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    Study in Greece: universities, fees, and scholarships

    To study in Greece, Indian students choose affordable public universities like the University of Athens and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with low tuition and a low cost of living. You apply for admission, apostille your documents, then a national Type D visa and a residence permit. Greece gives you an EU degree, full Schengen access, and a rich academic heritage at modest cost.

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    See the visa steps
    EUR 1,500 tuition from
    EU degree Schengen access
    Type D national visa

    Data current as of June 2026

    Why study in Greece

    Greece pairs affordable public universities and a low cost of living with a deep academic and cultural heritage, an EU degree, and full Schengen access, making it one of Europe’s more budget-friendly study destinations.

    One thing to know early. Studying in Greece has no points test for admission, unlike skilled migration to Canada or Australia. Admission depends on your academic record, your course requirements, and your language ability in English or Greek. There is no study points system at all, but there is one critical extra step: your academic documents must be apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs in India.

    With a growing number of English-taught programs, government scholarships through IKY and the Onassis Foundation, and a low overall cost, Greece offers strong value and a genuine EU degree. We guide Indian students through the whole journey, including the apostille that many applicants get wrong.

    The two entry tracks for students

    Greece splits international students into two tracks, and your nationality decides the route. As an Indian student you follow the non-EU track, which needs a national Type D visa and a residence permit. The diagram shows both.

    Admission to a Greek uni

    EU AND EEA STUDENTS Enter freely, register locally

    Registered, AFM tax number, resident

    NON-EU, INDIAN STUDENTS National Type D visa

    Residence permit within 40 days of arrival

    The two student entry tracks for Greece. Indian students follow the non-EU track, with a national Type D visa converted to a residence permit within 40 days. Source: Greek migration guidance, 2026. Confirm current rules before you rely on them.

    Your study in Greece journey

    Greece has a clear sequence Indian students follow, from admission and apostille to a Type D visa and a residence permit. The diagram shows the full flow.

    Admission Acceptance letter

    Apostille MEA, plus sworn translations

    Type D visa National long-stay, via GVCW

    Permit Within 40 days of arrival

    Study 20 hrs / week

    The main steps to study in Greece, from admission and apostille to the residence permit. Source: Greek student visa and migration guidance, 2026. Confirm current rules before you rely on them.

    Best universities in Greece for Indian students

    Greece has seven universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026, led by the University of Athens, with three Greek institutions inside Europe’s top 200. The table shows leading choices and their guide positions.

    Leading universities in Greece, QS 2026
    University Known for QS 2026 guide
    University of Athens, NKUA Broad research, medicine, top in Greece Around 400 to 500
    Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Broad research, largest in Greece Around 485
    National Technical University of Athens Engineering and technology Top 500 to 600
    University of Crete Sciences and research Top 600 to 800
    University of Patras Engineering and sciences Top 600 to 800
    Athens University of Economics and Business Business and economics Business leader

    Source: QS World University Rankings 2026 and Greek university data, 2026. The University of Athens leads nationally, with Aristotle around 485 in QS; the others sit in broad bands that move year to year, so ranges are shown. Three Greek universities sit inside Europe’s top 200 in the QS Europe ranking. Positions vary by source and year. Confirm current requirements with each institution.

    Greece’s universities cluster by strength, with Athens and Aristotle leading broad research, NTUA leading engineering, and AUEB leading business. We help you shortlist the right ones to study in Greece.

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    Tuition fees and cost of living

    Greece is one of the more affordable EU study destinations, with low public tuition and a low cost of living. The table shows the main costs to plan for.

    Typical study costs in Greece for Indian students, 2026
    Cost Typical figure Notes
    Tuition, English programs EUR 1,500 to 7,000 / yr Non-EU students; master’s often lower
    Funds proof for visa EUR 400 to 700 / month About EUR 7,000 to 8,000 a year
    Realistic living costs EUR 700 to 1,265 / mo Athens and islands higher
    Health insurance EUR 300 to 600 / yr Mandatory for the stay
    Visa and permit fees EUR 180 plus EUR 150 Type D visa, then residence permit

    Source: Greek consulate and education guidance, 2026, including the funds figure that tracks the Greek minimum living standard. Tuition, funds, and fees are set by universities and the authorities and can change. The visa funds figure is lower than a realistic monthly budget, so plan for the higher figure. Confirm before you apply to study in Greece.

