10 Best Scholarships in Greece 2026 for International Students

Greece is quickly becoming one of the most affordable and underrated study destinations in Europe. With low tuition fees, internationally recognized universities, rich cultural history, and increasing opportunities for foreign students, many international applicants are now searching for the best scholarships in Greece for international students in 2026.

If you want to study in Europe without spending a fortune, these fully funded and partially funded scholarships in Greece can help cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, travel expenses, health insurance, and research grants.

In this guide, you will discover the top scholarships in Greece 2026, eligibility requirements, benefits, application deadlines, and how to apply successfully.

Why Study in Greece in 2026?

Before diving into the scholarships, here are some reasons why international students are choosing Greece:

  • Affordable universities compared to other European countries
  • Low cost of living for students
  • Growing number of English-taught programs
  • Access to the European education system
  • Rich historical and cultural experience
  • Opportunities for Erasmus and EU-funded research

Many students searching for:

  • Fully funded scholarships in Europe
  • Cheap universities in Europe
  • Study abroad scholarships 2026
  • Master’s scholarships in Greece
  • PhD scholarships in Europe

…are now considering Greece as a smart alternative.

1. Greek Government Scholarships (IKY Scholarships)

One of the most prestigious scholarships in Greece is offered by the Greek State Scholarships Foundation (IKY). These scholarships support undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research students from different countries.

Scholarship Benefits

  • Full or partial tuition coverage
  • Monthly stipend
  • Research funding
  • Accommodation support
  • Health insurance in some cases

Eligible Programs

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • PhD programs
  • Research fellowships

Who Can Apply?

  • International students
  • Excellent academic performers
  • Students with strong research backgrounds

Why It’s Popular

The IKY Scholarship is highly searched because it offers access to top Greek universities while significantly reducing study costs.

2. Fulbright Greece Scholarship Program

The Fulbright Greece Program is among the best fully funded scholarships available for international researchers and graduate students. It supports academic exchange between Greece and several countries, especially the United States.

Scholarship Coverage

  • Tuition fees
  • Monthly allowance
  • Travel expenses
  • Health benefits
  • Research grants

Best For

  • Master’s students
  • PhD candidates
  • Researchers
  • Academic professionals

High Demand Fields

  • International relations
  • Archaeology
  • Education
  • Public policy
  • Cultural studies

This scholarship is especially attractive for students searching for:

  • Study in Europe for free
  • Fully funded master’s scholarships
  • PhD scholarships abroad

3. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships in Greece

Several Greek universities participate in the Erasmus Mundus program, one of the biggest scholarship schemes in Europe.

What the Scholarship Covers

  • Full tuition fees
  • Monthly stipend
  • Airfare tickets
  • Visa expenses
  • Travel insurance

Degree Levels

  • Mainly Master’s programs
  • Some joint doctoral programs

Top Advantage

Students study in multiple European countries while earning a joint degree.

Popular Courses

  • Environmental science
  • Maritime studies
  • Engineering
  • Economics
  • Artificial intelligence

For students targeting high-paying careers, this scholarship is excellent because many Erasmus graduates secure jobs in:

  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Data science
  • International business

4. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Scholarships

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki offers several scholarship opportunities for international students through grants, donations, and academic partnerships.

Financial Benefits

  • Tuition reduction
  • Merit-based funding
  • Research grants
  • Housing support

Available Programs

  • Undergraduate
  • Postgraduate
  • Doctoral studies

Best Courses

  • Medicine
  • Engineering
  • Humanities
  • Agriculture
  • Computer science

This university is one of the largest in Greece and attracts thousands of foreign students yearly.

5. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Scholarships

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens provides scholarships and financial aid opportunities for outstanding international students.

Scholarship Features

  • Partial tuition waivers
  • Academic excellence awards
  • Need-based support
  • International mobility grants

Why Students Love It

  • Located in Athens
  • Strong international reputation
  • Diverse academic programs
  • Excellent research facilities

Top Fields

  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Political science

6. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Scholarships

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation supports educational development and research opportunities for talented students.

Scholarship Benefits

  • Full or partial funding
  • Leadership development
  • Research support
  • International networking opportunities

Best For

  • Graduate students
  • Researchers
  • Students with leadership potential

This scholarship is highly competitive and ideal for ambitious students looking to build global careers.

7. University of Crete Scholarships

University of Crete offers financial support for international students in selected academic departments.

Funding Includes

  • Tuition support
  • Monthly allowance
  • Research assistance
  • Laboratory funding

Popular Programs

  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Medicine
  • Computer science

Why It Stands Out

The university is known for strong scientific research and international collaborations.

8. International Hellenic University Scholarships

International Hellenic University provides scholarships specifically designed for international students enrolled in English-taught programs.

Key Benefits

  • Reduced tuition fees
  • Merit scholarships
  • Accommodation support
  • Internship opportunities

Most Popular Courses

  • Business administration
  • Cybersecurity
  • Energy systems
  • Hospitality management

This is a strong option for students seeking career-oriented programs in Europe.

9. Bodossaki Foundation Scholarships

The Bodossaki Foundation is one of Greece’s major educational foundations supporting postgraduate studies and research.

Coverage

  • Tuition assistance
  • Research grants
  • Academic sponsorship

Ideal Candidates

  • High-achieving students
  • Researchers
  • Graduate students

Strong Academic Areas

  • Engineering
  • Economics
  • Health sciences
  • Social sciences

10. Study in Greece Scholarship Opportunities Platform

The official “Study in Greece” platform lists various scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities from universities and institutions across the country.

What You’ll Find

  • Government scholarships
  • University grants
  • Research funding
  • Exchange programs
  • Short-term mobility scholarships

Why You Should Check It

New scholarship opportunities are added regularly, making it one of the best resources for international students planning to study in Greece.

Documents Required for Greece Scholarships 2026

Most scholarship applications in Greece require:

  • International passport
  • Academic transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Recommendation letters
  • CV/Resume
  • English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Research proposal (for PhD applicants)

Some universities may accept applications without IELTS if your previous education was in English.

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship in Greece

1. Maintain Strong Academic Scores

Most scholarships prioritize excellent grades.

2. Write a Powerful Motivation Letter

Your SOP should explain:

  • Your goals
  • Why Greece
  • Your career vision
  • Why you deserve funding

3. Apply Early

Many scholarship deadlines close months before admission periods.

4. Target High-Demand Courses

Programs in:

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Finance
  • Data science
  • Medicine
  • Engineering
  • Maritime studies

…often attract more funding opportunities.

Cost of Living in Greece for International Students

Compared to countries like the UK, Canada, and Germany, Greece is relatively affordable.

Average Monthly Costs

  • Accommodation: €250–€600
  • Food: €150–€300
  • Transport: €30–€80
  • Utilities: €50–€100

Students can comfortably live on a moderate budget, especially outside Athens.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an affordable European country with quality education and scholarship opportunities, Greece should be high on your list in 2026.

From fully funded government scholarships to university grants and Erasmus funding, international students now have multiple ways to study in Greece without financial stress.

Whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree, master’s program, or PhD research, these scholarships can open doors to world-class education and international career opportunities.