OBJECTIVES:  In recent years, the generic drug has been the subject of public debate in Greece. The use of generic drugs effectively reduces public pharmaceutical expenditure and improves the sustainability of the social security system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge perceptions and attitudes of final year pharmacy students towards generic drugs. METHODS:  Final year pharmacy students of three Universities in Greece were invited to fill out an electronic questionnaire relating to respondents use, perceptions and knowledge of generic drugs. 40 closed-ended, multiple choice and cumulative scoring scale questions were included. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse study findings using the Microsoft Excel program. RESULTS:  173 students (36 male) took part in the survey. Analysis of the resultant data indicated that 89% of the pharmacy students were aware that generic products are comparable in dosage form, strength and route of administration to originator medicines, but may contain different excipients (71%) and may be sold for significantly lower prices (78%). Despite, the generally positive attitude towards generic drugs of >90% of pharmacy students, a significant percentage did not have a clear opinion of their safety (46%) and efficacy (55%) compared to brand-name products. Almost all the students considered it important that (1) the National Organization of Medicine (EOF) be responsible for establishing bioequivalence of generic medicines and (2) health professionals be better educated about generics so as to better educate patients. CONCLUSIONS: The Greek government has already taken several steps toward increasing the use of generics and improving their integration into the local healthcare system. In keeping with the results of the survey, students, patients and health professionals need to be better informed about generics. Greek pharmaceutical industries, the state and health professionals should take measures to sustain the assimilation of generics into the Greek market.