Study in Greece for Indian Students

Why Study in Greece?

• Affordable Master's programmes: English-taught Master's programmes at public universities usually charge moderate programme fees, and living costs are lower than in most Western European capitals.
• English-taught options at public universities: Leading universities such as the University of Athens, Aristotle University and Athens University of Economics and Business offer postgraduate programmes in English.
• Shipping, tourism and business: Greece has one of the world's largest shipping sectors and a major tourism industry, reflected in specialist Master's programmes.
• EU degree and Schengen mobility: Greek degrees are part of the European Higher Education Area, and a Greek residence permit allows short trips within the Schengen area.
• Post-study job search: Graduates can apply for a one-year residence permit to look for work or set up a business in Greece.

Masters in Greece for Indian Students

A Master's in Greece (Programma Metaptychiakon Spoudon) usually carries 60 to 120 ECTS credits and lasts one to two years, often including a dissertation. Many English-taught programmes are designed for international students and run over three semesters.

Each programme runs its own admission process, usually with a call for applications published on the university or programme website. Selection is based on your bachelor's degree and grades, relevance of your background, English level, motivation letter and references, and sometimes an interview.

English-taught programmes ask for proof of English, typically IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar certificate at about B2 level or higher. Greek-taught programmes require Greek language skills. The GRE is not usually required.

• Typical duration: 1–2 years (60–120 ECTS)
• Main intake: September / October; a few February starts
• English tests: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent
• GRE / GMAT: Not usually required
• Student visa: National (D) visa, then a residence permit for studies
• Work after study: Residence permit to look for work, up to 1 year

Popular Master's programmes in Greece

• MSc Computer Science / Data Science
• MSc Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Business Administration / MBA
• MSc International Business
• MSc Shipping, Trade & Finance
• MSc Tourism & Hospitality Management
• MSc Energy Systems / Renewable Energy
• MA International Relations & European Studies
• MA Archaeology / Classical Studies
• MSc Economics / Finance

Best Universities in Greece for International Students

Greek universities are overwhelmingly public institutions. The universities below are among those Indian students commonly consider; check each programme page for language of instruction, fees and deadlines.

Private colleges in Greece usually award degrees in partnership with foreign universities rather than Greek university degrees, so check exactly who awards the qualification.

• National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Athens): Sciences, economics, humanities, health sciences
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki): Engineering, sciences, humanities
• National Technical University of Athens (Athens): Engineering, architecture
• Athens University of Economics and Business (Athens): Business, economics, informatics
• University of Piraeus (Piraeus): Shipping, finance, informatics
• University of Patras (Patras): Engineering, computer science, sciences
• University of Macedonia (Thessaloniki): Economics, business, international studies
• International Hellenic University (Thessaloniki): English-taught business, technology and energy programmes
• Technical University of Crete (Chania, Crete): Engineering, environmental engineering

Popular Courses to Study in Greece

• Business & Management: MSc and MBA programmes in business administration, international business and finance.
• Shipping & Maritime: Programmes linked to Greece's shipping industry, especially in Athens and Piraeus.
• Computer Science & Data Science: English-taught programmes in computer science, AI and data science.
• Tourism & Hospitality: Programmes connected to Greece's large tourism sector.
• Engineering & Energy: Programmes in civil, electrical and energy engineering and renewable energy.
• Humanities & International Relations: Archaeology, classical studies, international relations and European studies.

Cost of Studying in Greece

Greece is one of the more affordable EU study destinations. Figures below are approximate for non-EU students; each programme publishes its own fee.

For the visa you must show sufficient funds for your stay. Confirm the current amount with the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi.

