Education Greece

In Greece, enrolling a child in kindergarten or school involves several steps and requirements, depending on the child's age and the type of educational institution (public or private). 

 

Preschool Education 

Kindergarten education in Greece starts at age 4 and is mandatory for children aged 4-6 years. To enroll in kindergarten, parents must submit an online application through the [gov.gr](https://www.gov.gr) platform within the set deadlines, usually in April. Required documents include the identity proof of the parent and child, proof of residence, and medical certificates regarding the child's vaccinations and health condition. It's important to submit the documents on time as enrollment may be limited, especially in popular areas.

 

Primary School

Enrollment in primary school begins at age 6, and education lasts until age 12. Education in public schools is free, and similar documents are required as for kindergarten. Additionally, for foreign children, proof of legal status in the country may be necessary. For non-Greek-speaking foreign children, admission to intercultural schools is possible, where special programs for adaptation and language learning are available. 

 

Private and International Schools

Private schools and international educational institutions often require entrance exams or interviews. The conditions and admissions process depend on the specific school, so parents are advised to contact the chosen institution in advance to obtain details. In some private schools, education is conducted in English, which can simplify the adaptation process for children who do not speak Greek.

 

Recommendations for Foreigners

For foreigners, it is important to have translated and certified documents, especially if the child has previously been educated in another country. Support centers like the Greek Refugee Forum offer consultations for migrants on enrolling children in educational institutions and assisting with document preparation.

 

For additional information, you can visit the website of the Ministry of Education of Greece or contact educational and migration centers, where they will assist with document preparation and provide more detailed explanations on all issues.

In Greece, there are several options for kindergartens and schools with instruction in a foreign language, which can be useful for foreign and expatriate families who wish to provide their children with bilingual or international education.

 

International and Bilingual Kindergartens

   - Fox in the Pine in Thessaloniki offers a program in Greek and English for preschool children. Here children learn in a bilingual environment with an emphasis on individual development and preparation for a global world.

   - Owly Nursery School in Athens also operates in a Greek-English bilingual program format for children aged 2 to 6 years, providing a unique early immersion language experience.

 

International Schools

   - International School of Athens and International School of Piraeus offer English programs for children from early age (from kindergarten to primary school). Educational programs in such schools adhere to international baccalaureate standards, making them attractive to foreign families planning a long stay in Greece and subsequent education of their children in international schools or universities abroad.

 

English Educational Centers

   - The British Council collaborates with private educational institutions, such as I.M. Panagiotopoulos School and St. Catherine’s British School in Athens, where English language courses for children and adolescents are offered. This addition to the standard school program helps children develop English within a structure similar to the British education system.

 

In Greece, for families interested in educating their children in other foreign languages besides English, several international schools and kindergartens are available.

 

French Language: In Athens, Lycée Franco-Hellénique Eugène Delacroix offers education according to the French educational program from primary school to high school. The educational process also includes learning the Greek language and culture to integrate children into the local community. In Thessaloniki, there is the French school L'École Française de Thessalonique, where education is conducted in French and Greek, starting from kindergarten to high school.

 

German Language: The Deutsche Schule Athen (German School of Athens) and Deutsche Schule Thessaloniki in Thessaloniki offer programs primarily taught in German. These schools provide bilingual education, where Greek is taught alongside German, allowing children to receive recognition of their education both in Greece and Germany.

 

Italian Language: Scuola Italiana di Atene is an Italian school in Athens supported by the Italian government. The school offers primary and secondary education in Italian with a program adapted to Italian educational standards.

 

Multilingual European Schools: On Crete, the School of European Education in Heraklion operates, offering classes in multiple languages including Greek, English, French, and other European languages for children of international organization employees.

 

These educational institutions provide immigrant children with the opportunity to receive international education in their native language while adapting to Greek society.

Public Educational Institutions

Public schools and kindergartens in Greece are free and managed by the Ministry of Education. Attendance at primary school (ages 6 to 12) and secondary school (ages 12 to 15) is mandatory. Public institutions operate from Monday to Friday, from morning until noon, and provide basic education, including Greek courses and mandatory English language study. However, the teaching process focuses on memorizing material, and many parents choose private lessons or tutors to prepare for final exams.

