Greek Education System

Compulsory Greek Education

Education in Greece is compulsory for all children 6-15 years old namely, it includes Primary (Dimotiko) and Lower Secondary (Gymnasio) Education.

The school life of the students, however, can start from the age of 2.5 years (pre-school education) in institutions (private and public) kindergartens (Vrefonipiakoi Paidikoi Stathmi). In some kindergartens there are also nursery classes which operate along with the kindergartens.

Primary Greek Education

Attendance at Primary Education in Greece (Dimotiko) lasts for six years, and children are admitted at the age of 6. Along with the regular kindergartens and the Primary Education, All-day primary schools are in operation, with an extended timetable and an enriched Curriculum.

Secondary Greek Education

Post-compulsory Secondary Education in Greece, according to the reform of 1997, consists of two school types: Unified Upper Secondary Schools( Eniaia Lykeia) and the Technical Vocational Educational Schools (TEE). The duration of studies in Eniaia Lykeia is three years and two years (a’ level) or three years (b’ level) in the Technical Vocational Educational Schools. Mutual student transfer from one type of school to the other is possible.

Along with the mainstream schools of Primary and Secondary Education, Special kindergartens, Primary and Lower Secondary schools and upper secondary classes are in operation, which admit students with special educational needs. Musical, Ecclesiastical and Physical Education Gymnasia and Lykeia are also in operation.

Post-compulsory Secondary Education also includes the Vocational Training Institutes (IEK) , which provide formal but unclassified level of education. These Institutes are not classified as an educational level, because they accept both lower secondary school and upper secondary school graduates according to the relevant specializations they provide.

Public Higher Greek Education (Tertiary Education)

Public higher education in Greece is divided into Universities and Technological Education Institutes (TEI). Students are admitted to these Institutes according to their performance at national level examinations taking place at the second and third grade of Lykeio. Additionally, students are admitted to the Greek Open University upon the completion of the 22 year of age by drawing lots.

Greece Index