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Why Study in Greece?

Gorgeous sights, friendly locals, pristine beaches, beautiful weather, and peculiar cuisine, Greece offers it all.

Greece, classified as the birthplace of democracy and internationally well-known as the motherland of prominent thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, or Socrates, the origin of the Olympic Games, as well as the rich ancient history and unique mythological tales, should not be viewed just as a summer tourist destination.

This small and dazzling nation provides a unique educational experience. Is there anything more soothing than studying in Greece while enjoying 250 days of sunshine?

Greece has become a popular destination for international students from all over the world as more and more students get fascinated by how the ancient Greek world affected modern Western civilization.

When you study in Greece, you will be able to immerse yourself in a multicultural, calm, open, and welcoming mindset that will produce a memorable study trip.

In this article, we’ll explore why Greece is an excellent destination to enrich your international study experience.

About Greece

Greece is located in southern Europe and consists of an irregularly shaped peninsula in the Mediterranean with two huge peninsulas protruding from it: the Chalcidice and the Peloponnese.

Modern Greece may be traced back to the civilization of Ancient Greece, which is regarded as the origin of Western civilization.

As such, it is the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, Western literature and historiography, political science, important mathematical and scientific ideas, and Western play (both tragedy and comedy).

Greece has coastlines on the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian Seas and borders Bulgaria, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, and Turkey.

In addition to the Greek mainland, the nation contains around 6,000 islands of varied sizes in the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

Tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal goods, mining, and petroleum are all major businesses.

Climate

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers; nevertheless, the mountainous parts are much colder than the rest of the country.

Northern Macedonia experiences frigid winters followed by hot, humid summers, whereas the majority of Northern Greece experiences warm winters followed by hot, dry summers.

The weather in southern Greece is pleasant almost all year.

In January, the average temperature in Athens is around 10 degrees Celsius, while in July, the average temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius.

The temperature in Thessaloniki fluctuates from 5 to 27 degrees Celsius.

Cuisine

Greek cuisine is centered on a nutritious Mediterranean diet that emphasizes whole grains, olives, olive oil, fresh vegetables and fruits, almonds, feta cheese, seafood, and poultry.

Legumes are frequently transformed into delectable spreads that are combined with pita bread, and pastries are favorite treats.

Study in Greece

When compared to other well-known European destinations, studying abroad in Greece is a relatively inexpensive option for students.

By advertising Greece as a global academic destination, the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs has attempted to internationalize the country’s private and governmental institutions.

It has occurred in recent years as a result of the implementation of a collaboration framework between Greek and international institutions that promotes the development of appropriate programs for international students.

When studying abroad in Greece, you will have access to 24 public institutions and around 140 Master’s programs, with primary languages being Greek or English.

The Greek Higher Educational Institutions are completely self-governing legal bodies under public law.

In Greece, you can study history and archaeology, classic languages, medicine, art, mathematics, biology, or engineering, and information technology.

Students can pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate.

Each Greek academic program has a maximum number of students. The Ministry of Education determines this figure each year.

Athens, the capital city, and Thessaloniki, the country’s second-largest city, is the larger and more popular student cities.

Did you realize, though, that Greece’s higher educational institutions are located in 60 different cities?

From the north and south to the east and west, encompassing university departments on some of the most lively Cycladic, Dodecanese, and Ionian islands. You have a pick!

Education System

Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees are available in a variety of subjects through the Greek higher education system.

The Greek government considers all 24 public universities to be authorized.

Greece has both public and private universities, which are sometimes referred to as colleges.

However, the present Greek Constitution forbids these private colleges from acting as autonomous universities.

Colleges can still collaborate with international institutions and provide undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in English.

Why Study in Greece?

Students studying in Greece have the chance to learn in a creative setting with a tradition of high-quality education dating back to the first western thinkers.

Greek universities are particularly well-known for their offerings in the fine arts, drama, photography, philosophy, archeology, history, and commerce.

The majority of master’s degree programs are taught in Greek, although some of the more than 100 master’s degree programs are taught in English for overseas students who do not speak Greek.

Students who are not fluent in Greek have the option of studying Greek for one year before admission to a Greek-taught program.

Additional curricula are available at two specialized schools.

The Hellenic Open University also provides distance learning master’s degree programs in a range of fields.

Furthermore, the International University of Greece in Thessaloniki provides a variety of resident and distance learning programs geared at international students.

Here are few reasons why you should study in Greece:

Low cost of education and living

EU/EAA students can study at Greek public universities for free (except for select Master’s programs).

Tuition expenses for other overseas students range from 1,500 to 9,000 euros per year.

The University of Crete, Athens University of Economics and Business, and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki are among the best universities in Greece.

Aside from that, living in Greece is less expensive than in other European education centers.

You might live on less than 700 euros per month, including rent for a city center flat, which ranges between 250 and 450 euros.

Elite universities

Greece has around 24 universities and 16 technical universities, the majority of which are public.

Greece, as an EU member, participates in the Bologna Process, which allows you to earn and transfer ECTS credits.

If the prospect of studying in Greece appeals to you, you’ll undoubtedly want to discover which schools provide high-quality education.

Here are the top Greek universities, according to the top 1000 made by The Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings in 2017 of the world’s best educational institutions:

  • University of Crete
  • Athens University of Economics and Business
  • Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • University of Ioannina
  • University of Patras

Peculiar Mediterranean way of life

When you study in Greece, you will have the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful Balkan nations, known for its brilliant blue waters and safe beaches.