 

Private Educational Institutions

Private schools and kindergartens in Greece offer more opportunities including bilingual education, in-depth study of subjects, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. They also provide a more flexible approach, tailored to the needs and interests of the students, often with individual attention to each child. The cost of education in private schools varies significantly, and for prestigious international schools, like those with an International Baccalaureate program, the cost can reach 15,000 euros per year.

 

Features of International Schools

In international schools in Greece, instruction is carried out in foreign languages (English, French, German). These schools are popular among expats because they allow children to continue education in a familiar language and through a known international program. They also focus on global integration and university preparation abroad, making them attractive to families planning potential overseas education for their children.

 

Greece has several prestigious public schools that have gained popularity due to their innovative approaches and experimental programs.

 

Experimental and Model Schools (Peiramatiko and Protipo): These schools, under the control of the Ministry of Education, use modern teaching methods and unique programs based on advanced pedagogical research. For example, Peiramatiko Lyceum Anavryton in Athens is known for its academic level and educational experiments, including the use of new technologies in the classroom.

 

Intercultural Schools: For children from different cultures, there are schools such as Gymnasio Diapolitismikis Ekpedefsis and Lykio Diapolitismikis Ekpedefsis. These educational institutions focus on intercultural education and adaptation of immigrant children, allowing students to integrate into Greek culture while preserving their native languages and traditions.

 

Music and Art Schools: In schools such as Mousiko Gymnasio and Kallitechniko Gymnasio, students receive academic education with in-depth study of music and arts. These schools offer the opportunity to combine traditional subjects with intensive creative courses, making them popular among gifted students.

 

Greece has several prestigious private schools popular among both local families and expats. Here are some of the most sought-after:

 

St. Catherine’s British School in Athens offers the British curriculum leading to IGCSE and A-Level exams with a strong focus on personal development and community service. The school supports environmental initiatives and encourages student participation in various extracurricular activities.

 

American Community Schools in Athens also provides an American curriculum and offers an International Baccalaureate program for high school students. The school features modern infrastructure, including theaters, science labs, and sports complexes, making it attractive for families seeking high-level international education.

 

Costeas-Geitonas School, located in Pallini, is known for its blend of the Greek national curriculum and the International Baccalaureate program. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for developing athletic talents.

 

Lycée Franco-Hellénique Eugène Delacroix is a French school in Athens that educates in the French system and prepares students for the French Baccalaureate exam. This is an ideal option for families preferring a French education with the opportunity to study Greek language and culture.

 

Byron College is a British international school offering education based on British standards for students aged 3 to 18 years. The school actively promotes cultural understanding and respect, making it a unique choice among international educational institutions.

Educational support for children with special needs covers several areas, including specialized classes in regular schools, individual support, and specialized institutions for children with severe disabilities.

 

Integration classes and parallel support: In regular Greek schools, children with special educational needs can study in inclusive classes with the possibility of parallel support. This includes working with teachers and assistants who help children adapt to the educational environment. Schools can also provide a "special assistant," hired by parents to offer individual support to the child in the classroom.

 

Special schools and support services: For children with more severe needs, there are special schools and educational centers. Interdisciplinary support committees and special educational institutions deal with diagnosis and the development of individual educational programs for such students.

 

Adapted teaching materials and technologies: The Greek Ministry of Education actively works on creating accessible educational materials, such as Braille textbooks and e-books for the visually impaired. Multimedia materials for learning Greek sign language and adapted programs for children with autism and other intellectual disabilities are also provided.

 

Legislative benefits: Greek laws provide children with special needs certain benefits, such as the right to take exams orally or to use individual assessment methods. Children with severe illnesses are granted the opportunity to enter universities without entrance exams under a certain quota.

In Greece, several integration programs and courses are aimed at supporting children of foreign nationals, facilitating their language and cultural immersion.

 

Educational centers and informal learning: Organizations like ELIX and METAdrasi conduct informal courses for migrant children and their families. ELIX, supported by UNICEF, organizes classes for children aged 3 to 17, offering homework assistance and education in Greek and English. METAdrasi, in turn, organizes intensive Greek language courses, specially adapted for children, focusing on basic communication and cultural adaptation.

