🇬🇷 Greece · Study Abroad
How to study in Greece as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
Quick answer
To study in Greece you apply to the university, then, once admitted, apply for a national (type-D) student visa at the Greek consulate and, after arrival, obtain a student residence permit. A growing number of master’s are in English. Explore the university sites and apply by the deadline.
Greece hosts international students at public and private institutions; non-EU students typically need a student visa and residence permit. Public universities teach mainly in Greek, with growing English-taught programmes.
- Public universities are low-cost for EU students; English-taught programmes are expanding.
- Non-EU students apply for a national (D) student visa and residence permit.
- Recognition of foreign qualifications (DOATAP) may be required.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose your course and institution
Choose your program and apply to the university; a growing number of master’s are in English. Explore the university sites.
- 2
Meet academic and language requirements
Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.
- 3
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 5
Apply for your student visa
Apply for a national (type-D) student visa at the Greek consulate; after arrival, obtain your student residence permit.
- 6
Arrive, enroll and know the rules
Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.
Checklist
- Course, level and institution chosen
- Academic + language requirements met
- Admission application submitted by deadline
- Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
- Proof of funds + health cover prepared
- Student visa applied for + granted
- Arrival, enrollment + registration done
- Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood
Official authorities
- Ministry of Education
Ministry of Education — institutions and recognition.
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum
Student residence permits for non-EU students.
Frequently asked questions
What visa do I need for Greece?
A national (type-D) student visa from the Greek consulate, followed by a student residence permit after you arrive.
Are courses in Greek or English?
Undergraduate programs are mostly in Greek, but there is a growing range of English-taught master’s; check each program.
Is Greece affordable for students?
Living costs are relatively moderate compared with Western Europe, and public-university fees for many programs are low.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.