Greece – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Greece?

Greece operates a highly centralised education system under the direct authority of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports at every grade level. The Ministry holds broad powers: it oversees public schools, drafts education legislation, manages funding, coordinates university entrance examinations, defines the national curriculum, and recruits teaching staff for state schools. This concentrated authority shapes the system’s considerable strengths as well as some of its persistent shortcomings.

Greece records one of the world’s higher literacy rates at around 97.9%, substantially ahead of the global average of 86.6%. The system places considerable emphasis on academic attainment, with rigorous national examinations serving as the gateway to university entry. Noteworthy outcomes include widespread access to schooling and strong university participation, with more than 44% of young adults holding a university-level qualification.

In the most recent PISA 2022 assessment, Greek 15-year-olds scored markedly below OECD peers in reading, mathematics, and science. Just 53% of students reached at least Level 2 proficiency in mathematics, against an OECD average of 69%. These findings point to ongoing challenges within the system, and readers are encouraged to consult the OECD’s Education GPS platform for the most current comparative data.

Heavy reliance on private tutoring to prepare for demanding national examinations is widespread, and the system continues to grapple with issues such as insufficient funding, a tendency towards rote memorisation, and relatively slow adoption of modern pedagogical approaches. In contrast to models like Finland’s, which prioritise teacher independence and the development of broad competencies, the Greek approach has historically been more exam-oriented and curriculum-driven. In recent years, however, Greece has pursued reforms including the deployment of interactive whiteboards and robotics laboratories, alongside legislative changes permitting private universities to operate for the first time.

An OECD review offers a detailed overview of Greece’s education system, covering its structure, governance, performance, and recent policy direction, and highlights national efforts to widen access and advance equity — particularly through early childhood education reform, school evaluation frameworks, and digital learning initiatives. For the most current assessments, consult the Greek Ministry of Education and the OECD Education GPS.

At what age is education compulsory in Greece, and how is schooling structured by age?

Compulsory schooling in Greece begins at age 4, when attendance at kindergarten (Nipiagogeio) becomes legally required as part of the primary education stage. Kindergarten runs for two years, from age 4 to age 5. This distinguishes Greece from many neighbouring European countries, where compulsory education typically commences at age 5 or 6.

There is no legal entitlement to formal education before the age of four. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provision for children from 2 months up to 4 years is available on a voluntary basis through infant centres, infant/child centres, and child centres, all of which come under the remit of municipal authorities.

The complete framework of formal schooling in Greece is structured as follows:

• Pre-primary / Kindergarten (Nipiagogeio): Ages 4 to 6. Attendance is compulsory for two years.
• Primary School (Dimotiko Scholeio): Primary education takes place in the Dimotiko Scholeio over six years, covering children aged 6 to 12.
• Lower Secondary School (Gymnasio): The Gymnasio constitutes the compulsory first cycle of secondary education, spanning ages 12 to 15 over three years.
• Upper Secondary School (Lykeio): While not compulsory, upper secondary education is attended by the great majority of students, typically from ages 15 to 18 across three year levels.

All students completing primary education are required by law to enrol in and attend the Gymnasio. Upon finishing, graduates receive the Apolytirio Gymnasiou. From this point, students may proceed to the Lykeion (Lyceum), the upper secondary stage, where a common curriculum aims to deepen and broaden their general education.

What types of schools are available in Greece?

Free education across all levels of the public system is enshrined as a constitutional principle in Greece. The educational framework is highly centralised, with state schools serving the overwhelming majority of students, though various alternatives exist.

Most students in Greece attend public schools throughout their education, paying no tuition fees whatsoever. According to a 2023 report from the Hellenic Statistical Authority, approximately 7.5% of the student population at primary and secondary level is enrolled in private schools.

