Greece is an increasingly sought-after destination for international students, perfectly blending rich cultural heritage with a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle and affordable living costs. With an expanding selection of English-taught degree programmes at both public and private institutions, Greece provides an ideal environment for students seeking a high-quality education without the high price tag.
1. University tuition fees in Greece
Tuition fees at public universities
Public universities in Greece generally provide tuition-free education for Greek citizens and EU/EEA students enrolled in Greek-language programmes. For non-EU/EEA international students and those opting for English-taught programmes, tuition fees typically range from 1,500 to 9,000 EUR per academic year, depending on the specific institution and field of study. Examples include:
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: 0–4,800 EUR/year
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki: 0–5,000 EUR/year
Tuition fees at private universities
Private universities in Greece maintain consistent tuition structures, charging comparable fees to both EU and international students. Costs fluctuate significantly based on the prestige of the institution and the academic level of the programme.
Universities we recommend in Greece
Explore the top-rated universities in Greece according to global rankings.
2. Student living costs in Greece
Greece remains one of the most budget-friendly study destinations in Western Europe. International students can maintain a comfortable lifestyle on a monthly budget of 500–900 EUR in Athens, while living costs in Thessaloniki are approximately 12% lower, offering even greater savings.
The official currency used throughout Greece is the euro (EUR).
3. Student accommodation costs
While on-campus university housing options are limited, they remain a highly affordable choice when available. Common accommodation alternatives include:
- University dormitory: around 150–250 EUR/month
- Shared apartment (room): around 250–450 EUR/month
- Private studio or one-bedroom apartment: around 500–800 EUR/month in Athens; 400–650 EUR/month in Thessaloniki
Athens commands higher rental prices compared to other Greek cities; city-centre, one-bedroom apartments typically range between 800 and 1,400 EUR per month.
4. Food costs in Greece
Food expenses are relatively low, particularly if you embrace local markets and home cooking. Students should budget roughly 200–300 EUR per month for groceries. Below are average cost estimates (Numbeo, May 2026):
- 1 loaf of bread: around 1.20 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: around 1.00 EUR
- 12 eggs: around 2.00 EUR
- 1 kg of feta/local cheese: around 6.00 EUR
- 1 kg of chicken fillets: around 5–7 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: around 1.00–2.00 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: around 1.00–2.00 EUR
- 1 meal at an affordable restaurant: around 7–12 EUR
Check out other living costs in Greece.
5. Transportation costs
Public transportation in Greece is highly accessible and offers significant student discounts. Monthly student passes usually cost between 15 and 30 EUR, reflecting a 50% reduction from standard rates. In Athens, a single-journey ticket is priced at approximately 1.40 EUR.
EU/EEA students are eligible to use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for essential healthcare. Non-EU international students are advised to secure private health insurance, which typically ranges from 15 to 50 EUR per month depending on the level of coverage.
6. Extra costs in Greece
- Entertainment (cinema, museums, dining): 50–150 EUR/month
- Student visa fee (non-EU/EEA only): varies by country of origin; residence permit required for stays over 90 days
- Health insurance: EU students can use EHIC; non-EU students need private insurance at around 15–50 EUR/month
7. University scholarships and grants
A variety of scholarship programmes are available to international students, funded by individual universities, the Greek government, and the EU. Awards are generally determined by academic achievement, financial need, or the applicant's country of origin.
Also consider applying for our Online Result Scholarship: International Distinction Awards.