Greece Education System Changes & Policy Tracker
Greece operates a centralized public education system with compulsory schooling from pre-primary through lower secondary education. The system combines general and vocational upper secondary pathways, national university entrance examinations and a public higher education sector supervised by the state. Key tracking areas include Panhellenic examination rules, school calendar updates, vocational training reform, higher education internationalisation and digital education platforms.
Country Education Profile
| Official Name | Hellenic Republic |
|---|---|
| ISO Code | GR |
| Region | Europe |
| Subregion | Southern Europe |
| Capital / Seat | Athens |
| Compulsory Education | Compulsory education covers two years of pre-primary education, six years of primary education and three years of lower secondary education, normally from ages 4 to 15. |
| School Structure | The school system includes compulsory pre-primary education, six-year primary school, three-year lower secondary school and three-year upper secondary education. Upper secondary education is offered through general lyceums and vocational lyceums, with additional post-lower-secondary and post-secondary vocational pathways. |
| Academic Year | For primary education, the teaching year runs from 1 September to 21 June, while lessons usually run from 11 September to 15 June. The school year is divided into three terms, with Christmas and Easter breaks; secondary and higher education calendars vary by level and institution. |
| Main Exams | The Panhellenic Examinations for General Lyceum and Vocational Lyceum candidates are the main national route for admission to public higher education. The Ministry also publishes procedures for special subjects, music departments, foreign-candidate admission, serious medical condition categories and other higher education admission routes. EOPPEP certification exams are relevant for vocational qualifications. |
| Higher Education | Higher education is supervised by the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, while higher education institutions have academic freedom and self-administration under state supervision. The Hellenic Authority for Higher Education is the independent quality assurance and accreditation body. Greece follows the Bologna/ECTS framework and promotes internationalisation through national and institutional channels. |
| Vocational Education | Vocational education and training includes upper secondary Vocational Lyceums, model Vocational Lyceums, post-secondary apprenticeship pathways, Higher Vocational Training Schools and other training providers. Public vocational training is overseen mainly through the Ministry's vocational education, training and lifelong learning structures, with EOPPEP involved in qualification certification. |
| Digital Education | Key national digital education systems include the Greek School Network, e-class, e-me, Photodentro digital repositories, Interactive Textbooks and Digital School services. These platforms support school communication, course management, digital textbooks, open educational resources and asynchronous learning. |
| Governance | Greece has a fairly centralized education system. National laws, presidential decrees and ministerial decisions set the main framework, with primary responsibility held by the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports. Regional and local bodies support administration, while schools and universities operate within national regulatory structures. |
| International Student Note | International students should track Study in Greece, Ministry foreign-candidate admission procedures, Greek language requirements and institution-level programme rules. Undergraduate study is commonly Greek-taught, while English-taught and international programmes are more common at postgraduate level and in selected university initiatives. |
| Last Verified | 2026-07-06 |
Latest Education Changes
Student Housing Allowance Application Window Opens (Greece, June 2026)
The Ministry of Education opened electronic applications for the student housing allowance for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible applicants can apply through the dedicated online platform using TAXISnet credentials.
Electronic Enrolment Opens for General, Vocational and Model Vocational Lyceums (Greece, June 2026)
The Ministry of Education opened the electronic application period for enrolment, renewal of enrolment, and transfer in public General Lyceums, Vocational Lyceums, and Model Vocational Lyceums for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications are submitted through the e-eggrafes platform or through gov.gr.
Digital Tutoring Platform Extends Summer Access and Adds Lyceum Live Lessons (Greece, June 2026)
The Ministry of Education confirmed that the Digital Tutoring platform remains active during the summer months and announced expansion of live lessons to the first and second grades of Lyceum. The ministry also referred to the addition of AI-supported tools for learning support.
Greek Language Departments Recognized in Prague and Toulon (Greece, June 2026)
The Ministry of Education officially recognized two new Greek Language Departments abroad, one in Prague and one in Toulon Var. Recognition brings these departments into the supported network of Greek-language education abroad.
School Network Revised for the 2026-2027 School Year (Greece, June 2026)
The Ministry of Education approved school network changes for the 2026-2027 school year, including new schools, upgrades, mergers, downgrades, closures, and special education unit changes. The changes affect primary, secondary, and special education provision across the country.