People here enjoy an outdoor life full of water, sand, and sunshine virtually all year thanks to the pleasant Mediterranean environment.

Consider Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu, all of which are teeming with tourists seeking gorgeous island days and wild party evenings.

Because of the country’s distinctive terrain, there are several natural monuments to visit, such as mountains and caverns.

Diversity of choice

Greece not only takes pride in its cultural and historical heritage, but it also works to conserve and strengthen it via education.

Naturally, many Greek institutions provide a wide range of English-taught study degrees in a variety of subjects.

  • In Greece, you may study philosophy! What better location to study philosophy than the birthplace of intellectuals like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle?
  • In Greece, you may study architecture! Take cues from monuments such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, Olympia, and Achilleion Palace.
  • In Greece, you may study politics or history! Learn in the home of democracy.
  • Medical School in Greece! You’ve probably heard of Hippocrates, who developed medical ethics as well as procedures for diagnosis, biology, and therapy that are being used today.
  • Greece had also a major impact on early scientific notions, and most symbols used in physics and math equations are derived from the Greek alphabet. Pythagoras, another Greek, devised the first known mathematical formula.

Rich history and culture

Greece has 5,000-year-old civilizations and ancient buildings such as the Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Poseidon, and the Parthenon (built-in 5 BC).

Aside from the sights, you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the distinctive local culture while studying in Greece.

It includes thrilling celebrations, pleasant cuisine, and an overall relaxed way of life.

The Greeks are proud of their families, religion, and customs.

You may also expect to be welcomed to family meals because they are warm and inviting.

Expect plenty of vegetables, fruits, shellfish, meat, cheese, and olive oil on the menu.

Warm weather

Greece has a warm climate due to its geographical position.

During the summer, there is no rain for two or three months, particularly in the southern areas, while during the winter, snow falls relatively seldom and the temperature frequently remains above zero.

It is unquestionably an unmatched advantage, since you may supplement study hours with social and cultural events on any given day. So nothing can prevent you from visiting Greece’s most magnificent sights.

Hospitality

Greeks value loyalty and are among the most friendly people on the planet.

If you go to the same restaurant or diner on a regular basis, they will greet you like a friend and may even give you a discount.

It’s nearly hard to find unfriendly waiters or homes.

Customers are frequently given presents, such as complimentary shots or sweets.

Try to emulate this demeanor since it is charming!

Universities in Greece

There are around 90 higher education institutes in Greece.

However, you should be aware that the Greek university education system is separated into four sections.

  • General Universities
  • Polytechnic Schools
  • Technological Institutes
  • Academies

All of these institutes provide a diverse range of occupations, and the degrees they provide are recognized across the European Union, as Greece is a signatory country to the international accord of Bologna.

These are the central universities in Greece:

  • National University and Kapodistrian of Athens
  • Open University (Distance University)
  • Ionian University
  • Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Tuition and Program Duration

Most programs in higher education in Greece are free for students from EU member nations.

Other overseas students spend € 11,000 to € 16,000 per year intuition.

All students must pay a fee for specialized and distance learning programs.

A full master’s degree normally takes two years to complete, although a Graduate Diploma may be completed in roughly a year.

Academic Year

In Greece, the academic year is divided into two semesters, each of which lasts 16 weeks, with 13 weeks of courses and 3 weeks of examinations.

Some schools, however, employ the quarter system.

The academic year typically begins in September and concludes in June.

Post-Graduate Opportunities

Given the current Greek recession, there are some chances for post-graduate work for overseas students, particularly in the hotel industry.

Nationals of the EU, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland may work in Greece without a work permit; citizens of other countries must have one.

Scholarships in Greece

The financial help you might get following this scholarship plan might range between 170 and 520 euros per month, depending on your place of origin and destination.

Of course, there are other factors to consider, but this scholarship will cover the costs of transportation and lodging at your destination.

Furthermore, the program considers various supplementary economic benefits that are awarded to students with specific qualities or who come from specific countries.

Aside from the country’s scholarship programs, one option to get a scholarship to study in Greece is through the European Region’s Action Plan for University Student Mobility, popularly known as ERASMUS.

Every year, more than 4 million kids benefit from this EU-sponsored initiative.

Cost of Living

This country is well-known for being one of the cheapest countries to study, making it an appealing option for international students.

Typically, 700 Euros covers basic expenditures such as food, transportation, public services, and accommodation.

As a result, you’d only need between 6 and 10 Euros a day to dine in Greece.

Health Insurance

While studying in Greece, students from EU member countries are entitled to free health care.

Other overseas students are forced to purchase private health insurance; documentation of this insurance is necessary to acquire a student visa.

Private health insurance costs between €200 and €600 per year.

Visa Requirements

Students from EU member countries are not required to get a visa to study in Greece.

Every other overseas student is required to hold a student visa.

A student must have a letter of admission from the university they will be attending, proof of health insurance, and proof that they have adequate means to live in Greece for the duration of their studies to receive a visa.

Students must also obtain a doctor’s statement certifying that they are free of infectious illnesses.

Most universities will assist students with the visa application procedure.

Once students have gathered all of the necessary documentation, they should apply to their nearest Greek embassy or consulate.

Amit Kumar

FreeEducator.com blog is managed by Amit Kumar. He and his team come from the Oxford, Stanford and Harvard. At FreeEducator, we strive to create the best admission platform so that international students can go to the best universities - regardless of financial circumstances. By applying with us, international students get unlimited support and unbiased advice to secure the best college offers overseas.

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