Greece is an increasingly attractive destination for students from Greece, Europe and around the world. The country has universities and higher-education institutions in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Crete, Ioannina, Volos and other cities, as well as international study programs and a large student community.
But choosing where to study is only the beginning. Students also need to think about accommodation, tuition, monthly expenses, transport, food, healthcare, employment, university registration and everyday life.
This isGreece student hub brings those topics together in one place so you can plan your move, compare cities and universities, build a realistic budget and understand the practical side of studying in Greece.
Use the sections below to quickly find the information you need. Whether you are already studying in Greece, preparing to move here, looking for an English- taught program or comparing Greek university cities, this page is designed as a practical starting point.
Estimate your monthly and annual student budget in Greece using your own housing, food, transport, utilities, study and leisure costs.
Calculate My BudgetExplore student finance, income, tax and repayment scenarios and understand how work can affect your monthly budget.
Calculate FinanceExplore Greek universities, higher-education institutions, study locations and academic options for domestic and international students.
Browse UniversitiesCompare tuition, living expenses and other study-related costs when deciding where to study in Greece.
Compare CostsCompare Greek higher-education institutions using academic, program and institutional information.
Compare UniversitiesFind employment opportunities, internships, student work and career resources in Greece.
Find JobsGreece has a large higher-education sector with universities spread across several regions. Athens and Thessaloniki are the country's biggest university centres, while Patras, Crete, Ioannina, Volos, Larissa and other cities also have established student communities.
Study in Greece currently lists 24 Higher Education Institutions and provides information about undergraduate, postgraduate and international programs. Students can use the national portal to investigate programs, admission information and university locations.
Living costs vary significantly between cities. Housing is usually one of the largest expenses, followed by food, utilities, transportation, mobile service, study materials and leisure.
Do not create your budget around rent alone. Start with your expected housing cost and then add utilities, food, transportation, university expenses, mobile service, healthcare, personal expenses and leisure.
If you are moving from another country, also budget for one-time costs such as deposits, travel, visa fees where applicable, residence procedures, initial furniture or household items and emergency savings.
Greece is generally less expensive than many major Western European study destinations, but the cost of student life depends strongly on the city and your lifestyle. Athens and popular central neighbourhoods can be considerably more expensive than smaller university cities.
Study in Greece describes housing, food, transportation and entertainment as important components of the student budget. Current accommodation listings also demonstrate how prices can vary by room type, location and whether bills are included.
| Expense | What to consider |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Housing | Shared room, private room, studio, apartment, student residence, deposit, utilities and internet. |
| 💡 Utilities | Electricity, water, heating, cooling, building charges and other household expenses. |
| 🍎 Food | Groceries, university meals, cafés, restaurants, takeaway and occasional delivery. |
| 🚇 Transport | Local buses, metro, trains, intercity travel, travelcards and occasional taxis. |
| 🎓 Education | Tuition where applicable, semester costs, books, equipment, printing and study materials. |
| 📱 Mobile & Internet | Mobile subscription, data, home internet and communication costs. |
| 🏥 Healthcare | Insurance, medical costs, prescriptions and other healthcare expenses depending on your status. |
| 🎉 Leisure | Sports, entertainment, cafés, nightlife, travel and hobbies. |
| 🧳 One-Time Costs | Travel, rental deposit, moving expenses, residence procedures, furniture and household items. |
Instead of relying on a generic national average, enter your own expected rent, food, transport, utilities, study and leisure costs.
Open Student Cost of Living Calculator →Financial planning is an important part of studying in Greece. Depending on your nationality and program, you may need to consider tuition, living expenses, scholarships, employment income, taxes and banking.
Students who work or undertake other taxable activities may need to deal with Greek tax administration. Foreign students should check whether they need an AFM and what tax obligations apply to their particular situation.
Open Student Finance CalculatorGreece has universities and higher-education institutions across the country. Study in Greece provides an official university directory and international program information.
When comparing universities, do not look only at rankings. Consider the actual degree, language of instruction, tuition, admission requirements, location, research opportunities, career prospects and cost of living in the city.
One of Greece's major universities in Athens, with programs covering a wide range of academic disciplines.
Athens institution with a strong focus on economics, business, management, finance, information systems and related fields.
One of Greece's major universities, offering a broad range of academic and research programs in Thessaloniki.
University in the wider Athens area with programs particularly associated with economics, business, finance, information technology and related fields.