    The headline cost is low, but plan against the realistic living budget rather than the bare visa minimum, and remember tuition is separate. A scholarship or family support helps. We confirm the exact costs for your program.

    Document and apostille checklist

    Greece is strict about document legalisation, and missing the apostille is a common reason applications are rejected. This checklist shows what each key document needs before you apply.

    Indicative document checklist for Indian students, 2026
    Document What it needs Why it matters
    Degree and transcripts MEA apostille plus sworn translation Plain notary stamps are rejected
    Acceptance letter Certified by the Ministry of Education Usually arranged by your university
    Proof of funds 3 to 6 months bank statements Sudden lump sums trigger refusals
    Criminal record certificate Police clearance, apostilled Required for the visa file
    Health insurance Valid cover for the stay Mandatory at visa and permit stage

    Source: Greek embassy and visa-centre guidance, 2026. Apostille is done by the Ministry of External Affairs in India, and academic documents need sworn Greek or English translations. The exact list and certification steps can vary by consulate and program, so confirm current requirements. This checklist is indicative, not the official document list.

    This is where Indian applications most often slip. We manage the MEA apostille, the sworn translations, and the funds evidence so your file is accepted the first time. We confirm each item for your case.

    Admission requirements at a glance

    Greece has no points test for admission, but each program sets clear academic and language bars. This table is an indicative guide, not official cut-offs.

    Indicative admission requirements for Indian students, 2026
    Requirement English-taught program Greek-taught program
    Academic record Recognised qualification Recognised qualification
    English test IELTS or TOEFL If asked by the program
    Greek level Not usually needed Often required
    Document legalisation MEA apostille required MEA apostille required
    Extra steps Sometimes interview or portfolio Sometimes interview

    Source: Greek university admission guidance, 2026. These rows are indicative only, as each program runs its own selection and may ask for more, including subject prerequisites or an entrance step. Confirm each program’s exact requirements before you apply.

    Because there is no points score for admission, your profile is judged on your qualification, fit, and language, with correctly legalised documents. We assess your eligibility honestly before you apply.

    Scholarships to study in Greece

    Greece offers government and foundation scholarships, often aimed at master’s and research level. Because public tuition is already low, many focus on living costs. The table shows the main options.

    Main scholarships for Indian students, 2026
    Scholarship Offered by Can cover
    IKY scholarships State Scholarships Foundation Living costs, some study support
    Onassis Foundation scholarships Onassis Foundation Master’s, PhD, and research support
    University scholarships Individual Greek universities Partial tuition or fee reductions
    Erasmus Mundus joint master’s European Union Full scholarship across countries
    External and country awards Various foundations Varies, often partial

    Source: IKY, the Onassis Foundation, and university scholarship pages, 2026. Eligibility, amounts, and deadlines change each year, and several awards target specific levels or research fields. Confirm current details before applying, as some programs are aimed mainly at postgraduate or research students.

    Because tuition is already modest, many Indian students fund their studies through family support plus a part-time job, with a scholarship as a bonus if they qualify. We help you find and apply for the awards you are eligible for.

    Want help applying for an IKY or Onassis scholarship?

    Get a free eligibility check and we will match you to the scholarships that fit your profile.

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    Popular courses for Indian students

    Greece is strong in engineering and the sciences, with distinctive strengths in shipping and in classical and archaeological studies.

    Technical

    Engineering and tech

    Strong engineering and computer science, anchored by NTUA in Athens.

    Maritime

    Shipping and maritime

    Greece’s world-leading shipping industry supports strong maritime and logistics study.

    Heritage

    Archaeology and classics

    Unmatched archaeology, classics, and history, studied where the subjects began.

    The student visa and residence permit process

    For studies longer than 90 days, Indian students apply for a national Type D visa, then a residence permit after arrival. This table explains the key steps so nothing is missed.

