Language courses in Greece are a great opportunity to meet with the cradle of Western civilization — the land of myths, legends, and great thinkers. Students can learn melodic Greek at language schools and universities. But in Greece, you will not be sitting in class all the time. Lessons in history and culture, cooking and folk dance — all this awaits you in Greek courses.

Advantages of language courses in Greece

  • University costs. Annual language courses at a university cost 793 USD, which is very cheap compared to similar programs in other countries. For example, you will pay about 1,000 USD for only a semester in Israel.
  • Program variety. Greek can be taught both at universities and private schools. There are long-term and short-term intensive programs, Business Greek, language exam preparation, and elective courses (such as literature, history, mythology, and ancient Greek).
  • Accommodation. Popular Greek language schools provide dorm rooms or host family accommodation to their students. Nonetheless, if you decide against the offered housing options, you will not overpay much. An apartment in Greece can be rented for 327 USD per month.
  • Relaxation. It is hard to get bored in Greece. Here, you will always find something to do: mountain biking or mountaineering in Crete, trekking in Andros, windsurfing in Rhodes, boat trips in Ithaca, yachting in the Ionian Islands, diving, rafting, and much more.

Disadvantages of language courses in Greece

  • Language school costs. Private language centers include many additional activities in their program — which also drives up prices. On average, a standard course will cost you about 327 USD per week.
  • Difficult language. Articles, cases, several types of verb conjugations, and special reading rules (5-6 different letters are used for some of the same sounds) — all of this complicates the study of Greek.
  • Climate. The thermometer mark in July-August reaches +40°C… in the shade. Therefore, you should choose the right time to visit Greece if you are sensitive to high temperatures.
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Cost of language courses in Greece

SchoolProgramDuration, weeksTuition/weekDormitory/weekHost family/weekCities
The Lamda ProjectStandard Intensive 20h1-12359 USD185-348 USD305 USDAthens
Extra Intensive 20h+5h1-12495 USD
Full Intensive 20h+10h1-12632 USD
Soft Skills Greek Language1-12539 USD
Mixed Greek Locations Intensive Language Course2-4713 USD/2 weeks
Limited Summer Greek Language courses to Naxos Island23,109 USD
Private tutoring1+30 USD/hour
Preparation for Certificate of Attainment in Greek31,078 USD/3 weeks
Ancient Greek1-4599 USD
Greek Language Through Literature1-12539 USD
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki3 Month Course 10 Hours/week3 months287 USD/course--Thessaloniki
3 Month Course 20 Hours/week3 months509 USD/course
4 Month Course 20 Hours/week4 months684 USD/course
5 Month Course 10 Hours/week5 months436 USD/course
Yearly Course 10 Hours/week1 year466 USD/course
Yearly Course 20 Hours/week1 year793 USD/course
Enroll in a language course with UniPage

When applying for a language course, a lot of time is spent searching for school information, program types, and accommodation options in Greece.

At UniPage, we cooperate only with accredited language centers, which, in addition to quality education and accommodation, provide our clients with discounts. Our experts will tell you what programs are available at Greek schools and universities, help you send an application, and save your time.

Types of language courses in Greece

Type of programIntensityGroupMin. language requirementsAvg. cost/week
Regular Greek3-43-7Beginner425 USD/course
Standard Greek202-8Beginner316 USD
Intensive Greek25-302-8Beginner348 USD
Private LessonsIndividual1Beginner33 USD/hour
Soft Skills Greek202-8Beginner539 USD
Summer Greek205+Beginner3,109 USD/2 weeks
Mixed Greek Locations202-8Beginner713 USD/2 weeks
Preparation for Certificate of Attainment in Greek202-8Beginner327 USD
Ancient Greek202-12Beginner425 USD
Greek Language Through Literature202-8Intermediate436 USD
Business Greek1-201-7Beginneron request
University courses6-205-12Beginner793 USD/year
Summer Course205-12Beginner392 USD/2 months

In Greece, there are both general (Regular, Standard, Intensive, and Private) and unique courses with extracurricular options.

  • Soft Skills Greek. These courses are suitable for those who primarily want to develop Greek communication skills. Reading, writing, and grammar are given less attention here.
  • Mixed Greek Locations. Some schools cooperate with each other and allow students to spend a few months in one city, then continue learning the language in a new school and city.
  • Preparation for Certificate of Attainment in Greek preparation programs for the Greek language exam, which is required for admission to Greek universities. The program length depends on the school. At some schools, these are short three-week courses, while others offer semester-long programs.
  • Greek Language Through Literature. In this course, students get to know famous Greek writers and analyze their works, thus developing their reading and speaking skills.
  • Business Greek — professional Greek lessons for entrepreneurs and office workers.

University courses

Programs at Greek universities are general courses lasting from 3 weeks to a year, which are accessible to anyone. Generally, students who do not have a high enough level to begin their bachelor’s or master’s studies enroll in such programs. However, plain lovers of Greek are also welcome. Universities also offer intensive summer courses lasting 3-4 weeks.

Features of admission to Greek language schools

Enrollment in Greek language courses is the same as in other countries — a foreigner chooses a school and program, fills out an application, and pays the registration and tuition fees. Next, the school sends an invitation for a Greek visa.

Admission to university courses is similar. But when filling out an application, you must attach the following documents:

  • Passport copy
  • Entry visa[1]
  • Copies of previous education documents (with translations into English or Greek)
  • Tuition and registration payment receipt

On the first day of school, students take a language test. Some centers and universities offer to pass it online before arriving in Greece. Students are divided into groups according to the results.

Taking Greek language courses

Hospitable Greece offers numerous opportunities to learn the language and immerse yourself in the ancient culture. Students can choose a convenient manner and place of study — at Greek university centers or private language schools.

