Guide for International Students

To support international students coming from countries outside the European Union (third-country nationals), Harokopio University provides a concise guide answering the most common questions about studying and living in Greece. More detailed information is available on the Department's international website, in the Student Guide menu: Coming to Greece, University Services, Living in Athens, Student Community, Study in Greece and Basic Greek.

Understanding the procedures for the entry visa (VISA) and the residence permit, as well as your rights and obligations as a student, is essential for a smooth transition and a successful academic experience.

• Entry into Greece and Student VISA
• Residence Permit for Studies
• Required Documents
• Financial Requirements
• Health Insurance
• Right to Work
• Travel and Mobility
• Family-Related Matters
• Student Obligations
• Student Rights
• After Graduation
• The Greek Academic ID and Cost of Living
• Housing and Getting Around in Athens
• Study in Greece Platforms
• Scholarships and Financial Support
• University Services
• Student Community (ESN HARO)
• Learning Basic Greek
• Support at Harokopio University

Entry into Greece and Student VISA

All students from non-EU countries must obtain a special student entry visa (Type D Student VISA) before arriving in Greece. This also applies to nationals of countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia and Argentina, which are otherwise exempt from short-term tourist visa requirements in the Schengen Area.

The student visa is issued by the competent Greek Consular Authority or Embassy in your country of residence and must be obtained before you make any travel arrangements. Begin the application early, as processing times vary by country. Step-by-step guidance for the Type D student visa: Study in Greece – Visa.

Residence Permit for Studies

After arriving in Greece, non-EU students must apply for a residence permit for study purposes in order to reside legally in the country for the duration of their studies. Apply promptly after arrival and well before your student VISA expires.

Key points:

• The application must be submitted before the student VISA expires.
• It is processed by the competent Immigration Authority.
• An interview or additional documentation may be required.
• Submission of biometric data may be required.
• The permit is valid for one academic year and can be renewed annually, subject to satisfactory academic progress.

Required Documents

To obtain a residence permit for study purposes, students are generally required to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport with the appropriate student VISA (Type D), and recent passport-size photographs.
• A certificate of enrollment or official acceptance to the Information Technology undergraduate programme at Harokopio University.
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses (approximately €500 per month, unless covered by a scholarship).
• Valid health insurance covering the whole duration of your stay in Greece. (see Health Insurance)
• A medical certificate, where required by the competent authorities.
• Additional documents, such as official translations or certified copies, depending on your individual circumstances.

Please consult the relevant Greek Consular Authorities and Immigration Services for the most up-to-date requirements before submitting your application.

Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your studies in Greece. This is required both for the issuance and for the renewal of a residence permit.

Acceptable proof includes personal or family bank statements, scholarship certificates, sponsorship declarations or other official financial documents. Students on a scholarship may be exempt from certain requirements with appropriate documentation.

The indicative minimum amount is approximately €500 per month.

Health Insurance

A private health insurance policy is required for the residence permit and must be in place before enrolment. The policy must cover at least:

• permanent total or partial disability caused by an accident: at least €15,000 per year,
• medical expenses due to illness or accident: at least €1,500 per year,
• comprehensive hospital care: at least €10,000 per year.

The insured person's contribution may be up to 20% of each benefit, and the policy must expressly cover events in the EU, specifically in Greece. You have two options:

• Home-country policy: submitted with an official translation (about €30 – €40). Certified translators can be found in the Registry of Certified Translators.
• Greek insurance contract: from about €69 per year; it must cover at least the first year of study.

The International Student support office in the department secretariat can help you with the process. In addition, enrolled students receive a private contract with full medical and health benefits as part of their tuition fees.

• Public healthcare: with an Academic ID or an AMKA (Social Security Number), you can use public and university hospitals, National Health System units and municipal clinics in emergencies and accidents. The secretariat can help schedule appointments at the University Hospitals of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): issued free of charge by your national health insurer, it temporarily covers necessary state healthcare in EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.