    Key visa and residence steps for Greece, 2026
    Step What it is Why it matters
    University admission Get your certified acceptance letter Required first step
    Apostille and translate MEA apostille plus sworn translations Skipping this causes rejections
    Apply for the Type D visa At the embassy or via GVCW National long-stay visa for studies over 90 days
    Enter and register Travel on the Type D visa Apply for the permit within 40 days
    Residence permit The adeia diamonis at the Migration Office Covers your full study period, renewed yearly

    Source: Greek embassy, Global Visa Center World, and migration guidance, 2026. Steps, fees, and timelines are set by the authorities and can change, processing commonly takes a few weeks, and September-intake slots can fill 10 to 12 weeks ahead. Start well before your intake.

    Good planning is everything here. We manage your apostille and translations, prepare your funds and insurance, then guide the Type D visa and the residence permit so each step lines up before your intake.

    Worried about the apostille and visa process?

    We manage your MEA apostille, sworn translations, and funds proof, then guide your Type D visa so nothing slips.

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    Work rights and post-study reality

    Greece allows part-time work during studies, but the post-study picture is more limited than northern Europe, so it is worth understanding clearly.

    Work and post-study rights in Greece, 2026
    Stage What you can do Notes
    During studies Work 20 hrs / week Once you hold your residence permit
    Holidays Work full-time During official university breaks
    Pay reality EUR 5 to 7 / hour Do not rely on work to fund studies
    After graduation No dedicated search permit Student permit does not convert directly
    To stay and work Separate work or EU route Often needs a job offer, or move within the EU

    Source: Greek migration and student-work guidance, 2026. Hours and conditions are set by the authorities and can change. Importantly, a student work permit cannot be converted directly into a standard work permit after graduation, so post-study plans need a separate route. Confirm current rules before relying on them.

    This is an honest limitation. Greece is excellent value for the degree itself and for EU access, but if a long post-study work window is your main goal, plan a separate work route or a move within the EU. We explain the realistic options.

    The Indian community in Greece

    Greece has a long-established Indian community, one of the larger South Asian communities in the country, which makes settling in easier for new students.

    Most people of Indian origin in Greece live in and around Athens and in some agricultural regions, working in farming, trade, and services, with a smaller but growing number of professionals and students. The community is well rooted, so you find Indian grocery stores, restaurants, temples, and gurdwaras, especially in Athens, and festivals like Diwali and Vaisakhi are marked there.

    Athens

    The main hub

    Most of the Indian community lives in and around Athens, with shops, restaurants, temples, and gurdwaras.

    Who

    Long established

    A well-rooted community in farming, trade, and services, plus growing professionals and students.

    For students

    A soft landing

    Familiar food, places of worship, and community support, especially around Athens.

    For an Indian student, this established community means familiar food, places of worship, and ready support, which makes the move to Greece easier, especially in Athens.

    An honest view for Indian students

    Greece offers excellent value and an EU degree, but the apostille paperwork, the funds evidence, and the limited post-study window all need clear planning.

    Tuition and living costs are low, which is the real draw, but you must show genuine funds over several months, since a sudden lump-sum deposit is the most common rejection trigger. Your documents must be apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs with sworn translations, which takes time. English-taught choices are growing but fewer than in the Netherlands or Germany, and there is no dedicated post-study job-search permit, so plan your next step early.

    Greece offers low public tuition of about EUR 1,500 to 7,000 a year for non-EU English programs, while Indian applicants need a certified admission letter, apostilled documents, and a national Type D visa, must show funds of about EUR 400 to 700 a month, convert the visa to a residence permit within 40 days of arrival, and can work up to 20 hours a week, though there is no dedicated post-study job-search permit.

    Factual overview, drawn from Greek consulate and migration guidance, current for 2026. Fees, funds requirements, and visa rules are set by the relevant authorities and can change.

    Meeting the requirements improves your chances, but admission and the final visa decision rest with the institutions and the Greek authorities. We give you a realistic view and manage the timeline with you.

    Speak with BestMigrationConsultant.com about studying in Greece

    Our education experts guide Indian students through every step to study in Greece, from universities and admission to the MEA apostille, scholarships, fees, funds, documents, and the Type D visa and residence permit. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com, and start with a free eligibility check today.