The former offer long-term courses lasting from one semester to an academic year, along with short-term summer programs. Such courses are offered by the most popular Greek universities, such as Aristotle University of Thessaloniki or the Kapodistrian University of Athens. Programs include not only the study of the language, but also preparation for the Greek as a foreign language exam. The exam is conducted at the same universities. Upon completion of the course, students receive ECTS credits.

At Greek language schools, there are many more options: from intensive courses lasting 1-2 weeks to Business and Ancient Greek. Such courses are suitable for students of all levels and available throughout the year. Classes usually start every Monday, while Beginner courses have a separate schedule.

A feature of Greek courses is small groups, in which the number of students rarely exceeds 7-8 people. This allows the teacher to pay undivided attention to each student.

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Accommodation options in Greece

Accommodation optionsMealsNumber of people per roomAvg. cost per week
School residenceNone1-2185 USD
Host familyBreakfast1305 USD
ApartmentNone1-2327 USD/month
HotelOptional1-276 USD/day

Additional expenses

ExpensesAvg. cost
Consular fee87 USD98 USD
Registration fee44 USD
Medical insurance122 USD/month
Airport transfer65 USD
Surcharge for summer accommodation44-109 USD

Sometimes, you have to pay extra for study materials, though they are included in the course cost at most schools.

Cost of UniPage services

Visa for language courses in Greece

For courses that last less than 3 months, you need to apply for a Schengen visa. To do this, you need to fill out a questionnaire and submit it to the visa center or Greek embassy.

Required documents:

To take a language course lasting more than 90 days, you need to apply for a national category D visa. Long-term visa applications are considered by the Greek Consulate from 6 weeks to 3 months.

Documents for a national visa:

  • Visa application form
  • Enrollment confirmation
  • Consular fee payment
  • Two photos
  • Passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the trip)
  • Certified absence of a criminal record
  • Housing reservation in Greece
  • Medical certificate (proof that the applicant is not sick with diseases dangerous to others)
  • Medical insurance
  • Proof of financial solvency

If the student is under the age of 18, they must present a letter of consent from their parents or legal guardian.

Work while taking a language course in Greece

A student visa allows you to work no more than 20 hours per week during the academic year. During holidays, you can work full time.

Most popular language schools in Greece

The Lamda Project

The Lamda Project is a language school in Athens. The prices here are high — 359 USD for a week of Standard Intensive courses. However, after lessons, students attend workshops on Greek culture, go to festivals and attractions, learn traditional Greek dances, and try national dishes. All this is included in the program cost.

Standard Greek lessons can be supplemented with classes on mythology and Greek literature. If you are going to study at a Greek university, then the Lamda Project offers a preparation course for the language exam. The Mixed Greek Locations is for those who do not want to spend their entire trip in Athens. As part of the program, you get to study on the island of Tinos for several weeks.

The Lamda Project provides its students with three accommodation options: hostels, host families, or mini-apartments.

School of Modern Greek Language, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

The School of Greek at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki offers standard language courses. They last 3-5 months, but there are also annual programs.

This university is one of the centers that organize language exams. Therefore, if your goal is to enter a bachelor's or master's program in Greece, then here you can attain a B2 language level within a year and pass the test.

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
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Best cities to learn Greek

Athens

  • This is the oldest city in Europe. The first settlement on the territory of Athens appeared about 7000 years ago. Since then, the city has grown and reached its peak in the fifth century BC.
  • An interesting legend is associated with the city. Poseidon and Athena fought for the right to be the patron of the city. The god of the seas gave the inhabitants a source of salt water, and the goddess of wisdom provided an olive tree. The Hellenes considered Athena’s gift to be better and named the city after her.
  • The majestic Acropolis rises above Athens. In antiquity, this site was the center of religious and political city life — the kings lived here and the denizens worshiped the Greek gods.
  • Athens was never the capital of Ancient Greece. In fact, even a country with that name did not exist. From the 3rd-2nd millennium to the 2nd-1st century BC, the city-states of the Greek tribes grew and prospered in this territory. Ancient Athens was one of the most influential and powerful settlements, though it became the capital of Greece only in 1834.
  • A visit to Athens is not limited to just walking through the ancient ruins. In the city center, a huge National Garden park is spread over 16 hectares, local restaurants serve traditional dishes — moussaka, saganaki, and souvlaki — and fresh vegetables and olives are sold in the central market.
  • The Athens subway is a museum. During construction, ancient streets of the city were found here. For 6 years, archaeologists dug up houses, pavements, wells, cemeteries, sanctuaries, and other artifacts. As such, passengers can observe the findings at many subway stations.

    PeripheryAttica
    AttractionsAcropolis of Athens, Theater of Dionysus, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Temple of Hephaestus, Panathinaikos Stadium, Hadrian's Library, First Cemetery of Athens
    Monthly expenses (excluding rent)783 USD

Thessaloniki

  • Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece. It bears the name of a Macedonian princess, sister of Alexander the Great.
  • Just 80 kilometers from the city is the famous home of the Greek gods — Olympus.
  • Brothers Cyril and Methodius, the creators of the Glagolitic alphabet, were born in Thessaloniki. Based on the Glagolitic and Greek alphabet, their students came up with the Cyrillic alphabet, which is still used by most Slavic peoples.
  • Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first president and founder of the modern Turkish Republic, was born in Thessaloniki. Now, the house in which he grew up is a museum and consulate of Turkey.
PeripheryCentral Macedonia
AttractionsBasilica of St. Demetrius, Arc de Triomphe, White Tower, Latomu Monastery, Basilica Achiropiitos, Church of St. Sophia
Monthly expenses (excluding rent)712 USD

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