
The University of Crete, located in Heraklion, is a popular choice for PhD students due to its academic heritage, vibrant research centres, and beautiful landscapes. With over 18,000 undergraduates and 3,000 postgraduates, the university offers a wide range of Master's and doctoral programs. To enrol as a PhD student at the University of Crete, applicants typically need a Master's degree in a related field. International degrees must be recognised by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC). PhD students can expect a relaxed daily life in Crete, with access to cultural and sporting activities, as well as affordable living expenses compared to other European countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Heraklion, Crete |
| Website | http://www.english.med.uoc.gr/?q=the-school/divisions |
| Telephone | +30 2810 394569 |
| Requirements | Master’s degree in a related field |
| International degrees | Must be recognised by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC/ΔΟΑΤΑΠ) |
| Duration | Minimum 3 years |
| Research areas | Same fields as the Master programs |
| Number of undergraduates | 18,000 |
| Number of postgraduates | 3,000 |
| Number of faculty members | 450 |
| Number of technical and administrative staff | 300 |
| Number of PhDs in English | 15 |
| Accommodation | Limited number of free double rooms in selected hotels |
| Library | Central Library in Rethymnon University Campus for Humanities, Social Sciences and Education; Library of Heraklionin Heraklion University Campus for School of Science and Engineering and School of Medicine |
| Transport | Half-price public transport in Athens with academic ID card |
| Living costs | €600-725 per month |
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What You'll Learn

Requirements and application deadlines
The University of Crete is located in Heraklion, Crete, and is home to over 3000 postgraduate students. The University's 16 Departments offer Bachelor and Master's degree programmes, as well as doctoral research and research training (PhD).
Requirements
Applicants for PhD programmes at the University of Crete are typically required to hold a Master’s degree in a related field. International degrees must be formally recognized by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC/ΔΟΑΤΑΠ). The official start date for doctoral studies is marked by the approval date of these degrees by NARIC.
Application Deadlines
Specific requirements and application deadlines can be found by contacting the postgraduate secretary of the relevant department. For more detailed information about application and registration procedures, prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the University.
Living in Greece
Greece is a popular destination for international PhD students due to its Mediterranean climate, beautiful landscapes, and selection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other European countries, with recommended living expenses and accommodation costing around €600-725 per month.
Athens and Thessaloniki are the main student hubs in Greece, but there are also institutions of higher education on the island of Crete. The University of Crete does not have student dormitories in Heraklion, but there are a limited number of free places in selected hotels. Accommodation is allocated based on a points system that considers the student's family economic and social criteria.
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Accommodation
The University of Crete does not have student dormitories in Heraklion. Instead, it offers a limited number of free double rooms in selected hotels. These rooms are allocated based on the economic and social criteria of the student's family. Students must apply for these accommodations at the start of each academic year through the Office of Student Affairs.
There are also a limited number of free student residence places in the Gallos Campus, Rethymnon. These are allocated in the same way as the hotel rooms in Heraklion.
The University has excellent sports facilities at both the Rethymnon and Heraklion campuses. These include well-equipped gymnasiums and, in the Heraklion complex, an indoor pool, playing fields, and mooring berths. A wide range of sports programmes are offered, including yoga, Tae Kwon Do, football, tennis, and sailing. The University also has teams competing in inter-departmental and inter-university league games in sports such as basketball, football, and sailing.
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$11.89

Living costs
Greece is a relatively inexpensive country to live in compared to other European countries. On average, it is recommended that university students have €600-725 per month to cover living expenses and accommodation. However, your living costs will depend on your lifestyle choices. For example, upmarket catering aimed at tourists and holidaymakers will be more expensive. It is advisable to take advantage of local markets and purchase inexpensive groceries.
In Heraklion, where the University of Crete is located, there are no student dormitories. However, there are a limited number of free places (double rooms) offered in hotels selected by the University. The available free accommodation is allocated based on a points system that considers the student's family economic and social criteria. Students must apply for these rooms at the beginning of each academic year through the Office of Student Affairs.