    Check eligibility free

    Study in Greece frequently asked questions

    Why study in Greece as an Indian student?
    Greece offers affordable English-taught programs, a rich academic and cultural heritage, an EU degree with full Schengen access, and a low cost of living compared with western Europe. Universities like the University of Athens and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki are well regarded, and tuition for non-EU students is modest. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps Indian students choose the right course and university to study in Greece.
    What are the best universities in Greece?
    The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is the top-ranked Greek university, followed by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the National Technical University of Athens for engineering, along with the University of Crete, the University of Patras, and the Athens University of Economics and Business. Seven Greek universities feature in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The right choice depends on your field. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you shortlist the best universities in Greece for your profile.
    Is there a points system to study in Greece?
    No. Studying in Greece has no points test for admission, unlike skilled migration to Canada or Australia. Admission is based on your academic record, the requirements of your course, and your language ability in English or Greek, with apostilled documents required. There is no study points system at all. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains the real admission and visa requirements so you can plan to study in Greece with confidence.
    Why must my documents be apostilled for Greece?
    Greece requires that your academic documents, such as your degree and transcripts, are apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs in India before admission and the visa, and that they carry sworn Greek or English translations, since plain notary stamps are not accepted. Skipping the apostille is a common reason applications are rejected. This step takes time, so start early. BestMigrationConsultant.com manages your apostille and translations so your application to study in Greece is accepted.
    How much are tuition fees in Greece for Indian students?
    Tuition for non-EU students at Greek public universities for English-taught programs commonly ranges from about EUR 1,500 to 7,000 a year, with many master’s programs at the lower end and some private colleges higher. Greek-taught programs at public universities can be very low cost. Figures change, so confirm the current fee with your university. BestMigrationConsultant.com gives you a clear fee picture to study in Greece.
    How much money do I need for the Greece student visa?
    Indian students must show proof of funds for living costs, broadly EUR 400 to 700 a month, which adds up to about EUR 7,000 to 8,000 a year, separate from tuition. The exact figure is set annually and tracks the Greek minimum living standard, and funds must be shown through several months of consistent bank statements, since sudden lump-sum deposits are a common rejection trigger. BestMigrationConsultant.com confirms the current funds requirement for your Greece student visa before you apply.
    What student visa do I need for Greece?
    For studies longer than 90 days, Indian students need a national Type D long-stay visa, applied for at the Greek embassy or visa centre after you receive your acceptance letter. The Type D visa lets you enter Greece, and after arrival you must apply for a residence permit for studies, the adeia diamonis, at the local Migration Office within 40 days. BestMigrationConsultant.com guides you through the full Greece student visa and residence permit process so your application is complete and on time.
    What scholarships are available to study in Greece?
    Indian students can look at the IKY State Scholarships Foundation awards, the Onassis Foundation scholarships, university-specific scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus joint master’s that include Greek universities. Many are competitive and aimed at master’s or research level, with early deadlines and conditions. Because public tuition is already low, scholarships often focus on living costs. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you find and apply for scholarships to study in Greece.
    What are the admission requirements for Greece?
    Requirements vary by program. You generally need a recognised qualification for your level, proof of English such as IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs or Greek for Greek-taught programs, apostilled academic documents with sworn translations, and the documents your university asks for. Some programs have extra steps. Each program sets its own bar. BestMigrationConsultant.com checks your eligibility against your target programs to study in Greece.
    Can I study in Greece in English?
    Yes. Greece offers a growing number of English-taught programs, mainly at master’s and PhD level and increasingly at bachelor’s level, so you do not always need Greek to study in Greece. That said, learning Greek helps a lot with daily life, part-time work, and settling in, and many students take Greek classes alongside their course. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you find English-taught programs and plan any language needs.
    Can I work while studying in Greece?
    Yes. Non-EU students with a residence permit can generally work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, during the academic term, and full-time during official holidays. Part-time pay is modest, so do not rely on work to fund your studies. Importantly, a student work permit cannot be converted directly into a standard work permit after graduation. Rules can change, so confirm the current position. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains the work rules attached to your student status so you can plan to study in Greece realistically.
    What is the post-study work option in Greece?
