Erasmus guide National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Athens, Greece.
Study abroad at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA): overview
Study abroad at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA / Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών), founded in 1837 as the first university in modern Greece, is the country's oldest and most prestigious institution. Useful proof points: Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.; Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.; Law and Jurisprudence, Medicine and Health Sciences, Humanities and Philosophy. 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 Law and Jurisprudence, Medicine and Health Sciences, Humanities and Philosophy 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 National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 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, and health insurance.
📨Nomination Process
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to NKUA's Office of International Academic Relations. NKUA contacts student directly.
🛂Visa Support
EU/EEA: no visa. Non-EU: Greek student visa — apply at Greek consulate 8 weeks before arrival.
👥Buddy System
ESN Athens chapters and NKUA Buddy Programme pair exchange students with Greek volunteers.
🧭Orientation Week
NKUA International Welcome and ESN Athens 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. Register with local KEP (Citizens Service Centre) if staying over 3 months.
- Non-EU: Greek student visa — apply at Greek consulate 8 weeks before.
- Get Athens Metro/Bus transport card (rechargeable).
- Open Greek bank account or use Revolut/N26 — needed for rent and deposits.
Academics & courses at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
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 NKUA online portal. English-taught courses available for exchange students. Faculty-specific registration 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 exams at end of semester. Oral exams in law and humanities. Exam period can extend into February/July.
📚Library Access
NKUA Central Library and faculty libraries — good collections, digital access with student card.
Tuition & fees at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
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 NKUA (pay home institution fees only) | Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition. Athens living costs: €700–1,000/month — affordable European capital. |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | €0 (Greek public university) | Greek public universities are free for all students in Greek-taught programmes. |
| Full degree – non-EU (English track) | €1,500–3,000/year | Some English-taught programmes charge fees. Most Greek-language programmes remain free. |
€0 to NKUA (pay home institution fees only)
Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition. Athens living costs: €700–1,000/month — affordable European capital.
€0 (Greek public university)
Greek public universities are free for all students in Greek-taught programmes.
€1,500–3,000/year
Some English-taught programmes charge fees. Most Greek-language programmes remain free.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
Housing near National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Athens
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
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
NKUA student health service — basic medical and psychological support.
🧠Mental Health
NKUA psychological support services — free sessions for enrolled students.
EHIC + EOPYY registration
Free after AMKA/PAAYPA registration
EU students can register for Greek public health access — good for stays over 3 months.
Private insurance
€150–400/year
Required for non-EU student visa.
Student life at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
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 Athens
- NKUA Sport
- Faculty associations
Buddy Program
ESN Athens buddy programme pairs exchange students with Greek volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- NKUA Sport Centre
- Running at Panathenaic Stadium area
- Day-trips to Cape Sounion and Greek islands
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend NKUA International Welcome and ESN Athens orientation.
- Get AMKA/PAAYPA number (Greek health registration) — needed for healthcare and banking.
- Get Athens transport card (rechargeable) for metro, tram, and bus.
- Visit the Acropolis at dawn — fewer tourists and extraordinary light.
Key exchange dates at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
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 NKUA Erasmus agreement in your faculty.
-
2
Nomination (Winter semester)
June 30
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to NKUA.
-
3
International Welcome
October
Attend for registration, AMKA, transport card, and ESN events.
-
4
Exam period
February / June–July
Confirm exam dates before booking return travel.