Thessaloniki university with programs in economics, business, social sciences, information technology and related disciplines.
Major university in Patras with schools and departments covering engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, economics and other fields.
Major university in Epirus offering undergraduate and postgraduate education across multiple academic fields.
University with campuses and academic activity in Crete, including Rethymno and Heraklion.
Internationally oriented Greek university based primarily in Thessaloniki and offering a variety of programs.
Higher-education institution in the Athens metropolitan area serving students in applied and academic disciplines.
University with academic locations across Thessaly and programs spanning sciences, engineering, health, humanities, economics and other areas.
University in Crete with academic programs and international opportunities across several fields.
Use the official Study in Greece university directory to investigate institutions and programs throughout the country.
Browse Greek Universities → Find Bachelor's Programs → Find Master's Programs →International students should investigate the actual language of instruction before applying. Greece has an expanding range of international and English-taught programs, particularly at postgraduate level, as well as selected English-taught undergraduate programs.
Study in Greece maintains information about international Bachelor's and Master's programs, including program-specific admission requirements, application procedures and tuition information.
Finding accommodation is one of the most important tasks for students moving to Greece. Housing conditions differ considerably between Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Crete and smaller university cities.
Study in Greece currently operates HouSiG, a student-housing service designed around international students. It offers different accommodation types, including shared apartments and private studios.
Official Study in Greece student-housing service offering accommodation options designed around the needs of international students.
Visit WebsiteStudy in Greece's accommodation information and student-living resources.
Visit WebsiteStudent accommodation service supporting international and Erasmus students, particularly in major Greek university cities.
Visit WebsiteLarge Greek property marketplace where students can search for apartments and rental properties.
Visit WebsiteGreek classifieds and property marketplace with rental listings across Greece.
Visit WebsiteCheck your university and Study in Greece for information about student residences and accommodation options.
Visit WebsiteBe careful with properties that are dramatically cheaper than comparable listings, landlords who refuse a viewing or verification, pressure to pay immediately, requests for unusual payment methods, or listings where the contract and property ownership cannot be established.
Never assume that a photograph and a social-media profile are sufficient proof that a property or landlord is legitimate.
Greece does not have one single student-city experience. Athens is the largest urban centre, Thessaloniki is one of the country's strongest student cities, while Patras, Crete, Ioannina, Volos and other locations offer different combinations of universities, housing costs and lifestyle.
Greece's largest student and employment centre, with many universities, cultural institutions, extensive public transport and a large international community.
Major university city in northern Greece with a large student population, strong cultural life and extensive student-oriented services.
Important university city in western Greece and home to the University of Patras and other educational institutions.
Major university and research centre in Crete with access to the University of Crete and Hellenic Mediterranean University.
Student city in Crete associated with the University of Crete and known for its compact historic centre and university community.
University city in Epirus with a strong student community and a lower-key environment surrounded by mountains and Lake Pamvotida.
University city in Thessaly with a large student population and access to both urban and outdoor activities.
Major regional city in Thessaly with higher-education facilities and a central location for transport.
University and research location in western Crete, attractive to students who want a smaller coastal city.
| Factor | What to investigate |
|---|---|
| 🎓 University | Does the city have the degree and specialization you want? |
| 🏠 Housing | How much does a room or studio cost near the university? |
| 🚇 Transport | Can you reach campus without owning a car? |
| 🍽️ Food | Are student restaurants and affordable supermarkets nearby? |
| 💼 Jobs | What part-time work and internship opportunities are available? |
| 🌊 Lifestyle | Do you prefer a large city, coastal environment or smaller student community? |
| ✈️ Travel | How easy is it to reach airports, ports and national transport connections? |
Students can investigate part-time employment, internships, tutoring, hospitality, retail, administration, technology, research and other forms of work. Opportunities vary significantly by city, field of study, language skills and work authorization.
The Greek Public Employment Service (DYPA) provides employment services, job-search resources, training and other labour-market programs.
Study in Greece states that non-EU citizens holding a study residence permit are allowed to work part-time under the applicable rules. Because immigration and employment legislation can change, verify your current conditions before accepting a job.
DYPA is the Greek Public Employment Service and provides employment, job-search, training and career-related services.
DYPA Student Resources → DYPA Employment Services → Search Greece Jobs →Public transportation is particularly important for students who live away from campus. Athens has an extensive network of metro, tram, bus and trolley services, while Thessaloniki has bus and metro services. Hellenic Train provides rail connections between cities and regions.
