Studying medicine in Greece and Cyprus: the options and the preparation
In short
- Medicine demands scientific ability, but also resilience and ethical commitment.
- Greece now has English-taught medicine programmes at public universities, as well as UNIC Athens.
- Cyprus has the public University of Cyprus and private medical schools (UNIC, EUC).
Medicine is not just a popular field; it is a deeper understanding of human existence. It is a demanding path that combines scientific intelligence, love for people, resilience and an uncompromising ethical commitment. That is why choosing a school and applying require precision.
Greece: English-taught medicine programmes
In recent years, Greek public universities have created English-taught, fee-paying medicine programmes, aimed mainly at applicants from abroad:
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA): the strength of tradition in the heart of the capital.
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh): dynamic clinical training with an international outlook.
- University of Crete (Heraklion): a research hub, with its International Program in Medicine.
- University of Thessaly (Larissa): academic precision and focused knowledge.
Eligibility, fees and selection criteria are set by each university and change, so we check them every year in the official calls. They usually include an assessment of the application file and an interview.
UNIC Athens: the University of Nicosia has been licensed to operate in Greece and has opened its campus at the Ellinikon, with a medical school, modern facilities and an international network for clinical training.
Cyprus: public and private
University of Cyprus (public)
A highly competitive option, with a medical school in modern facilities. For EU citizens, undergraduate studies at Cyprus’s public universities have no tuition fees, and entry requirements are high.
UNIC and EUC (private)
- University of Nicosia (UNIC Medical School): an international environment with students from many countries. UNIC is ranked among the world’s top 501–600 universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
- European University Cyprus (EUC): modern technology and clinical training with an international outlook.
More about life and study on the island in our guide studying in Cyprus.
Why the application makes the difference
- Few places: intake is limited, so every element of the file counts.
- International competition: you compete with applicants from the British system (A-Levels), the IB and other European systems.
- Academic profile: grades, science subjects, experience in healthcare settings, volunteering.
- Interview: often in MMI format. See how to prepare for the interview.
And the other health schools
Dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy, physiotherapy and nursing also have different criteria in each country. We look at every option in terms of requirements, recognition and professional rights. See our medicine and health sciences service.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study medicine in English in Greece?
Yes. Public universities such as NKUA, AUTh, Crete and Thessaly run fee-paying English-taught programmes, aimed mainly at applicants from abroad. Each university sets its own eligibility rules.
Does medicine at the University of Cyprus have tuition fees?
For EU citizens, undergraduate studies at Cyprus’s public universities have no tuition fees. The private schools (UNIC, EUC) charge fees.
Is there an interview for medicine?
For most English-taught and private programmes, yes, often in the form of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs).
