Greece is stepping out of the shadows as a compelling European study destination. According to the white paper “Greece 2025: Europe’s Emerging Destination for South & Southeast Asian Students” by MSM Unify and Study in Greece (SiG) the country now offers a strategic combination of European academic recognition, affordability, and a lifestyle that resonates with international learners.
Globally, student mobility is on the rise. UNESCO estimates that 6.9 million students studied abroad in 2022, a figure projected to exceed 8 million by 2030. Against this backdrop, Greece’s integration into the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) through the Bologna Process ensures that degrees from Athens, Thessaloniki, or other accredited institutions are recognized across Europe, providing a critical reassurance for students and families navigating their international education choices.
A System Ready for International Students
Greece’s higher-education ecosystem now blends public universities, specialized polytechnics, and a growing private sector focused on applied disciplines. A landmark policy change came with Law 5094/2024, which establishes a legal framework for non-profit private university branches, or Legal Entities of University Education (ULEs), allowing foreign institutions to operate in Greece and award degrees equivalent to public universities. The reform aims to modernize the sector, boost competition, and introduce performance-based funding for public institutions. By mid-2025, four branch campuses had received approval, with more in the pipeline.
Enrollment is rising steadily. Total tertiary participation reached approximately 681,000 students in 2022/23, with postgraduate programs seeing faster growth, reflecting a pivot toward research-linked and professionally oriented study. English-medium programs are a major attraction: between 2019 and 2025, offerings increased from 260 to 470, spanning Business, STEM, Health Sciences, Tourism, and Cultural Studies, with tuition ranging from €5,000–€15,000 per year.
Affordability and Quality of Life
Cost is a decisive factor for international students. In Athens, students typically spend €800–€1,000 per month on living expenses (excluding rent), with shared accommodation adding €450–€600. Regional cities like Thessaloniki, Patras, or Ioannina are even more affordable, at €450–€750 per month.
Beyond affordability, Greece delivers on lifestyle and safety, factors that families increasingly consider alongside academic credentials. Mediterranean climate, accessible cultural heritage, and vibrant student life create a holistic environment for learning, personal growth, and cultural immersion.
European Recognition and Career Opportunities
Degrees from Greece carry the same academic weight as those in Germany, France, or Italy, thanks to European Higher Education Area (EHEA) alignment and European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) comparability. Students can leverage Erasmus+ mobility programs, post-study work options, and mutual recognition agreements for further study or employment across Europe.
Practical learning is embedded across disciplines. Tourism, hospitality, business analytics, technology, and cultural heritage programs include structured internships, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while supplementing income. Transparency in graduate outcomes—internship participation, job placement, and progression to further study—is increasingly a competitive differentiator for Greek institutions.
Removing Friction: Housing, Language, and Bureaucracy
Challenges remain, particularly in housing, daily-language use, and administrative processes. Institutions are tackling these through:
- Pre-blocked accommodation and verified landlord lists to ease housing stress
- Intensive Greek-language programs to help students navigate daily life
- Comprehensive onboarding services, including visa support, bank account setup, and arrival orientation
These measures help international students settle in faster, reducing anxiety and improving retention.
Policy, Partnerships, and the Path Forward
Government initiatives focus on scholarships, streamlined visas, and branch-campus oversight, while promoting exchange programs with Asian partners. Education agents and international partners help manage expectations and highlight the dual proposition of European recognition and Greek lifestyle.
If policy and operational execution align, Greece’s international student population could grow from 17,000–18,000 today to 45,000–50,000 by 2030, with English-taught program capacity doubling by 2028. This could generate an economic contribution exceeding €650 million annually through tuition, rent, and local expenditure
Study in Greece: A Catalytic Platform
Central to this expansion is Study in Greece (SiG), the national gateway promoting Greek higher education abroad. SiG facilitates program discovery, pre-arrival and settling-in support, and ensures institutional alignment with international standards, making it easier for students and universities to navigate the internationalization process.
Why Greece?
By combining affordability, European recognition, career-focused learning, and an appealing Mediterranean lifestyle, Greece is transitioning from a niche alternative to a mainstream study destination for South and Southeast Asian students. For students seeking value-with-standards, practical learning opportunities, and a culturally enriching environment, Greece in 2026 is more than a study destination—it’s a gateway to Europe.
Helpful Links
If you’re considering studying in Greece, Study in Greece (SiG) provides practical guidance to help you navigate programs, applications, and visas:
You can explore programs from public Greek universities here:
