Studying in Greece: Translating Your Ukrainian Diploma

50 scholarships at 650 euros per month, tuition fee exemption, and a free year of Greek language courses - that’s what the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs is offering Ukrainian students for the 2025-2026 academic year. But to get there, you need to prepare your documents the right way. And in Greece, “the right way” means a very specific order of apostille and translation that trips up most newcomers. Here’s how to get it right the first time.

How Greek Higher Education Works for International Students¶

Greek universities come in two flavors: public and private. Public ones are free for Greek citizens, while non-EU international students pay around 1,500 euros per year for undergraduate programs (textbooks included). Master’s programs range from 1,000 to 8,000 euros per year depending on the field.

Most Bachelor’s programs at public universities are taught in Greek. There are currently about 12 English-taught Bachelor’s degrees - including medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, plus programs in AI, archaeology, and humanities. Master’s degrees are a different story - over 200 programs available in English. The main player here is the International Hellenic University (IHU) in Thessaloniki, Greece’s first public university where everything is taught exclusively in English.

If you’re going for a Greek-taught Bachelor’s - expect a preparatory year first (you’ll need Greek at B1-B2 level). For English-taught programs, you’ll need IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge Advanced.

How to Apply¶

For Bachelor’s degrees, international students apply through the @SIG platform (studyingreece.edu.gr). The deadline is usually in early July - for 2025-2026, the electronic registration window was July 2-9, 2025. Results are announced in late August on the Ministry of Education website.

For Master’s programs, each university has its own process and deadlines. Typically: applications run from March to July for the fall intake. Non-EU applicants are encouraged to apply early - early bird applications get priority.

After acceptance, you’ll need a student visa (for stays longer than 90 days). That requires an acceptance letter certified by the Greek Ministry of Education, plus the standard package: passport, photos, health insurance, proof of financial means.

Which Documents Need Translation¶

Here’s the basic set of academic documents you’ll need for Greek university admission:

Here’s the good news: if your diploma or transcript was issued in English or French, you don’t need a Greek translation. DOATAP (Greece’s diploma recognition center) accepts documents in Greek, English, or French. But if your documents are in Ukrainian or Russian - translation is mandatory.

The Order Matters: Apostille Always Comes First¶

This is the most common mistake, and it costs real money. In Greece, the order is strict: first get the apostille on your original document in Ukraine, then get the translation done in Greece. Never the other way around.

Why? The apostille certifies the authenticity of your original document. The translator then translates both the document text and the apostille text - the apostille becomes part of the translation. If you translate first and apostille later, the apostille would certify the translation (a different document), not the original. Greek institutions will reject it. More details on this system in the article about certified translation in Greece.

Where to get an apostille in Ukraine:

• Diplomas, school certificates, academic documents - Ministry of Education and Science (5-10 business days)
• Birth certificates - Ministry of Justice (2-10 business days)
• Police clearance - Ministry of Internal Affairs (5-10 business days)

Important: apostilles for Ukrainian documents can only be obtained in Ukraine. Ukrainian consulates abroad don’t provide this service.

Who Can Translate Documents for Greek Universities¶

Not just anyone can produce a legally valid translation in Greece. After the 2021 reform (Law 4781/2021), only three categories of professionals can issue official translations:

Certified translators from the MFA Registry (Μητρώο Πιστοποιημένων Μεταφραστών) - registered on the portal metafraseis.services.gov.gr. This is the most straightforward option.

Greek lawyers - members of Greek bar associations (Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος). Unlike in Germany, any Greek lawyer who can demonstrate knowledge of the source language can translate and certify documents. This is established in the Code of Lawyers (Law 4194/2013). Usually more expensive, but convenient if you’re already working with a lawyer.

Graduates of the Ionian University translation department - under Presidential Decree 169/2002.

All three options produce translations with equal legal validity. The translator affixes their personal seal and signature.

Unlike Germany with its justiz-dolmetscher.de database, Greece doesn’t have a unified registry of all translators. The metafraseis.services.gov.gr portal only covers the first category. Finding a lawyer-translator means reaching out to bar associations or going by referrals.

