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
GreeceInternational
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Enrollment
Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.
Study abroad at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH): overview
Study abroad at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH / Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης), founded in 1925, is Greece's largest university with approximately 90,000 students across 11 schools and 41 departments. Useful proof points: Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.; Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.; Engineering and Architecture, Natural Sciences, Law and Political Science. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.
International Mix
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Engineering and Architecture, Natural Sciences, Law and Political Science and are willing to check language, seats, campus rules and housing before choosing.
Language of instruction: Greek (primary); English-taught courses available for exchange students
Exchange & application at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), rules can sit at faculty level, so do not promise yourself courses before they are validated.
✅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.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 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 & courses at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)
Academics combine credits, exam calendars and faculty-level rules. Check prerequisites, the real teaching language of each course and whether course lists can change before enrolment.
📝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 at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)
For exchange, separate home tuition, local admin fees, insurance and living costs. Full-degree tuition is a different category and must be checked on the official fee page.
| 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
Student housing at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)
Housing near Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Thessaloniki
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, library, wellbeing services and student groups from week one. Asking early prevents small admin mistakes from becoming blockers.
🛡️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.
Student life at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)
Student life depends on repeatable routines: associations, sport, ESN or faculty groups. Do not wait for the campus to do all the work; join repeated channels early.
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 exchange dates at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)
The critical dates are nomination, application, fee or registration steps, course selection, housing, arrival and exams. Keep resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Before nomination
Confirm active AUTH Erasmus agreement. Greek language helpful but English-track available.
-
2
Nomination (Winter semester)
June 30
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to AUTH.
-
3
International Welcome + ESN
October
Attend — AMKA, transport pass, campus registration, and ESN events.
-
4
Exam period
February / June–July
Confirm all exam dates before booking return travel.