Greek/EU Student Admission

All first-year candidates are required to submit an application for admission along with the required material. Students may submit an application through the online portal.

Applications are reviewed by the admissions director and the director of enrollment, who are familiar with a variety of school systems and transcripts.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following when applying for admission to the program:

1. An online application form through admissions.act.edu.
2. An official high school transcript of grades. If you have not attended an English- or Greek-speaking high school, an official translation into English is required. An official high school diploma with a minimum grade of 14/20 in the Greek high school system or its equivalent in any other system; a minimum score of 24 in the IB diploma. If you have not attended an English- or Greek-speaking high school, an official translation into English is required.
3. An official high school diploma. If you have not attended an English- or Greek-speaking high school, an official translation into English is required.
4. Personal essay.
5. CV and reference letter.

6. Official evidence of proficiency in English. Students should submit an English certificate at a minimum level of B2, obtained in the last 3 years. Exempted are students whose primary language of instruction at school has been English for the duration of the secondary school studies.

   A list of acceptable English test scores is the following:

   • Michigan State University – Certificate of English Language Competency (MSU – CELC) : CEFR B2.
   • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), overall score iBT score 80
   • FIRST CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY or CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT ENGLISH or FIRST CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH, CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT ENGLISH overall score 160-179.
   • INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM (IELTS), University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) or CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT ENGLISH – The British Council – IDP Education Australia IELTS Australia score 5,5 - 6,5.
   • (ECCE)- CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY IN ENGLISH, MICHIGAN University (ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE or Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments - CaMLA or Michigan Language Assessment.)
   • TEST OF ENGLISH FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION (TOEIC) score 505 - 780, EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE/CHAUNCEY, USA.
   • Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 100 points.

7. A recent passport-size color photograph.

• The photograph must be in color.
• It should have a white background.
• It should have a close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 60-70% of the photograph.
• It should be in sharp focus and clean.
• It should be of high quality.
• The photograph should be a recent one not more than 6 months old.
• It should be without hat/cap.

8. A photocopy of either your ID card (Greek only: ταυτότητα) or your valid passport (all EU students).
9. A non-refundable application fee of 70.00 Euro. The application fee should be deposited at one of ACT’s bank accounts.

A copy of the bank receipt should accompany the application. For more information regarding fees and payment procedures please contact the Accounting office +30-2310-398219.

All application documentation should be submitted/mailed directly to the Admissions Office.

Admissions Procedure

1. Submit an application along with the supporting material.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. An interview with a member of the admissions office will be required at any stage of the application procedure.
4. The admissions decision is communicated to applicants in writing and within two weeks from the time of receipt of the complete application.
5. Admitted students are required to confirm their attendance in writing within a given deadline and as specified in the acceptance letter.

Applicants whose application has been rejected may appeal at the ASPC committee for re-evaluation.

Applications receive a priority number which determines the order in which successful applicants register for their first semester of course work.

Non-EU Student Admission

ACT’s admissions application process is the same for all students regardless of their citizenship or country of residence.

Applications are reviewed by the admissions director and the director of enrollment, who are familiar with a variety of school systems and transcripts.

Non-EU applicants must demonstrate that financial resources are available to them which are sufficient to meet the costs of tuition and fees, books and supplies, living expenses during their stay in Greece, and transportation expenses to return to their country.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following when applying for admission to the program:

1. An online application form through admissions.act.edu.
2. An official high school transcript of grades. If you have not attended an English- or Greek-speaking high school, an official translation into English is required.
3. An official high school diploma. An official high school diploma with a minimum grade of 70% or its equivalent; a minimum score of 24 in the IB diploma. If you have not attended an English- or Greek-speaking high school, an official translation into English is required.
4. A school profile which should include a description of the school, grading system, curricular and extracurricular resources.

5. Official evidence of proficiency in English.

   A list of acceptable English test scores is the following:

   • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), overall score iBT score 80
   • FIRST CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY or CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT ENGLISH or FIRST CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH, CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT ENGLISH overall score 160-179.
   • INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM (IELTS), University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) or CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT ENGLISH – The British Council – IDP Education Australia IELTS Australia score 5,5 - 6,5.
   • (ECCE)- CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY IN ENGLISH, MICHIGAN University (ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE or Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments - CaMLA or Michigan Language Assessment.)
   • TEST OF ENGLISH FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION (TOEIC) score 505 - 780, EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE/CHAUNCEY, USA.
   • Michigan State University – Certificate of English Language Competency (MSU – CELC) : CEFR B2.
   • Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 100 points.

6. Personal essay.
7. CV and reference letter.
8. A recent passport-size color photograph.

• The photograph must be in color.
• It should have a white background.
• It should have a close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 60-70% of the photograph.
• It should be in sharp focus and clean.
• It should be of high quality.
• The photograph should be a recent one not more than 6 months old.
• It should be without hat/cap.

9. A photocopy of your valid passport.
10. A non-refundable application fee of 70.00 Euro. The application fee should be deposited at one of ACT’s bank accounts.

A copy of the bank receipt should accompany the application. For more information regarding fees and payment procedures please contact the Accounting office +30-2310-398219.

