Greece is gaining recognition as an attractive destination for international students. With well-established universities, diverse academic programs, and a cost-effective lifestyle, it offers a unique study-abroad experience. Whether you're interested in humanities, sciences, business, or engineering, Greek universities provide a high standard of education with opportunities for research and career development.
One of the major concerns for students studying abroad is affordability. Thankfully, a wide range of European scholarship programs make studying in Greece more accessible. These scholarships help cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs, easing the financial burden on students and their families.
This guide aims to provide a step-by-step approach to understanding and applying for European scholarships to study in Greece. Whether you're an undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD student, you’ll find practical advice on funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, application processes, and strategies to improve your chances of securing a scholarship.
Why Study in Greece?
Choosing Greece as a study destination comes with numerous benefits beyond just earning a degree. With high-quality universities, affordable living costs, and strong academic ties to the European Union, students can access excellent education while enjoying a supportive learning environment.
Whether you're looking for research opportunities, international networking, or a cost-effective student experience, Greece provides a compelling option for higher education:
1. High-quality education
Greece has a long tradition of academic excellence, with universities offering internationally recognized degrees in various fields. Many institutions are part of the Bologna Process, ensuring that degrees earned in Greece are recognized across Europe and beyond.
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Diverse Programs: Universities in Greece offer degrees in business, medicine, engineering, social sciences, and more. Many programs, especially at the master's level, are taught in English, making them accessible to international students.
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Research Opportunities: Greek universities collaborate with European research institutions, offering students the chance to participate in cutting-edge research projects.
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Exchange and Mobility Programs: Greece’s universities are part of Erasmus+, allowing students to study in other European countries for part of their degree.
2. Affordable cost of living
Studying in Greece is more affordable compared to other European countries. Living costs and student expenses in Greece, including accommodation, food, and transportation, are generally lower than in Western Europe.
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Housing Costs: Renting a student apartment in Greece is relatively cheap, with shared accommodations available at even lower prices.
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Food and Daily Expenses: Greek cuisine is not only delicious but also budget-friendly. Many student cafeterias offer subsidized meals, making it easy to eat well without spending too much.
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Public Transport Discounts: Students get significant discounts on buses, metro services, and other forms of transportation.
3. Part of the EU educational system
Being a member of the European Union, Greece participates in numerous EU-funded educational programs that provide scholarships and grants. This allows students to take advantage of:
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Erasmus+ mobility programs, which let them study in multiple European countries.
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EU-funded research initiatives, particularly for postgraduate and PhD students.
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Recognition of Greek degrees across Europe, making them valuable for future career prospects.
What Are the European Scholarship Programs Available in Greece?
Studying in Greece is a fantastic opportunity, and various European scholarship programs help make it financially accessible for international students. These scholarships, funded by organizations such as the European Union, the Greek government, and individual universities, provide support for students at different levels of education.
Whether you’re looking for full or partial tuition coverage, living stipends, travel grants, or research funding, there are multiple options available. Understanding these programs and their eligibility requirements can help you find the best fit for your academic and financial needs.
Below is an in-depth look at some of the most well-known European-funded scholarships that can help you study in Greece.
1. Erasmus+ Scholarships
The Erasmus+ program is one of the most recognized and widely available scholarship programs in Europe. It was established to promote international student mobility and foster cross-cultural academic exchanges between universities in different countries. Students from both EU and non-EU nations can apply for Erasmus+ funding if their home university is part of the program.
Key benefits of Erasmus+ for students studying in Greece:
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Covers tuition fees at the host institution.
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Provides monthly financial support to help with accommodation and living expenses.
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Includes travel grants to cover transportation costs.
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Encourages exchange programs, allowing students to study in Greece for one or two semesters while being enrolled at their home university.
Who can apply?
How to apply?
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Check if your home university has a partnership with Greek institutions through Erasmus+.
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Submit an application via your university’s Erasmus+ office during the official application period.
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Provide necessary documents, including academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and proof of language proficiency (if required).
2. Hellenic Government Scholarships (IKY Grants)
The Greek State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) is an official organization that provides financial support to international students who wish to study in Greece. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs and are open to both EU and non-EU applicants.
Key benefits of IKY Scholarships:
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Full or partial coverage of tuition fees.
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Monthly stipend for living expenses.
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In some cases, additional funding for travel costs.
Who can apply?
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Students from both EU and non-EU countries enrolling in Greek universities.
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Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students who meet academic excellence criteria.
How to apply?
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Visit the official IKY website to check available scholarships and eligibility requirements.
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Prepare required documents such as academic records, recommendation letters, and financial proof (if applying for need-based funding).
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Submit the online application before the official deadline (which varies depending on the scholarship type).
3. DAAD Scholarships (For German Students)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships specifically for German students who want to study abroad, including in Greece. These scholarships support both short-term and long-term study programs, covering undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
Key benefits of DAAD Scholarships for Students in Greece:
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Tuition fee coverage (full or partial, depending on the program).
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Monthly allowance to cover accommodation and daily expenses.
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Travel grants for transportation to and from Greece.
Who can apply?
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German students at undergraduate, master’s, or PhD levels who want to study or conduct research in Greece.
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Students in any academic field, provided their chosen Greek university is recognized.
How to apply?
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Visit the DAAD website to explore available programs.
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Submit an application online, including your academic transcripts, a research proposal (if applicable), and letters of recommendation.
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Some scholarships require students to prove proficiency in Greek or English, depending on their program of study.
4. University-Specific Scholarships
Many Greek universities offer internal scholarships to international students. These scholarships can be either merit-based (awarded for academic excellence) or need-based (granted to students with financial difficulties).
Types of scholarships offered by Greek Universities:
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Merit-Based Scholarships – Given to students with outstanding academic performance. Some universities automatically consider students for these scholarships upon admission.
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Need-Based Scholarships – Designed for students from low-income backgrounds who require financial assistance to study in Greece.
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Research Grants – Awarded to students involved in scientific research projects. These are usually available for master’s and PhD students.
Who can apply?
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International students applying to Greek public or private universities.
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Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, depending on the scholarship category.
How to apply?
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Visit the official website of the top 5 universities in Greece for international students to check available scholarships.
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Submit an application along with the required documents (academic transcripts, financial statements, research proposals, etc.).
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Some universities may also require an interview or entrance exam.
5. Other EU-Funded Scholarships
Apart from Erasmus+ and university-specific funding, several EU-funded scholarships are available for students wishing to study in Greece. These scholarships typically focus on research and specialized fields.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Designed for PhD students and researchers conducting studies in Greece.
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Offers financial support for tuition, research, and travel.
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Encourages collaboration between Greek and European research institutions.
Jean Monnet Scholarships
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Available for students interested in EU studies and policy-related fields
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Covers tuition fees and provides stipends for living expenses.
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Focuses on political science, international relations, and law.
Who can apply?
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MSCA: PhD students or postdoctoral researchers conducting research in Greece.
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Jean Monnet: Students pursuing studies related to European integration, law, or policy-making.
How to apply?
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Applications are available through the European Commission’s official portal.
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Applicants must submit detailed research proposals, academic records, and letters of recommendation.
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Deadlines vary depending on the program, so check application windows carefully.
It’s Your Turn Now!
Studying in Greece offers quality education, affordability, and exciting scholarship opportunities. With various funding options available, students can reduce their financial burden and enjoy an enriching academic experience.
If you're interested in studying in Greece, start researching scholarships now, prepare your documents, and apply early.
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