About UoA

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (UoA) was founded in 1837 as the “Othonian University.” It was the first university not only of the modern Greek state but also in the Balkan Peninsula and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region.

In 1932, it was renamed the “National and Kapodistrian University of Athens” (abbreviation: UoA), which remains its name today. UoA is a self-governing public legal entity, governed by public law regulations, and supervised by the Ministry of Education, Research, and Religious Affairs.

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is the largest public higher education institution in Greece and one of the largest universities in Europe.

With 45,400 undergraduate students, 23,100 postgraduate students and doctoral candidates, 7,600 international students across all levels, 2,100 academic staff, and approximately 1,000 administrative staff, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens focuses on the production and dissemination of knowledge. Furthermore, the university aims to become a center of excellence in research, innovation, and teaching across all its disciplines, thereby contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the country.

Building of Theoretical Sciences

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (UoA) is committed to offering top-tier education across all levels of study and advancing science through fundamental and applied research across a wide range of disciplines.

UoA strives for excellence in education, innovation in research, and the promotion of culture. It aims to actively participate in the social and cultural life of Greece, contributing to the nation’s progress and development.

Since its establishment during the formation of the modern Greek state, UoA’s mission has remained the continuous enhancement of education for young scientists. This is achieved through ongoing improvements in the learning process, curriculum updates, fostering a spirit of distinction, and effectively connecting the university with society and the economy.

UoA is the first Greek university to break into the Top 200 universities globally in international rankings.

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is the first Greek university to be ranked among the Top 200 universities worldwide in an international general university ranking based on multiple criteria.

Specifically, according to the results of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, published on January 28, 2021, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (UoA) ranked 180th globally among 12,000 universities. Notably, UoA improved by 53 positions compared to the previous year, rising from 233rd to 180th place.

Additionally, it ranked 49th among 3,262 universities in the European Union included in this ranking.

According to the results of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, following the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (UoA), the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki ranks 205th, the National Technical University of Athens ranks 329th, and the top five are completed by the University of Patras at 533rd and the University of Ioannina at 581st.

This ranking includes approximately 12,000 universities worldwide out of the 30,000 for which data was collected. Among these are Greek universities and private institutions (see Table 1).

Additionally, on January 26, 2022, the results of the “Top Universities by Top Google Scholar Citations” ranking by Webometrics were announced. According to this announcement and the results of recent years, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (UoA) achieved a rare distinction for a Greek university, ranking in the Top 100 of a global ranking for the fifth consecutive year. Based on the results announced by Webometrics, in this ranking, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is positioned:

  • 1st place among Greek universities
  • 2nd place among Mediterranean universities
  • 18th place in Europe
  • 92nd place globally among 7,497 universities!!!

Table: Greek Universities and Higher Education Institutions according to the WEBOMETRICS ranking for 2021 (1st semester)

1180National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
2205Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
3329National Technical University of Athens
4533University of Patras (incl University of Western Greece)
5581University of Ioannina
6605University of Crete
7872University of Thessaly
8978University of the Aegean
91007Democritus University of Thrace
101044Harokopio University of Athens
111264Athens University of Economics and Business
121296Hellenic Open University
131311Technical University of Crete
141400University of Piraeus
151550Agricultural University of Athens
161574University of Macedonia
172147Ionian University
182183University of Peloponnese
192196University of West Attica
202427Panteion University of Political and Social Sciences

UoA in International University Rankings

UoA achieves high positions in International University Rankings, commonly referred to as “Rankings,” and its standing improves year by year.

These distinctions are attributed to the significant research contributions of the institution’s members, characterized by international recognition and impact, its academic reputation, and the outward orientation of its community, fostered through international collaborations and initiatives.

Indicatively presented:

Ranking TableGlobal Position 2020Global Position 2015
WEBOMETRICS233301
Top Universities by Google Scholar Citations
WEBOMETRICS
86538
Center for World University Ranking (CWUR)267301
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)301-400301-400
US News – Best Global University Rankings262292
QS (Quacquarelli Symonds)651-700601-650
Times Higher Education (THE)401-500
National Taiwan University213 *217
Times Higher Education Impact Ranking (ΙR) – General201-300Ν.Α**
– ΙR – SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities26Ν.Α**
– ΙR – SDG4: Quality Education79Ν.Α**
– ΙR – SDG 5: Gender Equality86Ν.Α**
– ΙR – SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing98Ν.Α**
– ΙR – SDG 16: Peace – Justice & Strong Institutions101-200Ν.Α**
– ΙR – SDG 9: Industry – Innovation – Infrastructure101-200Ν.Α**
– ΙR – SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth201-300Ν.Α**
– ΙR – SDG 17: Partnership For The Goals401-600Ν.Α**
QS Employability Ranking301-500Ν.Α**

* Data for 2020 has not been announced; 2019 data is presented.

** No data available for 2015.

Statistics for the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: Facilities and Human Resources

Programs of Study, Academic Units, and Facilities

  • 41 Undergraduate Programs, named after the departments offering them.
  • 1 exclusively English-taught undergraduate program titled “BA Program in the Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece,” offered by the School of Philosophy exclusively for international students.
  • 205 Postgraduate Programs, including 26 taught in foreign languages.
  • 15 Centers of Excellence.
  • 5 Research University Institutes.
  • 3 University Hospitals.
  • 70 University Clinics (60 in the Medical School, 5 in the Nursing Department, and 5 in the Dentistry Department).
  • 243 Laboratories.
  • 11 Libraries.
  • Museums: The Museum of History, the University Historical Archive, and 13 thematic museums affiliated with specific schools and/or departments.

Human Resources

Staff:

  • Academic and Research Staff (A.R.S.): 1,653
  • Laboratory Teaching Staff (L.T.S.): 248
  • Special Educational Staff (S.E.S.): 56
  • Scientific Associates: 9
  • Special Technical Laboratory Staff (S.T.L.S.): 170
  • Administrative Staff: 1,078 (including 37 seconded employees to other organizations)

Students:

  • Number of active undergraduate students: 45,104
  • Number of postgraduate students: 15,473
  • Number of doctoral candidates: 8,679
  • International undergraduate students: 7,014 (3,020 active up to n+2 years)
  • International postgraduate students: 381
  • International doctoral candidates: 202