Hellenic American University
Hellenic American University is a NEASC-accredited US university with a mission to educate students to be global citizens equipped to contribute to the social and economic development of their communities. The small-sized, seminar-style classes and internationally educated faculty who are passionate about teaching create a supportive learning environment that favors hands-on, engaged learning.
Hellenic American University's campus in Athens (Hellenic American College) is home to about 500 students, 15% of whom are international students. The College is located in downtown Athens, within walking distance of many of the city's museums, concert halls, clubs and theaters, as well as numerous cafes, galleries and restaurants.
Dates & Deadlines*
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | 2025 | March 15 | Rolling Admission | September 4 | December 20 |
| Spring | 2026 | October 1 | Rolling Admission | January 29 | May 23 |
Program Description
HAU supports students in their academic and personal development through a broad array of academic services and co-curricular experiences. These include formal academic support services such as student mentoring and advising, academic tutoring, and help with academic writing and library research, as well as personal and professional services such as clinical counseling and career development.
Program Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Be in good academic, disciplinary, and financial standing with SHU
Student Life
HAU's academic services are complemented by a broad range of co-curricular activities to enrich learning, foster communication and leadership skills and enhance student employability. These activities include clubs such as the Toastmasters and the Psychology Club, student participation in national and regional competitions, and presentations at research conferences. Student government is another opportunity for co-curricular learning. The five members of the Student Council are elected by their peers to represent and promote student concerns in the framework of University governance.
Other activities are designed to expose students to the breadth of professional opportunities in their chosen area of studies and help them acquire a sense of what it is like to work in the field. These experiences have recently included student participation in EU-funded research projects, field placements with social service charities (BSPSY) and pro bono interpreting opportunities at NGOs.
Students also have the opportunity to connect with other students through interest-based clubs such as Athletic Clubs, Arts Club, Rainbow Alliance Club, Marketing Club, and the Theater Club, among others.
Orientation
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation organized by Global Engagement. During this orientation, further details about the course and program details will be discussed. Pre-departure orientations for Winter and Spring programs are held in November/December. Pre-departure orientations for Summer and Fall programs are held in April.
Upon arrival to Greece, you will attend mandatory orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by the University. During Orientation, your schedule will include important information sessions that will give you the necessary tools to prepare you to start your academic program at HAU successfully. Students are introduced not only to the University, but also to life in Greece, and to academics in a multicultural environment. You will have the opportunity to meet students from different nationalities, faculty, and staff who will become an important part of your university experience!
Greece, the birthplace of democracy and cradle of Western civilization, offers extraordinary opportunities for a rich learning experience. The ideas that helped shape the art, philosophy and politics of the Western world can be seen in the temples, theaters and stadiums whose remnants still stand in the midst of Athens.
Yet, Athens is also a vibrant modern metropolis with a thriving arts scene, and a fulcrum of the ongoing debate on the meaning and future of Europe. A meeting place of East and West, Athens remains an affordable, safe and friendly Mediterranean city, where life is lived outdoors in the squares and sidewalk cafes of its many, diverse neighborhoods.
Courses
Students enroll in 12-15 credits for semester-long programs. When looking for courses, be sure that you are looking at classes in the correct term of study. Students should ensure they have taken any necessary prerequisite courses for their study abroad course selections. Courses are taught in English.
All study-abroad students participate in an orientation session offered by the Office of Student Affairs. The session provides basic information on Athens and the University, including the library and other learning resources. Study-abroad students who will be with us for a semester or longer are each assigned a faculty advisor who helps them put together a program that best suits their needs. The advisors also serve as academic mentors throughout the students’ stay.
Eligibility
You must have an overall GPA of 2.5+ and be in good disciplinary and financial standing with SHU. HAU study abroad programs are open to sophomores, juniors, and first-semester seniors.
Course Credit
SHU approved courses taken on this program will count towards your general graduation total. Course grades will also factor into your cumulative Grade Point Average (courses are not available for Pass/Fail).
Students can reference the Course Equivalency Database to see which courses have already been approved. Approval for courses not yet approved can be requested through Global Engagement. Email studyabroad@sacredheart.edu for more information.
Study abroad students reside in various-sized independent apartments arranged by the university. Students participate in an apartment orientation upon arrival with the landlord and a university representative. Students also participate in a neighborhood orientation to help acclimate them to their new living location and nearby amenities. Apartments are within a reasonable commute to the university via local public transportation.
Housing costs are included as a part of your study abroad program fees.
Hellenic American University: Fall 2025 - Spring 2026
| Budget Item | Amount | Payable To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $45 | Global Engagement | Payable upon application to the program |
| Confirmation Fee | $250 | Global Engagement | Due within two weeks of acceptance to the program |
| Total | $295 | ||
| SHU Full-Time Undergraduate Tuition | $26,045 | Student Accounts | 2025-2026 tuition rate |
| Study Abroad Fee | $450 | Student Accounts | |
| Estimated Total | $26,495 | Total will be billed in accordance with student accounts billing cycle |
Additional Expense Estimates
| Budget Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meals | $2,000 | |
| Immigration - Visa | $100 | |
| Transportation - International Airfare | $1,500 | Airline/flight of your choice |
| Program Materials - Books & supplies | $200 | |
| Personal Expenses | $2,000 |
All costs subject to change.
Fees Include:
- Accommodations
- Program orientation
- Arrival airport transfer
- Mandatory basic international health insurance
Fees Do Not Include:
- Travel to/from host country
- Major medical insurance
- On-site course fees
- Visa/resident permit fees
- Meals
- Program materials
- Personal expenses
Additional Billing Information
All expenses are subject to change based upon currency fluctuations, flight demand, personal spending habits, etc. Actual expenses may be more or less than the listed estimates.
Program withdrawal fees, penalties and refunds are subject to the withdrawal policies of each program.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Global Education prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Global Engagement encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible. For more information, visit the study abroad scholarships & financial aid webpage.
Students in the Thomas More Honors Program are eligible to use a one-time study abroad scholarship of $500 towards the cost of their program. Students will need to apply for this scholarship post-acceptance within their study abroad accounts.
Speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.
Ensure applications for the Welch Tuition Waiver, Thomas More Honors Program Scholarship, and/or Matthew R. Dalling Scholarship are submitted by the specified deadline. Applications and corresponding deadlines can be found in your Study Abroad Account. Failure to submit applications by the specified deadline may cause the scholarship dispersal to be significantly delayed.
If you receive scholarships, grants, or financial aid through SHU, these awards are posted to your Student Account according to the normal disbursement schedule. Contact the Office of Global Education directly for further information.
Participation in the full duration of the program is mandatory. Students must ensure they book travel which properly accommodates the assigned arrival and move out dates of the program. Dates of arrival to and departure from your program cannot be adjusted to accommodate students' individual needs.
To view the current academic calendar, visit the Hellenic American University Academic Calendar.
All dates are subject to change. Do not book your flight until you have been accepted by the host university and the academic dates have been confirmed.