All application documentation should be submitted/mailed directly to the Admissions Office.

Admissions Procedure

1. Submit an application along with the supporting material.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. An interview with a member of the admissions office will be required at any stage of the application procedure.
4. The admissions decision is communicated to applicants in writing and within two weeks from the time of receipt of the complete application.
5. Admitted students are required to confirm their attendance in writing within a given deadline and as specified in the acceptance letter.
6. Admitted non-EU students receive visa and residence permit application instructions once they confirm their attendance in writing.
7. A second acceptance letter is provided to non-EU students for the visa application.
8. A copy of the visa should be submitted to the admissions office prior to arrival in Greece.

International students are encouraged to visit ACT, meet the department chair of their chosen major, sit in a class, talk to students and have an on-campus tour. An appointment prior to visit is required.

Applicants whose application has been rejected may appeal at the ASPC committee for re-evaluation.

Applications receive a priority number which determines the order in which successful applicants register for their first semester of course work.

English Language Proficiency Requirement for non-EU Students

To be considered for admission to ACT, candidates should provide official evidence of proficiency in English in one of the following ways:

1. Student’s native language is English.
2. Student holds an internationally recognized English certificate at least at B2 level, which has been received within the last 3 years.

Deadlines

Non-EU Undergraduate Fall Term: We accept applications on a rolling admissions basis by April 30th. The extended admissions deadline is May 30th.
Non-EU Undergraduate Spring Term: We accept applications on a rolling admissions basis by October 30th.

US Degree-Seeking Student Admission

We accept applications on a rolling admissions basis by April 1st. Admitted students should make a non-refundable deposit by May 1st.

If you missed our deadline, please contact the admissions office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applications beyond the deadline will be considered based on space availability.

US applicants are required to submit the following when applying for admission to the program:

1. An Application Form.
2. Official transcripts of 9th, 10th, 11th grade and a grade report of the 12th grade. Candidates should have earned a minimum overall grade average of C+ in their final year or a minimum score of 24 in the IB grading system to be admitted.
3. Personal essay.
4. One letter of recommendation from a teacher/advisor.
5. SAT/ACT scores (optional, but strongly encouraged).
6. A recent passport-size color photograph.

• The photograph must be in color.
• It should have a white background.
• It should have a close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 60-70% of the photograph.
• It should be in sharp focus and clean.
• It should be of high quality.
• The photograph should be a recent one not more than 6 months old.
• It should be without hat/cap.

7. A photocopy of your valid passport.
8. A non-refundable application fee of $50. The application fee should be deposited at one of ACT’s bank accounts.

A copy of the bank receipt should accompany the application. For more information regarding fees and payment procedures please contact the Accounting office +30-2310-398219.

All application documentation should be submitted/mailed directly to the Admissions Office.

Admissions Procedure

1. Submit an application along with the supporting material.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. An interview with a member of the admissions office will be required at any stage of the application procedure.
4. The admissions decision is communicated to applicants in writing and within two weeks from the time of receipt of the complete application.
5. Admitted students are required to confirm their attendance in writing by May 1.
6. Admitted US students receive visa and residence permit application instructions once they confirm their attendance in writing and submit the non-refundable deposit.
7. A second acceptance letter is provided to US students for the visa application.
8. A copy of the visa should be submitted to the admissions office prior to arrival in Greece.

Applicants whose application has been rejected may appeal at the ASPC committee for re-evaluation.

Applications receive a priority number which determines the order in which successful applicants register for their first semester of course work.

Transfer Student Admission

ACT welcomes applications from transfer students who complete the following criteria:

1. English language proficiency as described above.
2. Previous academic work is completed at a regionally accredited institution.
3. Courses apply towards the ACT curriculum.
4. Courses have been completed with a minimum grade of “C” or its equivalent.

International Baccalaureate Credits: Applicants who have received scores of 4 and above on higher-level exams will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis for transfer credit. As much as one year of course work may be recognized, thus entitling applicants holding this diploma to sophomore standing upon entry.

Responsibility for individual transcript evaluation and the awarding of transfer credits for advanced standing rests with the offices of the Registrar and Admissions. Prior to the award of transfer credit a student’s transcript is scrutinized with respect to credit hours earned and course equivalencies by the Associate Dean for Administration and Student Affairs and the chairs of the corresponding departments.

Transfer students must spend at a minimum their last two semesters (i.e., their last full academic year) in residence at the College.

Transfer Application Procedure

Transfer applicants are required to submit the following when applying for admission to the program:

1. An Application Form.
2. An official transcript of grades. If you have not attended an English- or Greek-speaking college/university, an official translation into English is required.
3. Evidence of proficiency in English as described above.
4. Copies of course syllabi for all the courses you have completed and for those on which you are currently enrolled.
5. A copy of your institution's catalogue current to your period of attendance.
6. Personal essay. Please choose one topic and see prompts below:

   a) Why is international education important and how will it help you achieve a global perspective?
   b) Share a personal anecdote that will help us understand what you will bring to the ACT community.
   c) Choose one of the essay questions listed on the Common Application.