Athens public transport authority covering buses, trolleybuses, trams and metro services in the metropolitan area.
Visit WebsitePersonalized transport card used in Athens, including access to eligible student reduced fares.
Visit WebsiteTransport authority for Thessaloniki and surrounding areas, including information on student reduced fares.
Visit WebsiteNational rail operator for intercity and regional train travel, with student discounts on eligible services.
Visit WebsiteOfficial information about student and other reduced rail fares in Greece.
Visit WebsiteOASA provides reduced-fare products for eligible students in Athens, while the Thessaloniki transport authority also provides reduced fares for eligible public higher-education students. Hellenic Train currently lists student discounts for eligible rail journeys.
Food is one of the easiest areas to control in a student budget. Cooking at home, comparing supermarkets, using university dining where available and reducing food delivery can make a significant difference over a full academic year.
Major Greek supermarket chain with stores and online shopping in several major university cities.
Visit WebsiteLarge Greek supermarket chain with grocery stores and online shopping.
Visit WebsiteDiscount supermarket option that can help students control grocery spending.
Visit WebsiteSurplus-food service available in participating locations, allowing users to purchase unsold food at reduced prices.
Visit WebsiteCheck your university for student dining, meal programs, cafeterias and other student welfare services.
Visit WebsiteUniversity libraries are among the most useful resources for students. In addition to books, modern academic libraries can provide electronic journals, databases, research assistance, computers, study areas, group rooms and printing services.
Central and departmental libraries supporting teaching, research and study at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Visit WebsiteUniversity of Patras Library and Information Center with study places, academic resources and electronic services.
Visit WebsiteUniversity of Crete library system serving students and researchers in Rethymno and Heraklion.
Visit WebsiteNational library institution in Greece with collections, research resources and library services.
Visit WebsiteNational academic library network providing access to scholarly resources for participating Greek academic institutions.
Visit WebsiteGreece welcomes students from EU and non-EU countries, but the administrative process can be different depending on nationality.
EU citizens generally have free-movement rights, while non-EU students usually need to complete a national student-visa process and then obtain the appropriate residence permit for study.
EU citizens generally do not need a student visa, while non-EU students normally need to follow the Greek national visa and residence procedures applicable to their situation.
Non-EU students should check the residence-permit requirements for study with the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
International students should arrange appropriate health coverage and verify what applies to their nationality, residence status and university program.
Students in Greek higher-education institutions can apply online for the official Academic Identity Card.
Some international students may need practical Greek tax and banking arrangements, including an AFM depending on their circumstances.
A Greek SIM or suitable EU mobile plan can make everyday communication, transport, banking and university administration easier.
Learning basic Greek can make everyday life, administration, shopping and social activities easier.
EU students can generally work without the same restrictions that apply to third-country students. Non-EU students should verify the conditions attached to their study residence status.
Visa, residence, employment, healthcare and tax rules can depend on your nationality, residence status, university program and personal circumstances. Always verify current requirements with the Greek authorities and your university before making decisions.
EU citizens generally do not need a student visa to study in Greece. Non-EU students normally need an appropriate national student visa before arrival and must follow the residence-permit process applicable to students.
The Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum maintains information about residence permit categories for third-country nationals, including permits for study.
Immigration rules can change. Use the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the current requirements.
Residence Permit Information → Greek Visa Information →Health insurance should be part of every international student's planning. The exact requirements depend on nationality, residence status, existing European healthcare coverage, university arrangements and employment.
International students should verify exactly what their existing insurance covers in Greece and whether it satisfies the requirements for their visa, residence status or university.
Students enrolled in Greek higher-education institutions can apply for the official Academic Identity Card through the Ministry of Education's electronic service.
The Academic ID can be important for student services and discounts, including eligible public-transport benefits.
Check the official Academic ID service for application instructions, eligibility and current procedures.
Academic ID Service →International students may need to deal with several practical administrative matters after arriving in Greece. The exact requirements depend on what you are doing and your legal status.
| Topic | Why it may matter |
|---|---|
| 🏦 Bank Account | Useful for rent, bills, salary payments and everyday transactions. |
| 🧾 AFM | Greek Tax Identification Number that may be required for certain tax and financial activities. |
| 📱 Mobile | Useful for university communication, banking, transport and everyday services. |
| 🏠 Rental Contract | Keep a copy of the agreement and understand deposits, bills and responsibilities. |
| 🪪 Residence Documents | Non-EU students should keep copies of their visa and residence documentation. |
AADE provides official information about obtaining a Greek Tax Identification Number and related digital authentication services.
