Keystone logo
© University of Patras
University of Patras

University of Patras

University of Patras

Introduction

The University of Patras is one of the most dynamic universities in Greece. As evidenced by its great achievements in the field of research and its international recognition, the University remains goal-oriented to excellence in research and teaching; extroversion both individually and collectively; and the formation of new social and technological conditions for the transition to the digital age. In our times, it is necessary to constantly acquire new knowledge and skills, and forge a dynamic model of University, which follows the development of international reforms and adjusts to an increasingly competitive globalized environment.

This is achieved with flexibility, boldness, passion, knowledge and constant vigilance; and further accomplished by respecting individuality, on which collectivity is based, and demonstrating genuine care for the protection of human rights and free expression of one's opinion, all of which define an intellectually-oriented Institution and those who serve Science, Letters and Culture. University of Patras (UPatras) is one of the most distinguished universities nationally and internationally owing to its manifold and innovative action in Natural Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Social and Economic Sciences, along with its remarkable research activity.

The University was founded in 1964 with the vision of becoming widely recognised for cultivating the spirit of international cooperation and scientific progress. In 2013, the University of Western Greece was integrated into UPatras. In 2019, the majority of the Departments of the Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece were also integrated into UPatras. To manage its premises and facilities in the cities of Patras, Messolonghi, and Agrinio, the University has adopted the principles of sustainable development.

Rio Campus is located at a close distance from the historical centre of Patras, Greece's third-largest city, where the development of new technologies is vastly supported. In 2018, UPatras was the first Institution in Greece to receive accreditation for its Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS), in compliance with the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) Quality Standards as well as the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). In more than 50 years of presence, UPatras has implemented an international orientation and adopted the European Strategy. In this context, it participates in various programs, consortia and agreements with other universities, research institutes and organizations abroad, with notable distinctions and significant research activity. Great importance is attached to the production of knowledge and the transformation of research results into measurable impact on society as well as the economy and innovation.

UPatras develops and implements actions and initiatives for achieving quality, cutting-edge and innovative research; promoting excellence; and creating a suitable research environment for its community To make a strong scientific, economic and social imprint, the University is constantly broadening the scope of its activities, thus providing significant research and innovation development opportunities within it (new financing instruments, internationalization, synergies with the private sector) and building links with industry, society and policymakers.

The study programs offered at the University of Patras are designed in such a way as to provide the appropriate knowledge, abilities and skills to its graduates so that they can face emerging global social, economic and cultural challenges. The design and implementation of transnational foreign language study programs, which have an international character in terms of their purpose, the way they are delivered and the learning outcomes they produce, contribute decisively to the reputation and international visibility of the University of Patras and are a competitive advantage for the attraction of foreign students. Our main goal and constant commitment is to improve the quality of the education provided and to create an extroverted educational system, which will be in interaction with the educational systems of other countries in today's globalized environment.

Campus Features

The Student Residence Hall is located within the campus, about 300 m East of the Administration Building. The residence has 664 single and 17 double bedrooms, a large restaurant, a theatre, an indoor swimming- pool, recreational facilities and snack bars. Accommodation costs about 5€ per day. There is also a smaller Student Residence at Sihena, situated about 4 km East of the campus, which is owned by the University and operated by the Directorate of Student Care. Monthly cost, including tax and bank charges: a) Single room 130€, b) Double room 90€ per person. A security deposit equal to one month’s rent is also required. The deposit is refundable at the end of the accommodation period, provided that the room is in good condition.

Several students find private accommodation, individually or shared, mainly in rented flats. A typical student flat has a single bedroom, a kitchen and a bathroom. Some students rent 2-bedroom flats which can be shared. In the area around the campus, a single-bedroom flat costs about 300€ and a double-bedroom flat about 350€ per month. These prices do not include electricity, water, heating and maintenance expenses. Therefore, students should allow for additional expenses of about 100€ per month. The first month’s rent and a security deposit, which is usually equivalent to one month’s rent, are to be paid before students move in, as a guarantee against any damage. The security deposit or a portion of it, depending on the condition of the flat at the time of departure, will be refunded when students move out. There are advertisements for flats in the daily local newspapers.

Some students stay in hotels offering discount rates upon private arrangement. In any case, students must plan their budget very carefully from the beginning and make realistic financial provisions to meet their expenses without any problems.

    Scholarships and Funding

    The University of Patras grants scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Master's level, to its students who face proven difficulty in meeting the financial requirements for their studies.

    The students who are entitled to apply for a scholarship come from the School of Natural Sciences, the Engineering School, the School of Health Sciences, as well as the Departments of Economics, Business Administration, Education and Social Work, Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education and the Department of Philology. Priority is given to candidates who come from the Prefecture of Achaia.

    Particularly, for the granting of scholarships to undergraduates and postgraduates at the master's level, the financial situation of the candidates and their families is taken into account. In addition, the selection is based on the candidate’s entrance examination grades at the University of Patras. In case the scholars want to continue receiving the scholarship for the remaining semesters of their studies, their performance in the courses is of utmost importance.

    Special emphasis is laid on strengthening the Doctoral Studies, since the number of respective scholarships is 17 per year, and aims at supporting innovative scientific ideas, which can lead to products or methods that will contribute to the prosperity of our country. In this way, the Donor encourages the stay of scientists in their country and gets involved in the production process. The predominant criterion for scholarships regarding doctoral candidates will be the innovation of doctoral research and, secondarily, their financial situation.

    The scholarships available, annually, are as follows:

    • Up to thirty (30) for undergraduate studies
    • Up to two (2) for studies at postgraduate level
    • Up to fifteen (17) for the preparation of a doctoral dissertation

    The number of scholars, who are supported every academic year in all years of study undergraduate and postgraduate, is more than 120.

    Locations

    • Panepistimioupoli Patron

      University of Patras, Rio, Greece, 26504, Panepistimioupoli Patron

    Questions