The principal categories of school available in Greece are as follows:

• Standard public schools: The most prevalent option, operating under the national curriculum with textbooks provided free of charge. Admission is determined exclusively by home address.
• All-day schools (Oloimero): These schools extend their timetable until 4:00 PM or 5:30 PM to accommodate working parents. Afternoon sessions offer supervised homework time alongside enrichment activities such as music, ICT, and sport.
• Experimental schools (Piramatika): These institutions pilot innovative teaching methods in partnership with universities, with students selected by random draw rather than by catchment area.
• Model / Onassis Schools: Established in 2025, a network of 22 Onassis Schools was created as model public schools with a social character, comprising 11 secondary schools and 11 high schools.
• Intercultural schools: Dedicated schools designed to serve students from diverse national backgrounds, existing at both primary and secondary level.
• Vocational schools (EPAL): Students may follow a vocational pathway through vocational high schools or, from age 16, through vocational evening high schools, combining general education with workplace-based training.
• Special education schools: Schools designed for students with additional needs, staffed by specialist therapists and educators.
• Private and international schools: Privately funded institutions charging tuition fees, often offering more specialised curricula or instruction in languages other than Greek.

Private colleges also exist, targeting graduates of upper secondary education. It is worth noting that, unlike some countries where faith-based schools constitute a significant part of the landscape, Greek state schools already incorporate religious education as a compulsory subject at most levels.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Greece follow?

The Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports sets the national curriculum, which applies uniformly to all public schools across Greece at every level of primary and secondary education.

In primary education, the curriculum aims to develop foundational competencies in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking. Subjects covered include Greek language, mathematics, environmental studies, physical education, music, art, two foreign languages, ICT, geography, social and civic education, history, science, and religious education.

In upper secondary education (Lykeio), students following the general education pathway study advanced courses in modern and ancient Greek language and literature, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, history, physical education, religious education, foreign languages, civic education, ICT, and philosophy.

The qualifications awarded at each stage of the system are as follows:

• End of Gymnasio (Lower Secondary): Graduates receive the Apolytirio Gymnasiou, broadly equivalent to a lower secondary school leaving certificate in other European systems.
• End of Lykeio (Upper Secondary): Students are awarded the Apolytirio Lykeiou, a school-leaving certificate comparable in function to the French Baccalauréat or Germany’s Abitur.
• Panhellenic Examinations: Students seeking entry to higher education sit the Panhellenic exams across a defined set of Advanced Placement subjects. This competitive process is widely regarded as demanding and serves as the primary gateway to university places.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy and educational framework has been introduced on a pilot basis in Greece, with IB Departments being set up in standard and experimental General Lyceums as well as Music and Art Lyceums. For the first time, this makes IB provision available not only through private international schools but also within certain public school settings. Always check the current position with the Ministry of Education at minedu.gov.gr.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Greece?

Primary schools in Greece generally operate between 8am and 1pm, with many offering additional sessions in physical education, art, and music that extend the day to around 4pm. This shorter core day contrasts with systems such as France’s, where full school days typically run into the late afternoon, though the extended all-day programme available in Greece provides a comparable option for families who require it.

All-day schools (Oloimero) run until either 4:00 PM or 5:30 PM to support working parents, with afternoon sessions dedicated to supervised homework and enrichment activities including music, ICT, and sport. This programme is widely available at primary level and is particularly valuable for dual-income households.

The Greek academic year generally runs from September through to June, beginning in the second week of September. Key holiday periods within the year include:

• Christmas break: Typically around two weeks, spanning late December and early January.
• Carnival / Apokries break: A brief holiday coinciding with the pre-Lent carnival season — a distinctive feature of the Greek academic calendar not found in most other European countries.
• Easter break: Normally two weeks in duration, aligned with Orthodox Easter, which frequently falls later than its Western counterpart.
• Summer holidays: Running from mid-June to early September — a notably extended summer recess relative to many northern European systems.

Precise dates vary from year to year and may differ by school type or region. Always confirm the current academic calendar with the Ministry of Education or your child’s school before making travel or childcare arrangements. Secondary schools broadly follow similar timetabling to primary schools, with morning sessions and some variation depending on year level.