Official AFM InformationStudent status can provide access to reduced fares and other benefits. The exact eligibility rules differ between providers, so always check the current conditions.
Student life in Greece extends well beyond lectures and exams. University cities offer cafés, cultural events, sports, nightlife, beaches, historic sites, festivals and opportunities to meet students from Greece and abroad.
Explore museums, archaeological sites, historic neighborhoods, galleries, theatres and cultural events across Greece.
Greece offers thousands of kilometres of coastline and many islands that students can explore during holidays and weekends.
Discover mountains, national parks, trails, forests, lakes and outdoor destinations throughout Greece.
Look for university sports programs, local clubs, gyms, football, basketball, swimming and outdoor activities.
Follow university events, festivals, concerts, exhibitions and seasonal activities.
Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion and other university cities offer cafés, bars, music venues and student nightlife.
Greek cafés are an important part of social life and provide many informal places to meet friends or study.
Depending on your location, students can enjoy swimming, sailing, kayaking and other water activities.
Greece is an established destination for Erasmus and other international mobility programs. International students should contact the international relations or Erasmus office of their university for course selection, accommodation guidance, registration and local support.
Once you have settled into your university and accommodation, a number of everyday services become part of normal student life.
| Need | What to investigate |
|---|---|
| 🛒 Groceries | Supermarkets, discount stores, local markets and convenience shops. |
| 🏦 Banking | Bank account, payment cards, online banking and transfer fees. |
| 📱 Mobile | Greek SIM cards, prepaid plans and mobile data. |
| 🚇 Transport | Metro, buses, trains, ferries and regional transport. |
| 🩺 Healthcare | Insurance, doctors, pharmacies and emergency services. |
| 📮 Postal Services | ELTA services, parcels and collection points. |
| 🏠 Housing | Rental agreement, deposit, utilities, maintenance and household responsibilities. |
| 🧾 Administration | University registration, Academic ID, residence documents and tax matters where applicable. |
Before moving to Greece, estimate each of the following categories rather than looking only at monthly rent.
Enter your expected figures into the Greece Student Cost of Living Calculator and update the numbers as you learn your actual expenses.
A successful move is easier when you divide the process into stages.
isgreece can provide practical tools alongside its informational pages to help students plan their studies and everyday life in Greece.
Estimate your monthly and annual student budget in Greece using your own housing, food, transport, utilities, study and leisure costs.
Open ToolExplore student finance, income, tax and repayment scenarios and understand how work can affect your monthly budget.
Open ToolExplore Greek universities, higher-education institutions, study locations and academic options for domestic and international students.
Open ToolCompare tuition, living expenses and other study-related costs when deciding where to study in Greece.
Open ToolCompare Greek higher-education institutions using academic, program and institutional information.
Open ToolFind employment opportunities, internships, student work and career resources in Greece.
Open ToolWhen making decisions about university admission, immigration, residence, transport, employment or taxes, use the official source for the latest rules.
Official national portal for information about studying in Greece, universities, programs, international students and student housing.
Visit Study in GreeceResidence permits and legal migration information for third-country nationals.
Visit MinistryVisa and consular information for people planning to enter Greece.
Visa InformationGreek Public Employment Service with job-search and employment resources.
Visit DYPAOfficial electronic Academic Identity Card service for Greek higher education students.
Academic IDGreek Independent Authority for Public Revenue and tax administration.
Visit AADEStudents can also use the wider isgreece.com website to explore Greece's cities, businesses, education, jobs, housing, transport, food, healthcare, tourism and everyday services.
Greece can be an attractive study destination because it has a large public higher-education sector, universities in several regions, international study programs, a Mediterranean climate and generally lower living costs than many major Western European destinations. The right choice depends on your university, program, language, budget and immigration situation.
Study in Greece currently lists 24 Greek Higher Education Institutions. The national Study in Greece portal provides information about universities, programs and international study opportunities.
Athens and Thessaloniki are the largest university centres, but Patras, Heraklion, Rethymno, Ioannina, Volos, Larissa and Chania are also important student destinations. The best city depends on your university, degree, budget and preferred lifestyle.
Student living costs vary substantially by city and lifestyle. Housing is usually the largest expense, followed by food, utilities, transport, mobile service, study materials and leisure. Athens and central areas can be more expensive than smaller university cities. Build your budget around your actual rent rather than relying on a single national average.
