International Students Guide: Master's in Greece

International Students Guide: Master's in Greece Greece is an increasingly popular destination for international students, offering high-quality education at an affordable cost. Visa & Residence Permit EU/EEA students: - No visa required - Residence permit required (duration: 1 year, renewable) - Permit cost: €150/year - Required: programme enrolment, proof of financial means (€400/month), health insurance Non-EU students: - Student visa required (Type D) - Apply at the Greek embassy/consulate in your country - Residence permit after arrival (within 90 days) - Required: enrolment, financial means, health insurance, medical certificate Cost of Living - Athens: €600–€1,000/month - Thessaloniki: €500–€800/month - Other cities: €400–€700/month Compared to other European countries: Greece is among the most affordable. Language - English-taught programmes: available at many public and private institutions - Greek-taught programmes: Greek language proficiency required (B2+ level) - Greek language courses: available at most universities for international students - For daily life: English is sufficient in major cities Accommodation - Student dormitories: available at some universities (€200–€350/month) - Apartment rental: €250–€500/month (depending on city) - Shared flat: €150–€300/month - Colleges: often offer housing assistance Health & Insurance - EU students: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - Non-EU students: private health insurance (required for visa) - Public hospitals: free emergency care - Private clinics: affordable (€30–€50/visit) Bank Account - AFM (tax number) required to open an account - Proof of address and ID/passport - Some banks have special student accounts Transport - Metro: Athens (metro, buses, tram) - Thessaloniki: city buses - Student card: reduced fares - Inter-city: ferries, flights, trains Culture & Life - Mediterranean climate: mild winters, warm summers - Hospitality: Greeks are welcoming - Student life: vibrant, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki - Entertainment costs: affordable (coffee €3–€5, meal €10–€20) Tips 1. Apply for visa early (2–3 months ahead) 2. Contact the university's international relations office 3. Learn basic Greek — it will make life easier 4. Join international student groups (Facebook, Erasmus) 5. Consider climate and location — Greece is more than Athens