Knowing the Greece student-visa process helps you avoid missing enrolment.
- Greece counts more than 6,000 islands and islets, of which roughly 200 are inhabited.
- It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters.
- A European Union member since 1981 and part of the eurozone, Greece uses the euro (EUR).
Many postgraduate programmes are taught in English, drawing international students.
Public-university tuition for non-EU students is far lower than in Western Europe or the US.
Entry requirements
Scholarships come from the Greek state, the EU's Erasmus+ and individual universities.
Strong fields include maritime studies, archaeology, tourism-hospitality and medicine.
Greece's education system spans schooling, low-fee public universities and many international programmes.
Admission documents
Leading universities include the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
- 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.
- Greek degrees are recognised across the EU under the Bologna Process.
- 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.
Visa application steps
Greece permits dual citizenship, so applicants can usually keep their original nationality.
The Greek passport is strong, offering visa-free access to most countries worldwide.
The Golden Visa is a residence permit, distinct from citizenship, which still requires real, lengthy residence.
Financial proof
The programme sets no minimum-stay requirement, which suits busy investors.
The permit covers the whole family, including spouse, dependent children and both sets of parents.
Holders enjoy free movement within the Schengen Area without a separate visa.
Pre-departure checklist
The Vietnamese community is small but present in Athens.
Opening a bank account requires a passport, tax number and residence documents.
Summers can be very hot, so choose a home with air-conditioning and near the sea if possible.
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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Frequently asked questions
What are the steps to study in Greece as a non-EU student?
Choose a programme, apply and receive an official admission letter, prepare proof of funds and insurance, apply for a national student visa at a Greek consulate, travel to Greece, then apply for a student residence permit within the required timeframe.
What does a student visa application usually include?
A national visa application form, passport, photos, admission letter, proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, criminal record certificate, medical certificate and translated, legalised academic documents. The consulate's checklist should always be followed exactly.
What must students do after arriving?
Register with the university, obtain a tax number, open a bank account if needed and submit the residence permit application before the visa expires. Keep the submission certificate as proof of lawful stay while the permit is processed.
Are language certificates required?
English-taught programmes usually require an internationally recognised English certificate, while Greek-taught programmes require Greek language proficiency or a preparatory language year. Requirements differ by university, so check early.
What mistakes lead to student visa problems?
Unclear sources of funds, unofficial admission letters, inadequate insurance, missing legalisation and applying too close to the start of term are common problems. Starting early and following the consulate's list carefully reduces the risk of refusal or delay.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