Tuition fees in Greece

• Public university — English-taught Master's: approx. €2,000 – 12,000 for the full programme
• MBA and specialist business programmes: approx. €6,000 – 15,000 for the full programme

Living expenses in Greece

• Accommodation: approx. €300 – 600 per month (highest in Athens)
• Food and groceries: approx. €200 – 300 per month
• Transport and personal: approx. €50 – 150 per month
• Health insurance: required for the visa and residence permit; cost depends on the policy

Eligibility to Study in Greece

Greek Master's programmes set their own admission requirements. Indian applicants usually need:

• Academic qualification: A recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Grades: Programmes set their own minimum grade and compare applicants' academic records.
• English proficiency: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent, often at B2 level or higher.
• Greek proficiency: Needed only for Greek-taught programmes.
• Motivation letter and CV: Most programmes ask for both.
• References: Usually two academic or professional reference letters.

Documents usually required

• Passport
• Degree certificate and transcripts (apostilled where required)
• English test score report
• Motivation letter and CV
• Reference letters
• Admission letter for the visa
• Proof of funds and health insurance for the visa

Intakes in Greece

Greek Master's programmes mostly start once a year:

Each programme publishes its own call and deadline. Apply early to leave time for the national visa, which can take several weeks.

• September / October intake: classes start September or October; apply Calls for applications are often published from spring to early summer
• February intake: classes start February; apply Limited programmes only

Scholarships in Greece for Indian Students

Scholarship options for Indian students in Greece are more limited than in larger destinations, so look at these routes:

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: EU-funded joint Master's programmes, some with Greek partner universities; scholarship holders receive €1,400 per month plus participation and travel costs.
• Programme-level awards: Some Master's programmes offer fee reductions or merit scholarships to top applicants — check each call.
• Erasmus+ exchange during your studies: Once enrolled, you may be able to spend a funded study or traineeship period at a partner university under your university's Erasmus+ agreements.

How to Apply to Universities in Greece

• 1. Choose your course: Identify English-taught Master's programmes in your field.
• 2. Shortlist universities: Compare programme fees, city and structure.
• 3. Check eligibility: Confirm the degree, grade and English requirements in each call.
• 4. Prepare for English tests: Take IELTS or TOEFL in good time.
• 5. Prepare documents: Motivation letter, CV, transcripts and reference letters.
• 6. Submit applications: Apply by each programme's deadline, usually online.
• 7. Receive your admission: Accept the offer and pay any required fee instalment.
• 8. Arrange funds and insurance: Prepare proof of funds and health insurance for the visa.
• 9. Apply for the national visa: Apply for a national (D) study visa through the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi.
• 10. Prepare for travel: Arrange accommodation, then apply for your residence permit for studies after arrival.

Greece Student Visa for Indian Students

Indian students need a Greek national (D) visa to study on a full-time degree programme. You apply through the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi after receiving your admission letter; check the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the current submission process and appointment system.

You will usually need your admission letter, proof of sufficient funds, health insurance and academic documents, and may be asked to attend an interview. After arriving, you apply to the Greek migration authorities for a residence permit for studies before your visa expires.

Greek immigration rules were revised under the 2023 Migration Code and continue to change. Check mfa.gr and migration.gov.gr before applying.

Visa document checklist

• Valid passport and national visa form
• Admission letter from a Greek university
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Health insurance
• Academic certificates
• Proof of fee payment where applicable
• Police clearance or medical certificate if the embassy requests them

Working while studying in Greece

Students with a residence permit for studies can take limited part-time work. Confirm the current hour limit and conditions with your university's international office and the Greek migration authorities.

Working after your studies

After completing higher-education studies in Greece, you can apply for a one-year residence permit to look for work or set up a business matching your level of study.

Living in Greece as an Indian Student

• Accommodation: University housing is limited, so most students rent shared flats or studios; Athens is the most expensive city.
• Food: Groceries and local food are affordable; Indian groceries and restaurants are available in Athens.
• Transport: Athens has a metro, tram and bus network, and students may qualify for reduced fares.
• Language: English is widely used at universities and in tourist areas, but basic Greek helps with daily life and jobs.
• Student support: University international offices help with enrolment, residence permits and orientation.

