Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad There are many convincing reasons why Greece is an attractive destination to further your studies. The sunny Mediterranean weather, the friendly hospitable people or the delicious food are some of the main incentives for expats and international students to opt for this beautiful country. Moreover, since money is a daily matter for any student, let alone a student in a foreign country, the affordable cost of living in Greece also makes it a great place to pursue academics abroad. And this is the case from housing, to transportation cost, to food and healthcare. Stick around as we break down for you the main study and living cost for international students in Greece.
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Universities’ tuition fees in Greece for international students
Usually, European students don’t pay any tuition fee if they study at public universities in Greece, at least at undergraduate level. Most master’s programs are also free, except for subjects such as medicine, business or engineering. These subjects will cost up to €8,000 per year at public universities, for European as well as non-EU/EEA students.
On the other hand, international students pay fairly low tuition fees at public universities in Greece. Some can even have access to free master’s degree programs. Moreover, annual tuition fees for a bachelor’s and a master’s degree at a public Greek university amount between €1,500 and €9,000 for non-European students.
Lastly, studies at private colleges in Greece can cost more than €10,000 per year. The prices vary depending on several factors such as the type of degree, the length of the program as well as the specialization.
The cheapest universities in Greece for international students
It’s no surprise that the cheapest university in Greece are mostly public universities. The most affordable universities in Greece include:
- University of Crete: which applies no tuition fee for any registered undergraduate students. The costs for graduate programs, on the other hand, start at €2,500 per year.
- University of Patras: which tuition fees start from €700 per year
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with tuition fees starting from €700 per year.
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens where tuition fees start at €1,000 per year.
Check also our list of the best universities in Greece.
Scholarship opportunities in Greece
Some of the most prominent private and public institutions in Greece offer financial support to their international students. Alongside specific research or inter-university scholarships proper to each institution, the Greek State Scholarship Foundation or IKY is the reference when it comes to the subject of financial support in Greece.
IKY works together with the National Bank of Greece, the EU and other organizations to support students who wish to study in Greece. They also provide language and culture study courses. Of course, there is only a limited number of grants available, so any applicants must comply to some specific criteria including their country of origin and the study subject.
Cost of living in Greece for students
Greece is undoubtedly one of the most affordable European destinations for international students. It’s a place where you can live comfortably with €500 to €1,000 per month depending on your lifestyle and the place you choose to settle in. This amount includes accommodation, utility bills, food, study books, transportation and entertainment costs.
Accommodation cost in Greece for students
Finding a comfortable and convenient place to live is part of the experience of studying abroad. And in Greece, you find student housing to rent in big cities such as Athens, Patras or Thessaloniki as well as in mid-sized university cities. This eases up the daily commute to and from your university.
Moreover, the cost of living in Greece, including the cost for student accommodation remains in the affordable range. But the price depends on the city, the type of housing as well as the proximity to the city center. Of course, like anywhere else, a place in a smaller city will be more reasonable in the price range than one in bigger cities.
You therefore have the choice between the following options:
- One-bedroom apartment: between €200 and €400 per month outside the city center and €250 and €700 in the city center.
- A three-bedroom apartment that you can share with 2 other roommates will cost between €350 and €1,200 per month. Outside the city center, you’ll share a maximum of €800 for this type of accommodation.
Utility bills vary between €100 and €150 per month, including electricity, gas and water. Communication and internet services on the other hand will cost €30-€50. Students usually get special packages tailored for them.
Food cost
Beside the rent, food cost is another big part of the living cost in Greece. On average, students will spend around €200 per month on groceries and food. Shopping at local supermarkets is the most economical option, as students can also enjoy discounts and bundle offers.
For daily meals on weekdays, students are generally entitled to free food at their university canteen. But those who don’t qualify will pay between €4 and €7 only for a meal consisting of a sandwich / pastry with a beverage. And a coffee from the school’s canteen will cost an average of €1.5 to €2 and €2-€4 at a coffee shop.
If you plan to eat out, a meal in an average restaurant will cost between €10 and €14 per person. Lastly, for other food products, here are the average prices:
- A loaf of bread: €0.87
- Milk: €1.2 (for 1 liter)
- 12 eggs: €3 to €3.5
- Rice: €1.70
- Apples: €1.55 (for 1 kg)
- Bananas: €1.51 (for 1 kg)
- Local cheese: €8 (for 1 kg)
Transportation cost
Greece has an efficient transport network connecting every part of the country, by air, train, bus and even by sea. Public transport includes city buses and metro systems in big cities like Athens. For the price ranges, a monthly transportation pass for public transport is €30, while a ticket for a single trip is around €1.50.
University students, although, can benefit from a student pass, granting them significant discounts on ferries, buses and trains. So, when buying a travel card, don’t forget to show your student ID. Also, you can take a taxi, that which cost starts at €3.50, then €1 per additional kilometer.
Lastly, students who have a valid driver license can rent a car and drive. However, students from outside the EU must get an International Driver’s Permit. For this transportation option, 1 liter of gasoline would cost around €1.4.
Insurance and medical care
International students in Greece must have a health insurance that covers them for the duration of their studies. This should be a private insurance policy that will cover any medical care you might need during your stay. Moreover, if you work part-time as your student visa in Greece allows you to, you can benefit from a free public health insurance. This gives you access to a public hospital and get your prescription medication for a low contribution.
Other student living cost in Greece
The other expenses students must bear in Greece include the cost for entertainment and leisure. Of course, there are several inexpensive opportunities for leisure in Greece. Such as a cinema ticket that costs around €8.
Moreover, universities can, via a Student’s Union, provide tickets for theater plays and concerts. Furthermore, study materials such as textbooks in Greece are free of charge.
Work opportunity for students in Greece
International students from outside the EU/EEA who have a valid long-term visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. While during holidays, they can work up to 40 hours. However, the higher education system in Greece gives students the possibility to make up their own schedules. Usually, this leaves them not very much time to spend earning money.
It’s advised in this case to work part-time during the high touristic season: from May to October every year. This gives students many opportunities of student jobs, which can help them make an average salary of €665 per month.
