MBBS In Greece: Entry Requirements, Free Tuition, Scholarships
With riches in history, culture and hospitality, Greece is a popular place for tourists but what about their education? Greece is tops as one of 50 on the QS world rankings for Education, which tells you that studying in Greece is worthwhile. Herein, you will get all the needed information for an MBBS In Greece including Entry Requirements, Free Tuition, Scholarships
Studying in Greece is quite affordable compared to other European countries. Tuition fee for international students from the European Union (EU) is free, As well as international students from non-EU countries have to pay a fee or take advantage of the numerous scholarship opportunities to study for free in Greece.
SEE ALSO: 10 Best Universities in the World to Study Medicine
Studying MBBS in Greece
To be able to study in Greece as an international student, you should either know Greek or be ready to learn it. The known language used in teaching is Greek; students who are not fluent in Greek will be required to take the language courses with their choice of study.
The Olden days Greeks made a lot of contribution to the field of medicine as we know it today. Same as with other courses been taught in Greece, European Union students can study medicine for free in Greece while Non-European students might be asked to pay low-cost to little tuition fees to study medicine in Greece.
General Undergraduate Study Entry Requirements:
Gaining admission for undergraduate study in Greece, you must pass the Greek State Pan-Hellenic Examinations. Applications for Undergraduate studies in Greece are submitted to the Hellenic Ministry of National Education, in July of every year. Applications for EU and Non-EU students applying to study in Greece are different.
Required Documents:
- Two passport-sized photographs
- A secondary education certificate issued by the appropriate body in your country. Kindly note that when your grades are converted using the Greek grading system, you must score at least 10 points out of 20 to be considered for higher education in Greece. You can do the conversion yourself. First, convert your grades from your country of origin to a US grade using some calculators. Then use this other tool to convert your grade using the Greek grading system.
- Certificates to show your citizenship and origin as well as that of your parents.
- A certificate issued by the necessary educational authority in your country that shows that you qualify for tertiary education,
- A formal statement that shows that you haven’t previously taken higher education studies in Greece nor do you hold a degree from a Greek Tertiary education institution.
- A Greek language certificate showing your Greek proficiency.
- All required documents must be translated to Greek and inspected for authenticity by a Greek diplomatic authority in your country or the translation service belonging to Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
General Requirements for Graduate Study Entry
Applications for Master’s degrees and higher studies in Greece are submitted directly to the tertiary institution of your study choice. The following list will guide you to ensure that the requirements for the university of your choice are complete.
Required Documents:
- A copy of your bachelors’ degree.
- Personal statement
- Reference letters
- An English Proficiency certificate (For courses taught in English)
- Transcripts
Tuition Fees and Admission Process in Greece:
Universities in Greece, both public and private, offer different range of educational opportunities for students both domestically and internationally.
Tuition Fees
Public Universities:
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: Public universities in Greece typically do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. There are often small administrative fees (e.g., registration fees) that students need to pay each semester.
International Students: For them, Tuition fees at public universities are not expensive compared to many other European countries. For undergraduate programs, fees generally range from €1,500 to €4,000 per year, depending on the institution and program of study. For postgraduate programs, fees can range from €1,500 to €8,000 per year.
Private Universities:
Private universities in Greece set their own tuition fees, which tend to be higher than those of public universities. The fees can vary significantly depending on the university and the program. Typically, undergraduate tuition fees at private universities start from around €5,000 per year and can go up to €15,000 or more per year for certain specialized programs.
Admission Process
Undergraduate Admission:
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens apply through the Greek national university entrance examination system (Panellinies Examinations). This centralized system assesses students based on their performance in specific subjects related to their chosen field of study.
International Students: International students typically apply directly to the university of their choice. Requirements often include a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, proof of proficiency in Greek or English (depending on the language of instruction), and sometimes standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT).
Postgraduate Admission:
Admission requirements for postgraduate programs differs by university and program. Generally, candidates need relevant undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency, and sometimes professional experience or academic references.
Some programs may require entrance examinations or interviews, especially for competitive fields.
SEE ALSO: Fulbright Scholarship Application 2024 | What to Know
Top Universities in Greece to study MBBS:
- University Of Patras
- University of Macedonia
- Harokopio University
- University of Ioannina
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- University of Crete
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Democritus University of Thrace
- University of Peloponnese
- University of Thessaly
The University of Patras school of medicine has a pharmacy department. They are known for its high quality education and moves itself in its ability to produce and equip the next generation of physicians. The University of Patras also got a teaching hospital that serves the community around and provides its students with hands on practical experience. The University of Patras school of medicine offers undergraduate, graduate and including a six-year MD program, a four-year nursing program, and several master’s and PhD programs.
The University of Macedonia is yet another recognized medical university in Greece, with a strong wills on research. The university is known for its innovative teachings. They offers a 6 years MD program, which covers numerous courses, from the basic sciences to clinical practice, the University of Macedonia also has numerous centers and laboratories, where students conduct research such as Neuroscience, Cardiology, and Oncology. The University of Macedonia is also known for its international collaborations with other universities Globally.
