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.
Snapshot
Greece's oldest and most prestigious university (founded 1837) with 70,000 students — a major Erasmus destination in Europe's most historically rich capital city, with strengths in law, medicine, humanities, and natural sciences.
Why students shortlist it
Historic public university in central Athens with broad study options in law, medicine, humanities, sciences and social sciences. Exchange works best for students who check department course lists early and plan around Athens commuting.
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 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.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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
| 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 | €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
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
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.
Campus Services
Student Life
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 Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active NKUA Erasmus agreement in your faculty.
Nomination (Winter semester)
June 30
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to NKUA.
International Welcome
October
Attend for registration, AMKA, transport card, and ESN events.
Exam period
February / June–July
Confirm exam dates before booking return travel.