Overview
The University of Crete, founded in 1973, is one of Greece’s most prestigious young universities, consistently ranked among the top academic institutions in the country. With campuses in Rethymno and Heraklion, the university combines high-quality education with cutting-edge research in a stunning Mediterranean setting. The university has developed particular strengths in natural sciences, medicine, and humanities, while maintaining a strong interdisciplinary approach.
Despite its relatively young age, the University of Crete has established itself as a research powerhouse, collaborating with international partners and operating state-of-the-art facilities like the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH). The university’s moderate size (about 20,000 students) allows for close faculty-student interaction and a vibrant academic community.
2. General Information
| Name | University of Crete |
| Established | 1973 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Location | Rethymno (Humanities/Social Sciences) and Heraklion (Sciences/Medicine), Crete |
| Campus | Two campuses (Urban/Suburban) |
| Students | ~20,000 |
| Website | www.uoc.gr |
3. Fee Structure
| Program Level | Annual Tuition (EU Students) |
| Undergraduate | €0 (Free tuition) |
| Graduate | €0-€3,000 |
| PhD | €0 (Free tuition) |
| International Students | €1,500-€6,000 |
4. Academic Programs
- Faculty of Medicine (Heraklion)
- Faculty of Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science)
- Faculty of Philosophy (Rethymno)
- Faculty of Education (Rethymno)
- Faculty of Social, Economic and Political Sciences (Rethymno)
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs
- English-taught Master’s programs
5. Facilities
- University General Hospital of Heraklion
- Central Library (separate branches in both campuses)
- Modern research laboratories
- Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH)
- Natural History Museum of Crete
- University Press
- Sports facilities (indoor and outdoor)
- Student cultural centers
6. Accommodation
The University of Crete provides student housing in both campuses, though capacity is limited. The university gives priority to students from low-income families, remote areas, and international students. Many students choose to rent apartments in Rethymno and Heraklion, both vibrant university towns with good public transportation.
- 6 student dormitories (total capacity ~1,000 beds)
- Monthly fees: €90-€130
- Furnished rooms (mostly shared)
- Common kitchens and study areas
- 24-hour security
- Laundry facilities
7. Contact Information
- Email: rector@uoc.gr
- Phone: +30 28310 77100 (Rethymno), +30 2810 393000 (Heraklion)
- Admissions: studies@uoc.gr
More Universities in Greece
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- University of Patras
- University of Thessaly
- Athens University of Economics and Business
- University of Ioannina
- University of the Aegean
- International Hellenic University
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