Study in Greece for Arab Students

Greece is not only the birthplace of democracy and philosophy; it is also an increasingly attractive study destination for international students, including Arabs. Greek higher education combines:

Recognized European university degrees
Relatively low tuition fees, especially at public universities
Reasonable cost of living compared to many Western European countries
A growing number of English-taught programs
A safe, culturally rich and vibrant student environment in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki

Study in Greece (SiG) is the national agency for the internationalisation of Greek Higher Education. Operating under the auspices of several Greek ministries, it provides an official portal where international students can find programs, admission information and practical guidance about living and studying in Greece.

2. Overview of Higher Education in Greece

Greek higher education is dominated by public universities, funded by the state and supervised in terms of quality by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) – an independent body responsible for quality assurance and accreditation.

Main types of institutions:

Public universities
Technological institutes and specialized schools
International or joint programs (often with higher tuition fees), sometimes in cooperation with foreign universities

Non-EU students (including Arabs) can enroll in degree programs either in Greek or in English, depending on the institution and level of study.

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3. Key Advantages for Arab Students

3.1 Affordable tuition and living costs

Greece is among the more affordable European destinations for international students:

For non-EU students in many public Bachelor’s programs, tuition is commonly around €1,500 per academic year, often including textbooks.
Overall student budgets of €450–€750 per month are often sufficient to cover accommodation, food, transport and basic expenses, depending on the city and lifestyle.

3.2 European-recognized degrees

Greek universities follow the European Higher Education Area and the Bologna system, using ECTS credits. This supports degree recognition and facilitates further study or work in other EU countries.

3.3 Rich cultural and historical environment

Studying in Greece allows students to experience a unique blend of ancient history, Mediterranean lifestyle, and modern European culture.

3.4 English-taught programs

Through the official Study in Greece platforms, international students can find numerous Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs taught fully in English in fields like Medicine, Engineering, Business, European Studies and more.

4. Main Student Cities and Universities

4.1 Athens

The capital city is the largest academic hub in Greece and hosts several major universities, such as:

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Athens University of Economics and Business
Other institutions in arts, humanities, sciences and health fields

4.2 Thessaloniki

Greece’s second-largest city and a major student center, home to:

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
International Hellenic University, which runs an International Students Support Unit helping with residence permits and integration into academic and social life.

4.3 Other cities

Universities and institutes are also located in Patras, Ioannina, Crete, Volos and other cities, offering a variety of programs taught in Greek or English.

5. Popular Programs for International Students

Popular fields that often attract international and Arab students include:

Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy
Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer)
Business Administration, Economics, European Studies
Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
Computer Science, AI and Data Science
Classical Studies, History, Archaeology, Philosophy

Some international programs – especially medical degrees – may charge significantly higher tuition fees, sometimes up to €15,000–€17,000 per year or more.

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6. Tuition Fees in Greece

6.1 Public universities – Greek-taught programs

For non-EU international students:

Many public Bachelor’s programs charge around €1,500 per year, which typically includes textbooks and administrative fees.

6.2 English-taught international Bachelor’s programs

According to Study in Greece:

English-taught Bachelor’s programs usually range between €5,000 and €15,000 per year, especially in prestigious or highly specialized fields.

6.3 Master’s programs

Many public university Master’s programs charge roughly €1,500–€4,000 for the entire degree or per year, while some highly specialized international Master’s may cost more, depending on the institution.

6.4 International medical programs

International medical programs may have tuition fees in the range of €17,000 per year for EU and non-EU students, as specified in recent official announcements.

7. Living Costs for Students

Student living costs in Greece are relatively moderate:

Many sources estimate that a student can live on €450–€750 per month, depending on city, accommodation type and lifestyle.
A typical Greek student may spend around €600 per month for accommodation, utilities, food and transportation in major cities like Athens or Thessaloniki.

Accommodation options include:

University dormitories (limited places, often cheaper)
Private apartments or shared flats, where rents may range from roughly €200–€400 per month depending on location and apartment size.

8. Admission Requirements

8.1 Bachelor’s admission (Non-EU students)

Foreign applicants from non-EU countries (including Arab states) belong to specific categories defined by the Greek Ministry of Education.

General requirements include:

High school diploma or equivalent (translated and officially certified into Greek or English)
Official transcript of records for the final years of high school
Valid passport
Passport-sized photos
Completion of online applications either via the Ministry’s procedures or via Apply to Study in Greece (AtSiG) for international programs.
Proof of required language proficiency (Greek or English, depending on program language)

In some cases, admission to Greek-taught programs is centralized through the Ministry, while English-taught programs often use their own institutional online platforms.

8.2 Master’s admission

Recognized Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Minimum GPA threshold (varies across programs)
CV and motivation letter
Academic recommendation letters
Proof of English proficiency for English-medium programs (for example, IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent TOEFL scores)
Sometimes an interview or additional entrance requirements

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9. Language of Instruction

Two main paths:

Greek-taught programs
- Require a good level of Greek. Students may need to attend a Greek language preparatory year or present an official Greek language certificate.
English-taught programs
- Increasingly available, particularly at Master’s level and in selected international Bachelor’s degrees.
- Universities require proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or institutional test / previous studies in English).

10. Student Visa (Type D) for Non-EU Students

Non-EU citizens (including most Arab nationals) must obtain a Type D student visa to study in Greece.

Typical steps:

Secure admission to a recognized Greek higher education institution.
Prepare the visa application file, usually including:
- Valid passport
- Official admission letter
- Photos
- Authenticated and translated academic documents
- Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, sponsor letter, or scholarship)
- Health insurance coverage
Apply for the visa at the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country.
Upon arrival, complete the procedures for obtaining a residence permit for study purposes, with help from the university’s international office or student support services.

11. Scholarships and Funding

There are several funding avenues for international students:

Scholarships from the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- For some countries, undergraduate scholarships are offered, including a monthly allowance (e.g. €650), exemption from tuition fees, free textbooks, and in some cases one academic year of free Greek language courses.
University-based scholarships
- Some universities reduce tuition fees or offer partial scholarships to high-achieving or financially needy students.
External scholarships
- Arab students may apply for scholarships from organizations, foundations or sponsors in their home countries that accept Greece as a study destination.

12. Working During and After Studies

International students may be allowed to work part-time in Greece under specific legal conditions tied to their residence permits and labor regulations.
The Study in Greece portal includes a section on Jobs in Greece, which provides guidance on available options and legal framework for students and graduates.

After graduation, students may seek employment in Greece or other EU countries, though they will usually need to switch from a student residence permit to an appropriate work or job-seeker residence status, respecting current immigration laws.

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13. Practical Tips for Arab Students

Verify recognition of your chosen university and degree with your country’s Ministry of Higher Education or credential evaluation authority, especially for regulated professions (Medicine, Engineering, etc.).
Decide early whether you will study in Greek or in English, as this will determine program availability, language requirements and sometimes tuition fees.
Plan a realistic monthly budget (often around €500–€700 per month) and keep a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Start collecting and authenticating your documents early – translation and legalization can take time.
Regularly consult the official Study in Greece platforms for updated information on programs, scholarships and practical guides.
Connect with current Arab students in Greece via social media groups to get first-hand advice about accommodation, cities, and language challenges.

With this guide, you have a solid overview of studying in Greece as an Arab student – from universities and programs to costs, visa rules, scholarships and day-to-day life – so you can decide whether Greece fits your academic ambitions and financial situation.

Study in Greece for Arab Students 2026: Complete Guide to Universities, Costs, Admission and Student Life