To apply for a program at the University of Crete, you can follow these steps:

1. Find a study program that interests you and check if you meet the eligibility criteria. Each program has its own characteristics and requirements. You can find a list of all English-speaking international students’ programs on our website here.
2. Visit the websites of the programs you’re interested in to gather information about their qualities, prospects, tuition fees (if applicable), and options for distance-teaching. Make sure to also check the required degrees and qualifications for acceptance.
3. Once you’ve chosen a program, you can try the application process. Most programs are free to apply.
4. If you’re applying as an Erasmus student, please note that you need to be nominated by your home university before applying to the University of Crete. Check with your study advisor or Erasmus/International Office at your home university to see if there is an agreement with us in your subject area.
5. If you’re applying for an exchange program or other opportunities at the University of Crete, such as studies, placements in labs, or clinical clerkships, check with your study advisor or International Office at your home university for information on exchange programs in your field of study. You can also contact us for more information here.

Please note that if you’re a non-EU resident and need a visa, you should apply for a visa at your local Greek embassy or consulate before starting your travel plans. Each consulate may have specific requirements for issuing a visa.

For a complete visiting guide please check our website: Visiting Guide

To study at the University of Crete, a certified B2 level of knowledge is required for English language proficiency. For programs taught in Greek, the University offers Modern Greek language courses throughout the year of different levels: Beginner (A1-A2), Intermediate (B1-B2), Advanced (C1-C2). For more information on these courses, please visit here.

We recommend checking the websites of your programs of interest for specific information about scholarships and financial aid opportunities. 

At the University of Crete, we use a credit system to measure academic progress. Each course is assigned a certain number of credits based on its workload and complexity. The credit system allows students to accumulate credits as they successfully complete courses. The total number of credits required for graduation varies depending on the program of study. The grading system at the University of Crete is as follows:

• 8.50 to 10: Excellent
• 6.50 to 8.49: Very Good
• 5.00 to 6.49: Good
• 0 to 4.99: Fail

Credits are earned based on the grades received in each course, and they contribute to the overall GPA (Grade Point Average). The credit system helps students track their progress and ensures a standardized measurement of academic achievement. If you have any specific questions about the credit system or need more information, please feel free to ask.

Yes, you can transfer credits from another university. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) helps students keep track of their achievements and ensures that an Erasmus exchange counts towards their degree. The University of Crete has agreements with other universities for credit transfer. Please check with your study advisor or Erasmus/International Office at your home university to see if there is an agreement with the University of Crete in your subject area.

The deadlines for application submissions vary depending on the program. It is best to visit the specific program’s website or contact the postgraduate secretary of the department for more information on the deadlines.

Yes, the University of Crete offers meal plans. 

Dining is offered at three restaurants of University of Crete.

Gallos Campus in Rethymno Student Center, Voutes Campus in Heraklion Medical School, Voutes Campus in Heraklion.

Restaurant Operating Hours:

Breakfast 08:00 – 10:00

Lunch 12:30 – 16:30

Dinner 19:00 – 21:30

The University of Crete’s restaurants operate daily, including weekends, offering breakfast, a full lunch, and dinner.

Meal Costs:

Beneficiaries of free meals show their academic ID, which is used as a meal card, exclusively by the eligible student, and meals are provided for free. For other students, academic and administrative staff, and visitors of the University of Crete, the following price list applies:

Breakfast €1.10

Menu 1. Vegetarian, legumes €2.25

Menu 2. Chicken, Minced meat €2.35

Menu 3. Meat, Fish €2.45 Extra Salad €0.80

Dessert (Sweet or Fruit) €0.50

Cheese, Feta €1.05

Full guest menu €4.20

Menus 1,2,3 include: the main dish, garnish, salad, and dessert.

Beverage Price List (paid extra):

Small water €0.30

Large water €0.50

Sodas, juices €1.05

Amita Motion juice €1.35

Nestea tea €1.55

Economic Offers – Restaurant Cards:

7-day calendar card €15.80 Sold by the restaurants every Monday lasting from that Monday to the Sunday of the current week of purchase.

