Greece's university system is smaller than France's or Spain's — and that's an advantage. There are about 25 institutions worth applying to as a Bangladeshi student, and only 8–10 really matter. This guide ranks them by what counts for BD applicants: English-taught Master's availability, public tuition affordability, BD-student track record, and post-study work outcomes in Greek industries (shipping, tourism, tech). 100% free guidance from Teesta Tech — the leading study abroad consultancy in Chittagong.
1. How to Pick a Greek University as a BD Student
Greece's higher-education landscape has three clear tiers, and confusing them is the most common mistake.
| Tier | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Public universities (state-funded) | €1,500–€4,500/year | Research-oriented students, STEM, humanities, lowest budget |
| Private US-accredited institutions | €8,500–€14,000/year | Career-focused students wanting US-style undergrad + American degree |
| UK branch campuses in Greece | £9,250–£12,000/year | Students who want a UK degree at Greek living cost |
2. Top Public Universities (Best Value for BD Students)
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
QS World Rank: Top 350 · Tuition (English Master's): €1,500–€3,000/year
Greece's oldest and largest university, founded in 1837. Especially strong in archaeology, classical studies, economics, law, medicine, and political science. Growing English Master's portfolio in business administration, public health, and international studies. Located in central Athens — easy access to Greek capital's job market.
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh)
QS World Rank: Top 500 · Tuition (English Master's): €1,500–€3,500/year
Largest university in the Balkans with 70,000+ students. Strongest in engineering, computer science, neuroscience, and economics. Thessaloniki is significantly cheaper than Athens (€550–€800/month) and has a vibrant student culture. AUTh has the largest English Master's portfolio of any Greek public university.
National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)
QS World Rank: Top 350 · Tuition (English Master's): €3,500–€4,500/year
Greece's #1 engineering school and one of the oldest in Europe (founded 1837). Especially strong in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, naval architecture, and architecture. NTUA's English Master's programmes are highly competitive — strong academic profile and IELTS 6.5+ usually required.
University of Crete (Heraklion / Rethymno)
QS World Rank: Top 600 · Tuition: €1,500–€3,000/year
Top destination for physics, mathematics, computer science, and marine biology. Affiliated with FORTH (Foundation for Research and Technology — Greece's premier research institution). Heraklion is among the cheapest Greek cities (€500–€700/month). Strong academic reputation in basic sciences.
Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB)
Tuition (English Master's): €4,000–€8,000/year
Greece's top business school in the public sector. English Master's in finance, marketing, business analytics, international business, and supply chain. Strong placement record in Greek banking, shipping, and tech. Smaller and more selective than NKUA or AUTh.
University of Patras
QS World Rank: Top 800 · Tuition: €1,500–€3,000/year
Third-largest Greek university; strong in engineering, pharmacy, biology, and computer science. Patras is the cheapest major university city in Greece (€500–€700/month). Less English programme variety than NKUA or AUTh, but solid for STEM.
University of the Aegean (Mytilene + island campuses)
Tuition: €2,000–€3,500/year
Multi-campus university across Greek islands. Specialised in maritime studies, tourism, environmental sciences, and Mediterranean studies. Unique location offering combined academic + Mediterranean lifestyle. Smaller English portfolio but good niche options.
University of Piraeus
Tuition: €2,500–€4,000/year
Specialised in maritime studies, shipping management, finance, and statistics. Piraeus is Europe's largest port — direct industry pipelines for shipping graduates. Strong choice if you're targeting Greek shipping companies (Greece controls 20%+ of world merchant fleet).
3. Top Private & International Institutions
The American College of Greece (DEREE) — Athens
Tuition: €10,500–€12,500/year (Bachelor's) · €8,500–€14,000 total (Master's)
Greece's largest private university and the largest American-style college in Europe. Bachelor's and Master's degrees validated by US accreditation (NECHE) and validated by the Open University UK. Strong career services, internship programmes, and US-style liberal arts education. Particularly popular with Bangladeshi students wanting a US-pattern degree at Greek living cost.
CITY College — University of York Europe Campus (Thessaloniki)
Tuition: £9,250/year (Bachelor's) · £11,500 total (Master's)
Official University of York campus in Greece. You graduate with a University of York (UK) degree while studying in Thessaloniki at Greek living costs. Specialises in business, computer science, psychology, and English studies.
The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT)
Tuition: €9,500–€11,000/year
US-accredited liberal arts and business college in Thessaloniki. Bachelor's degrees in business, computer science, IT, English, international relations. Smaller community feel than DEREE — typically 1,200 students.
ALBA Graduate Business School (Athens)
Tuition: €11,500–€18,000 total (Master's/MBA)
Greece's top private business school, affiliated with American College of Greece. English-taught MBA, Master's in Strategic HR Management, Banking and Finance, and Tourism & Hospitality Management. Strong corporate placement record.
Hellenic American University
Tuition: €8,500–€12,000/year
US-accredited graduate-focused university in Athens. Specialised English-taught Master's in business administration, applied informatics, conflict management, and TESOL. Smaller and more flexible than DEREE.
Perrotis College — American Farm School (Thessaloniki)
Tuition: €8,500–€10,000/year
Specialised in agribusiness, food science, environmental management, and sustainable agriculture. Niche but unique — popular with Bangladeshi students from agricultural backgrounds.
Want help shortlisting your Greek universities?
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Get University Shortlist →4. Specialised & Niche Programmes
- Athens School of Fine Arts — Premier institution for visual arts, sculpture, painting
- Harokopio University (Athens) — Nutrition, dietetics, home economics, geography
- Agricultural University of Athens — Agribusiness, food science, animal science
- Athens University of Applied Sciences (UNIWA) — Engineering, IT, business at applied level
- Ionian University (Corfu) — Music, archives and library science, foreign languages
5. Universities with the Largest BD Student Communities
If having a Bangladeshi peer network matters to you, target these institutions:
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) — Engineering, computer science, business
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) — Multiple disciplines
- DEREE — American College of Greece — Business, computer science, communications
- University of Patras — Engineering, computer science, pharmacy
- NTUA — Engineering (for top-tier academic profiles)
- CITY College Thessaloniki — Business, computer science, psychology
6. How to Apply — Timeline
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| 10–12 months before intake | Take IELTS / TOEFL; finalise SOP and CV |
| 7–8 months before | Shortlist universities; check specific entry requirements |
| 5–6 months before | Submit university applications (rolling admissions for most) |
| 4 months before | Receive acceptance letters; pay tuition deposit |
| 3 months before | Apostille all documents at Bangladesh Foreign Ministry |
| 2–3 months before | Book Greek Embassy appointment in Delhi; apply for Indian transit visa |
| 1–2 months before | Travel to Delhi · submit visa file · receive visa |