Public IB Diploma Application Call Opens for Model and Experimental Lyceums (Greece, June 2026)
The Ministry of Education opened expressions of interest for students seeking International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme places in selected public Model and Experimental Lyceums from the 2026-2027 school year. Applications for eligible students outside schools with IB sections are submitted through their current school.
Password Process Opens for Higher Education and Public SAEK Preference Forms (Greece, June 2026)
The Ministry of Education opened the password creation stage for General and Vocational Lyceum candidates submitting higher education preference forms and parallel preference forms for public SAEK places. Candidates must contact their Lyceum during the announced window.
Second Phase of the Marietta Giannakou School Renovation Programme Starts (Greece, June 2026)
The second phase of the Marietta Giannakou school renovation programme began, covering 238 schools or school complexes in 132 municipalities. The works include sanitary infrastructure, classroom insulation, roof repairs, waterproofing, and maintenance.
Monthly Change Archive
Greece Education System Statistics
Greece’s education system data are presented through national school statistics, tertiary education census data, Eurydice system notes, OECD finance indicators and EU survey indicators. Source years differ because school, academic, finance and survey datasets are collected on separate calendars.
Education System Snapshot
Snapshot values use the latest available source year shown on each card. School-level values come mainly from ELSTAT school year 2023/2024 releases.
Education System Pathway
The pathway uses typical ages and official stage descriptions. Upper secondary and post-secondary routes include general, vocational and higher education options.
Governance and Responsibility
Greece operates a ministry-led national education system. Regional and local directorates supervise implementation, while schools operate within national rules.
Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports
Sets national education policy, curricula, staffing rules, funding rules, school organization and higher education policy.
Institute of Educational Policy
Supports curriculum, assessment and education policy work. It provides proposals for areas such as examination syllabi.
Regional education directorates
Coordinate implementation of national education policy across regions and oversee local education administration.
Local education directorates
Supervise schools, staff administration and school operations within their local area.
ELSTAT
Publishes national statistical releases for pre-primary, primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary education.
EOPPEP
Supports qualifications, certification and vocational guidance functions in the national qualifications system.
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Connected to EPAS vocational school provision through labour-market linked vocational routes.
Higher education institutions
Deliver degree programmes under national higher education law and ministry oversight.
Enrollment by Education Level
National enrollment values by level using ELSTAT school year 2023/2024 and academic year 2023/2024 data.
Tertiary values use an academic-year census and should not be merged with school-year values as a single school enrollment total. Secondary general values exclude ecclesiastical lower and upper secondary schools unless separately stated by ELSTAT.
Chart analysis
- Primary education has the largest school-level enrollment shown here, with 561,890 pupils.
- Secondary vocational education includes EPAL and EPAS routes, with 114,556 pupils.
- Undergraduate tertiary education is shown separately because ELSTAT reports it by academic year and institution sector.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio by School Level
ELSTAT ratios show pupils per teacher by level for school year 2023/2024.
Ratios follow ELSTAT level definitions and use reported pupils and teaching staff. They do not measure instruction time, class size or learning outcomes.
Chart analysis
- Primary education reports 7.2 pupils per teacher.
- General upper secondary education reports 9.9 pupils per teacher.
- Pre-primary, primary, lower secondary, general upper secondary and secondary vocational levels all report ratios below 10 pupils per teacher in the ELSTAT source year.
National Education System Indicators
The table combines national structure, enrollment, school, teacher, finance, tertiary and survey indicators. Source years are shown for each row.
