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Greece’s capital and largest city, Athens has a history dating back thousands of years. The city has been called the cradle of western civilisation as well as the birthplace of democracy.
The classical city-state of Athens has been transformed into a busy modern metropolis, home to around 34 percent of Greece’s total population.
Considered the birthplace of modern thinking, Athens is home to some of Greece’s most prestigious universities, which are included in the QS World University Rankings.
In fact, in the student survey, Athens’ affordability is frequently mentioned, with one individual saying, “in contrast to other European cities, Athens is much more affordable.” Another respondent praised “the weather and the nightlife.”
With a low cost of living and tuition fees, Athens is incredibly affordable for students.
The people
The friendliness and hospitality of the Greek people is widely known around the world.
The nightlife
As it gets dark, the city’s cafés turn into bars and friends rush to the Gazi district to dance and drink in its nightclubs.
The sights
Enjoy the city’s amazing monuments, including the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis.
Cost of studying in Athens?
Athens earns a high score in the affordability indicator, due to its relatively low tuition fees and inexpensive cost of living.
For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre would cost you only US$470 per month, compared to US$1,400 for the same thing in France’s capital, Paris.
Home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (including the world-famous Acropolis), the city retains much of its classical heritage, with many ancient monuments such as the famous Parthenon. Athens is a city that certainly mixes old and new – you can’t walk the streets without seeing reminders of its fascinating history.
As well as exploring one of the oldest cultures in the world, you could also spend time enjoying the city’s lively nightlife, delicious Greek food, great shops, its long tradition in sports, as well as theater and entertainment.
Greek people are noted for their warmth and friendliness and, if you fancy more exploration, the city is just a quick ferry ride away from beautiful Greek islands such as Kea and Aegina.
Careers in Athens
Finding a job in Athens isn’t exactly easy. The Greek economy is still recovering financially and the unemployment rate is high. Despite this, there is a growing demand for specialised skilled workers, particularly in the technology sector.
If you’re looking to work in Athens after graduation, tourism accounts for around a fifth of Greece’s GDP so there is often work in the hospitality, retail and transportation industries.
However, it’s worth noting that it’s significantly more difficult to find work in Greece if you come from outside the EU/EEA.
The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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Study in Athens
Sabrina Collier
Updated Jul 24, 2025Save
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Greece’s capital and largest city, Athens has a history dating back thousands of years. The city has been called the cradle of western civilisation as well as the birthplace of democracy.
The classical city-state of Athens has been transformed into a busy modern metropolis, home to around 34 percent of Greece’s total population.
Considered the birthplace of modern thinking, Athens is home to some of Greece’s most prestigious universities, which are included in the QS World University Rankings.
In fact, in the student survey, Athens’ affordability is frequently mentioned, with one individual saying, “in contrast to other European cities, Athens is much more affordable.” Another respondent praised “the weather and the nightlife.”
Top universities in Athens
QS World University Rank
QS World University Rank
QS World University Rank
Athens' QS Best Student Cities performance
Why study in Athens?
The low cost of living
With a low cost of living and tuition fees, Athens is incredibly affordable for students.
The people
The friendliness and hospitality of the Greek people is widely known around the world.
The nightlife
As it gets dark, the city’s cafés turn into bars and friends rush to the Gazi district to dance and drink in its nightclubs.
The sights
Enjoy the city’s amazing monuments, including the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis.
Cost of studying in Athens?
Athens earns a high score in the affordability indicator, due to its relatively low tuition fees and inexpensive cost of living.
For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre would cost you only US$470 per month, compared to US$1,400 for the same thing in France’s capital, Paris.
Testimonials
Life & culture in Athens
Home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (including the world-famous Acropolis), the city retains much of its classical heritage, with many ancient monuments such as the famous Parthenon. Athens is a city that certainly mixes old and new – you can’t walk the streets without seeing reminders of its fascinating history.
As well as exploring one of the oldest cultures in the world, you could also spend time enjoying the city’s lively nightlife, delicious Greek food, great shops, its long tradition in sports, as well as theater and entertainment.
Greek people are noted for their warmth and friendliness and, if you fancy more exploration, the city is just a quick ferry ride away from beautiful Greek islands such as Kea and Aegina.
Careers in Athens
Finding a job in Athens isn’t exactly easy. The Greek economy is still recovering financially and the unemployment rate is high. Despite this, there is a growing demand for specialised skilled workers, particularly in the technology sector.
If you’re looking to work in Athens after graduation, tourism accounts for around a fifth of Greece’s GDP so there is often work in the hospitality, retail and transportation industries.
However, it’s worth noting that it’s significantly more difficult to find work in Greece if you come from outside the EU/EEA.
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The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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