How do you enrol a child in school in Greece?

Registering a child at a Greek state school is a relatively straightforward process for families with legal residency. Places at standard public schools are allocated strictly according to home address, meaning your child will be assigned to whichever school covers your local catchment area. There is no competitive admissions procedure for ordinary state schools.

The general steps involved in enrolling a child at a state school are as follows:

1. Confirm your catchment school: Get in touch with your local municipal authority (dimos) or the regional education directorate to establish which school is designated for your address.
2. Gather required documents: You will ordinarily need a birth certificate (accompanied by an official translation if it is not in Greek), proof of residence such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement, the child’s vaccination record, the family’s residence permit or registration certificate, and any school reports or educational records from previous schooling.
3. Submit your application: Enrolment normally takes place during May or June for the following academic year. Applications are submitted directly to the school, though some municipalities handle registration centrally — confirm the procedure with your local authority.
4. Attend any induction or registration session: Schools may organise a welcome meeting for incoming families ahead of the September start of term.
5. For intercultural or experimental schools: These operate their own admissions procedures. Experimental schools allocate places by random selection rather than by address, so a specific application and entry onto a list may be required.

Private and international schools manage their own admissions independently, with requirements and processes varying between institutions. Most publish their admissions criteria on their websites. Given the demand for places at certain international schools in Athens, families are strongly recommended to make initial contact and lodge applications well in advance — ideally between six and twelve months before the intended start date.

Always verify the current requirements with your chosen school and local education authority. Official guidance is available from the Greek Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports.

What international schools are available in Greece?

International schools attract considerable interest from expat families in Greece, offering globally recognised curricula, high-quality facilities, and — crucially — the ability to continue a child’s education in a language other than Greek. Schools in this sector typically follow programmes such as the IB, British, American, French, or German curriculum, providing continuity for children who may later move on to other countries.

The majority of international schools are concentrated in Athens, though options are also available in Thessaloniki — Greece’s second-largest city — and on some of the larger islands. Crete, a favoured destination for expats seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, also hosts a small number of international schools serving resident foreign families.

Among the most established international schools in Athens are the following:

• American Community Schools (ACS Athens): The leading American-curriculum institution in Greece, ACS Athens also offers the IB Diploma. Graduates may leave with an American High School Diploma, an International Baccalaureate Diploma, or a Greek High School Equivalency Diploma.
• Campion School: A well-regarded choice for British families, Campion offers three IB programmes, IGCSEs, and A Levels, catering to pupils from kindergarten through to secondary level. Annual fees range from approximately €8,500 to €14,500 per student (as of 2024/2025).
• St. Catherine’s British School: Situated in the northern suburbs of Athens, St. Catherine’s is a broadly international school providing classes from kindergarten through to high school, with graduates earning either the IB Diploma or IGCSE. Annual fees range from approximately €9,710 to €15,710 (as of 2024/2025).
• Byron College: A British school delivering the national curriculum of England along with A Levels, with a diverse student body and a comprehensive educational offer.
• International School of Athens (ISA): Formerly known as TASIS, ISA is an IB school and private institution educating students from pre-K through to Year 13.
• Lycée franco-hellénique Eugène Delacroix: An Athens-based school following the French national curriculum, serving families who wish their children to be educated within the French system.

Tuition fees at international schools in Greece vary according to the institution and year group, with annual costs broadly ranging from approximately €6,000 to €18,000 (as of 2024/2025). Fees should always be verified directly with individual schools, as figures are subject to change. Beyond tuition, families should also account for potential additional charges covering extracurricular activities, school transport, and learning materials.

To identify accredited international schools in Greece, consult the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), both of which maintain searchable directories of member institutions.

What higher education options are available in Greece?

Greece’s higher education landscape comprises 24 public universities alongside newly accredited private campuses of foreign universities. Standard undergraduate degrees take four years to complete, while Medicine extends to six years and Engineering or Architecture to five. Master’s programmes typically last between one and two years.