Right to Work

Holders of a valid residence permit may be permitted to work during their studies, in accordance with Greek immigration and labour legislation. Employment is allowed on a part-time basis only and requires official authorization. Work must not interfere with your academic obligations and must comply with Greek labour, insurance and tax regulations.

You will typically need:

• a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM),
• a Social Security Number (AMKA),
• any additional documentation required by the employer or public authorities.

Travel and Mobility

With a valid residence permit you may travel under the conditions provided by applicable European and Greek regulations. Always carry your valid passport, residence permit and any additional travel documents.

• Home country: you may travel to your home country and re-enter Greece without a new student VISA.
• Schengen Area: you may travel within the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 3 months within a 6-month period.
• Erasmus+: you may have the opportunity to participate in Erasmus+ and other exchange programmes, depending on programme regulations and active partnerships.

Family-Related Matters

Under the current Greek immigration framework, family reunification rights are generally not granted to international students holding a residence permit for studies. Family members who wish to visit must typically enter Greece with a short-term tourist visa or under the applicable Schengen short-stay rules. A student residence permit does not automatically give residence rights to family members or dependents.

For specific cases or exceptional circumstances, contact the competent Greek Consular Authorities or Immigration Services.

Student Obligations

International students must:

• renew their residence permit within the required deadlines,
• promptly declare changes in personal details (address, marital status, passport, contact details) to the competent authorities,
• comply with Greek laws, immigration regulations and university policies,
• maintain satisfactory academic progress and remain actively enrolled.

Failure to comply may result in delays, non-renewal, suspension or revocation of the residence permit.

Student Rights

International students at Harokopio University are entitled to:

• access to healthcare services, in accordance with the applicable legal and insurance framework,
• participation in academic, cultural, athletic and social student life,
• access to public services and administrative support procedures,
• equal treatment and protection under the Greek Constitution, European legislation and relevant international conventions.

After Graduation

After completing your studies you are generally required to leave Greece when your residence permit expires, unless you qualify for a different type of legal residence status. Options include:

• continuing with a postgraduate or doctoral programme,
• participating in academic or research activities,
• applying for another type of residence permit, subject to the requirements of Greek legislation.

Any change of residence status is subject to approval by the competent Greek authorities. Seek information in good time before your permit expires.

The Greek Academic ID and Cost of Living

All students of Greek Higher Education Institutions can apply online for the Greek Academic ID, which is provided by the Ministry of Education with technical support from the National Research and Technology Network (GRNET). Apply on the official platform: academicid.minedu.gov.gr. Detailed guide: Academic ID.

The Academic ID offers, among others:

• Transportation: 50% off public transport (buses, metro, tram) in major cities, and reduced fares for intercity buses (KTEL), trains, ferries and certain domestic flights.
• Culture: free or discounted entry to museums, archaeological sites, theatres and cinemas, and discounts on festivals and concerts.
• Dining: subsidized meals at university cafeterias and discounts at student-friendly cafés and restaurants.
• Technology and retail: reduced prices on laptops, electronics, educational software, books and study materials.
• Healthcare: free or subsidized healthcare services at student clinics and public hospitals.

Indicative monthly costs for students in Greece:

Prices are indicative and partly based on Numbeo.

Greece is generally a safe country, but it is wise to remain vigilant, especially when moving around big cities at night.

Housing and Getting Around in Athens

Housing

• University dormitories: usually free or very low rent, with basic shared rooms but limited availability. Priority tends to go to low-income or scholarship students, and curfews or visitor rules may apply.
• Private apartments and studios: the most common choice for international students; they offer independence, but you pay bills, handle maintenance and may need to furnish the place.
• Shared apartments: splitting costs makes renting much cheaper.

Study in Greece's HouSiG platform lists verified dormitories, private rentals and shared housing for international students, so you can compare prices and secure a place before arrival: Athens listings · submit a housing request.

