National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Overview

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), founded in 1837, is Greece’s oldest university and one of the country’s most respected public research institutions. As the first university in the newly established Greek state, NKUA has had a lasting influence on modern Greek scholarship, shaping teaching and research traditions that continue today. Its landmark neoclassical buildings in central Athens remain a defining part of the student experience and academic culture.

Today, NKUA functions as a comprehensive research university with more than 70,000 students across 32 schools and academic units. The university is especially strong in humanities, health sciences, and natural sciences, and it continues to invest in research areas that reflect current academic and societal needs. Because its campus is embedded in Athens, students can access both historic academic spaces and modern facilities for study, labs, and research.

2. General Information

3. Fee Structure

If you’re comparing universities in Greece, it can also help to review funding and fee patterns at other major public institutions, such as the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki or the University of Crete.

4. Academic Programs

• School of Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy)
• School of Philosophy (History, Archaeology, Philology)
• School of Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
• School of Law
• School of Theology
• School of Economics and Political Sciences
• School of Education
• Independent Departments (Informatics, Turkish Studies, etc.)

Because NKUA is broad in scope, applicants often find options across multiple fields under one institutional umbrella. If your interests overlap with social sciences and public policy, you may also want to explore similar pathways at the Athens University of Economics and Business, while students focused on applied research opportunities can compare approaches at institutions like the University of Patras.

5. Facilities

• Central Library (over 1.2 million volumes)
• University History Museum
• Botanical Garden
• University Research Institute
• Modern lecture halls and laboratories
• Student cultural center
• Sports facilities
• University Hospital (Attikon and Aretaieion)

For students in health and science programs, NKUA’s academic infrastructure is closely linked to research and clinical training opportunities through its associated facilities and hospital network. The central library and specialized collections also support deeper study for humanities and archival-based disciplines.

6. Accommodation

The university provides limited on-campus housing primarily for students with financial need or special circumstances. Most students live in private apartments throughout Athens, with housing costs varying significantly by neighborhood and availability. The university’s housing office assists students in finding accommodation and understanding local options.

• 5 student dormitories (total capacity ~1,200 beds)
• Priority given to international students and those from remote areas
• Monthly dorm fees: €90-€150 (typical range; confirm for your academic year)
• Common kitchens and study rooms
• 24-hour security

If you’re flexible about location, you may also compare campus living options in other Greek regions through guides like the University of Ioannina (noted for its large campus setting) and the University of the Aegean (distributed across multiple islands).

7. Contact Information

• Email: rectorate@uoa.gr
• Phone: +30 210 368 9000
• Admissions: studies@uoa.gr

More Universities in Greece

• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• University of Patras
• University of Crete
• University of Thessaly
• Athens University of Economics and Business
• University of Ioannina
• University of the Aegean
• International Hellenic University

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