15-day calendar card €33.90 sold by the restaurants every 1st and 16th of the current month lasting for the fortnight of the current month of purchase.

The restaurants operate every day of the week from September 1st each year until the end of the spring semester exams announced by each School (Government Gazette 1965/B/18-6-2012, Ministerial Decision Φ5/68535/Β3 article 3).

The restaurants operate as a self-service for food distribution.

The restaurants remain closed during Christmas holidays (24/12 to 6/1) and Easter (2 weeks)  while there is no free dining during the Summer break.

During the summer break, the Medical School’s dining hall in Voutes Heraklion offers the normal number of meals and operates at least from 13:00 to 15:00 and from 19:00 to 21:00 from Monday to Friday and at least from 13:00 to 16:00 on Saturday and Sunday.

During the summer break, the Rethymno dining hall offers only one meal a day, without choice, and operates at least from 12:00 to 16:00, Monday through Friday.

At the University of Crete, we have a vibrant student community with numerous student organizations and clubs for students to join. These organizations cover a wide range of interests and activities, including cultural, social, artistic, and intellectual pursuits. Some of the groups include dancing, music, theatre, painting, cinema, photography, radio, alternative practical traineeships, chess, astronomy, and volunteer blood donation. Additionally, the Student Center in Heraklion and Rethymno Campus host various artistic groups and activities. These organizations provide students with opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities and contribute to the cultural and social life of our university community. More information about life in campus in our website: Student life at UOC

The University of Crete offers excellent sports facilities at both the Rethymnon and the Heraklion campuses. These facilities include well-equipped gymnasiums, an indoor pool at the Heraklion complex, playing fields, and mooring berths. We offer a wide range of sporting, athletic, and gymnastic programs on our campuses, such as yoga, Tae Kwon Do, football, tennis, and sailing. Our university also has teams that train and compete in inter-departmental and inter-University league games in various sports, including basketball, football, and sailing. For more information on our sports facilities, you can visit our website at https://en.uoc.gr/life/athletics-gen

International students can access healthcare services by obtaining a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their home university or home health authority. The EHIC provides full medical coverage while in Greece. If students are not eligible for the EHIC, they can seek advice from their home university’s International Office or contact us for information on health and insurance coverage during their period abroad.

The University of Crete has two modern library buildings, one in Rethymno and one in Heraklion. These libraries are part of the UoC Library and Information Center, which supports educational and teaching activities for both the institution and the wider academic community. Our libraries offer a constantly enriched collection of materials, including several thousand significant Greek and International Magazines, as well as half a million books, records, and other sources of information, both in print and digital formats. We prioritize training users to make the best possible use of these materials, and our libraries are easily accessible to people with special needs.

To open a bank account as an international student in Greece, you can follow these steps:

1. Contact the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your home country to inquire about the necessary documents and procedures for opening a bank account in Greece.
2. Prepare the required documents, which may include your passport, student visa, proof of enrollment at the University of Crete, proof of address in Greece, and a letter from the university confirming your status as a student.
3. Visit a local bank branch in Greece to open your account. Some popular banks in Greece include National Bank of Greece, Eurobank, Piraeus Bank, and Alpha Bank.
4. Provide the bank with the necessary documents and complete the account opening application. You may also need to provide an initial deposit.
5. Once your account is opened, you will receive your bank account details, including an account number and any associated cards.

For more info about opening a bank account  you can also  check here

Please note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary between banks, so it’s recommended to contact the bank directly or visit their website for more information.

The public transportation system in Crete consists of an extensive bus network that connects the major cities on the island. There are two regional bus stations in Heraklion, and bus routes and timetables can be found on the KTEL website for bus lines. City bus connections are regular during working hours in Heraklion and Rethymnon, and the city bus schedules can be found on the respective websites for the western and eastern parts of Crete.

City bus schedule can be found on following pages:

• For the western part of Crete, Chania and Rethymno areas, you can check  here
• For the eastern part of Crete, Heraklion and St Nikolaos areas, you can check here 

Additionally, there are ferry connections from/to Heraklion and Chania/Piraeus, operated by several ferry companies. The University campuses in Heraklion and Rethymnon are located outside the city centers, so using public transportation or taxis is recommended.

