Where To Study : STUDY IN GREECE

Overview

Want to study in the birthplace of academia? Then you should consider studying abroad in Greece. Read our guide to find out the hows, whys and whichs of studying in the Hellenic Republic.
Greece's influence, on the modern western world at least, is unparalleled. Without the philosophy, culture and language of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire may not have existed, the languages of the world and even the nature of our social, moral and political structures would be radically different.
Concepts of individualism, freedom, democracy and government all have their roots with the great thinkers of Ancient Greece.
Modern Greece bears the hallmarks of the ancient and modern vying for prominence. Beneath the Acropolis, the internationally renowned building that helps dominate the Athens skyline, lies one of the busiest cities in Europe.
Cars, motorbikes and trucks weave through streets featuring medieval churches and buildings, cafes and restaurants.
Athens is one of the most dominant capital cities in the world, in the sense that 40% of all Greeks live there (London, by comparison, is home to a mere 15% of Brits).
Home to Golden Beach, the party islands of Crete and Corfu and some of the most beautiful ancient ruins and artefacts in the world, it is unsurprising that tourism is one of the largest industries in Greece. It is a warm and welcoming country with an outward-looking mentality, and a high level of English spoken, particularly in the cities.

Fast Fact

Greece is a republic, with the president serving as head of state (current incumbent is Karolos Papoulias)
Official name is the Hellenic Republic, and official language is Greek (also called Hellenic)
As well as the mainland, Greece is made up of 227 inhabited islands (and a whole lot more uninhabited ones).
Bordered by Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey
Population of around 10 million – roughly the same as London
Modern state was established in 1830
Voting is required by law
17.5 million tourists visit Greece annually
Currency is Euro, symbol: €, €1=US$1.35
Uses Eastern European Time (UTC+2), switching to Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+3) between March and October

Practical Information

Tertiary education in Greece is divided between universities and Technological Educational Institutes (TEIs). The latter offer courses with a greater focus on practical skills, in subjects such as applied technology, healthcare, agriculture, management and art and design.
There are approximately 20 universities in Greece, spread across the country, of which six are included in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings, and 14 TEIs. At both universities and TEIs, with undergraduate degrees last four years, though some will take longer.
Educational programs are mainly offered in Greek. However, specialized study programs at undergraduate and postgraduate level are also offered in foreign languages - most commonly English.
Tuition is generally free of charge but there are some exceptions, mainly in the case of certain graduate programs and studies at the International Hellenic University.
Some institutions do not offer any student accommodation or other residential facilities and, though National Students Hostels, which appear to be similar to halls of residence in other countries, do exist there is only a limited number of places available in them.
Rooms and apartments can be rented at private buildings throughout Athens and Thessaloniki and the cost of renting a one-room apartment is approximately €270 per month.
It is estimated by university websites that the cost of living in Athens is approximately €700 per month for all expenses.
It is also possible to find a host family, which could be an amazing way to get to learn about Greek culture, family structure, history and, of course, the language.