What is the biggest university in Greece?
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the best option. Here are the details about Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh):
1. Full name:
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greek: Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης).
2. Established:
22 June 1925. The Faculty of Philosophy welcomed its first class of students in 1926. It is the largest university in Greece in terms of student population.
3. Location:
Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece.
4. Campus size (main campus):
About 33.4 hectares (~334,000 m²) in the centre of Thessaloniki.
5. Faculties/Schools structure:
Comprises 11 Faculties, made up of 40 Schools/Departments, plus 1 single-School Faculty (Law).
6. Student numbers:
Approximately 94,626 students in total. Of those, ~78,840 are undergraduates, ~11,105 are postgraduates, and ~4,681 are doctoral candidates.
7. Academic/Teaching staff
About 1,599 members of Teaching & Research staff (i.e. faculty). Special Laboratory Teaching Personnel (S.L.T.P.), ~378 staff. Special Technical Laboratory Personnel (S.T.L.P.): ~90 staff.
8. Administrative staff:
Permanent employees ~278; plus ~271 under private law contract indefinitely.
9. Facilities:
61 Clinics (in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary), ~295 Laboratories, 23 Study Halls (“Σπουδαστήρια”). Large central library + 47 departmental or faculty (peripheral) libraries.
10. Academic programmes:
Offers ~41 undergraduate degree programmes, including one foreign-language undergraduate programme (in Medicine) and ~200 postgraduate programmes (individual, interdepartmental, international).
11. Lots of international collaboration:
Many joint PhD programmes, agreements with foreign universities, participation in Erasmus and other international networks.
12. Language of instruction:
Mostly in Greek, but there are foreign-language programmes and courses (e.g. in English, French, German, Italian) especially for international students.
13. Legal status:
Public research university, part of the Greek higher education system under the Ministry of Education.
14. Budget:
As of 2024, about €15 million — though this might be only part of its funding or specific portion.
15. Motto:
“Μούσαις Χάρισι Θῦε” (“Sacrifice to the Muses and the Graces”) in Ancient Greek.
16. Affiliations & networks:
It is part of various European and international networks (Campus Europae, Balkan Universities Network, Black Sea Universities Network, Utrecht Network, TIME, CESAER, etc.).
17. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Subhect Lists:
Here are some of the subjects / departments / fields of study available at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh):
- Principal Colleges and Schools of Sciences (Faculty of Sciences).
- Mathematics.
- Physics.
- Biology.
- Chemistry.
- Geology.
- Informatics / Computer Science.
- Engineering (Polytechnic Faculty)
- Electrical & Computer Engineering.
- Mechatronics and engineering Architecture.
- Civil Engineering.
- Chemical Engineering.
- Rural & Surveying Engineering.
- Spatial Planning & Development Engineering.
Health Sciences
- Medicine.
- Pharmacy.
- Dentistry.
- Veterinary Medicine.
- Philosophy, Languages & Humanities
- English Language & Literature.
- French / German / Italian Language & Literature.
- History & Archaeology.
- Philosophy & Pedagogy / Education.
- Psychology.
- Economics, political science, and law Law.
- Economics.
- Political Science
Fine Arts
- Visual and Applied Arts.
Drama / Theatre
- Music Studies.
- Film Studies / Film School.
Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Environment
- Agriculture.
- Forestry & Natural Environment.
Theology / Pastoral Studies
- Theology.
- Pastoral & Social Theology.
Independent / Other Departments
- Journalism & Mass Media Studies.
- Physical Education & Sports Sciences.
18. Notable alumni of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Here are some notable alumni of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki:
1. Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki — Greek businesswoman; led the Organizing Committee for the 2004 Athens Olympics.
2. Xavier Bettel — Former Prime Minister of Luxembourg.
3. Albert Bourla — CEO of Pfizer.
4. Christos Sartzetakis — Former President of the Greek Republic.
5. Vassilis Angelopoulos — Head of NASA’s THEMIS project.