If your country of origin is not an EU Member, you are advised to contact the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your home country for entrance regulations prior to your departure. 

If you are a student accepted for full-time study at the University either for a full degree program or through a student exchange program, you will need a student visa issued by the Greek embassy or consul in your country of residence. To obtain this visa you will need a letter from the University which states the reason for your visit and the duration of your stay. 

Researchers will need a Type D visa issued by the Greek embassy or consul in your country of residence. You will need the hosting agreement and an invitation letter from the University of Crete.

Family Members: All students and researchers (EU & non-EU citizens) planning to bring their families here for the duration of their studies / contract are advised to bring with you documents required by the Greek public services. These are: copies of your marriage certificate and the birth certificates of your children which have been verified as true copies – ie stamped with an Apostille stamp by the authority that issued the certificates in your country. This should be done prior to arrival. 

Note: entry with a tourist visa is not acceptable for students /researchers accepted for studies/ a contract at the University of Crete.

After Arrival
Your initial entry visa is a 3-month single entry visa. 
On arrival, if your study/contract period is longer than 3 months, you will need to apply for a residence permit which will be valid for the duration of your studies/contract and, for researchers accompanied by their families, a permit for each family member. 

Applications for residence permits are made at the Immigration Office of the Muncipality – in Heraklion and in Rethymno

Apart from the residence permit, Researchers from EU countries and from non-EU countries will need to follow a number of specific steps for tax registration, renting a house, your employment contract, opening a bank account, health and social insurance procedures and related matters. 

For further information see the step-by-step information and advice contact us at any time before or after your arrival.

Previously, the University of Crete implemented specific safety measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing, enhanced hygiene practices, and the use of face masks, particularly in situations where maintaining distance was challenging. These protocols have since been adjusted to reflect the current health guidelines and the easing of restrictions. While specific details may have changed, it remains important to stay informed about and adhere to any updated safety guidelines provided by the university and local government regulations for public health and safety. For the latest information, always consult the university’s official communications or the official government website: https://travel.gov.gr/#/

The University of Crete provides comprehensive cultural adaptation programs and orientation for international students to help them acclimate and engage with the global community on campus. Through lectures, workshops, summer schools, and exchange programs like Erasmus, students can immerse themselves in diverse cultures. Additionally, the Student Center in Heraklion encourages participation in cultural, social, and artistic activities, fostering a vibrant university life and promoting the cultural role of the University of Crete within and beyond the campus. Read more in out webpage: Student Life in UOC

Some must-see places in Crete and Greece include:

1. Ancient Greek Sites: Crete is rich in ancient history, with archaeological sites like Knossos and Phaistos offering a glimpse into the past.
2. Crete’s Coastline: Explore the stunning beaches and turquoise sea that Crete has to offer. Image
3. Samaria Gorge: A breathtaking natural wonder, the Samaria Gorge is a popular hiking destination with stunning views. Image
4. Arkadi Monastery: A historic monastery known for its beautiful architecture and significance in Cretan history. Image
5. Greek Islands: Explore other Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes, known for their picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture.
6. Athens: Visit the capital city of Greece and explore iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

You can also check our webpage Living in Crete , the main University site here, and Incredible Crete website  for more information on Crete and its attractions

To connect with other international students or local communities, you can participate in various activities and events organized by the University of Crete. These include invited lecture series, workshops, summer schools, and conferences. Additionally, you can join educational exchange programs such as the Erasmus mobility opportunities for students and staff. These programs provide a great opportunity to interact with students from different backgrounds and cultures.

At the Welcome Office of the University of Crete, we provide assistance with internship and job placement through various means. We offer career counseling services to help students explore their career options and develop their professional skills. We also organize job fairs and networking events where students can connect with potential employers. Additionally, we collaborate with local businesses and organizations to facilitate internship opportunities for our students. Our goal is to support students in their transition from academia to the workforce and help them secure meaningful employment opportunities. For more information on our internship and job placement services, please visit Career and Liaison Office website