Quick Summary
Since 1973, University of Crete has been one of Greece's prominent publics, based in Heraklion and Rethymno. Ranked #534 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 19500 students including 6.5% from outside Greece. Known for strengths in Physics, Medicine, Computer Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Highly ranked research institution in the Mediterranean, beautiful island location, and strong connections to European research networks
Subject Strengths
PhysicsMedicineComputer ScienceArchaeologyMathematics
Founded1973
TypePublic
Total Students19500
Intl Students6.5%
Faculty Ratio28.5
CampusSuburban
Campus Size800 acres
Affiliated HospitalsUniversity General Hospital of Heraklion (PAGNI)
AccreditationHellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#534
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#501-600
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral programs in Medicine, Sciences, Engineering, Education, Philosophy, and Social Sciences
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited
Online Programs
Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Skinakas Observatory
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL85
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
For undergraduate programs, most are taught in Greek and require national exams; however, the Medical School offers an English-taught MD for international students. Proficiency in English is vital for postgraduates.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
Living Cost
€8,800/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€3,200/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$55
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€12,050/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$4,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyNot Available
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral programs in Medicine, Sciences, Engineering, Education, Philosophy, and Social Sciences programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine (MD) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Physics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Computer Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Biology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$22,000
Average Salary After Graduation
78%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong internship programs through the Atlas national platform
Industry Connections
Strong ties with FORTH research institute and various tech hubs in Crete
Notable Alumni
Kyriacos Nicolaou, Various Greek Parliament members and distinguished scientists
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
University Sports Center, tennis courts, football fields, gymnasiums
Student Clubs
Over 30 clubs including photography, theater, radio, and sports
Library Resources
University of Crete Library, extensive digital archives, and specialized collections
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, CIVIS Alliance
Summer Programs
International Summer School in Molecular Biology and Archaeology