Education in Greece is regulated by the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs. The governance structure is centralized. The stages of education consist of Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary education.

1. PRIMARY EDUCATION

The first stage, Primary Education, aims at developing basic reading, writing, and mathematical skills and, more generally, at building a solid learning foundation.

It begins with mandatory biennial attendance of Kindergarten between the ages of 4 and 6. This stage is crucial, as pupils are introduced to the school environment for the first time. They form their initial perception of the educational process and develop cooperation skills.

Primary studies continue with six grades of Elementary School, termed “Δημοτικό” – Demotic School, which comprises:

  • 1st grade (6–7)

  • 2nd grade (7–8)

  • 3rd grade (8–9)

  • 4th grade (9–10)

  • 5th grade (10–11)

  • 6th grade (11–12)

Elementary School provides students with the ability to use oral and written language correctly. They acquire knowledge in mathematics, physics, history, literature, religion, environmental and social studies, among other subjects. They also develop aesthetic awareness, learn to appreciate art, express themselves artistically, and participate in sports activities.

2. SECONDARY EDUCATION

Secondary Education consists of Junior High School and Senior High School, comprising three grades each. The former is called “Γυμνάσιο” – Gymnasium and is followed by “Λύκειο” – Lyceum. Attendance at Gymnasium is compulsory for students under 16, whereas Lyceum is optional. The structure is as follows:

GYMNASIUM

  • 1st grade (12–13)

  • 2nd grade (13–14)

  • 3rd grade (14–15)

LYCEUM

  • 1st grade (15–16)

  • 2nd grade (16–17)

  • 3rd grade (17–18)

The school year formally begins on September 1 and concludes on June 30. Gymnasium lessons usually begin in the second week of September and last until the end of May, followed by final examinations in June. School holidays in Greece include a two-week winter break for Christmas and a two-week spring break for Easter, observed according to the Orthodox calendar.

Morning and evening schools operate at all Secondary Education levels. Special types of high schools also exist, such as Schools for Cross-Cultural Education, Model Schools (with entrance examinations), Experimental Schools (where new curricula are tested and students are selected by lottery), Church Schools, Art Schools, and Music Schools. These observe the same core curriculum as general schools but offer additional specialized subjects.

Regarding Senior High School, students may also attend Vocational Lycea, Professional Training Schools, or Professional Apprenticeship Schools, instead of the general Lyceum, if they wish to acquire technical education and relevant qualifications. “Second Chance” Evening Schools also operate, enabling adults to obtain a high school diploma if they have not completed secondary education. Studies last two years and consist of 25 class hours per week.

3. TERTIARY EDUCATION

Admission to public universities and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs, abbreviated as “ΑΕΙ” in Greek) is regulated by the State and carried out through nationwide annual examinations, known as the Panhellenic Examinations, held in June.

The Panhellenic Examinations are conducted under strict security measures to prevent any form of fraud. The Hellenic Open University is the only public HEI that does not require these examinations for admission.

Public universities do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate studies. The operation of private universities in Greece was legalized in 2024. The usual duration of undergraduate studies is four years, with some faculties requiring five or six years. The academic year is divided into two semesters, each consisting of thirteen full weeks of teaching and three weeks of examinations.

After successfully fulfilling attendance and examination requirements, students are awarded their degree and may proceed to postgraduate studies in order to obtain a Master’s or Doctoral degree (MSc / PhD).

Authored by Spyridon Vougiouklakis and edited by Sophia Gouskou in 2025.