Greece is a beautiful country rich in history and culture. As the birthplace of many ideas that shaped Western thought, Greece is home to many universities with strong academic traditions.
With the rising cost of education, Greece can offer good value for students. Regular first-cycle programs at Greek public higher education institutions are generally tuition-free for home and international students, except for the Hellenic Open University and undergraduate programs taught in a foreign language. Some master’s programs, English-taught programs, and private college programs may charge tuition. Greek universities and colleges also offer several scholarship programs. By following the tips below, you may be able to reduce your costs significantly or study in Greece for free.
How to Study in Greece for Free
1. Prepare Early to Have a Great Application
Generally speaking, international students should prepare their documents earlier than local applicants because they often need to complete extra steps. If your documents come from a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, they may need an Apostille. If your country is not part of the convention, your documents may need validation by the appropriate ministry or Greek diplomatic or consular authority. Documents usually also need to be officially translated into Greek.
Greek universities can be strict with deadlines and document requirements. Preparing your application packet in advance can help you avoid delays with authentication, translation, or embassy appointments.
2. Research Full-tuition/Fully-funded Scholarships in Greece
Greece’s universities and colleges offer scholarship programs to local and international students. Some scholarships are based on academic performance, while others consider financial need, nationality, field of study, or a specific program. A full-tuition scholarship can make it possible to study in Greece for free, while partial scholarships can still make a Greek degree much more affordable.
3. Attend Cheap Universities in Greece
Public universities in Greece can be affordable, especially for regular first-cycle studies. However, tuition rules depend on the type of institution and program. Regular bachelor’s programs at public higher education institutions are generally tuition-free, while the Hellenic Open University, foreign-language undergraduate programs, many master’s programs, and private college programs may charge fees. If you are unable to secure a scholarship, you can still lower your costs by applying to cheap universities and comparing official program fees before applying.
Tuition-free Options for Bachelor’s Studies in Greece
If you’re thinking of studying in Greece for a bachelor’s degree, public universities are the main place to start. Regular first-cycle public programs are generally tuition-free, while English-taught bachelor’s programs and private college programs may charge tuition. The options below include universities and colleges where scholarships, financial aid, or public tuition rules may help reduce costs.
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Founded in 1925, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) is one of Greece’s major public universities. Named after the philosopher Aristotle, it offers several scholarship programs through its Department of Studies. These include:
- Reciprocal scholarships
- CERN scholarships for undergraduate and Ph.D. students
- Scholarships for foreign students in second- and third-cycle studies
- Al. Delmouzou scholarships for Modern Greek Studies graduates from Southeast Europe pursuing master’s or Ph.D. studies in Greek Language and Literature
- School of Modern Greek Language annual and summer scholarships
- Financial aid scholarships for foreign students
University of Patras
The University of Patras is a public educational institution founded in 1964. Today, it is one of Greece’s large public universities and is active in teaching and research. It offers several scholarship opportunities for students, including:
- A. Mentzelopoulos scholarships
- State Scholarships Foundation scholarships
- Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece scholarships
- Other scholarships announced through the university or relevant external scholarship bodies
Athens University of Economics & Business
Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) is a leading Greek university in economics, business, and informatics. It has three schools and eight departments, and it has introduced a four-year English-taught BSc in International Business and Technology. Students should check current departmental and program announcements for available scholarship programs, as some central scholarship listings are historical examples rather than current annual awards.
- Departmental awards and scholarships announced by AUEB
- Program-specific scholarships and performance awards
- Foundation, partner, or external scholarships listed by the university or relevant department
DEI College
DEI College in Thessaloniki was founded in 1990. It offers bachelor’s courses in areas such as Law, English Literature, Economics and Business Management, Psychology, Computing, and Sports, Coaching, and Physical Education.
Students with strong academic profiles may be able to apply for scholarships or financial aid, but applicants should confirm current opportunities directly with DEI College before applying because the college’s currently available public pages do not confirm the older slot-based scholarship list.
