Study in Greece: Student Visas & Permits
Citizens of the European Union and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland don’t require a student visa for Greece. In case your stay exceeds the timeframe of three months (90 days), you will need a residence permit. If your passport expires soon or won’t be valid during your stay, make sure to renew it on time.
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.
Unsure how and when to apply for a visa?
This detailed guide will tell you exactly what to expect!
Don’t forget to contact the Greek Embassy in your country, or look at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, for a detailed list of the documents required for a student visa and information about how to submit your application. A list of countries requiring or not requiring a visa can be found here.
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
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!
Schengen Agreement
Greece is part of the Schengen Area. This means that your student visa for Greece is also valid for travel to all other Schengen countries, from Norway to Spain! You might need to show your visa when boarding a flight, but you can travel to other Schengen countries for up to three months! Best of all, there are no internal border controls. You’ll still need a separate visa to enter Ireland, however, as it’s not part of Schengen.
Study in Greece - Overview
More and more international students choose Greece as their study abroad destination every year. Click here to learn why.
Education System
Want to learn more about how the higher education system works in Greece? Greece is becoming a popular destination for international students, given its unique programs, free education, culture and ancient history. Find out more about the Greek education system below!
Housing & Living Costs
No matter where you study abroad, it’s important to make a plan and create a budget in advance so that you’re prepared. Therefore, we’ve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in Greece.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees in Greece for European and non European students may vary, depending on the level of education. Both international and European students are expected to pay tuition fees in Greece. To cover the rest of the costs, there’s plenty of scholarship opportunities available from IKY, the Greek State Scholarship Foundation.
Language & Culture
Greece is known for its rich history and culture. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and many more!
Application Process
All countries have specific admissions requirements for students to gain acceptance into a university. Learn more about the ins and outs of admission to programs in Greece, and what you need to apply, depending on your citizenship.
Programs
Ready to look at education in Greece? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Greece today!
Author
The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.