Harokopio University Is a place to study for a medical degree related to nutrition in Greece, Harokopio University is the best option for you. The University pays that special attention to human nutrition and dietetics. The University offers postgraduate degrees in nutrition as well as doctoral programs. Harokopio University also offers a range of other programs, such as nursing and health sciences.
University of Ioannina School of medicine gives you access to known medical professionals, clinics and labs. The university offers 5 postgraduate programmes and accommodates Doctoral programs as well. The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ioannina is in collaboration with multiple universities in Asia, Europe and USA.
5. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of medicine is highly respected in Greece and Worldwide. The University has over 20 medicine related postgraduate degrees and a home to more than 2,500 students, They offer several undergraduate and post graduate programs including a 6 year MD program, 5 year dental program and a variety of masters and Phd programs.
The University of Crete located besides Heraklion, has a well-renowned School of Medicine. The University of Crete has a university teaching hospital where medical students can learn first-hand from real-life situations. The university offers doctoral studies, multiple medicines related postgraduate degrees, some postgraduate degrees are done in collaboration with other universities and are good in clinical research and patient care.
7. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens school of medicine is one of Greece’s best schools of medicine. The school of medicine offers two medicine-related postgraduate degrees (in English), namely Nano-medicine and Molecular Medicine and offers a variety degree programs.
8. Democritus University of Thrace
The Democritus University of Thrace School of Medicine is widely recognized as one of the best medical universities in Greece. The Democritus University of Thrace School of Medicine offer variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a variety of laboratories facilities built for medical research and hands on practical. The School of Medicine at the University is in collaboration with multiple universities internationally.
The University of Peloponnese is one of the newest Medical universities in Greece, having been founded in 2002, although its young age, the University has gained a reputation. with its School of Medicine being recognized as one of the best in the country. The University offers a 6 years MD program, which is done to prepare students for both clinical and research careers. The University also known with a strong research focus, with its faculty members working on research in areas such as Genetics, Oncology, and Regenerative medicine.
The University of Thessaly is a highly recognized Medical university in Greece. This School of Medicine was established in 1984 and has since become one of the top medical schools in the country. The School offers a 6 year MD program, as well as a variety other Medical related programs. The School of Medicine at the University is in collaboration with multiple universities Internationally. The University also known for it research focus with many of its faculty members working research in areas such as Biomedicine, Molecular biology, and Pharmacology.
Scholarships for MBBS in Greece
There are several scholarships for international students to study medicine in Greece, and in Europe generally. Notably is the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation(HFRI) scholarships and grants for doctoral and post-doctoral research students of medicine. There are also university scholarships such as that of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students of medicine.
The Fulbright Foundation Scholarships are also available for U.S.A citizens studying in Greece. It covers partial to full tuition fees, monthly stipend and a number of other benefits.
Jobs and Salary After MBBS in Greece:
It is important to note that in order to legally practice Medicine in Greece, getting a medical license is very important. This means that after successfully completing the relevant medical licensing examination and meeting additional criteria stipulated by the Greek Ministry of Health. This are a list of Job opportunities in Greece for medical graduates.
- Residency Training: After the acquisition of a medical license, the majority of medical graduates in Greece go on to take a residency program in their selected medical field. Residency training is a changing phase in the journey to becoming a specialized physician. The duration of residency training varies based on the chosen medical specialty.
- Medical Specializations: There are different arrays of medical specialties available in Greece, around internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, radiology, cardiology, and numerous others. Your Choice of a specialty will have an effect on your prospective job opportunities and salary.
- Employment Opportunities: After completion of your residency training and achieving specialization in your preferred field, you can explore job opportunities in public hospitals, and private clinics, or establish yourself as an independent practitioner. Numerous healthcare professionals in Greece engage in roles spanning both public and private healthcare environments.
- Public vs. Private Sector: Employments and salaries may differ between the public and private healthcare sectors. Public sector roles often come with Civil servant status, possibly ensuring job security and associated benefits. While private sector positions may offer increased earning potential, they may be influenced by market demand.
- Salary: Compensation for medical professionals in Greece exhibits significant variability, influenced by factors like experience, specialty, geographical location, and the sector of employment. Also salaries can be competitive, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the economic conditions in Greece have encountered challenges in recent years, potentially affecting overall compensation levels.
- Continuing Medical Education: Upholding medical proficiency through Continuing Medical Education (CME) is important for healthcare professionals in Greece. Numerous specialties mandate continuous training and certifications to uphold licensure and remain top of developments in the healthcare field.
- Medical Associations: Been part in Medical associations and organizations pertaining to your specialty offers opportunities for networking and access to resources that can contribute to your career growth.
- Language Skills: Effective communication with patients and colleagues may require proficiency in Greek, depending on your patient population and workplace. If you intend to work in an environment where Greek is spoken, enhancing your language skills may be needed.
SEE ALSO: Free Universities in Switzerland for International students to Study
Conclusion:
We conclude by saying, pursuing an MBBS in Greece presents am opportunity with favorable entry requirements, free tuition for European Union students, and variety off scholarships available for both EU and non EU Students with an attractive environment for those aspiring to advance their Medical studies. Aspiring Medical professionals can find a way to success in Greece, with the help of the accessible entry criteria, cost-effective education, and various scholarship avenues.