Greece vs Italy for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering English-taught programmes and Mediterranean study locations in Greece alongside the two-year laurea magistrale and engineering, design or business in Italy. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For Greece, start with English-taught programmes and Mediterranean study locations; for Italy, compare the two-year laurea magistrale and engineering, design or business. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): Public university — English-taught Master's: approx. €2,000 – 12,000 for the full programme; MBA and specialist business programmes: approx. €6,000 – 15,000 for the full programme

Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €300 – 600 per month (highest in Athens); Food and groceries: approx. €200 – 300 per month; Transport and personal: approx. €50 – 150 per month

Typical Master's duration: 1–2 years (60–120 ECTS)

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters; Programme-level awards Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Academic admission: Academic qualification: A recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant field.; Grades: Programmes set their own minimum grade and compare applicants' academic records.

Intakes and planning: September / October intake: starts September or October; apply Calls for applications are often published from spring to early summer; February intake: starts February; apply Limited programmes only

Student visa: Greece Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport and national visa form; Admission letter from a Greek university

Post-study graduate route: After completing higher-education studies in Greece, you can apply for a one-year residence permit to look for work or set up a business matching your level of study.

Italy — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Public universities — laurea magistrale: approx. €1,000 – 4,000 per year, often based on income band; Private universities: approx. €10,000 – 20,000+ per year

Italy — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €350 – 800 per month (highest in Milan and Rome); Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month; Health cover and residence permit: health insurance or voluntary SSN enrolment, plus the residence-permit fee — check current amounts

Italy — Typical Master's duration: 2 years (laurea magistrale, 120 ECTS)

Italy — English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent (about B2) English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Italy — Funding routes (not guaranteed): Regional DSU support; MAECI Italian Government scholarships Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Italy — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree covering the subjects and credits the programme requires.; Grades: Universities set their own minimum grades or evaluate profiles competitively.

Italy — Intakes and planning: September / October intake: starts September or October; apply Many universities open applications for non-EU students from about November to April, often in several rounds; February / March intake: starts February or March; apply Very few Master's programmes; check each university

Italy — Student visa: Italy Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport and national visa form; Universitaly pre-enrolment summary validated by the university

Italy — Post-study graduate route: Graduates of Italian degrees, including the laurea magistrale, can apply for a residence permit of 9 to 12 months to look for work or start a business related to their studies, and can later convert to a work permit.

Last verified 21 September 2026. Tuition is not the total cost of study; visa proof-of-funds is not necessarily the same as actual living expenses. Scholarship names are competitive funding routes to investigate, not guaranteed awards. Confirm fees, admissions, visa rules and graduate permissions with the university and the relevant authority before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Greece

Is Greece good for Indian students?

Greece suits students who want an affordable, English-taught European Master's, particularly in business, shipping, tourism, computer science and energy, with a one-year post-study job-search permit.

How much does it cost to study in Greece?

English-taught Master's programmes at public universities cost roughly €2,000–12,000 for the full programme, and living costs are about €600–900 a month.

What are the fees for a Master's in Greece?

Each programme sets its own fee. Most English-taught Master's programmes cost about €2,000–12,000 in total, with MBAs and some business programmes higher.

Can I study in Greece in English?

Yes. Many public universities offer English-taught Master's programmes; Greek-taught programmes require Greek language skills.

What is the eligibility for a Master's in Greece?

A relevant bachelor's degree, the programme's minimum grades, an English test such as IELTS or TOEFL, a motivation letter, CV and reference letters.

What are the intakes in Greece?

Most Master's programmes start in September or October, with calls for applications usually published in spring and early summer. A few start in February.

What visa do Indian students need for Greece?

A national (D) visa for studies, applied for through the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi, followed by a residence permit for studies after arrival.

Can I work while studying in Greece?

Limited part-time work is allowed for students with a residence permit for studies. Check the current conditions with your university and the migration authorities.

Can I stay in Greece after my Master's?

Yes. Graduates can apply for a one-year residence permit to look for work or start a business related to their studies.

Are scholarships available for Indian students in Greece?

Options are limited but include Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, programme-level fee reductions and Erasmus+ exchange funding once enrolled.