A month in Athens, in numbers
| Item | Monthly | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Room in a shared flat | EUR 250-400 | More in the centre |
| Studio, on your own | EUR 400-600 | |
| Food | EUR 180-250 | Markets are cheap |
| Transport | EUR 15-30 | Reduced student monthly pass |
| Phone and internet | EUR 15-25 | |
| Electricity and water | EUR 40-80 | Summer cooling, winter heating |
| Personal and other | EUR 60-120 | |
| Total | EUR 500-800 |
Where students actually live
Zografou and Ilisia sit beside the main university campus and are the classic student districts. Exarcheia has long been a student and artist quarter and is cheap. Kypseli and Patissia are the most affordable and the most diverse; Kallithea and Nea Smyrni are quieter and mid-priced. Three metro lines plus buses make getting around straightforward.
The universities
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens — Greece's largest and oldest
- National Technical University of Athens — engineering and architecture
- Athens University of Economics and Business — economics and business
Following Greece's 2024 higher education reform, the number of English-taught master's programmes at public universities has grown substantially and they are open to non-EU students. Fees vary by programme, so read the programme's own page.
Work, honestly
Plainly: student wages in Greece are at the lower end of Europe, and without Greek most jobs are closed. Tourism offers English-language work, especially on the islands in summer, but it is seasonal and does not always fit around study. Check the work conditions on the migration ministry's own pages.
Community
The Bangladeshi community in Athens is large and established, concentrated around Kypseli, Patissia and Omonoia, with Bengali groceries, halal meat, restaurants and mosques. That is real support in your first months — with one caveat: staying entirely inside it slows down both your Greek and your academic network.
The honest bits
- 1A weak labour market. Tuition and major costs will not come from here.
- 2Slow bureaucracy — the residence permit process takes patience.
- 3Very hot summers.
- 4On the other side: low costs, an established community, and time allowed after graduation to look for work.
Before you fly
- 1Confirm the programme really is taught in English and open to non-EU students, from the university's own page.
- 2Budget EUR 1,000-1,500 for the first two months plus deposit.
- 3Read the Greece country guide and the visa guide.
Official sources — check for yourself
- Study in Greece — official portal
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum
Rules and figures change. We review these articles periodically and show the date above, but always confirm the current requirement with the official source before you act on it.
Common questions
How much does a student need per month in Athens?+
Typically EUR 500-800, low for a European capital. Rent falls considerably outside the centre and the weekly shop is inexpensive.
Can I study in English in Greece?+
Yes. Since the 2024 higher education reform the number of English-taught master's programmes at public universities has grown substantially and they are open to non-EU students. Each programme sets its own language and entry conditions, so confirm on the university's own page.
Can I cover my costs by working in Athens?+
Honestly, no — not reliably. Student wages in Greece are at the lower end of Europe and most jobs require Greek. Work can help with spending money; it cannot be the main source for tuition or rent.
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