Athens

Athens

Sabrina Collier

Updated July 15, 2021 Updated July 15

QS Best Student Cities ranking: 72nd

Greece’s capital and largest city, Athens has a history dating back thousands of years, and has been called the cradle of western civilization as well as the birthplace of democracy.

The classical city-state of Athens has been transformed into a busy modern metropolis, home to around 34 percent of Greece’s total population. Rising four places this year, Athens is now ranked 72nd in the Best Student Cities 2019.

Home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (including the world-famous Acropolis), the city retains much of its classical heritage, with many ancient monuments such as the famous Parthenon. Athens is a city that certainly mixes old and new – you can’t walk the streets without seeing reminders of the fascinating history that’s taken place exactly where you’re standing.

As well as exploring one of the oldest cultures in the world, you could also spend time enjoying the city’s lively nightlife, delicious Greek food, great shops, its long tradition in sports, as well as theater and entertainment.

Greek people are noted for their warmth and friendliness and, if you fancy more exploration, the city is just a quick ferry ride away from beautiful Greek islands such as Kea and Aegina.

Considered the birthplace of modern thinking, Athens is home to some of Greece’s most prestigious universities, three of which are included in the QS World University Rankings® 2020.

Greece earns its highest score in the affordability indicator, at 32nd worldwide. This is due to its relatively low tuition fees (US$2,100), as well as the low cost of living. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center would cost you only US$400 per month, compared to US$1,288 for the same thing in France’s capital, Paris.

In fact, in the student survey, Athens’ affordability is frequently mentioned, with one individual saying, “in contrast to other European cities, Athens is much more affordable.” Another respondent praised “the weather and the nightlife.”  

Internationally ranked universities in Athens

National Technical University of AthensNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthens University of Economics and Business

More about Athens

Number of universities ranked by QS

3

Top ranked institution

National Technical University of Athens (454th in the world)

Population

3,781,000

Average international fees (at ranked unis)

US$2,100

Desirability rank

75th

Employer Activity rank

99th

Affordability rank

32nd

Student View rank

69th


To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, 
view the methodology.

 

This article was originally published in February 2017 . It was last updated in July 2021

Written by

The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK. 

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