How can I enter Greece?
Entry requirements depend on your country of origin. EU citizens enter on a national identity card or passport. Non-EU nationals should consult the authorities of their own country before travelling, and all incoming students must apply for a long-term residence permit for studies upon arrival in Greece.
This page summarises the practical position for prospective and incoming students of the Bachelor in Sport & Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance. The canonical source for visa rules is the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs — see the official link further down.
EU & Schengen citizens.
Citizens of European Union member states and other countries covered by the Schengen Agreement can enter Greece with a valid national identity card or passport. No entry visa is required for the purpose of study, and no advance application to a Greek consulate is necessary before travelling.
If you are an EU/Schengen citizen, the practical preparation before arrival is therefore limited to making sure your identity document is valid for the full duration of your studies, and to organising the standard registrations that apply to every student — accommodation, the AUTh student card, and the residence registration with the local authority of the area where you live in Greece.
Non-EU nationals.
Citizens of countries outside the EU and Schengen area require an entry visa issued by the Greek consular authority responsible for their place of residence. The application process, documentation, fees, and processing time depend on your country of origin and on the consulate handling your file — there is no single rule.
You should contact the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country at the earliest opportunity, ideally several months before the intended date of arrival. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains the canonical list of consulates abroad, with their contact details and category-specific requirements.
Long-term residence permit for studies
Regardless of whether you needed an entry visa, all non-EU students must apply for a long-term residence permit for studies after arriving in Greece. This permit is granted by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, valid for the duration of your studies, and is renewed annually on the basis of your enrolment status.
The application is filed locally once you are in Thessaloniki. The Programme Office can guide you through the process and direct you to the appropriate AUTh student services for support — see the contact details at the foot of this page.