Greece is a scenic Southern European country in southeastern Europe with one of the world’s oldest recorded civilizations. Its capital is Athens, and the country is officially called the Hellenic Republic. Eurostat’s 2025 figure for Greece’s population is 10,409,547.
Greek is the official language. English and other European languages are commonly used in tourism, international study, and everyday services in major cities. Greek Orthodox Christianity remains the majority religion, and freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution. Because of its ancient literature and mythology, Greece is often associated with the “Land of the Gods.”
Due to Greece’s rich historical background, it has many spectacular tourist attractions. Such landmarks include the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, Santorini, Mykonos, and Delphi. Tourists should also try Greek cuisine, which is full of flavor; some of the best-known dishes include souvlaki, moussaka, kolokythokeftedes, tzatziki, and galaktoboureko.
Greece has also been working to internationalize its higher education sector through Study in Greece, the national platform that promotes Greek universities and international study programs. With that being said, take a look at some of the best cities to study in Greece for international students in our guide below:
Top Cities to Study in Greece for International Students
1. Athens
It should not be a surprise that Greece’s capital and largest urban center is at the top of this list of the best cities to study in Greece for international students. Athens is a breathtaking destination and is often associated with the birthplace of Western civilization, as many artistic and intellectual figures throughout history came from the area. In fact, the Academy of Plato was established in the city.
Today, the most visited landmarks in Athens include the ancient Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Hephaestus, Hadrian’s Library, and the Olympieion, also known as the Temple of Olympian Zeus. As for higher education institutions, the most eminent ones include the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, National Technical University of Athens, Athens University of Economics and Business, Agricultural University of Athens, and Athens School of Fine Arts.
For prospective students who are on the lookout for a distinguished engineering school in the country, the National Technical University of Athens is a great option. It is one of Greece’s oldest technical institutions, with schools focused on engineering, architecture, and applied mathematical and physical sciences. On the other hand, future business students should consider the Athens University of Economics and Business. Founded in 1920, it is Greece’s oldest university in Economics and Business.
2. Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is a cultural hub and a place with a fascinating history. It is also a well-loved tourist spot because it gives visitors a beautiful glimpse into the past while still offering the conveniences of a modern city.
When planning a trip to Thessaloniki, one should not forget to drop by the Rotunda of Galerius, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Byzantine Walls, Mount Olympus, and Ano Poli. For students who wish to move to this city, some well-known higher education options include Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the University of Macedonia, and CITY College, University of York Europe Campus.
The largest university in Greece is Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. It is also one of the oldest and most prestigious centers of excellence in the nation. Another reputable institution is the University of Macedonia, whose schools cover Economic and Regional Studies, Business Administration, Information Sciences, and Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts.
3. Patras
Located in Western Greece, Patras is a wonderful city filled with exciting sites. When in Patras, it is a must to go to the Roman Odeon, Agios Andreas Cathedral, Castle of Patras, Rio-Antirrio Bridge, and the Patras Lighthouse, also known as Faros Patras.
In Patras, the best-known universities are the University of Patras and the Hellenic Open University. The former is a public university founded in 1964 and is described by the university as the third-largest university in Greece. It currently includes 31 departments across a wide range of disciplines. As for the latter, it is a public university whose mission is to provide distance undergraduate and postgraduate education and training. These make Patras an excellent city to study in Greece for international students.
4. Heraklion
Heraklion, also spelled Iraklion, is situated on the island of Crete. In ancient times, Crete was where the Minoan civilization thrived. Today, it is a popular travel spot with an impressive location on the island’s north coast. Many visitors want to take in the view of the waterfront, but there is more to do in the city. A few other noteworthy landmarks include the Palace of Knossos, the Venetian Fortress of Koules, the Natural History Museum of Crete, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
For colleges and universities, the most esteemed options in and around Heraklion include the University of Crete and the Hellenic Mediterranean University. The University of Crete was founded in 1973 and operates in Rethymno and Heraklion; its Heraklion campus includes the School of Sciences and Engineering and the School of Medicine. The Hellenic Mediterranean University is the successor to the former Technological Educational Institute of Crete, which merged into the new university in 2019.
5. Larissa
Located in Greece’s Thessaly region, Larissa is a major city and transport hub. It has a number of tourist spots, such as the Diachronic Museum of Larissa, the Ancient Theatre of Larissa, Larissa Ancient Ruins, Kalipso Waterfall, and the Folklore Museum of Larissa.
It is considered an important commercial center in the country, and with that being said, it is also among the best cities to study in Greece for international students. The University of Thessaly has a strong presence in Larissa, with 10 departments listed for the city.
We hope that you found this article on the best cities to study in Greece for international students informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