Getting around

• OASA (oasa.gr) runs an integrated network, so one ticket or card works across most modes.
• Metro: Line 1 (green) links Piraeus and Kifisia, while Lines 2 (red) and 3 (blue) serve the city centre, major university areas and the airport.
• Buses and trolleybuses: cover all of Attica, from early morning to midnight, with several 24-hour lines.
• Tram: links Syntagma Square with the coastal suburbs and the Athens Riviera.
• Proastiakos (suburban rail): for longer trips, including the airport, Piraeus, Corinth and Chalcis.

The 50% fare reduction requires your Academic ID (Paso). Take it with your passport to the ticket office of a major metro station to receive a personalised Ath.ena Card with your photo, which you can top up online or through the app. To explore more of the city, see Visit Greece.

Study in Greece Platforms

Study in Greece is a non-profit organisation of Greek universities that provides information and support for studying and living in Greece. Its digital platforms cover:

• @SiG: build a profile, compare programmes of Greek universities and apply.
• HouSiG: a housing service for international students, from furnished studios to shared residences.
• Scholarships: a searchable list of scholarships, awards and grants, including open and upcoming calls.
• HelpDesk: a knowledge base and ticket system for questions and support.

Further details and links are available on the Study in Greece page of the DIT international website, together with the Study in Greece guides on the visa, preparation before arrival and the survival guide. Direct links: Visa · Before you arrive · Survival guide.

Scholarships and Financial Support

BSc in Information Technology scholarships: 3 merit-based scholarships are awarded per year of study to full-time students (12 in total), based on the previous year's performance: one full tuition waiver and two half-tuition waivers. First-year students receive the waiver for the second semester, based on their first-semester performance.

External scholarships: offered by Greek public and private institutions, though not every year. Check eligibility and deadlines:

• State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) – scholarships for foreign citizens
• Ministry of Education scholarship guide
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs – undergraduate scholarships (2025–2026 call)
• European Education Area – study in Europe
• Study in Greece scholarship search

University Services

• Free meals: international students receive a meal card for breakfast and two free meals per day at the University refectory on campus. Instructions for collecting the card are sent by email after registration. More information.
• Electronic services: your personal credentials (username and password) are issued at enrolment by the Computer & Network Center and collected from the department secretariat or electronically. They give access to email, cloud storage, e-learning and tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Nextcloud and GitLab. Links: all e-services · Open eClass · student registry · Google Workspace · MyCloud · IT Helpdesk.
• Library and Information Center: user-training seminars, a reading room, computers for searching print and electronic material, lockers and self-service borrowing. Bring your Academic ID to register. Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., +30 210 9549170 · library.hua.gr.
• Student Service Center: informs students about University operations, rights, obligations, and State and University services. It includes Student Welfare Services and the Career & Studies Liaison Office (Career Office) for employment counselling and advice on further study.
• Foreign Language Teaching Center: specialised foreign-language courses for programme students.
• Academic Advisor: a faculty member of the department, assigned during your first year of study.
• Student Ombudsperson and support for students with special educational needs: the University operates both services.

Full list: Services for the student community.

Student Community (ESN HARO)

ESN Haro is the Erasmus Student Network branch at Harokopio University. It welcomes international students and helps them settle into student life in Athens through welcome ceremonies, cultural events and trips, and social activities. Join ESN Haro · Student Community.

Learning Basic Greek

Harokopio University offers an introductory course in Greek for international students, including a short quiz to test what you have learned. See Basic Greek.

Support at Harokopio University

Harokopio University and its administrative services provide guidance on:

• residence procedures,
• academic matters,
• adjusting to life in Athens.

For questions about the BSc in Information Technology itself, such as admissions, the curriculum or tuition fees, please contact the Department directly. More information for prospective students is available on the DIT international website.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. · +30 210 9549400 · Omirou 9, Tavros, 17778, Athens. See also: Secretary – Student Support · How to Apply · Contact.