Greece Study Guide 2026
Masters & MBA in Greece 2026 — National Visa D & Aristotle University Guide
Masters & MBA in Greece 2026: this guide compiles current tuition fees, top universities, student visa requirements, scholarships and post-study work rights for international students applying for Greece's next intake. Updated for 2026 with the latest visa rules and tuition figures.
Quick Facts — Study in Greece 2026
Why Choose Greece for Masters or MBA?
English-taught Master's from €1,500/year and living costs of €600–€900/month make Greece one of Europe's most affordable EU study bases.
The University of Athens (est. 1837) and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki are internationally ranked with growing English-language portfolios.
Greece controls ~20% of the world's shipping fleet — its Shipping, Maritime and Tourism Master's connect directly to industry.
An EU degree with borderless travel across 29 Schengen countries — at a fraction of Western European cost.
Top Universities in Greece for International Students
These institutions consistently rank in QS, Times Higher Education and ARWU global tables and actively admit international Masters and MBA students.
- National & Kapodistrian University of AthensEst. 1837 · THE-ranked
Greece's flagship — Medicine, Law, Humanities and a growing English MSc portfolio.
- Aristotle University of ThessalonikiGreece's Largest
95,000 students; Engineering, Agriculture and Archaeology strengths.
- National Technical University of AthensTop Engineering School
Civil, Mechanical, Naval and Electrical Engineering — the 'Polytechneio'.
- Athens University of Economics & BusinessTop-Rated (Business)
Finance, Marketing, Analytics — strongest business faculty in Greece.
- University of CreteResearch-Intensive
THE-ranked; Sciences, Psychology and Medicine in Heraklion & Rethymno.
- The American College of GreeceEnglish-Medium (Private)
US-accredited degrees in Athens; MBA and liberal-arts Master's.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in Greece (2026)
| Category | Indicative Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Master's (Greek-taught) | Free – €1,500/year | Many state programs charge no tuition |
| English-Taught International Master's | €1,500 – €8,000/year | Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete |
| MBA (ALBA, AUEB, ACG) | €8,000 – €15,000 (full program) | Athens-based business schools |
| Medicine (English MD) | €10,000 – €12,000/year | 6-year English MD tracks (e.g., Athens) |
| Cost of Living | €600 – €900/month | Athens slightly higher; Thessaloniki and islands cheaper |
| Health Insurance | €150 – €300/year | Private policy required for the visa |
Most Popular Courses for International Students in Greece
The highest-demand Master's and MBA programs at top Greece universities, ranked by international enrolment volume.
- Shipping & Maritime Management
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Archaeology & Heritage
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Medicine
- International Relations
- Data Science
- Finance
- Renewable Energy
- Classics
Step-by-Step Application Process for Greece
The standard timeline runs 9–14 months from shortlisting to landing in Greece. Start at least one intake cycle ahead of your target start date.
- Shortlist universitiesResearch English-medium Master's and MBA programs at top Greece institutions and identify 4–6 target universities by fit and ranking.
- Take English language testIELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT as required. Many universities accept PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test.
- Prepare and submit applicationSubmit transcripts, CV, Statement of Purpose, recommendation letters, and any GRE/GMAT scores required.
- Receive admission letter and pay depositUniversities issue an admission/offer letter after evaluation. Pay the tuition deposit to confirm your seat.
- Apply for the student visaFile the Greece student visa application with the embassy/consulate; bring admission letter, financial proof, accommodation proof, health insurance and passport.
- Travel and register on arrivalWithin the first weeks of arrival, register your address with local authorities and apply for a residence permit if required.
Student Visa Requirements for Greece
Non-EU students need Greece's national Type D student visa: university acceptance letter, proof of funds (about €400–€500/month for the stay), accommodation evidence, health insurance, medical certificate and criminal-record check, plus passport and application forms filed at the Greek consulate. After arrival you convert to a student residence permit valid for your program duration.
Top Scholarships for International Students in Greece
Government and university scholarships open to international applicants — most are merit-based and require a separate application alongside admission.
- IKY Greek State Scholarships
- Onassis Foundation Scholarships
- Erasmus+ Mobility
- University Merit Awards
- Fulbright Greece (US applicants)
Post-Study Work and PR Pathway from Greece
Students in Greece may work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) once they hold a residence permit. After graduation, employment converts your permit to a work-based residence; Greece's growing tech scene (Athens), shipping industry and tourism sector actively hire English-speaking graduates. Long-term EU residence is reachable after 5 years.
FAQs — Study in Greece for International Students
What language do I need to study in Greece?
How much does a Master's in Greece cost?
Can I work while studying in Greece?
What is the post-study work option in Greece?
Is Greece good for Indian students?
How do I apply to universities in Greece?
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