 

HELIOS program: Implemented by SolidarityNow in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration, the HELIOS program provides Greek language and basic skills courses for children and adults. The main program centers are located in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Ioannina, where participants also attend sessions on social skills and cultural integration.

 

Reception classes for migrant children: In public schools, special reception classes are organized for migrant children, where the main emphasis is on learning the Greek language and adapting to the school environment. These classes allow children to gradually integrate into the main educational process alongside local students, which also promotes socialization and cultural immersion.

 

These programs provide foreign children with the opportunity not only to learn the Greek language but also to participate in school life on an equal footing with local students, helping them to adapt more easily to a new environment.

In Greece, there is a variety of extracurricular activities offered for children, including after-school groups, clubs, and summer camps.

 

After-school groups: In public schools in Greece, after-school groups are often organized where children can engage in activities under the supervision of educators until the end of their parents' workday. Activities include doing homework, participating in creative workshops, and sports activities, helping children to strengthen their academic skills and make new friends.

 

Clubs and circles: Many schools and private organizations offer a wide range of interest clubs. For example, music, theater, sports, visual arts, as well as coding and robotics clubs are popular. Participation in such clubs allows children to discover their talents and broaden their horizons beyond the standard curriculum.

 

Summer camps: During the summer period, when schools are closed, numerous camps such as ACS Athens Summer Camp and Pierce Summer Camp are operational. They offer programs for children aged 4-14, which include sports training, creative workshops, outdoor games, and even specialized classes in arts and space. These camps provide children with the opportunity to improve their language and social skills, as they are often conducted in multiple languages, including English and Greek.

The grading system in Greece varies for schools and universities, focusing on specific scales for each educational level.

 

Grading in primary school

In the lower grades (1-2 grades) assessments are descriptive: teachers provide qualitative characteristics of performance without assigning specific grades. Starting from grades 3 and 4, letter grades are introduced:

- A: Excellent,

- B: Very good,

- Γ: Good,

- Δ and Ε: Unsatisfactory.

 

In the upper grades of primary school (grades 5-6), a 10-point system is used:

- 9-10: Excellent,

- 7-8: Very good,

- 5-6: Good,

- 1-4: Unsatisfactory.

 

Grading in secondary school

In secondary school, a 20-point system is applied, where a grade of 10 is considered passing. Grades are distributed as follows:

- 18-20: Excellent,

- 15-17.9: Very good,

- 12-14.9: Good,

- 10-11.9: Satisfactory,

- 1-9: Unsatisfactory, requiring a retake of the subject.

 

Grading in high school

In high school, a 20-point scale is used. Grades are distributed as follows:

- 18-20: "Excellent"

- 16-17.9: "Very good" 

- 13-15.9: "Good"

- 10-12.9: "Satisfactory" 

- below 10: "Unsatisfactory", indicating that the subject has not been passed.

 

These grades are taken into account for obtaining a high school diploma, which is important for university admission.

 

University grading system

In universities, a 10-point system is used, with a minimum passing grade of 5. Grades are distributed as follows:

- 8.5-10: "Excellent" 

- 6.5-8.4: "Very good" 

- 5-6.4: "Good"

- 0-4.9: "Unsatisfactory", requiring a retake.

 

This scale is equivalent to the European ECTS system, where grades can be converted to scores from A (excellent) to F (unsatisfactory). To successfully complete the academic program, students are required to score at least 5 in all subjects, including the final thesis or project.

To apply to a university in Greece, international students need to meet several basic requirements, which may vary depending on the educational institution and program.

 

High school diploma

International students must provide a diploma or its equivalent confirming the completion of secondary education. The document must be translated and notarized in Greece or through the consulate of the country where the document was issued.

 

Proof of language proficiency

To enroll in programs taught in Greek, a certificate indicating proficiency in the Greek language at level B2 or higher is required. For programs in English, international certificates such as IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent document proving language proficiency (usually level B2 or higher) are accepted.

 

Entrance Exams

Some programs may require additional entrance exams, especially in highly competitive fields such as medicine or engineering. These requirements are clarified at the university itself, and students are advised to familiarize themselves with the details in advance.

