Do programs include internships in Greece?
Yes, many study programs in Greece include internships, but availability depends on the degree level, field of study, and university. Internships are increasingly integrated into Greek higher education, especially for international students studying through recognised universities and EU-aligned programs.
How Internships Work in Greece
In Greece, internships are designed to help students:
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Gain practical, hands-on experience
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Improve employability in the EU job market
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Apply academic knowledge in real workplaces
Internships may be:
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Mandatory (part of the curriculum), or
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Optional (recommended or credit-based)
Which Programs Commonly Include Internships?
Internships are most common in the following fields:
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Business Administration & Management
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Tourism & Hospitality
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Shipping & Maritime Studies
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Information Technology & Computer Science
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Engineering (selected specialisations)
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Economics & Finance
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Media, Communication & Marketing
Programs in medicine, law, and theoretical disciplines usually have limited or structured practical training instead of standard internships.
Are Internships Mandatory for All Students?
No.
Internships in Greece can be:
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Mandatory – required to graduate
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Optional – chosen by the student for experience or credits
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Post-study internships – taken after completing coursework
The structure is clearly mentioned in the program curriculum before enrolment.
Are Internships Paid or Unpaid?
It depends on the program and employer.
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Paid internships are common in:
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Tourism
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Hospitality
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Shipping
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Technical roles
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Unpaid or stipend-based internships are common in:
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Academic research
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NGOs
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Cultural or media projects
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EU-funded internship schemes may also provide monthly allowances.
Can International Students Do Internships Legally in Greece?
Yes.
International students can legally do internships if:
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The internship is part of the study program, or
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The university issues an official internship confirmation
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Visa and residence permit conditions are respected
Most student residence permits in Greece allow practical training related to studies.
Do Universities Help Students Find Internships?
Many Greek universities support students through:
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Career offices
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Erasmus+ traineeship programs
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Industry partnerships
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University-approved host companies
However, students are often expected to:
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Apply independently
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Attend interviews
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Meet language or skill requirements
Are Internships Available in English?
Yes, especially in:
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International companies
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Tourism and hospitality sectors
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Multinational shipping firms
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Start-ups and tech companies
Basic Greek language skills are helpful but not always mandatory for internships in international environments.
Do Internships Help With Jobs After Graduation?
Yes.
Internships in Greece:
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Improve post-study job prospects
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Strengthen CVs for EU employers
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Help students build professional networks
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May lead to job offers or contract extensions
Internship experience is also valuable when applying for post-study work or residence options in Europe.
Key Takeaway
Many study programs in Greece do include internships, especially in career-focused and industry-linked fields. While not all programs require them, internships are widely encouraged and legally supported for international students.
Before applying, students should always:
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Review the program curriculum
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Confirm internship availability
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Understand whether it is mandatory or optional