Following the enactment of law 5094/2024, both public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) now operate in Greece. This legislation, which permits private universities to establish and function within the country, marks a significant departure from the previous legal framework under which private university operation was not permitted.

Admission to higher education for students who have followed the Greek secondary curriculum is via the Panhellenic examinations, which cover a prescribed number of Advanced Placement subjects across categories including humanities, science and medical studies, and finance and computer science. International and expat students who have not completed Greek secondary schooling may be eligible to apply through separate pathways — enquire directly with individual universities or the Ministry of Education for current requirements.

A number of Greek public universities offer full-time programmes taught entirely in English, among them the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) School of Medicine, the University of Piraeus Department of International and European Studies, and the International Hellenic University (IHU), which specialises in English-taught postgraduate programmes.

Regarding tuition fees:

• Students from EU, EEA, and Swiss institutions pay no tuition fees for undergraduate study at Greek public universities, and many master’s programmes are similarly free for this group.
• Non-European international students typically pay fees of around €1,500 per year for undergraduate study (as of the most recent available figures — verify with individual institutions). Master’s study at public universities generally attracts fees in the range of €1,500–€2,000 per academic year.
• Private colleges in Greece are operated exclusively as private entities and may award degrees, titles, or certificates recognised as professionally equivalent to higher education qualifications.

A wide range of scholarships is available to international students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in Greece, with some based on academic merit and others on financial or social circumstances. The Greek State Scholarship Foundation (IKY) is the primary body administering these awards — visit iky.gr for current opportunities. Always confirm fee arrangements with the relevant institution, as these are subject to change.

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Greece?

All instruction in Greek state schools is conducted exclusively in the Greek language. At the same time, public schools are entirely free and cover both tuition and textbooks. For families whose children have no prior knowledge of Greek, this is a critical factor to weigh, especially if the child is arriving partway through their schooling.

For younger children, full immersion in a Greek-language school can be remarkably effective, as young learners tend to acquire new languages naturally and rapidly in social and academic settings. Older pupils and teenagers, by contrast, may face a more demanding adjustment, particularly if they arrive mid-secondary school and must simultaneously master subject-specific academic Greek while keeping pace with a rigorous national exam curriculum.

The state system does provide some degree of support for children with non-Greek linguistic backgrounds through its intercultural school network. Multicultural High Schools accept students from other countries, and intercultural primary schools are also available in various locations, both designed to assist children from diverse language backgrounds. The extent of this provision varies considerably depending on where you are based, so contacting your local education directorate is advisable to find out what is accessible in your area.

One of the primary motivations for expat families choosing an international school is precisely this flexibility around language, enabling children to continue learning in their mother tongue. International schools in Greece adopt a variety of curricula and can be selected to match a child’s individual needs and background.

Although most international schools operate predominantly in a single language, some offer bilingual sections with instruction in Greek alongside French, German, or another language. This can be an appealing middle ground for families who want their children to develop Greek language competency while still being supported in their primary language. Over the long term, a child who attends a local Greek school will develop full Greek-language literacy — beneficial for integration into Greek society, though it may require additional support during the adjustment phase.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Greece?

The Greek Constitution enshrines the right to education and guarantees that public education shall be provided free of charge at all levels. This means that state schools and public universities charge no tuition fees, and textbooks are supplied at no cost. These provisions apply equally to legally resident expat families and their children as to Greek nationals.

Public funding accounts for 78.3% of expenditure on primary through post-secondary non-tertiary education in Greece, with 80.2% in pre-primary and 78.3% in tertiary education. Despite this broad state provision, private tutoring is extremely common as families prepare their children for the highly competitive national examinations — a significant additional expenditure that many Greek households routinely bear. Expat families should factor this reality into their education budget planning.