Perrotis College
Perrotis College is a division of the American Farm School. The American Farm School was founded in 1904, while Perrotis College was established later as its higher education division. Perrotis College offers undergraduate programs in fields such as Sustainable Agriculture and Management, Food Science and Technology, International Business, and Environmental Science.
Perrotis College offers financial aid opportunities for eligible students. Financial aid recipients may also participate in a work-service program through which they complete volunteer service on campus or in school departments as part of their aid arrangement.
Getting a full-tuition or fully funded scholarship at any of the places listed above can help you study for a bachelor’s degree in Greece for free. Review each university’s current scholarship page carefully before applying.
Tuition-free Options for Master’s Studies in Greece
Greek universities offer a variety of master’s degrees. Some master’s programs charge tuition, while others may be low-cost or supported by scholarships. Getting a full scholarship can help you study in Greece for free at the master’s level.
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
AUTh also offers the following master’s scholarships and related opportunities for foreign students:
- Al. Delmouzou scholarships for foreign students from Southeast Europe
- School of Modern Greek Language annual and summer scholarships
- Aristotle three-month research scholarship for Haitian students
- Coimbra Group scholarships for young researchers from Latin America and Africa
International Hellenic University
Founded in 2005, the Thessaloniki-based International Hellenic University (IHU) was initially established as Greece’s first public university where programs were taught exclusively in English. After its 2019 re-establishment, its University Center of International Programmes of Studies continues to offer degree programs in English in fields such as business, finance, law, theology, data science, hospitality, and related areas.
Students can apply for UCIPS Academic Excellence Scholarships. These full scholarships are awarded to exceptional prospective students and can cover tuition fees.
To qualify for this scholarship program, the student needs to provide proof of academic excellence, such as a first-class bachelor’s degree or official documentation proving that the applicant is among the top graduates of their class. If scholarship applications exceed available awards, candidates may be shortlisted based on academic criteria and an interview.
Athens University of Economics & Business
AUEB offers scholarships and awards through specific departments, master’s programs, and external partners. Because the university’s central scholarship page includes older examples, applicants should confirm the current scholarship list on the official page of the master’s program they plan to join. Opportunities may include:
- Admission-based scholarships
- Performance scholarships
- Departmental cash awards and prizes
- External or foundation-funded scholarships listed by AUEB or the relevant program
ALBA Graduate School at the American College of Greece
ALBA Graduate School at the American College of Greece offers MBA and MSc programs in fields such as management, finance, marketing, strategic human resource management, and shipping management.
The ALBA Graduate School offers a variety of named scholarships and corporate scholarships for graduate students. Current examples include:
- GMAT scholarships for eligible students with strong GMAT scores
- Ulysses Kyriakopoulos scholarships
- NielsenIQ scholarship
- International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Piraeus scholarships
- Leventis Foundation scholarship
- SEV scholarships
- WISTA Hellas scholarship
- Corporate scholarships for selected MBA and MSc programs
Tuition-free Options for Ph.D. Studies in Greece
To pursue a Ph.D. in Greece with minimal or no tuition costs, focus on public universities and current doctoral scholarship calls. Funding rules, available scholarships, and research support vary by university, department, and academic year.
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
AUTh has CERN scholarships available for undergraduate and Ph.D. students. Students pursuing master’s or Ph.D. studies in Greek Language and Literature may also be eligible for the Al. Delmouzou scholarship if they meet the program’s conditions.
University of Patras
The University of Patras offers scholarships at different study levels, including the A. Mentzelopoulos scholarship program. The program includes up to 17 doctoral dissertation scholarships per year, along with undergraduate and master’s scholarships. Eligible areas have included departments or schools such as:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Economics and Business Administration
- Education and Social Work
- Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education
- Philology
Selection conditions vary by scholarship level and current call. Applicants should review the latest Greek-language regulations and application forms linked from the university’s scholarship page before applying.
We hope that this article on how to study in Greece for free was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