7. One letter of recommendation from a teacher/advisor.
8. A recent passport-size color photograph.

• The photograph must be in color.
• It should have a white background.
• It should have a close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 60-70% of the photograph.
• It should be in sharp focus and clean.
• It should be of high quality.
• The photograph should be a recent one not more than 6 months old.
• It should be without hat/cap.

9. A photocopy of your ID (Greek taftotita).
10. A non-refundable application fee of 70.00 Euro. The application fee should be deposited at one ACT’s bank accounts

A copy of the bank receipt should accompany the application. For more information regarding fees and payment procedures please contact the Accounting office +30-2310-398219.

Admissions Procedure

1. Submit an application along with the supporting material.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. An interview with a member of the admissions office will be required at any stage of the application procedure.
4. The admissions decision is communicated to applicants in writing and within two weeks from the time of receipt of the complete application.
5. Admitted students are required to confirm their attendance in writing within a given deadline and as specified in the acceptance letter.

Applicants whose application has been rejected may appeal at the ASPC committee for re-evaluation.

Applications receive a priority number which determines the order in which successful applicants register for their first semester of course work.

All application documentation should be submitted/mailed directly to the Admissions Office.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition and fees at ACT are competitive and the school’s intent is to ensure that academically strong students are provided with the means through the school's financial aid programs to attend. Please contact admissions for more information.

Methods of Payment

You may make payments by credit card or by using one of the available ACT bank accounts.

Making payments by Credit Card

Please complete the attached form and submit it to the Anatolia Finance Office on the main Anatolia campus, at Stephens Hall or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ACT Bank Accounts

ALPHA Bank, Account number:  811-00-2002-004269 
IBAN:  GR82 0140 8110 8110 0200 2004 269  SWIFT:  CRBAGRAA

NATIONAL Bank, Account number:  895/298006-10
IBAN:  GR32 0110 8950 0000 8952 9800 610  BIC:  ETHNGRAA

EUROBANK, Account number:  0026 0520 16 0200109405
IBAN:  GR10 0260 5200 0001 6020 0109 405   SWIFT:  ERBKGRAA

PIREAUS Bank, Account number:  5239-072914-881
IBAN:  GR02 0172 2390 0052 3907 2914 881  SWIFT:  PIRBGRAA

Institutional License

The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT), holds a license by the Greek Ministry of Education, which recognizes its right to operate as a College in Greece (License Number: 108256/05.08.2013, Government Gazette 1986B/14.08.2013).

US Accreditation

The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:

New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, MA 01803-4514
781-425-7785
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
web-site: www.neche.org

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by NECHE indicates that it meets, or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality and integrity periodically applied through a peer review process. ACT is the only institution in Northern Greece accredited by NECHE, the commission that accredits prestigious U.S. universities among which are Harvard and Yale. 

British Validation

ACT's undergraduate degree programs are currently validated by The Open University, UK. This validation further ensures that ACT's undergraduate programs meet the requirements of the European Union directive 36/2005 governing the recognition of degrees and professional rights in Greece. ACT’s undergraduate students complete a single course of studies leading simultaneously to a dual degree: a US degree issued by ACT and accredited by NECHE and a European degree (validated Honors Diploma) awarded directly by the Open University, UK. ACT is the only institution of higher education in Northern Greece to enjoy such a privilege.

ACT's graduate degree programs are currently also validated by The Open University, UK.

Recognition of Degrees

The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) is an American, private, nonprofit post-secondary academic institution (College) that operates in Greece, with a rich history that goes back to 1886. ACT is an independent American institution; as such, it is not a branch of a franchising institution.

In the United States: The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE – formerly known as NEASC) as an autonomous institution of higher education operating outside the US, authorized to award undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and graduate (Master’s) degrees. As such, it is listed as a higher education institution on the US Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.

In the rest of the world: ACT as an institution and the degrees awarded by ACT are recognized by NARICs of various European countries (United Kingdom, Germany, etc.). As an example, here is a list of institutions recognized by the UK NARIC (ENIC), including ACT.

Based on the above, ACT graduates have routinely continued their studies at marquee name institutions around the world such as: the London School of Economics, King’s College, University of Oxford, University of London, Warwick University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, La Salle University, Maastricht University, International University in Geneva, Drexel University, Notre Dame and Columbia University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute,  and many more.  

In Greece: The Ministry of Education recognizes ACT as a College (License Number: 108256/05.08.2013, Government Gazette #1986B, August 14, 2013) authorized to award undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and graduate (Master’s) degrees. Additionally, ACT's undergraduate degree programs were validated by the University of Wales until 2014 and are currently validated by the British Open University. This validation ensures that ACT's degree programs meet the requirements of the European Union directive 36/2005 governing the recognition of degrees and professional rights. As such and based on relevant legislation, OU degrees awarded at ACT are eligible for recognition by the Greek Ministry of Education as professionally equivalent to the degrees awarded by Greek public universities. Subsequently, our graduates, where applicable, proceed to receive a license to teach, or practice.

 Recent examples of ACT degree recognitions can be found below:

• Bachelor of Arts in English
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & International Relations
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Business Computing
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science