Overview of the General Education System

Education in Greece started in ancient times during the Homeric era. This period focused on competition and heroic deeds, and fathers or guardians taught young boys. The education system changed during the Classical period in Athens, where important philosophers and teachers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle emerged. Their ideas evidently had a major impact on education, specifically in the development of the philosophy “kalos k’agathos,” which means “wise and good” person. This idea emphasized the need to grow both the mind and the body, creating informed, ethical, and active members of society.

In Greece, education is a right for all citizens and is free at public schools, from early childhood to college. The system is structured into four major levels such as early childhood education and care for ages 0–6, primary education for ages 6–12, secondary education for ages 12–18, and tertiary education.

Early childhood care begins at daycare centers known as Vrefonypiakos Stathmos for children aged 0 to 3, followed by kindergartens (Nypiagogio) for children aged 4 to 6. This stage includes both public and experimental kindergarten schools, with the latter introducing innovative teaching models. Primary education starts at age six and consists of six grades, known as Dimotiko. Following this, secondary education is divided into lower secondary school (Gymnasio) and upper secondary school, which includes general upper secondary schools (Eniaio Lykeio) and vocational upper secondary schools.

The Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs is responsible for supervising the education system. This ministry creates national curricula, organizes national exams, trains teachers, and funds schools. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic also shifted Greece’s educational system as the country adopted international best practices such as digitization, teacher evaluations, and the integration of digital tools into classrooms.

Greece has a high adult literacy rate estimated at 99.3% in 2021. Notably, public education dominates as more than 90% of students attend public schools, while only less than 10% are enrolled in private institutions. Greece also encourages lifelong learning and offer courses and training through municipal centers, Vocational Training Institutes, and Second Chance Schools to support adults returning to education.

In Greece, compulsory education spans 10 years, which cover children from ages 6 to 15. It includes six years of primary school (Demotiko) and three years of lower secondary school (Gymnasio). While early childhood education for months old to four years old is optional, participation becomes strongly encouraged at age four when children enter kindergartens known as Nypiagogio. Nevertheless, early childhood education is not officially necessary, and a significant childcare gap of around three years remains between the end of paid parental leave and the start of free compulsory schooling.

Primary school begins at age six and complete six grades to develop foundational literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Afterward, they transition to Gymnasio, where they receive a broader general education in subjects such as mathematics, sciences, history, and languages. This level prepares students either for general upper secondary education or vocational training pathways.

Upon completing lower secondary education at age 15, students may choose to continue their studies in the non-compulsory upper secondary level. They can select between academic or vocational tracks. The Greek government continues to enhance the structure of compulsory education to align with European standards, particularly in improving early childhood services and reducing drop-out rates in the later stages of schooling.

Greece’s higher education system is publicly funded and tuition-free. This reflects the country’s aim in making education accessible and inclusive. It is divided into two main types of institutions: Universities and Technological Educational Institutes (TEIs). These are collectively referred to as AEIs (Institutions of Higher Education). All higher education institutions operate under the supervision of the Hellenic Ministry of Education, as outlined in Article 16 of the Greek Constitution. They are self-governed legal entities, yet receive state funding and oversight.

Greek universities are internationally recognized for academic excellence and research. Currently, there are 24 public universities, including four polytechnic schools, which provide a wide array of academic and professional programs. Prominent fields include law, medicine, economics, tourism, engineering, and maritime studies. Undergraduate programs typically last four years, although engineering and technical degrees may take five years, and medicine spans six years.

Postgraduate (Master’s) programs usually last one to two years, and doctoral (PhD) studies range from three to six years, depending on the discipline and research requirements. Entry into these programs is highly competitive and based on students’ performance in nationwide university entrance examinations, taken at the end of upper secondary education.

In addition to traditional institutions, Greece offers distance learning opportunities through the Hellenic Open University, which admits students aged 22 and older via a lottery-based system. While private colleges also exist, they are not considered part of the national higher education system and typically operate in partnership with foreign institutions.

The government exerts efforts to internationalize higher education, including the creation of English-taught programs, joint degrees, and increased collaboration with European and American institutions. According to the Open Doors 2020 report, over 2,489 Greek students studied in the U.S. in 2019–2020, while Greece welcomed 5,834 American students, marking an 11.7% increase from the previous year. These numbers reflect Greece’s growing appeal as a study-abroad destination and its ongoing efforts to align with global academic standards.