Overview: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), officially established in 1837, stands as the first university in modern Greece and one of the oldest in Southern Europe. Located in Athens, Greece, NKUA is a public, comprehensive, research-intensive institution. The university spans multiple campuses across the capital and currently enrolls over 68,000 students, with 13 distinct faculties and 41 departments. This scale and historical legacy underlie NKUA’s enduring credibility and central role in higher education, both in Greece and internationally.
NKUA is renowned for its academic strength in the humanities, social sciences, natural and life sciences, medicine, and law, with major advancements also in informatics and mathematics. Its educational approach combines rigorous discipline-based training with interdisciplinary options, promoting analytical thinking and research-led teaching. NKUA regularly ranks among the top 300–400 universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2024) and is a member of international consortia such as CIVIS, the European Civic University Alliance. With over 2,000 faculty members and a prolific research output (producing thousands of peer-reviewed articles annually), NKUA plays a leading role in European and international academic collaborations, including joint degrees and Erasmus mobility initiatives.
Student life at NKUA is vibrant and culturally rich, featuring more than 150 student societies and clubs spanning academics, sports, arts, volunteering, and entrepreneurship. The university hosts annual cultural festivals, scientific conferences, and a variety of international and diversity-focused events. Comprehensive support services are offered, including academic advisory, counseling, housing assistance, and career services. NKUA encourages student engagement in athletics—through state-of-the-art sports facilities—as well as participation in literature, music, and theater, fostering a balanced and inclusive community for both Greek and international students.
NKUA’s mission is to advance excellence in education, research, and innovation, upholding principles of academic freedom, inclusivity, and global responsibility. The university is committed to cultivating critical thinkers and socially responsible citizens who contribute to a sustainable and equitable world.
