Cheapest Universities in Greece with Tuition Fees
Greece is a European country with thousands of Islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas, the capital is Athens. The country is often referred to as the Cradle of western civilization. It’s a relatively wealthy nation with fairly economic stability.
- University of Macedonia
Year of establishment – 1948
Location – Thessaloniki
Average Tuition Fees – $420
Website – https://www.uom.gr
This is the cheapest university in Greece, it’s government-owned and ranks as the second largest university after Aristotle University. It was formerly of higher industrial studies but gained university status in 1948.
- University of Crete
Year of establishment – 1973
Location – Crete
Average Tuition Fees – $500
Website – https://www.uoc.gr
This is another cheap government-owned university, multidisciplinary and among the prominent higher institution in Greece, globally ranked below 100 universities with 5 faculties and various departments.
- Athens University of Economics and Business
Year of establishment – 1920
Location – Athens
Average Tuition Fees – $530
Website – https://www.aueb.gr
This is another cheap government-owned university, with a main campus in Athens. This institution is specialized in commercial Studies and Business consisting of 3 main faculties of Economics, Business, and Informatics. The university ranks among the 800 best universities globally.
- University of Patras
Year of establishment – 1964
Location – Patras
Average Tuition Fees – $560
Website – https://www.upatras.gr
This is a government-owned university and the third largest university in the country, offering various academic programs under ịts 5 faculties including Humanities and social sciences, economics, business, agriculture, engineering, natural sciences, healthcare, and rehabilitation.
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Year of establishment – 1925
Location – Thessaloniki
Average Tuition Fees – $650
Website – https://www.auth.gr/edu
On our list of Cheapest Universities in Greece is this prestigious and largest university, among the ancient government-established universities with 11 academic faculties and 150 programs of study. The university stands as one of the best in the country and globally.
What these tuition figures actually cover
The fees listed above are tuition only. They exclude accommodation, feeding, health insurance, textbooks, local transport and visa costs. When budgeting, treat tuition as roughly half of what a year will genuinely cost you.
Greece uses the euro (EUR) and is an EU and Schengen member. Public universities charge low or no tuition for many programmes, though most undergraduate teaching is in Greek. English-taught options are concentrated at postgraduate level.
Budgeting realistically as a Nigerian student
Work out the full picture before committing:
- Tuition — confirm the current figure directly with the institution, as published figures date quickly
- Accommodation — on-campus housing is usually cheaper than private rental
- Feeding and daily living
- Health insurance — typically mandatory for international students
- Flights — expect one connection from Nigeria to Athens
- Visa and immigration fees
- Proof of funds — you will usually need to show you can support yourself for the full period of study
Entry requirements to expect
Requirements vary by institution and programme, but international applicants are generally asked for:
- WAEC, NECO or equivalent secondary certificates for undergraduate entry
- A recognised bachelor’s degree and transcripts for postgraduate entry
- A valid international passport
- Proof of financial capacity
- Academic references
On English tests: Undergraduate programmes in Greece are largely taught in Greek, which requires language proficiency. English-taught options are more common at Master’s level and typically require IELTS or TOEFL. Check the language of instruction carefully before applying.
How to apply
- Shortlist two or three institutions from the list above and confirm they are accredited and offer your programme.
- Contact admissions directly and request the current international student fee schedule. Do not rely on figures from any third-party site, including this one, without confirming.
- Ask about English test requirements for Nigerian applicants specifically.
- Prepare documents early — transcript and certificate collection routinely takes weeks in Nigeria.
- Apply, then begin the student visa process once you receive an offer letter.
- Arrange proof of funds in the format the immigration authority requires.
Working while studying
Student visa holders in the EU are generally permitted limited working hours during term time, with conditions set by national immigration law. Limits are enforced strictly. Confirm your exact entitlement with the university’s international office and never work outside your permit terms.
Is Greece the right choice for you?
Greece suits you at postgraduate level, where English-taught programmes exist alongside low public university fees and EU recognition. For undergraduate study, the Greek language requirement is a significant barrier.
Be clear-eyed about one thing: a low tuition fee is not the same as an affordable degree. Once flights, living costs and visa expenses are counted, self-funding is rarely cheaper than a fully funded scholarship, where tuition, accommodation and travel are all covered and you pay nothing.
If cost is your priority rather than location, apply to funded programmes in parallel:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC — fully funded Master’s in Canada, including flights and a laptop
- Chevening Scholarship — fully funded UK Master’s for Nigerians
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship — fully funded Master’s in Germany
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarship — fully funded doctoral study in the UK
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerians study in Greece?
Yes. Greek universities accept international students. The practical question is language — confirm whether your intended programme is taught in Greek or English before applying.
Can I study in Greece without speaking Greek?
At postgraduate level, yes — a number of Master’s programmes are taught entirely in English. At undergraduate level, most teaching is in Greek and you would need proficiency or a preparatory year.
Is Greece cheaper than studying elsewhere?
Public university fees in Greece are low by European standards, but living costs and the language barrier at undergraduate level should factor into your decision.
Are these tuition fees current?
Fees change regularly. Treat the figures above as a comparison guide only and confirm current rates directly with each institution before making any decision.
Always verify tuition, entry requirements and visa rules directly with the institution and the relevant immigration authority before applying or making payment.