Study in Greece Student Visas & Permits
Citizens of the European Union don’t need a student visa for Greece. However, a student visa is required for non-EU citizens. To get your student visa for Greece, you’ll need an official acceptance letter from your chosen school in Greece, which must be an institution certified by the Greek Ministry of Education.
For non-EU/EEA international students:
- You must have a passport or other travel document
- The passport must have a valid student visa for Greece
- The student visa will need:
- To have been issued in the country where the passport comes from
- To be distinguished into short-term residence (Schengen visa) or long-term residence (national visa)
- To be as long as your course
- Some non-EU nationals can enter Greece without a visa for 3-6 months for a short course
- In some unusual circumstances, you might be able to get your visa on arrival
Visa Application
You can find out more about getting your student visa for Greece on the website pages of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The application form for a visa can be found here, while the necessary Medical Certificate required for issuing your student visa for Greece can be found here. Throughout your time in Greece, you’ll need to make sure that you have valid medical insurance. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs can change the visa requirements, so make sure you’re up-to-date with what you need
Thessaloniki's Universities
Thessaloniki, the vibrant second largest city in Greece, has emerged as a hub of academic excellence and innovation over the past decade. The city’s universities have experienced remarkable growth in terms of student enrollment, research output, and internationalization, solidifying their position as world-class institutions. Student enrollment has witnessed a remarkable surge, with a staggering 20% increase over the last ten years. This growth can be attributed to Thessaloniki’s strong economy and its strategic location in the Balkans. The presence of prestigious universities, such as the renowned Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, consistently ranked among the top 500 universities globally, has played a pivotal role in attracting students from various regions.Thessaloniki’s universities have also made significant strides in research output. The number of research papers published by these institutions has doubled in the past ten years, surpassing the 20,000 mark in 2022. Furthermore, Thessaloniki’s universities have successfully embraced internationalization. In 2012, only 5% of students were international, but by 2022, this number had tripled to reach 15%. The city’s commitment to attracting international talent is evident through scholarship and financial aid programs specifically tailored for international students.
Heraklion Universities
The University of Crete is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to research, attracting students and scholars from Greece and all over the world. It consists of five schools, each offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various disciplines, including sciences, social sciences, humanities, engineering, and health sciences.Facilities and Campuses: The university has campuses in multiple locations across Crete, providing a diverse and dynamic environment for its students. Each campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern libraries, research centers, laboratories, and recreational areas.Research and Innovation: Research is a fundamental aspect of the University of Crete, and it actively promotes scientific inquiry and innovation. The university has established collaborations with national and international institutions, fostering an environment conducive to cutting-edge research and breakthrough discoveries.Internationalization: With its strong international focus, the University of Crete encourages international student exchanges, joint research projects, and academic collaborations. It hosts numerous visiting professors and scholars, enriching the academic experience and promoting a global outlook among its students and staff.