    Greece does not offer a dedicated post-study job-search permit like some northern European countries, and a student work permit does not convert directly into a standard work permit. To work after graduating, you generally need a separate work or residence route, often tied to a job offer, or you can move to another EU country using your EU degree. This is an honest limitation to plan for. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains the realistic post-study routes that fit your plan to study in Greece.
    What is the cost of living in Greece for students?
    Living costs for students commonly range from about EUR 700 to 1,265 a month, with Athens and the islands at the higher end and Thessaloniki and smaller cities a little cheaper, which is low for western Europe. Accommodation is the largest cost, and shared flats and student housing help keep it down. The visa funds figure is set lower than a realistic monthly budget, so plan for the higher figure. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you plan a realistic budget so you can study in Greece comfortably.
    What documents do I need to study in Greece?
    You generally need your academic transcripts and certificates apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs with sworn translations, a certified acceptance letter from a recognised Greek institution, proof of English or Greek, proof of funds, health insurance, a clean criminal record certificate, proof of accommodation, and a valid passport. The exact list can vary by program and the Greek authorities. BestMigrationConsultant.com prepares and checks your full document set so your application to study in Greece is complete.
    What courses are popular for Indian students in Greece?
    Popular fields include engineering and computer science, business and management, shipping and maritime studies given Greece’s strong shipping industry, archaeology and classics, medicine and health, and tourism and hospitality. Greece has clear strengths in engineering at NTUA and in maritime and classical studies. The best course depends on your goals. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you match your profile to the right course and university to study in Greece.
    How does Greece compare with other European study destinations?
    Greece offers low public tuition and a low cost of living with an EU degree, similar in affordability to parts of central Europe, but it has fewer English-taught programs than the Netherlands or Germany and no dedicated post-study job-search permit. It suits students who value affordability, EU access, and Greece’s academic and cultural strengths over a long post-study work window. The right fit depends on your goals. BestMigrationConsultant.com compares your options so you choose the best place to study.
    How do I apply to study in Greece?
    You apply directly to your chosen Greek university or college, submit your documents and pay any application fee, and receive a certified acceptance letter. You then apostille your academic documents at the Ministry of External Affairs, arrange sworn translations, pay at least part of the tuition where required, and apply for the national Type D visa, usually through the Global Visa Center World. After arrival you apply for the residence permit within 40 days. BestMigrationConsultant.com manages each step so your plan to study in Greece holds together.
    Is there an Indian community in Greece?
    Yes. Greece has a long-established Indian community, one of the larger South Asian communities in the country, concentrated in and around Athens and in agricultural regions, with people working in farming, trade, and services, alongside a smaller but growing number of professionals and students. There are Indian grocery stores, restaurants, temples, and gurdwaras, especially in Athens. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you settle in well when you study in Greece.
    When should I apply to study in Greece?
    Start about a year ahead. The main intake is the autumn or September semester, with some programs starting in spring. Apply for admission first, then apostille and translate your documents, which takes time, and apply for the national Type D visa, where slots for the September intake can fill 10 to 12 weeks ahead. Visa processing commonly takes a few weeks. BestMigrationConsultant.com builds a clear timeline with you so your plan to study in Greece stays on track.
    What if my Greece student visa is refused?
    A refusal often points to weak or recently deposited funds, missing apostille or translations, an incomplete file, insurance gaps, or doubts about your study plan. Many of these can be addressed and a fresh application made, and some decisions can be appealed. The most common single trigger is a sudden lump-sum deposit just before submission, so funds must be shown over several months. BestMigrationConsultant.com reviews the cause and helps you decide on the strongest next step for your plan to study in Greece.
    How can BestMigrationConsultant.com help me study in Greece?
    BestMigrationConsultant.com guides Indian students through every step to study in Greece. We run an eligibility check, shortlist universities and courses, support your admission, manage your document apostille and sworn translations, confirm fees and funds, prepare your insurance and criminal record certificate, and guide your national Type D visa and residence permit. We also explain working and the realistic post-study routes. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com to start your free assessment and plan your studies in Greece with confidence.

    Written and reviewed by

    Author: Sairam, Senior Immigration Consultant, BestMigrationConsultant.com

    Reviewed by: Sairam, Senior Immigration Consultant, BestMigrationConsultant.com

    BestMigrationConsultant.com guides Indian students and professionals on overseas study, work, and PR pathways. University fees, scholarships, funds requirements, and visa rules are set by universities and governments and can change at any time. This page is guidance and application support, not legal advice.

    Last reviewed: June 2026