Studying early or later each has trade-offs; here is how to time it for Greece.
- A European Union member since 1981 and part of the eurozone, Greece uses the euro (EUR).
- Greece belongs to the Schengen Area, allowing free movement across much of Europe.
- Its coastline stretches about 13,600 km, among the longest in the world.
Student living costs in Greece are among the more affordable in the EU.
International students may work part-time within the hours set by their study visa.
Secondary schooling
Greek degrees are recognised across the EU under the Bologna Process.
Scholarships come from the Greek state, the EU's Erasmus+ and individual universities.
Strong fields include maritime studies, archaeology, tourism-hospitality and medicine.
University level
Greece's education system spans schooling, low-fee public universities and many international programmes.
Leading universities include the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Many postgraduate programmes are taught in English, drawing international students.
Postgraduate and research
Public-university tuition for non-EU students is far lower than in Western Europe or the US.
- Greece lies in Southeastern Europe at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula on the Mediterranean.
- The capital, Athens, is the political and economic hub and the birthplace of Western democracy.
- Greece has a population of about 10.4 million, most following Greek Orthodox Christianity.
- The official language is Greek, while English is widely spoken in tourism and larger cities.
- Greece counts more than 6,000 islands and islets, of which roughly 200 are inhabited.
Timing the move
Rents outside central Athens are often softer than in many Western European cities.
The public health system (ESY) serves residents, though many add private insurance.
Residence holders must register a tax number (AFM) and a social-security number.
The parent's role
Public transport in Athens includes a convenient metro, buses and trams.
Fresh food, sunny weather and a relaxed pace are big pluses.
The Vietnamese community is small but present in Athens.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
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- Greece and the world: relations, distance and connectivity
- The real cost of Greece investment migration
- Study Abroad
Frequently asked questions
Should children start school in Greece or wait until university?
It depends on family plans. Public schools teach in Greek, while international schools are costly, and minors generally need a parent or guardian legally resident with them. Moving earlier suits families settling long term, while university-level study suits those focused on a degree.
When is the best time to start university in Greece?
Many international students choose a master's degree in Greece after completing a bachelor's elsewhere, because more English-taught options exist at that level. A bachelor's in Greece suits those who already speak Greek or find one of the few English-taught undergraduate programmes.
What curricula do international schools follow?
International schools, mainly in Athens and Thessaloniki, offer British, American, International Baccalaureate or other national curricula, allowing students to continue to universities worldwide. Fees are high and places are limited, so early application is advisable.
What challenges do foreign children face in Greek public schools?
The main challenge is the Greek language and alphabet. Some schools offer reception classes for migrant pupils. Younger children usually adapt faster than teenagers, so the age at which a family moves has a big impact on schooling.
How can parents choose the right stage and school?
Consider the family's residence plans, the child's language ability, long-term university goals and budget. Families planning to stay should consider an early move so children can learn Greek, while those seeking an international degree may prefer postgraduate study in Greece.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
