History
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is a public, research-oriented university located in Athens, Greece. Inaugurated in 1837, it has been the first university in the newly established Modern Greek state, as well as in the Balkan and the Eastern Mediterranean area. The NKUA introduces its English Medical Degree program, a testament to its commitment to innovation. The NKUA Medical School, founded also in 1837, boasts high world rankings. Immerse yourself in a culturally rich and academically rigorous environment in Athens, as you embark on a unique journey of medical education. Join NKUA, where tradition meets cutting-edge excellence for a transformative learning experience.
Education
Offering 43 undergraduate and 240 postgraduate programs, NKUA ranks 27th globally for quality education, 6th in gender equality and 69th in reduced inequalities (Times Higher Education impact ranking 2023); research performed at the School of Medicine contributes in its ranking as 46th for Infectious Diseases and 91st in Cardiac and Cardiovascular diseases (US News - Best Global University Rankings).
Embark on a transformative educational journey at NKUA with our specialized 6-year English Medical Degree program for foreign nationals.
One of the unique features of the program is the diverse cultural background of the students, fostering an enriched learning environment and encouraging mutual learning. In its 2nd year, the program accommodates students from 15 different countries, promoting a global perspective and intercultural collaboration.
Delivered by highly-cited researchers and tutors, our curriculum integrates theory and practice in 90 Medical Departments located in the main campus and 16 University Hospitals in Athens.
Research
Innovation thrives at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) Medical School, where education meets cutting-edge research. With 600 professors, 15 centers of excellence, and 18 centers for rare diseases, the School of Medicine is a hub of academic excellence. The school houses 90 laboratories and departments spread across 16 University Hospitals in Athens, providing daily, high-quality health services.
Remarkably, NKUA University Clinics cover 40% of the medical needs for the 5,000,000 residents in the Attica basin. Our alumni, now researchers, professors, and practitioners, attest to the global impact of NKUA's commitment to top-tier medical education and groundbreaking research.
Career
Unlock promising career prospects after studying at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with our dedicated Counseling Support service. Tailored for both students and graduates, this service provides invaluable guidance on career trajectories and navigating the ever-evolving labor market. Demonstrating our commitment to success, our Medicine alumni statistics boast an impressive 100% employment rate for graduates seeking positions abroad. Equip yourself with the knowledge and support needed to thrive in your chosen field, ensuring a seamless transition from academic excellence to a fulfilling professional journey. At NKUA, we empower you to shape a successful and rewarding career path.
University Ranking
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
301
2023
301
2022
301
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
393 51
2024
444 157
2023
601
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
501
2024
501 -100
2023
401
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
215 35
2023
250
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
● INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SUPPORT UNIT
● Student Ombudsman
● Accessibility Unit for Students with Disabilities
● University Club
● Psychosocial Intervention Unit
● Computer and multimedia Center
● Community Mental Health Center
● Medical care Unit
● Modern Greek Language Teaching Center
● Coeval Counseling Center
● University Gym and Sports Center
● 10306 - Covid-19 phone line for psychological support
● Student Cultural Society
Library services
- Libraries: 11, one Library is the second largest in Greece after the national library
- Museums: The History Museum, the Historical Archive of the University and 17 thematic museums.
- The Observatory of the University equipped with the first robotic and fully remote-controlled telescope operating in a Greek Institute
- Modern Greek Language Teaching Center
- Foreign Language Teaching Center
ICT services
There is a special directorate for IT support and a Computer and Multimedia Center.
Medical services
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) offers healthcare facilities both on- and off-campus. On-campus services include a Dental Clinic, providing specialized dental care. In addition, Laikon hospital is attached to the campus. Centrally located at the University Club, students have access to a General Medicine Clinic, Ophthalmological Clinic, and another Dental Clinic. These facilities ensure that students can conveniently access a range of healthcare services, promoting their well-being and addressing medical needs. The distributed nature of these clinics reflects NKUA's commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare support to its student community.
Campus life
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is a large institution with multiple faculties and buildings scattered in the center of Athens and 3 large university campuses. As for proximity to the city, many of the university's buildings are located in or near Athens, making it accessible to the vibrant urban life and cultural amenities that the city offers. All campuses are easily accessible by public transportation.The School of Medicine campus is located at 75, Mikras Asias str., in Goudi. The campus comprises 19 buildings, including “Laiko” Hospital, which has an entrance specifically for students at the side of the campus. The School of Medicine is easily accessible via the metro/underground, line 3 (blue), AMPELOKIPI station, where one can reach the campus either by walking for ten-minutes or taking bus line 230, from the AMPELOKIPI station to the NOSOKOMEIO PAIDON station.
Sports facilities
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens prioritizes student well-being with diverse sports and recreational facilities. The university's gym offers activities from tennis to traditional dances, complemented by a swimming pool. NKUA promotes an active lifestyle through events like "Kapodistrian" running contests and health festivals. For tranquility, a botanical garden that belongs to the University is available. Cultural club sections include, among others, cinema, theatre, dance, and photography. These facilities enrich the student experience, fostering both physical well-being and cultural exploration at NKUA. Finally, the NKUA has its own Observatory, equipped with the first robotic and fully remote-controlled telescope operating in a Greek Institute.
Student clubs
NKUA thrives with diverse student associations, including HelMSIC and SSHMS, connecting medical students globally, fostering volunteerism through Hemopetalion, and supporting professional growth with groups like the Society of Junior Doctors.
In the framework of the collaboration of the University with Doctors of the World (Greece) students can participate in projects to get familiarized with the practice of limited resources medicine or learn how to manage medical disaster cases.
Artistic and recreational interests find expression through the Athens Medical Students’ Association’s Theatrical Company, the Medical Students’ Film Society, the Medical Students’ Hiking & Mountaineering Club or the Medical School of Athens’ football team. Students are encouraged to initiate new clubs for music, art, or other interests, providing ample opportunities for participation and contributing to the vibrant campus life at NKUA.
- HelMSIC – Hellenic Medical Students’ International Committee
- IFMSA – International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations and EMSA – European Students’ Association.
- The Scientific Society of Hellenic Medical Students (SSHMS)
- Hemopetalion (Greek word for platelet) is a student initiative whose vision is to promote volunteerism amongst medical students and young people
- The Society of Junior Doctors
- The Athens Medical Students’ Association’s Theatrical Company
- THE MEDICAL STUDENTS’ FILM SOCIETY
- MEDICAL STUDENTS’ HIKING MOUNTAINEERING AND NATURE CLUB
- Friends of Sport Movement association
- The Medical School of Athens’ football team
Accreditation
Certified with honors by the National Higher Education Authority.