Explore how to study in Greece with details on top universities, admission requirements, and step-by-step application process for pakistani students.

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)

• Website: en.uoa.gr

• Greece’s oldest and largest public university

• Offers several English-taught Master’s and some undergraduate programs (e.g., Medicine, Ancient Studies)

• International students apply through Ministry’s online platform (Bachelor’s) or directly to departments (Master’s)

• Strong presence of Asian and Pakistani students

• Has scholarship options for non-EU applicants

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh)

• Website: auth.gr/en

• Second-largest university in Greece, located in Thessaloniki

• Offers a full 6-year MD program in English and multiple Master’s in English

• Friendly environment for international students, free Greek language courses

• Known for engineering, medicine, and humanities

• Some scholarships available for living expenses

National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)

• Website: ntua.gr

• Premier tech and engineering university in Greece

• Undergraduate courses mainly in Greek, but multiple Master’s in English, especially with EU universities

• Strong research reputation in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering

• Pakistani students in STEM fields can benefit from labs and exchange networks

University of Crete

• Website: uoc.gr

• Research-driven public university with campuses in Heraklion and Rethymno

• Known for natural sciences, medicine, and humanities

• Offers English-taught Master’s (e.g., Cognitive Science, Technology Management)

• International Office supports students through application

Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB)

• Website: aueb.gr/en

• Top-ranked for Business, IT, and Economics

• Offers multiple English Master’s including MBA, Data Science, Finance

• Some undergraduate courses available in English

• Welcoming environment for Asian and Pakistani students

• IELTS 6.5+ usually required

University of Patras

• Website: upatras.gr/en

• Located in western Greece

• Focus on engineering, medical sciences, natural sciences

• Offers postgraduate programs in English like Medical Physics and Computer Engineering

• Supports international students through Erasmus+ and exchange programs

International Hellenic University (IHU)

• Website: ihu.gr

• Established for international students

• All Master’s programs fully in English (Business, Energy Systems, ICT, etc.)

• Online application system with rolling admissions

• Popular among Pakistani students due to affordability and English-medium instruction

University of the Aegean

• Website: aegean.gr

• Campuses on beautiful Aegean islands (Lesvos, Chios, Rhodes)

• Known for Environmental Studies, Engineering, Social Sciences

• English Master’s options (Marine Sciences, Environmental Policy)

• Strong EU collaboration and international research network

University of Thessaly

• Website: uth.gr

• Based in Volos and other Thessaly cities

• Strong in agriculture, biomedical sciences, engineering

• Some English Master’s (e.g., Public Health)

• Good for hands-on research in applied sciences

University of Ioannina

• Website: uoi.gr

• Located in Northwestern Greece

• Emerging research hub in sciences, arts, technology

• Offers new Master’s in Computer Science (English)

• Growing international student population and modern labs

University of Macedonia (UoM)

• Website: uom.gr

• Based in Thessaloniki

• Known for International Business, Economics, Social Sciences

• Offers English MBA and International Business programs

• Friendly, mid-sized campus popular among Balkan and Asian students

University of Piraeus

• Website: unipi.gr

• Focused on Maritime Studies, Finance, Computer Science

• Offers English MBA and Master’s in Maritime Studies

• Located in Piraeus (Athens port city) – ideal for shipping industry students

Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences

• Website: panteion.gr

• Specializes in Political Science, Sociology, International Relations

• Offers a few Master’s in English or French (e.g. Mediterranean Studies)

• Best for students interested in social sciences and international policy

Harokopio University of Athens

• Website: hua.gr/en

• Small public university in Athens

• Focus on Nutrition, Geography, Informatics, Economics

• Select Master’s programs in English (e.g., Informatics MSc)

• High research rankings and good student-teacher ratio

University of Peloponnese

• Website: uop.gr

• Multi-campus (Tripoli, Sparta, etc.)

