teaching Center of the University of Athens or the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.