Studying in Greece? Get ready for more than just textbooks and exams—think olive groves, ancient ruins, and beach weekends. We’ve got you covered completely!
But before you’re dodging philosophers in the agora, you’ll need a student visa. Read on to get the lowdown on securing your golden ticket to Greek student life.
Let’s dive in!
A student visa is a type of Visa that allows foreign nationals to come into Greece for the purpose of studying.
Student Visa is provided to those students who have been admitted to a Greek educational institution and those who have completed all necessary documents.
The student visa allows the holder to study in Greece or a specific period of time and renew their visa if needed.
To apply for a student visa to Greece, you need to visit the Greek Embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Information regarding the Greek embassy or consulate can be accessed through the official website of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
You are required to book an appointment with the embassy before time and have the necessary documents needed to be submitted, which typically include proof of enrollment to the institute, passport, visa or and proof of efficient funds as a student.
The embassy or consulate will review your application and if approved, issue a student visa which allows you to travel and study in Greece.
Students from across the globe can apply for Student Visa in Greece. However, there are some requirements that needed to be tend to beforehand:
You need to get an acceptance letter from the university or institution in Greece where you will be studying.
You need a valid passport that will not expire for at least six months.
You have to fill out a visa application form correctly and completely.
You will need to provide some recent, passport-sized photographs that meet the specific requirements.
You should have enough funds to support yourself financially and your education. The amount varies by institution.
You must purchase health insurance covering the whole period of your stay in Greece.
High school certificate/diploma, transcripts, and proof of English proficiency may be required.
Sometimes applicants must provide a police clearance certificate or criminal record check.
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you will need to submit them to the Greek embassy or consulate in your country.
It’s important to note that the requirements for a student visa in Greece can vary from country to country, and the process may change depending on the situation.
Therefore, it is important to consult your Greek Embassy or consulate before time.
There are two types of Greek visas for studying:
This visa allows foreign nationals to study in Greece and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days. This visa is suitable for short-term courses, summer school programs or research activities.
This visa is for students planning to study in Greece for more than 90 days. It is valid for the entire duration of your studies provided that you have registered with the Greek immigration authorities.
You should apply for the appropriate visa type based on your length of stay and the nature of your studies. For instance, if you plan to study in Greece for more than 90 days, a National Long–Stay visa is the most suitable option.
A Schengen Greece student visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to travel to Greece and other Schengen countries for the purpose of studying in Greece.
This visa allows the holder to enter and exit any of the Schengen member countries during the validity period of the visa.
If you plan to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a National Long-Stay visa, which is a student visa that allows students to stay in Greece for the entire duration of their studies.
To apply for either a Schengen Greece student visa or a National Long-Stay visa, you will have to visit the nearest Greek embassy or consulate in your country of residence and provide the required documents.
The requirements and application processes may change according to your home country and the educational institution in Greece where you plan to study.
To apply or student Visa in Greece, you need to follow these steps that will help guide you:
Find a recognized institution in Greece where you plan to study. Ensure that the institution is authorized by the Greek government and provides courses that are suitable for foreigners.
After receiving confirmation from the educational institute, you need to obtain a certificate of acceptance or registration as a student from the institution.
Gather necessary documents including a valid passport, proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Greece, and proof of medical insurance that covers your entire stay in Greece.
Visit the website of the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country and download the visa application form for the student visa.
Fill out your form accurately and completely. Ensure that you have provided all the necessary information, including your full name, passport details, address, and contact information.
Submit your completely filled form and supporting documents to the nearest Greek embassy or consulate in your home country.
While applying for a student visa in Greece, you may be required to attend an interview at the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country.
The purpose of the interview is to assess the validity of your application and to ensure you meet the requirements of the student visa.
After you have submitted your application, it may take several weeks to process your visa. Once your application is approved, you will receive the student visa in your passport.
You can then travel to Greece and register with the Greek immigration authorities.
As a Greece Student Visa holder here are some things to have a thorough follow up with:
Before traveling to Greece, you will have to go through a visa application process. You need to apply for a student visa to Greece from your home country.
A Greek student visa usually lasts for one year. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll have to renew it before it expires.
You can only obtain a Greek student visa if you are officially enrolled in a Greek University or College.
You will need to provide some essential documents during your visa application process. These include a valid passport, proof of admission to a Greek educational institution, and evidence of sufficient financial resources.
Greek law requires that all international students studying in Greece have health insurance. Make sure that your insurance policy meets the policy requirements while staying in Greece.
As a student visa holder in Greece, you can work up to 20 hours per week during your academic term. But outside of term time, you can work full time.
It’s a good idea to research and look for accommodation options before arriving in Greece as an international student.
As an international student, you must follow all the regulations and laws of Greek society during your stay to maintain your visa status.
The fee for a student visa to Greece may vary depending on your country of origin, the type of visa, and the duration of your stay.
The Visa fee is €60 for short stay and €180 for long stay visa. However, some waiver is offered to students. The Visa fees is non–reimbursable and the application will not get the amount back in case of rejection.
It’s best to check with the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country for the exact fee and any additional costs that may be associated with your visa application.
The processing time for a Greece student visa may vary depending on your country of origin, the type of visa, and the volume of applications being processed at the time of your application.
In general, it’s best to allow at least 4-6 weeks for processing, but it’s advisable to check with the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country to confirm the current processing times and any other relevant information.
You should also make sure to submit your application well in advance of your intended travel dates, as processing times can be longer during peak travel periods.
Hopefully this guide can help you plan better for your student visa application!
You’ve made it to the end of the academic marathon—almost. With this guide, securing a student visa for Greece is now less Greek tragedy and more comedy.
Pack your bags and your ambition, because Greece is waiting. Let the learning (and the ouzo) flow!
Study Sorted!
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