Student accommodation varies by city, neighbourhood, room type and whether utilities are included. Study in Greece's current HouSiG listings show examples ranging from shared rooms and apartments to private studios, so students should compare current listings rather than assume one fixed national price.
Students can investigate university residences, Study in Greece's HouSiG service, student accommodation providers, property portals such as Spitogatos and XE.gr, and local university housing resources. Start searching early, particularly before the autumn semester.
Housing availability depends heavily on the city and time of year. Demand can become particularly strong before the academic year begins, so students should search early, compare several sources and verify rental terms before paying deposits.
International students can investigate institutions including the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens University of Economics and Business, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Macedonia, University of Patras, University of Crete, University of Ioannina, International Hellenic University and other Greek higher-education institutions.
Study in Greece states that undergraduate study at Greece's public universities is generally free for eligible students, while tuition can apply to certain international programs and postgraduate studies. Fees depend on nationality, program and institution, so applicants should check the specific program.
Tuition varies by institution and program. Study in Greece currently describes international postgraduate tuition as varying between programs and provides program-specific information through its Master's Finder. Always check the current university program before applying.
EU citizens generally do not need a student visa to study in Greece. Non-EU students normally need to obtain the appropriate national student visa before arrival and then follow the applicable residence-permit procedure. Requirements depend on nationality and the individual circumstances of the student.
Yes. EU citizens have free-movement and residence rights within the EU subject to the applicable conditions. Students staying longer than three months should check the relevant registration and residence formalities.
Swiss citizens benefit from free-movement arrangements with the EU and are treated differently from third-country nationals for residence purposes. Students should still verify the current administrative requirements applicable to Swiss citizens before moving.
Study in Greece states that non-EU citizens holding a residence permit for study purposes are allowed to work part-time, subject to the applicable rules. Students should verify the current conditions attached to their residence status before accepting employment.
EU citizens can generally work in Greece without the same employment restrictions that apply to third-country students. Normal employment, tax and social-security rules may still apply.
The Academic Identity Card is the official student identity card system used by Greek higher-education institutions. Students can apply electronically through the Ministry of Education's Academic ID service, and the card can provide access to student benefits.
Eligible students of public tertiary education can use reduced-fare products through the Athens transport system. OASA states that eligible students use a personalized ATH.ENA CARD and must provide the required academic documentation.
Students of public higher education can qualify for reduced transport fares in Thessaloniki when the applicable student status is verified. The Thessaloniki transport authority states that a personalized ThessCard and valid Academic ID or other required documentation are used.
Hellenic Train currently lists a 25% discount for university students and a 50% discount for certain journeys between permanent residence and place of study. Erasmus students studying at Greek universities are also included in the listed student discounts when the required academic ID is presented.
University libraries are usually the first place to check. Major academic library systems include Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Patras and University of Crete. Students can also investigate public and national library resources.
Students should confirm admission, tuition, accommodation, visa requirements where applicable, residence procedures, health insurance, finances, transportation and university registration requirements before arrival.
International students should have appropriate health coverage during their studies. The exact arrangement depends on nationality, residence status, existing European coverage and whether the student is working. Students should verify their individual situation before travelling.
Depending on their circumstances, foreign students may need a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) for activities involving Greek tax administration, employment or other formal transactions. Students should check the current AADE requirements for their specific situation.
Athens is one of Greece's largest and most expensive student markets, particularly for centrally located accommodation. However, students can reduce costs by sharing accommodation, living near transport rather than in the most central neighbourhoods, cooking at home and using student discounts.
Thessaloniki is one of Greece's most important university cities and has a large student population, universities, cafés, cultural activities, public transport and nightlife. It can be an attractive alternative to Athens depending on your academic program and budget.
Shared housing, university dining, supermarket shopping, cooking at home, student transport fares, train discounts, student cultural discounts, careful mobile-plan selection and low-cost leisure activities can all reduce monthly expenses.
Students can study successfully in English in programs that are taught in English, but learning basic Greek can make everyday life, shopping, administration, employment and social integration easier.
Start with your university, program, accommodation and budget. Then research transport, healthcare, student discounts, employment, Academic ID requirements and everyday life.
If you are an international student, check the visa and residence rules that apply to your nationality before making travel or accommodation commitments.
The most useful first step is to calculate your expected monthly expenses.
Calculate Your Greece Student Budget → Explore Greek Universities → Find Student Housing →