Call for Applications: Onassis Foundation Scholarships (Greece)

The Onassis Foundation Scholarships support up to 80 postgraduate and doctoral students committed to academic excellence and social impact. The programme funds studies in Greece or abroad across humanities, sciences, engineering, technology and health fields, offering monthly stipends, tuition support and long-term academic networking. Scholarships range from 9 to 36 months, with structured evaluation based on merit, relevance and societal contribution.

Overview

The Onassis Foundation Scholarships aim to support young people who work systematically to build a better, more inclusive society through advanced academic study and research.

The programme supports full-time postgraduate (Master’s) and doctoral (PhD) studies, either fully abroad or through officially recognised transnational programmes involving Greece. Beyond financial support, scholars receive academic counselling and long-term integration into the Onassis Scholars’ Association.

Fields of Study Covered

The scholarships support a broad range of disciplines across five main academic areas.

Humanities

• Language and literature

• Philosophy and cultural studies

Social Sciences

• Education

• Sociology and political science

• Law

• Economics, business and media studies

Engineering and Technology

• Core and applied engineering fields

• Computer science

• Digital technologies

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

• Natural sciences

• Environmental and agricultural studies

Medicine and Health Sciences

• Medicine

• Biotechnology

• Pharmacology

• Specialized nursing and health-related fields

Number of Scholarships Available

• Up to 80 scholarships awarded per cycle

• For postgraduate and doctoral studies only

• Full-time study required

Scholarship Benefits

Financial Support for Studies in Greece

• Monthly stipend: EUR 600

• Additional allowance: Up to EUR 5,000

  • Covers tuition fees and/or relocation expenses

• Payments are made quarterly in advance, after:

  • Signing the scholarship agreement

  • Submitting a valid registration certificate

Academic and Professional Support

• Individual academic counselling throughout studies

• Eligibility to join the Onassis Scholars’ Association after completion

• Access to:

  • Networking opportunities

  • Additional funding for research and publications

  • Postdoctoral support schemes

Duration of the Scholarship

The length of funding depends on the level and structure of the study programme.

Master’s Studies

• Up to 24 months

• Up to 36 months if required by the programme

• No extensions beyond the approved duration

Doctoral Studies

• Up to 36 months

• Possible 12-month extension under specific academic conditions

Overall funding duration ranges from 9 to 36 months, depending on the programme.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

Eligible candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

• Hold Greek citizenship or Greek nationality, or

• Be graduates of Greek universities and hold a Greek high school diploma, with legal residence in Greece

Additional eligibility conditions include:

• Admission to or registration in an eligible postgraduate or doctoral programme

• Full-time study commitment

Priority is given to candidates who already hold an unconditional offer or are officially registered in their chosen programme.

Evaluation and Selection Criteria

Applications that meet eligibility requirements proceed to academic evaluation by Academic Advisors appointed by the Onassis Foundation.

Evaluation is based on:

• Academic performance

• Reputation and institutional status of previous and selected universities

• Foreign language proficiency

• Publications and professional experience

• Statement of purpose

• Recommendation letters

• For PhD candidates:

  • Originality of the research proposal

  • Social relevance of the research for Greece

Why This Scholarship Matters

The Onassis Foundation Scholarships go beyond financial assistance. They invest in individuals whose academic paths have the potential to generate long-term social value, innovation and knowledge that benefits Greece and the wider global community.

By combining funding, mentoring and alumni engagement, the programme helps scholars build sustainable academic and professional trajectories with real-world impact.

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility
   Ensure citizenship, academic background and study programme meet the criteria.

2. Secure Admission
   Priority is given to applicants with unconditional offers or confirmed enrolment.

3. Prepare Application Materials
   This typically includes academic records, statement of purpose, recommendation letters and proof of language proficiency.

4. Submit Application
   Applications are reviewed first for eligibility, then evaluated academically.

5. Evaluation and Decision
   Final selections are made based on merit, relevance and societal contribution.

Common Application Tips

• Clearly link your academic goals to social impact

• Emphasize the relevance of your studies or research to Greece

• Choose referees who can speak to both academic ability and societal engagement

• For PhD applicants, ensure your research proposal is original, feasible and socially meaningful

• Secure an unconditional offer where possible before applying

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many Onassis Foundation Scholarships are awarded each year?

Up to 80 scholarships are awarded for postgraduate and doctoral studies.

2. Can the scholarship be used for studies outside Greece?

Yes. Scholarships support studies entirely abroad or through official transnational programmes involving Greece.

3. What is the monthly stipend for studies in Greece?

Scholars studying in Greece receive EUR 600 per month, plus an additional allowance of up to EUR 5,000.

4. How long does the scholarship last?

Funding ranges from 9 to 36 months, depending on the programme and level of study.

5. Are extensions allowed?

Extensions are not allowed for Master’s programmes. Doctoral scholarships may receive a 12-month extension under specific conditions.

6. Who is eligible to apply?

Greek citizens or graduates of Greek universities with a Greek high school diploma and legal residence in Greece are eligible.

7. What factors are most important in the selection process?

Academic excellence, institutional quality, language skills, professional experience and the social relevance of the applicant’s work are key evaluation criteria.

Conclusion

The Onassis Foundation Scholarships provide comprehensive support for talented postgraduate and doctoral students committed to academic excellence and social progress. With generous funding, academic guidance and lifelong access to a strong scholarly network, the programme empowers individuals to turn advanced education into meaningful societal impact. For eligible candidates seeking to combine rigorous study with public value, this scholarship represents a significant opportunity.