The Glory and Legacy of Greece’s Oldest Institution of Higher Learning
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), founded in 1837, is Greece’s oldest and largest public research university. Named after Ioannis Kapodistrias, Greece’s first governor, the university’s main campus is located at 30 Panepistimiou Street, northeast of the Acropolis of Athens, in the heart of the cradle of European civilization.
As the first modern university in the Balkans and the central Mediterranean region, NKUA brings together Greece’s finest academic resources. The university comprises 32 schools, 111 master’s programs, 158 laboratories, 69 affiliated clinics (belonging to four university hospitals) and six large-scale libraries, with a faculty and staff of 2,400. This academic institution, with nearly two centuries of history, attracts a large number of students from around the world seeking advanced studies in the humanities, medicine, law, science and engineering, and theology. a highly recognized National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Degree from Greece
Consistently Ranked Among the Best Internationally, with Outstanding Research Achievements
NKUA performs impressively in authoritative international rankings. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, it ranked 390th globally and 2nd among Greek universities; In the 2026 U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings, it ranked 216th globally and first among the 28 participating universities in Greece and Cyprus. In the 2025 NTU “World University Research Performance Rankings,” NKUA ranked 191st globally, making it the only Greek university to rank among the top 200 in all seven internationally recognized comprehensive rankings. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), NKUA is ranked in the 501–600 range globally.
At the subject level, NKUA’s Immunology is ranked 85th globally, Clinical Medicine 96th, and Pharmacy and Toxicology 102nd. Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences ranks 174th, Space Sciences 180th, and Molecular Biology and Genetics 184th. Philosophy, Law, Medicine, and Economics are NKUA’s traditional strengths; the Department of Philosophy is ranked 186th globally in Arts and Humanities by Times Higher Education–QS and enjoys a very high reputation within Greece.
Admission Requirements and Study Abroad Costs: A Rational Choice in Athens
NKUA implements a rigorous yet inclusive admission policy for international students. Undergraduate applicants must hold a high school diploma and be approved through the Greek application process to enroll; graduate applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Most undergraduate courses are taught in Greek, while the graduate level offers a wide range of English-taught programs covering cutting-edge fields such as international relations, biomedicine, and computer science.
As the capital of Greece and a historical and cultural hub of the European Union, Athens offers a cost of living significantly lower than that of major Western European cities such as London and Paris. Annual living expenses range from approximately 8,000 to 10,000 euros, making it a cost-effective option for studying in Europe. The university offers limited financial aid opportunities for international students through the National Scholarship Agency (IKY) and funds from international organizations; eligible applicants may apply for specific scholarships.