 

Student Visa

For citizens of non-EU countries, a type D visa is required for study. The visa application is submitted through the Greek consulate, and it is necessary to provide proof of financial solvency, a medical certificate, a certificate of no criminal record, and an admission letter from the university for its issuance.

 

Application Procedure

Applications are submitted through an online platform, such as the AtSiG system, developed for foreigners entering Greek universities. The platform helps register, upload all documents, and monitor the status of the application, making the admission process easier.

 

Greece has several leading universities attracting students from around the world thanks to their high academic standards, diverse programs, and support for international students.

 

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens — the oldest university in Greece, founded in 1837 and located in Athens. It offers a wide range of programs, including theology, medicine, economics, and art, and maintains international academic connections, making it an excellent choice for students seeking quality education in the capital.

 

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki — the second-largest and most prestigious university in the country, founded in 1925. Located in Thessaloniki, it is known for strong programs in engineering, science, and art. The university also actively supports international research projects and offers scholarships for international students.

 

Athens University of Economics and Business — known for its programs in business, marketing, and economics. It is a leading university in economic and business studies, offering various study formats: full-time, part-time, and joint, which is convenient for students combining study with work.

 

National Technical University of Athens — known for high-quality engineering education, including programs in architecture, applied sciences, and engineering fields. Founded in 1836, this university attracts students seeking in-depth research and technical knowledge.

 

University of Crete — one of the best for international students due to its strong research focus. The university offers interdisciplinary programs, including philosophy, political science, biology, and medicine. Located in Crete, it is a prestigious choice for students interested in academic and research activities.

 

These universities offer international students a quality education, as well as affordable living conditions and scholarships, making studying in Greece an attractive option.

To validate foreign diplomas and certificates for university admission in Greece, it is necessary to undergo an accreditation process through the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center. This organization handles the verification and recognition of foreign diplomas to meet Greek standards, which is required for admission to some programs, especially at the undergraduate level.

 

Main steps for diploma validation:

1. Registration on the e-DOATAP platform: The process begins with registration on the online platform [e-DOATAP](https://e-doatap.doatap.gr/), where it is necessary to create an account and upload the required documents.

 

2. Document submission: Key documents that will be required:

- Official translation of the diploma and certificate (document of secondary education) into Greek.

- Apostille on the original documents, if the country is not part of the mutual recognition agreement on diplomas.

- Payment of the registration fee (about 230 euros) through the specified bank account.

 

3. Personal confirmation of document authenticity: If the applicant is in Greece, this can be done at the DOATAP offices in Athens or Thessaloniki. For those outside the country, confirmation can be done at the Greek consulate in their country.

 

4. Review Process: Depending on the country and level of the diploma, the recognition procedure may take from 5 to 12 months. DOATAP reviews each application individually, verifying the accreditation status of the institution that issued the diploma and the compliance of the study program with Greek requirements.

 

After successful recognition of the diploma, foreign students can apply for admission to Greek universities. In some cases, especially for Master's programs, the procedure may be simplified, and students can begin their studies conditionally while the confirmation process is ongoing.

In Greece, there are many opportunities for adults wishing to gain additional education, including language courses and professional programs.

Language Courses

For foreign citizens and expatriates, courses in Greek and other foreign languages are available:

- Greek Language: Centers such as the Hellenic Culture Centre and Athens Centre offer Greek language programs for all levels—from beginner to advanced. Courses include communication, reading, and writing skills, which help adults integrate into Greek society.

- English and Other Languages: The Hellenic American Union and British Council offer English language courses focused on professional and communication skills. These courses include business English classes, useful for those working in an international environment.

Professional Programs and Skills Enhancement Courses

Greek educational institutions, such as the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, provide online learning programs through e-learning platforms. These programs include courses in economics, healthcare, ecology, technology, and other areas, allowing adults to enhance their qualifications and improve career prospects.

Options for Professional Training

Greece also offers professional courses as part of the continuing education system:

- Institutes of Vocational Training and Vocational Training Centers offer programs accredited by the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Education, covering various professions such as engineering, tourism, and information technology. These programs are designed for adults wishing to upgrade their skills or learn a new profession.

These educational courses and programs help adults in Greece acquire new skills, improve language proficiency, and advance in their careers in accordance with local and international requirements.