How Much Does Academic Document Translation Cost¶

Certified translation prices in Greece are per page (up to 230 words), plus 24% VAT:

A typical application package (diploma + transcript + school certificate + birth certificate) will run you roughly 300-550 euros. That’s significant, but keep in mind: translations done in Ukraine usually aren’t accepted by Greek universities without additional certification in Greece.

ChatsControl can help with preliminary document translation, which a Greek specialist then certifies. This speeds up the process and reduces errors.

DOATAP: Getting Your Ukrainian Diploma Recognized in Greece¶

DOATAP (ΔΟΑΤΑΠ) is the Greek equivalent of ENIC-NARIC - the official body that recognizes foreign degrees. If you want to work in your field in Greece or enter a Master’s program with a Ukrainian diploma, DOATAP recognition is a must.

For Bachelor’s admission, you typically don’t need DOATAP - universities assess your school certificate themselves. But for Master’s programs (if you’re applying with a foreign degree) and especially for professional practice - recognition is required.

How to Apply for Recognition¶

Applications are submitted online through e-doatap.doatap.gr. You’ll need:

• A copy of your diploma with apostille and certified translation into Greek (or original in English/French)
• A copy of your transcript with apostille and translation
• Payment of the processing fee - 180 euros (effective December 1, 2024)

DOATAP is located in Athens (54 Ag. Konstantinou St.). Information line: +30-210-7000800 (11:00-14:00), email: information_dep@doatap.gr.

How long does it take? DOATAP doesn’t give firm timelines. They openly acknowledge that the volume of applications causes delays. In practice, expect anywhere from a few months to a year. If you’re planning to enroll - apply as early as possible.

For medical and dental graduates, there’s an extra requirement: you need to pass exams in addition to submitting documents. No exam, no recognition.

Ukraine is a member of the Lisbon Recognition Convention, which means Greece is obligated to recognize your degree unless there are “substantial differences” between the Ukrainian and Greek programs. But the process is still formalized and takes time.

Scholarships and Cost of Living¶

Greek MFA Scholarship for Ukrainians¶

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers 50 scholarships for Ukrainian students in Bachelor’s programs. What’s included:

• 650 euros per month
• Tuition fee exemption
• Free textbooks
• One year of free Greek language courses before studies begin

To apply, contact the Greek Embassy or Consulate in Ukraine. Deadlines are announced on the MFA Greece website.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Greece as a Student¶

Greece is one of the most affordable EU countries for students. Average monthly expenses:

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours during holidays.

If you have temporary protection in Greece, that gives you additional benefits: the right to work, access to healthcare through AMKA, and automatic issuance of an AFM (tax number).

FAQ¶

How much does it cost to get a Ukrainian diploma recognized through DOATAP?¶

The application fee is 180 euros (as of December 2024). Add apostille costs (in Ukraine) and certified translation in Greece (300-550 euros for a typical package). Total budget for recognition: roughly 500-750 euros.

Does Greece accept diplomas in English without translation?¶

Yes. DOATAP and most Greek universities accept documents in Greek, English, or French. If your diploma was issued in English, no translation is needed. But you’ll still need an apostille.

Do I need DOATAP recognition for a Bachelor’s program?¶

Usually not. For Bachelor’s admission, international students apply through the @SIG platform, and universities assess documents themselves. DOATAP is needed for Master’s programs (if applying with a foreign degree) and for working in your profession in Greece.

How long does diploma recognition take in Greece?¶

DOATAP doesn’t publish official timelines. In practice, from submitting a complete package to getting a decision takes 3 to 12 months depending on workload. Medical and dental specialties require additional exams on top of that.

Are there English-taught programs in Greece for Ukrainians?¶

Yes. About 12 Bachelor’s programs (including medicine in Thessaloniki and Athens) and over 200 Master’s programs are taught in English. The main university for English-taught programs is the International Hellenic University (IHU) in Thessaloniki.