Erasmus guide University of Patras
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Patras in Patras, Greece.
Snapshot
Greece's third-largest university (founded 1964) with 35,000 students — strong in engineering, sciences, and medicine, on a self-contained hillside campus overlooking the Gulf of Patras, in the gateway city to the Ionian islands.
Why students shortlist it
Public university on a hillside campus in Rio, near Patras, with strong engineering, sciences, medicine, computer engineering and economics options. Good fit for students who want a campus-based Greek exchange with access to western Greece and ferry routes.
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, and health insurance.
Nomination Process
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to University of Patras International Relations Office. University contacts student directly.
Visa Support
EU/EEA: no visa. Non-EU: Greek student visa at Greek consulate — apply 8 weeks before arrival.
Buddy System
ESN Patras and University of Patras Buddy Programme pair exchange students with Greek student volunteers.
Orientation Week
University of Patras International Welcome and ESN Patras 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 in Patras — needed for healthcare and banking.
- Non-EU: Greek student visa at Greek consulate — apply 8 weeks before arrival.
- Campus at Rio is 8 km from Patras centre — get monthly bus pass (ΑΣΤΟ Πάτρα) or rent a bicycle.
- Register with International Relations Office on arrival — student card and learning agreement confirmation.
Academics
Course Registration
Course registration via University of Patras online portal after admission. English-taught courses listed for exchange students. Faculty-specific confirmation required.
Credit System
Greece uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS.
Grading System
Greek 0–10 scale: 5 = pass. 7–8.4 = Lian Kalos (Very Good), 8.5–10 = Arista (Excellent). Grade conversion provided.
Exam Culture
Written exams at end of semester. Engineering faculties are exam-heavy; some have oral exams. Sciences include lab assessments.
Library Access
University of Patras Library Network — strong collections in engineering and natural sciences. Full digital access with student card.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | €0 to University of Patras (pay home institution fees only) | Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition. Patras living costs: €500–750/month — one of Greece's most affordable university cities. |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | €0 (Greek public university) | Greek public universities are free for all students in Greek-language programmes. |
| Full degree – non-EU | €1,500–3,000/year | Some English-taught programmes charge fees. Greek government IKY scholarships available. |
€0 to University of Patras (pay home institution fees only)
Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition. Patras living costs: €500–750/month — one of Greece's most affordable university cities.
€0 (Greek public university)
Greek public universities are free for all students in Greek-language programmes.
€1,500–3,000/year
Some English-taught programmes charge fees. Greek government IKY 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
University of Patras Health Centre — medical and dental services on campus at Rio.
Mental Health
University of Patras psychological support services — free appointments for enrolled students.
EHIC + AMKA/Greek EOPYY
Free after AMKA registration
Best option for EU students — covers public healthcare in Greece.
Private insurance
€150–400/year
Required for non-EU student visa; recommended as backup for EU students.
Campus Services
Student Life
Student Clubs
- ESN Patras
- University Sport
- Faculty associations
Buddy Program
ESN Patras buddy programme pairs exchange students with Greek student volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- University Sport Centre (gym, courts, athletics)
- Swimming at Patras beaches on the Gulf
- Day-ferry trips to Kefalonia (1.5 hours) and Zakynthos (2 hours)
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend University of Patras International Welcome and ESN Patras orientation.
- Get AMKA/PAAYPA number at KEP — needed for healthcare and banking.
- Walk across the Rio–Antirrion Bridge at sunset — one of Europe's great engineering landmarks and free to walk.
- Book a day-ferry to Kefalonia or Zakynthos on first available weekend — Ionian islands are spectacular and very close.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active Erasmus agreement in your faculty. Greek language helpful but English-track available.
Nomination (Winter semester)
June 30
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to University of Patras.
International Welcome + ESN
October
Attend — AMKA, transport pass, campus registration, ESN events.
Patras Carnival
February–March
Europe's third-largest carnival — extraordinary if on winter/spring semester. Book accommodation early.
Exam period
February / June–July
Confirm exam dates before booking return travel.