Students enrolled at public universities in Athens, regardless of nationality, are entitled to half-price public transport with a valid academic ID card. International students usually arrive in Greece by plane, landing at either the Airport of Athens or the Airport of Thessaloniki. Domestic flights from Athens to the Greek islands are popular, with flights to Chania, Crete costing as little as €49.
Greece is known for its relaxed daily life, especially during the summer, with afternoon siestas to break up the hot days. Social gatherings and long meals with multiple dishes are common in the evenings. Greek cities offer tavernas where you can sample meze and listen to live bazouki music. Greece is also famous for its healthy Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, healthy oils, legumes, and grilled meat.
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Student visa and employment rights
The University of Crete, located in Heraklion, Crete, offers 15 PhD programmes in English. The University accepted its first students in 1977-78 and currently has over 18,000 undergraduates and 3,000 postgraduates.
If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you do not need a visa to study in Greece. However, if you are from a non-EU country, you will need to obtain a student visa. The student visa fee depends on the country and can be around 150 EUR. You must apply for your student visa through the Greek consulate that has jurisdiction over your permanent state of residence, and most consulates require you to submit your application in person. The length of your student visa depends on the length of your study program, and the renewal of the residence permit is annual.
If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you are allowed to work in Greece immediately upon receipt of your residence permit. If you are from outside the EU/EEA, you can apply for a permit that allows you to do some part-time work while you study. However, this part-time work permit cannot be converted to a regular work permit after you finish your studies, even if you find an employer willing to hire you full-time. You would still need to apply separately for a work visa.
To find out more about your employment rights as an international student in Greece, it is best to contact your local Greek embassy. The best opportunity to find work will be in the summer months when Greece experiences an influx of international tourists, increasing the demand for English speakers.
It is important to note that working without proper registration is illegal in Greece, and if you do so, you may have little recourse if your employer refuses to pay you as agreed. To open a local bank account, you will need to present documentation to confirm your identity, student status, and residence permit.
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University rankings
The University of Crete is a public educational institution located in Heraklion, Crete, established in 1973. The university accepted its first students in 1977-78 and currently has around 14,000 undergraduate and 3,000 postgraduate students. The University of Crete offers 15 PhD programmes in English across 16 departments.
The University of Crete has performed well in various domestic and international rankings. Here is a breakdown of its rankings according to different sources and criteria:
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE)
THE ranks universities based on their research output, reputation, and contributions to science and academic fields. The University of Crete has a strong research focus and has founded prominent research institutions in Crete, including the Natural History Museum, Skinakas Observatory, and the University General Hospital. It also collaborates with institutions worldwide.
QS World University Rankings
QS ranks universities based on their reputation as measured by higher education experts, companies that hire graduates, and teaching quality. They also consider the ratio of international teachers and students, as well as research paper mentions. The University of Crete's outward-looking academic faculty of around 450 members supports its commitment to excellence in research and teaching.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report ranks universities based on various factors, including student progression and graduation rates, university resources, teacher salaries, academic achievements, and student satisfaction. The University of Crete, along with its Office of Student Affairs, promotes student support and personal development.
Edurank Rankings
Edurank ranked the University of Crete 5th in Greece and 800th globally in 2024. It also ranked the university across various specific subjects, including Medicine, Physics, Engineering, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Psychology, and Mathematics. The rankings are based on research output, non-academic reputation, and the impact of notable alumni.
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Frequently asked questions
Applicants are required to hold a Master’s degree in a related field. International degrees must be recognised by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC).
The University of Crete is located in Heraklion, Crete. There are no student dormitories, but there are a limited number of free places in double rooms in hotels selected by the university. The University of Crete Library consists of the Central Library in Rethymnon University Campus, which supports Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, and the Library of Heraklion in Heraklion University Campus, which supports the School of Science and Engineering and the School of Medicine.
On average, it is recommended that university students have €600-725 per month to cover living expenses and accommodation. Your living costs will depend on your chosen lifestyle.
The University of Crete was the first Greek University to sign the EU Charter and the Code for the recruitment of researchers. It has around 18,000 undergraduates and 3,000 postgraduates, and offers 15 PhDs in English.











