There is no general government subsidy or tax relief scheme specifically applicable to international school fees. These costs remain a private responsibility. However, a number of relevant support mechanisms do exist:

• IKY, the Greek State Scholarship Foundation, administers numerous scholarship programmes across all levels of study in a broad range of disciplines, and collaborates with international organisations including the European Union, Siemens, the National Bank of Greece, and CERN.
• Certain scholarships, including those offered by the Onassis Foundation, extend support to relocation costs as well as academic fees.
• Some postgraduate programmes at public universities do charge fees even within the state sector, so it is important to confirm arrangements with your specific institution.

For the most accurate and current information on entitlements, available subsidies, and any means-tested assistance programmes, contact your local municipal authority (dimos) or visit the Greek Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports website directly. Support provisions are subject to revision with each government and budget cycle.

Frequently asked questions about education in Greece for expats

Can my child attend a Greek state school without speaking Greek?

Yes. Every child has the right to enrol in a Greek state school irrespective of their language background, including those with no prior knowledge of Greek. The state system includes intercultural schools designed to help children from varied linguistic backgrounds settle in and progress. Younger children generally acquire Greek through immersion with relative ease. Older pupils may find the adjustment considerably harder and could benefit from supplementary Greek language lessons outside school, or from spending an initial period at an international school before transferring to the state system.

Are there waiting lists for international schools in Greece?

Well-known international schools in Athens — particularly those offering IB programmes, British GCSE/A Level qualifications, or American diploma pathways — are frequently oversubscribed and do maintain waiting lists. Families are strongly advised to make initial contact and submit applications at least six to twelve months ahead of their child’s anticipated start date. Speak directly to schools to understand their admissions schedule and current availability of places.

Will my child’s foreign school qualifications be recognised in Greece?

Whether foreign qualifications are recognised depends on the country of issue and the nature of the qualification. Greece participates in European and international frameworks for the recognition of academic credentials. For school-level records, a child’s previous education will generally be taken into account when determining the appropriate year group at a Greek school. For university entry purposes, recognition of foreign qualifications is handled by DOATAP (the Hellenic NARIC), the national authority responsible for this function. Visit doatap.gr for current guidance.

Can expat adults study at Greek universities?

Students from EU, EEA, and Swiss countries pay no tuition fees for undergraduate programmes at Greek public universities, and many master’s programmes are also free for this group. Non-EU residents may also access public universities, typically paying fees of around €1,500 per year for undergraduate study (as of the most recent available figures — verify with individual institutions). A number of universities offer programmes taught entirely in English, making them accessible even without proficiency in Greek.

What childcare options are available for children under 4 in Greece?

Early childhood education and care for children from as young as 2 months up to age 4 is available on a voluntary basis through a range of settings including infant centres, infant/child centres, and child centres, all operating under municipal authority. Municipal daycare facilities are subsidised and tend to be considerably more affordable than private nurseries. Applications are made through your local municipality (dimos); however, places can be limited and waiting lists based on household income assessment apply in some areas.

Is religious education compulsory in Greek schools?

Religious education is taught as a compulsory subject at required grade levels, covering grades 1 through 9. Exemption is possible if a child’s guardians submit a written declaration requesting exclusion from religious education classes. This is a straightforward administrative procedure — ask your child’s school for the appropriate declaration form.

Are there vocational education options for young people in Greece?

Vocational training is available through vocational high schools, or from age 16 through vocational evening high schools with a four-year programme. These schools combine general academic education with practical, workplace-based courses. Post-secondary vocational training is additionally available through SAEK institutions for graduates of upper secondary schools, with programmes spanning four to five semesters.

How do I find an accredited international school in Greece?

A good place to start is the Council of International Schools (CIS) directory and the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) membership list, both of which include accredited schools operating in Greece. The International Schools Consultancy (ISC) also maintains a searchable database at iscresearch.com. Always confirm a school’s accreditation status directly with the institution, and check that its qualifications are recognised in any countries where your child may wish to pursue further study or employment in the future.