Study abroad programmes in Greece highlight the English-taught courses provided by Greek Universities and other educational initiatives aimed at an international audience. The action showcases the accomplishments of the Greek administration, which early on understood the additional value of the provided services. It has been noted that the mindset of the Greek state is entirely compatible with the spirit of extroversion and openness, making it a welcoming and warm country to study in. The ‘Study in Greece’ position has been elevated within this improved framework due to the effort of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs’ internationalisation policy.

Presently, ‘Study in Greece’ collaborates with all Greek universities to build the official link between the Greek and global academic communities. This connection is made through the organisation of conferences, study abroad programmes, summer schools, and other events that support and advertise the programmes and activities of Greek universities.

Choice of higher educational institutes

The UNESCO-recommended global higher education model, which calls for two basic types of institutions for tertiary education—universities and non-university institutions—has just been implemented by Greece. Greece had 18 universities in 2001, eight in the Athens-Piraeus metropolitan region. Two universities out of twelve technological educational institutions are located in the Athens-Piraeus region. In addition, 61 Higher Professional Schools (non-university) exist, with 36 located in the Athens-Piraeus region (OECD 1997).

The National Capodistrian University of Athens (1837), the National Technical University of Athens (Polytechneion) (1836), and the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki (1925) were the country’s earliest universities. In Greece, several regional universities were founded between 1960 and 1980 to satisfy the rising demand for higher education and modern subjects like computer science and environmental studies. The Aegean, Ioannina, Patra, Thrace, Crete, and Corfu are among the places with new universities. There are not enough spaces at these new universities for every student who wants to enrol. As a result, many Greek students pursue their academic interests in other European nations or the United States. Greece has no private universities.

The National Technical University of Athens (Polytechneion), the National Capodistrian University of Athens (1837), and the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki (1925) were the first universities in Greece. Between 1960 and 1980, Greece established new regional universities in response to the country’s growing need for higher education and modern subjects like computer science and environmental studies. Ioannina, Patra, Thrace, Crete, Corfu, and the Aegean are only a few of the places with new universities. Even at these brand-new institutions, there are not enough spaces for every student who wants to enrol.

Types of Qualification Awarded

The majority of undergraduate programmes leading to a first degree must be completed within four years (eight semesters) following the 1992 law; however, programmes in agriculture, engineering, and dentistry must be completed within five years (ten semesters), and medical schools must be completed within six years (12 semesters).

On the other hand, non-university studies (TEIs) are often shorter and continue for three years. Specific majors require an extra six months of on-the-job training for a degree. All higher education institutions are open five days a week.

Greek universities award doctoral degrees. An original thesis must be presented to an expert academic advisory committee to receive a PhD.

Types of Degrees

Bachelor’s Degree

This first-degree categorisation is possible during the first stage of university study that results in a Ptychio degree comparable to a Bachelor’s degree (Hon.) in other nations. These first-tier courses are undergraduate degrees that typically take up to 4 years to finish. However, a few outliers, such as engineering and veterinary science, need five years of study to get a Ptychio degree. Medical students who complete six years of study are also awarded a Ptychio. Ptychio students have the option of continuing their education to earn higher degrees or choosing to find work. TEIs and universities offer all degrees.

Master’s Degree

This is known as Metaptychiako Diploma Exidkefis in Greece and refers to the university level degree. These postgraduate degrees, often called Postgraduate Diplomas of Specialisation, are equal to Masters degrees. The degree name gives it away; it represents a period of study that enables a student to specialise in a particular field of study. Only universities can provide the Post Graduate Specialisation Diploma (Master’s Degree). A Specialisation Diploma awarded by the TEIs also equals a Masters degree.

Doctorate Degree

This is the third stage in the educational process leading to a doctorate, also known as a Didaktoriko. The degree encourages interest in basic research across various scientific fields and shows a high level of specialisation in a few chosen knowledge areas. The strategy tends to reinforce Greece’s scientific foundation. A student must have a Postgraduate Diploma in order to enrol in courses at this level. Universities only grant all doctoral degrees.

Employment opportunities after completion of degree:

International students can still find postgraduate jobs, notably in the hospitality sector, despite the country of Greece now experiencing a recession. Work permits are required for nationals of countries other than the EU, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland to work in Greece.

Part-time and post-study work opportunities:

There is a high need for English-speaking personnel in Greece, given the volume of foreign tourists the country receives. Even though there are laws governing foreigners’ job rights, the country’s employment policies are often taken very lightly. Although some companies may permit you to work without the required registration, you’ll have little recourse if they don’t pay you as agreed. As a result, you should be careful of any apparent loopholes.

You might need some initial health and safety certifications to work with food. However, casual and part-time employment in the summer will often be simple to find in hospitality and associated businesses. Upon acquiring their resident’s permission, EU nationals can work (for information on visas and immigration for international students in Greece, read our page on studying for a Master’s Degree in Greece). It is best suggested that citizens of other nations contact a Greek embassy to learn more about their job rights in Greece.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Even though Greece is now experiencing a recession, there are still some prospects for postgraduate work for international students, particularly in the hotel sector. Greece does not require a work permit for EU, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland citizens to work there; other nationals are required to have one.