Universities in Greece ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 26 Universities in Greece

The Hellenic Republic is divided into 13 regions, which are further subdivided into regional units. The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Attica region, which encompasses the entire metropolitan area of Athens, the capital and largest city of the country. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all regions that include at least one Greek higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Attica (11)  
Central Macedonia (4)  
Crete (3)  
East Macedonia and Thrace (1)  
Epirus (1)  
Ionian Islands (1)  
North Aegean (1)  
Peloponnese (1)  
Thessaly (1)  
Western Greece (1)  
Western Macedonia (1)  

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Overview of Greece Universities

Greece's higher education system operates under the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, featuring 26 universities accredited by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education. The landscape is dominated by public institutions (92.3%) with minimal private presence. Greek universities follow the Bologna Process, offering undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs primarily taught in Greek, though English-medium programs are expanding. Key characteristics include strong emphasis on theoretical foundations, tuition-free education for EU students at public universities and historic institutions dating back to the 19th century. Most universities are comprehensive, though specialized institutions focus on technology, economics and specific regional needs.

Top 10 Greece Universities

1. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών | UOA): Located in Athens, Attica. Established 1837. Public comprehensive university. Ranked #1 in Greece and #329 globally.
2. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης | AUTh): Located in Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia. Established 1925. Public comprehensive university. Ranked #2 in Greece and #375 globally.
3. National Technical University of Athens (Εθνικό Μετσόβιο Πολυτεχνείο | NTUA): Located in Athens, Attica. Established 1836. Public technology-specialized university. Ranked #3 in Greece and #626 globally.
4. University of Patras (Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών | UP): Located in Patras, Western Greece. Established 1964. Public comprehensive university. Ranked #4 in Greece and #801 globally.
5. University of Crete (Πανεπιστήμιο Κρήτης | UOC): Located in Rethymno, Crete. Established 1973. Public comprehensive university. Ranked #5 in Greece and #907 globally.
6. University of Thessaly (Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλίας | UTH): Located in Volos, Thessaly. Established 1984. Public comprehensive university. Ranked #6 in Greece and #1137 globally.
7. Athens University of Economics and Business (Οικονομικό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών | AUEB): Located in Athens, Attica. Established 1920. Public business-specialized university. Ranked #7 in Greece and #1290 globally.
8. University of Ioannina (Πανεπιστήμιο Ιωαννίνων | UOI): Located in Ioannina, Epirus. Established 1970. Public comprehensive university. Ranked #8 in Greece and #1357 globally.
9. University of the Aegean (Πανεπιστήμιο Αιγαίου | Uaegean): Located in Mytilene, North Aegean. Established 1984. Public comprehensive university. Ranked #9 in Greece and #1433 globally.
10. International Hellenic University (Διεθνές Πανεπιστήμιο Ελλάδος | IHU): Located in Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia. Established 2005. Public comprehensive university. Ranked #10 in Greece and #1477 globally.

Analysis of University Types

Greece's 26 universities show overwhelming public sector dominance. Public institutions account for 24 universities (92.3% of the sector), while only 2 universities (7.7%) are private. This distribution reflects Greece's historic model of state-funded higher education with limited private participation.

Global Ranking and Standing

Greek universities demonstrate notable global presence, with 5 institutions (19.2% of national universities) ranking within the world's top 1000. However, no Greek universities currently appear in the global top 200 (0% representation). The highest-ranked institution, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, holds position #329 worldwide, highlighting Greece's competitive position in European higher education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Greece's top-ranked university?
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens consistently ranks as Greece's #1 institution (uniRank CountryRank #1, WorldRank #329).

Are Greek public universities free?
Yes, public universities offer tuition-free education for EU/EEA students. Private institutions charge tuition fees and represent only 7.7% of Greece's university sector.

Which Greek university specializes in technology?
National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) is Greece's premier technology-focused institution, ranked #3 nationally and #626 globally.

Where are most Greek universities located?
Athens hosts the highest concentration, including top-ranked National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and National Technical University of Athens.

Do Greek universities teach programs in English?
Many universities offer English-taught postgraduate programs, particularly at International Hellenic University (#10 in Greece) and other top-ranked institutions.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Greek universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Greece
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Greek post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Greece
  Search for Greek higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Greek Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Greek town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Greece
  Discover Greek public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Greece
  Find out about Greek private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Greece
  Explore Greek not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Greece
  Look for Greek for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Greek Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Greece have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Greek Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Greece that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Greek Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Greece are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Greek Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Greece with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.