Erasmus guide Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Thessaloniki, Greece.
City
ThessalonikiCountry
GreeceSnapshot
Greece's largest university by enrollment (founded 1925) with 90,000 students — a sprawling campus in Greece's cultural capital and most vibrant student city, with strong Erasmus networks in sciences, engineering, law, and humanities.
Why students shortlist it
Large public university in central Thessaloniki, with a compact city-campus feel and strong options in engineering, sciences, law, medicine and humanities. Good fit for students who want a Greek university city with lower costs than Athens.
Teaching languages: Greek (primary); English-taught courses available for exchange students
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination, online application, transcript, learning agreement, language proof, health insurance.
Nomination Process
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to AUTH's International Academic Relations Office. AUTH contacts student directly.
Visa Support
EU/EEA: no visa. Non-EU: Greek student visa at Greek consulate — 8 weeks minimum.
Buddy System
ESN Thessaloniki (AUTH chapter) and AUTH Buddy Programme pair exchange students with Greek volunteers.
Orientation Week
AUTH International Welcome and ESN Thessaloniki Welcome Week at semester start.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Winter semester (Oct–Feb) | June 30 | July 31 |
| Spring semester (Mar–Jul) | December 31 | January 31 |
Arrival Checklist
- EU: no visa. Get AMKA/PAAYPA number at KEP — needed for healthcare and banking.
- Non-EU: Greek student visa — apply at Greek consulate 8 weeks before.
- AUTH campus is walkable — housing in or around campus is most convenient.
- Get Thessaloniki bus pass (OASTH) — affordable monthly rates.
Academics
Course Registration
Course selection via AUTH online portal. English-taught courses available for exchange students. Faculty-specific process — confirm with receiving department.
Credit System
Greece uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS.
Grading System
Greek 0–10 scale: 5 = pass. 7–8.4 = Lian Kalos, 8.5–10 = Arista. Grade conversion provided.
Exam Culture
Written and oral exams at end of semester. Engineering and sciences lean written-exam heavy. Humanities include oral components.
Library Access
AUTH Central Library — strong collections in engineering, sciences, and Byzantine studies. Full digital access with student card.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | €0 to AUTH (pay home institution fees only) | Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition. Thessaloniki living costs: €550–800/month — one of Greece's most affordable cities for students. |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | €0 (Greek public university) | Greek-language programmes free for all students at public universities. |
| Full degree – non-EU | €1,500–3,000/year | Some English-taught programmes charge fees. MEXT-equivalent Greek government scholarships available. |
€0 to AUTH (pay home institution fees only)
Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition. Thessaloniki living costs: €550–800/month — one of Greece's most affordable cities for students.
€0 (Greek public university)
Greek-language programmes free for all students at public universities.
€1,500–3,000/year
Some English-taught programmes charge fees. MEXT-equivalent Greek government scholarships available.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
AUTH Health Centre — medical and dental services on campus.
Mental Health
AUTH psychological support services — free appointments for enrolled students.
EHIC + AMKA/Greek EOPYY
Free after AMKA registration
Best option for EU students.
Private insurance
€150–400/year
Required for non-EU student visa.
Campus Services
Student Life
Student Clubs
- ESN Thessaloniki
- AUTH Sport
- Faculty associations
Buddy Program
ESN Thessaloniki buddy programme pairs exchange students with Greek student volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- AUTH Sport Centre (gym, courts, athletics)
- Swimming at Halkidiki beaches (45 min)
- Cycling along Thessaloniki seafront promenade
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend AUTH International Welcome and ESN Thessaloniki orientation.
- Get AMKA/PAAYPA number at KEP — needed for healthcare and banking.
- Walk the Byzantine walls and Rotunda — Thessaloniki's UNESCO heritage within walking distance of campus.
- Try bougatsa and koulouri for breakfast — iconic Thessaloniki morning ritual.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active AUTH Erasmus agreement. Greek language helpful but English-track available.
Nomination (Winter semester)
June 30
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to AUTH.
International Welcome + ESN
October
Attend — AMKA, transport pass, campus registration, and ESN events.
Exam period
February / June–July
Confirm all exam dates before booking return travel.