Τhe following languages are taught at the Foreign Language Unit:

  1. English for Specific and Academic Purposes (tailored instruction per academic department of the University of Patras
  2. French (interdepartmental – all levels of CEFR)
  3. German (interdepartmental – all levels of CEFR)
  4. Russian (interdepartmental – all levels of CEFR)
  5. Spanish (in collaboration with the Cervantes Institute of Athens – mainly A1/A2 level of CEFR for approximately sixty students at the University who submit a successful application for admission at the Foreign Language Unit and the Cervantes Institute)

Regarding the English language, there are no official prerequisites. However, instruction in English for Specific and Academic Purposes presupposes knowledge of English at a B2 level or above (certified or not).

For French, German, and Russian, instruction is adjusted according to the needs of the learners. Beginner-level courses are offered in all three languages.

Spanish instruction generally begins at level A1.

No, all foreign language courses are offered free of charge.

Foreign language instruction is primarily intended for undergraduate students enrolled in academic departments that include foreign language instruction in their study programme. In such cases, instruction may span from one to four semesters, depending on each department’s curriculum, and the course is subject to formal assessment.

If a department does not include the instruction of foreign language as a compulsory part of its programme, students may attend any language course as a non-credit seminar (i.e., it does not count toward their degree grade). The same applies to students whose department requires English as the mandatory foreign language; these students are also entitled to attend any other language course as a seminar during their studies.

Additionally, all members of the university community are eligible to attend foreign language courses, should they wish to do so.

Exemption is generally not encouraged, as it removes the opportunity to engage in language learning focused on Specific and Academic Purposes, which is the core aim of the Language Unit’s instruction.

In exceptional cases, exemption may be granted following the recommendation of the course instructor, provided that the student can demonstrate—through equivalent academic work—that their certified level corresponds to the course content and level under assessment.