Greece boasts a network of more than 20 public universities scattered across the country. As the cornerstone of academic discourse in Greece, the Greek language takes center stage in the realm of instruction. The academic landscape, while primarily Greek, extends its reach to encompass a rich tapestry of languages, prominently featuring English in specialized undergraduate and graduate programs. Fifteen Technological Educational Institutes (TEIs) align their educational courses with these esteemed universities, enriching higher education with practical and professional emphasis. Their domains of expertise span the spectrum, encompassing applied technology, healthcare, agriculture, management, artistry, and design, thereby nurturing multifaceted talents and competencies. Greece’s higher education system is generally regarded well; it was ranked 41st globally in the first QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings.
National technical university of Athens (NTUA)
In Greek academia, NTUA stands as a pinnacle of learning, securing the position of Greece’s premier university. Established in 1837, it bears witness to centuries of intellectual legacy. Today, this esteemed institution embraces around 23,900 students, emphasizing intensive five-year programs resembling advanced master’s degrees in science and engineering. Anchored by its nine illustrious academic schools, NTUA encompasses a diverse spectrum, including the realms of architecture, applied mathematics, and physics, as well as various pioneering fields within engineering. In all global echelons of education, the NTUA made its mark, achieving the 477th position in the 2021 rankings. Greek is the language of instruction, however, participants in the Erasmus exchange program do projects in English. NTUA offers several campuses, all of which are found in Athens, the vibrant and ancient city of Greece.
Aristotle university of Thessaloniki
Aristotle University, flourishing in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, basks in its dual glory as an academic powerhouse and a beloved tourist destination, proudly representing Greek higher education. This esteemed institution proudly holds the title of Greece’s largest university and stands as a significant presence in the broader southeastern European educational landscape. Founded in 1925, it bears the name of the illustrious philosopher who had his roots near this city. The university offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, primarily delivered in the Greek language. In 2021’s QS World University Rankings, this institution firmly secured its spot between 571 and 580, reinforcing its academic stature.
National and kapodistrian university of Athens
Established in 1837, this institution, affectionately dubbed “the University of Athens,” holds its esteemed position among the world’s top 700 universities. Nurturing knowledge at Greece’s oldest university, it thrives with 125,000 curious minds from diverse corners of the world. Diverse fields like law, languages, humanities, social sciences, philosophy, and political science adorn its academic canvas. Its four unique campuses are strategically placed in various Athens districts, each adding a distinct color to the tapestry of knowledge.
University of Crete
This institution, distinguished as one of Greece’s finest institutions, provides an array of undergraduate and graduate programs across its 16 departments. These programs span mandatory and elective courses, specializations, Ph.D. research, and year-round events like conferences, seminars, and public presentations.
University of Patras
The decentralization of academic education in Greece was greatly aided by the establishment of this university in Patras in 1964. It started operating in the academic year 1966–1967. The University of West Greece was merged with this institution in June 2013. The majority of the departments of Western Greece’s Technological Educational Institute were also merged into the University of Patras in 2019.
University of Lonnina
This private institution experienced rapid growth in the years that followed its establishment. At this university, there are now 13,523 undergraduate students registered in 17 academic Departments. Numerous organized postgraduate study programs include taught and research components available at the Master’s and Doctoral levels. An additional 1,300 students are pursuing full-time Master’s degree programs, and 2,217 students are currently working towards doctoral degrees, solidifying its position as one of Greece’s premier universities.
Greece: about the education system