• Offers collaborative English Master’s including Erasmus Mundus

• Strong in Mediterranean and cultural studies with growing international programs

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Recognition & Admission Notes for Pakistani Students

• All above universities are public and recognized by Hellenic Ministry of Education

• Degrees are HEC-attestable in Pakistan

• Official portals:

  • StudyInGreece.edu.gr

  • masters.minedu.gov.gr (for Master’s)

• Pakistani students can apply confidently for 2025–2026 intake with low tuition, English-medium courses, and growing South Asian communities.

Academic Requirements to Study in Greece (Eligibility Criteria)

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)

• 12 years education (HSSC/Intermediate/A-Levels) with good grades (50–60%+)

• Certificate of Equivalence required via IBCC/HEC and Greek Embassy

• Attested transcripts and certificates via HEC and MOFA

• Official Greek translations needed

• Certain subjects may need specific intermediate courses

• Apply through Greek Ministry’s portal (June–July) with up to 20 choices

Postgraduate (Master’s)

• Recognized 4-year Bachelor’s or 2-year BA + 2-year MA from HEC-recognized institutions

• GPA ~3.0/4.0 or 7.5/10 on Greek scale (60–75%)

• Work experience (2–4 years) for some programs (MBA, MSc)

• Attested degrees, transcripts, Greek translations

• Additional docs: 2 recommendation letters, CV, Statement of Purpose

• English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL) required

• Apply directly to universities (no centralized system)

Doctoral (PhD)

• Master’s degree in relevant field required

• Strong academic record (≥3.0/4.0 GPA)

• Research proposal and prior supervisor consent needed

• Attested and translated academic documents

• 2 academic references, CV, personal statement

• Interviews or exams may be required

• Application 4–6 months before start

Language Requirements for Studying in Greece

English Proficiency

• IELTS 6.0–6.5 for Bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for Master’s/PhD

• TOEFL and Cambridge English accepted

• MOI certificate may be accepted sometimes, but official test scores preferred

Greek Language

• Greek required for most undergraduate programs (one-year preparatory course + exam)

• Few English-taught Bachelor’s exist

• Master’s/PhD mostly English-taught, Greek not mandatory

• Basic Greek recommended for daily life

• Free Greek lessons often available for international students

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Scholarships for Pakistani Students

• Greek State Scholarships (IKY): Tuition + stipend, application in spring

• University Scholarships: Merit or need-based, including tuition waivers

• Erasmus+ & EU Scholarships: Exchange grants and Erasmus Mundus full scholarships

• Field-Specific: Onassis Foundation, ALBA Graduate Business School, Marie Curie Fellowships

• Government-to-Government: Occasionally bilateral scholarships via HEC Pakistan

• Check official websites and university portals regularly for updates.

Post-Study Work & Stay Options

• Part-time work allowed up to 20 hours/week (40 hours in holidays)

• On-campus jobs limited but possible

• Pay approx €5–7/hour, can cover part living costs

• Work permit included in student residence permit

• 12-month post-study residence permit to find job or start business

• After job offer, employer can sponsor work residence permit

• Permanent residency after ~5 years with conditions

• Citizenship possible after 7 years residence with Greek proficiency

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Tuition Fees & Living Costs (Approximate)

Total Monthly: €500–700 (Varies by lifestyle and city)

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Bachelor’s Application (Undergraduate)

• Apply via centralized Ministry online portal in July

• Submit documents (translated + legalized) including certificate of equivalence, transcripts, passport, photos, language certificates

• Mail hard copies by deadline

• Results announced in August

• Register at university after arrival in September

Master’s Application

• Apply directly to universities (May–July deadlines)

• Submit degree certificates, transcripts, language tests, SOP, recommendation letters

• Some programs may require GMAT or portfolios

• Admission results by July

• Enrollment in September

PhD Application

• Find supervisor and prepare research proposal

• Submit attested academic documents, references, CV, language proof

• No application fee, possible interview

• Admission flexible, apply 4–6 months ahead

General Checklist for All Applications

• Valid passport

• Attested and translated educational certificates

• Letters of recommendation

• Statement of Purpose

• Language proficiency certificates

• Completed application forms

• Digital scans for uploads