The University
The University of Crete (UoC) is a young and dynamic Academic Institution committed to excellence in research and teaching.
The University is a public Institution. It was established in 1973 and accepted its first students in 1977-78. The UoC now has 17 Departments in 5 Faculties: Philosophy, Education, Social Sciences, Sciences & Technology and Medicine. There are more than 17,779 undergraduate, 1,355 postgraduate students and 1,249 PhD students taught by an outward looking Academic Staff of over 700 (Faculty and supporting Teaching Staff) with experience in Higher Education Institutions worldwide.
The UoC has campuses in Heraklion and Rethymnon cities on the island of Crete. The Faculties of Philosophy, Social Sciences, and Education are located at the modern Gallos University Campus in Rethymnon, while the Faculties of Sciences & Technology, and Medicine are located in Voutes Campus, Heraklion.
Full information on the administrative structure and services of the University, the Departments and all academic matters are available in the web site of the University.
Facilities
The University offers facilities and services one can expect from a new, modern Institution. Each campus has a wide range of academic and student facilities, including restaurants and cafeterias, health care and counseling services, student unions and societies. The state-of-the art library facilities are of particular interestas well as the newly built and fully equipped sports facilities open to all students and staff of the University.
New Erasmus+ Application
The new ErasmusApp will ensure that learners across Europe are able to easily access information on mobility opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ programme and support them throughout their journey abroad.
New features include:
• step-by-step guidance through the mobility journey
• student-centred tips and stories to support mobile students
• student deals, services and events promoting engagement with intercultural activities and people from local communities
The first release of the new app is now available to download for free on your mobile phone from the Google Play and Apple App Store or online.
Academic Calendar
The Academic calendar provides the framework of the educational programmes. The Academic year consists of two semesters each of which lasts for at least 13 full-time weeks. The exact dates of semesters are determined by the University Senate.
Academic Year: September - June
Winter semester course period: late September- mid-January
Examination period: mid-January to mid February
Spring semester course period: mid- February - late May
Examination period: June
Examination period: September - re-sits for both semesters.
The University is closed on the following dates:
Winter semester
- 28 October: National Holiday
- 8 November: (Rethymno) Local Holiday
- 11 November: (Heraklio) Local Holiday
- 17 November: University Holiday
- Christmas Holidays: December 23 - January 7
- 30 January: Public Holiday
Spring semester
- 25 March: National Holiday (Independence Day)
- Easter holidays: There are no classes from Holy Monday each year and for two weeks. Dates vary, according to the Orthodox Easter calendar
- 1 May: Labour Day
Grading system
8.50 to 10 is considered "Excellent"
6.50 to 8.49 is considered "Very Good"
5.00 to 6.49 is considered "Good"
0 - 4.99 is considered "Fail"
Health-Insurance
If you are a citizen of an EU country, you can apply through your Home University or directly through your home health authority for a European Health Insurance Card you have to bring with you. This provides full medical coverage, while in Greece. If you are not eligible for the EHIC, you ask for advice at your Home University International Office, about health and insurance coverage during your period abroad, or contact us.
Visitors with Special Needs
Gallos Campus, Rethymnon
Despite the fact that Rethymnon University Campus was built at a time when infrastructure for persons with disabilities was almost non-existent, special metallic ramps have been placed in the majority of common areas of the University, for their convenience.
There are two common WCs behind Auditorium D3, as well as in the newly constructed building K1, Faculty of Philology.
Specially designed rooms, with an easy access for persons with disabilities can be found in the Student Residence.
An elevator - platform for persons with disabilities, with access to the University of Crete Special Account offices in Building B, Administration floor, will soon be constructed.
Voutes Campus, Heraklion
a. On the outside of all buildings of the University of Crete, Voutes Campus, there is access for persons with disabilities
b. On the inside, apart from elevators there are:
1. Mechanical ramps towards the Auditorium of the Medical School
2. Vertical access between the ground floor and the entresol in the Physics & Biology Dept. Building
3. Special external access to the Teaching Auditoriums in the Buildings of the Dept. of Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science; in the newly constructed buildings of the Faculty of Mathematics & Applied Mathematics, on the upper level of Teaching Auditoriums, desks for persons with disabilities have been provided for as well.
4. There is direct access to all Teaching Rooms of all Departments
5. There is an automatic door leading through the entrance inside the Medical School and Administration Building A.
c. All buildings are equipped with WCs for persons with disabilities
In both Campuses
For students with special educational needs, support is offered by the University of Crete Student Counseling Center, through personal meetings.
Contact info:
- https://en.uoc.gr/studies-at-uni/study-support-services/councelling-center.html
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. & This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cost of Living
It is estimated that, on average, a Greek student spends a minimum of between 650-700 Euros per month for private accommodation, utilities, food, transport and other expenses. More specifically, costs are estimated as follows:
Accommodation (shared flat): varies between 250 - 300 Euros
Catering (self-catered): varies 200 - 300 Euros
Bus fares: 25 - 30 Euros
About Crete
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is rich in ancient and modern Mediterranean cultures. Apart from the archaeological sites, museums and a spectacular scenery, it is an island with a long reputation for its hospitality and exceptional food (cretan diet). The University offers a vibrant social and intellectual environment for research and education and the towns of Heraklion and Rethymnon both lay claim to a lively cafe-society, hosting social, cultural events and activities aiming to meet the various interests of all visitors.
More information is available on the main University site and on the Municipality sites of Heraklion and Rethymnon.
How to reach us
By air: There are airports in Heraklion and Chania with regular scheduled flights to/from Athens throughout the year and international flights during April-November. You can check for cheap flights at: http://gr.skyscanner.com/
As airports are situated outside the cities, a taxi or public transportation is advised.
Cost of transportation by taxi from Chania airport to the central Bus station (KTEL): 22€. Cost of transportation by taxi from Heraklion airport to the central Bus station: 14€.
Cost of transportation by bus from Chania airport to the central Bus station (KTEL): 2,30€.
Cost of transportation by bus from Heraklion airport to the central Bus station (KTEL): 1,50€.
There are buses from Heraklion and Chania to Rethymnon every hour.
By ferry: There are daily ferry connections from/to Heraklion, Chania / Piraeus, run by several ferry companies (ANEK-Superfast lines, MINOAN lines|):
http://web.anek.gr/portal/page/portal/ANEK_prod
http://www.minoan.gr/en
Bus: There are 2 public bus services in Crete, KTEL Heraklion-Lasithi (http://www.ktelherlas.gr/?lang=en ) & KTEL Chania-Rethymnon (http://www.e-ktel.com/en/ ) that travel all over Crete and to some major cities of the mainland, via ferry.
Information on how to get to Rethymnon University campus can be found here . A map of the campus can be found here
Information on how to get to Heraklion University campus can be found here