| Area | Indicator | Value | Unit | Source year | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| System structure | System model | Centralised national system | System type | 2025 update | Eurydice | National laws, decrees and ministry acts define the main education rules. |
| Compulsory education | Compulsory education duration | 11 | Years | 2025 update | Eurydice | Two years of pre-primary, six years of primary and three years of lower secondary. |
| Compulsory education | Starting age | 4 | Age in years | 2025 update | Eurydice | Compulsory attendance starts with pre-primary education. |
| Compulsory education | Typical ending age | 15 | Age in years | 2025 update | Eurydice | Lower secondary completion marks the end of compulsory schooling. |
| Pre-primary education | Pupils | 167,969 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Kindergartens, end of school year. |
| Pre-primary education | School units | 5,618 | School units | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Includes 4,810 public and 808 private kindergarten units. |
| Pre-primary education | Teaching staff | 22,091 | Teachers | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | End-of-year staff count. |
| Pre-primary education | Pupil-teacher ratio | 7.6 | Pupils per teacher | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | ELSTAT reported ratio. |
| Primary education | Pupils | 561,890 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Primary schools, end of school year. |
| Primary education | Public school pupils | 518,415 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Public primary schools. |
| Primary education | Private school pupils | 43,475 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Private primary schools. |
| Primary education | School units | 4,314 | School units | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Includes 4,148 public and 166 private primary school units. |
| Primary education | Teaching staff | 77,598 | Teachers | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | End-of-year staff count. |
| Primary education | Graduates | 97,524 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Primary education graduates. |
| Primary education | Pupil-teacher ratio | 7.2 | Pupils per teacher | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | ELSTAT reported ratio. |
| Lower secondary education | General lower secondary pupils | 325,062 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Gymnasio, excluding ecclesiastical and Second Chance Schools. |
| Lower secondary education | General lower secondary school units | 1,847 | School units | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Includes 1,732 public and 115 private school units. |
| Lower secondary education | Teaching staff | 41,276 | Teachers | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | General lower secondary education. |
| Lower secondary education | Graduates | 104,378 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | General lower secondary graduates. |
| Lower secondary education | Pupil-teacher ratio | 7.9 | Pupils per teacher | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | ELSTAT reported ratio. |
| General upper secondary education | Pupils | 236,368 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | General Lykeio, excluding ecclesiastical upper secondary schools. |
| General upper secondary education | School units | 1,378 | School units | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Includes 1,271 public and 107 private school units. |
| General upper secondary education | Teaching staff | 23,861 | Teachers | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | General upper secondary education. |
| General upper secondary education | Graduates | 74,163 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | General upper secondary graduates. |
| General upper secondary education | Pupil-teacher ratio | 9.9 | Pupils per teacher | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | ELSTAT reported ratio. |
| Secondary vocational education | Pupils | 114,556 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | EPAL and EPAS routes. |
| Secondary vocational education | School units | 491 | School units | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | 441 EPAL units and 50 EPAS units. |
| Secondary vocational education | Teaching staff | 14,233 | Teachers | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | EPAL and EPAS staff. |
| Secondary vocational education | Graduates | 33,242 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | 31,138 EPAL graduates and 2,104 EPAS graduates. |
| Secondary vocational education | Pupil-teacher ratio | 8.0 | Pupils per teacher | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | ELSTAT reported ratio. |
| Adult second-chance education | Second Chance School pupils | 5,030 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Schools for adults over 18 who have not completed compulsory lower secondary education. |
| Adult second-chance education | Second Chance School units | 101 | School units | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | ELSTAT secondary education release. |
| Tertiary education | Undergraduate students | 743,892 | Students | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Total undergraduate enrollment across tertiary sectors in the ELSTAT census. |
| Tertiary education | University education undergraduates | 607,326 | Students | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | University sector undergraduate students. |
| Tertiary education | Technological education undergraduates | 126,880 | Students | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Includes remaining students in technological education institutions after sector restructuring. |
| Tertiary education | Tertiary teaching staff | 19,372 | Staff | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Teaching staff across tertiary education sectors. |
| Tertiary education | Postgraduate students, master level | 106,812 | Students | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Master-level postgraduate enrollment. |
| Tertiary education | Doctoral students | 33,663 | Students | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Doctoral enrollment. |
| Tertiary education | Undergraduate graduates | 57,273 | Graduates | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Undergraduate graduate count. |
| Tertiary education | Master graduates | 26,911 | Graduates | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Postgraduate master-level graduates. |
| Tertiary education | Doctoral graduates | 2,435 | Graduates | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT | Doctoral graduate count. |
| Education finance | Education investment, primary to tertiary | 3.9% | Share of GDP | 2022 | OECD | Primary to tertiary education expenditure as reported in Education at a Glance 2025. |
| Education finance | Government expenditure per student, primary to post-secondary non-tertiary | USD 6,420 | PPP dollars per FTE student | 2022 | OECD | Educational institutions, OECD PPP measure. |
| Education finance | Government expenditure per tertiary student | USD 4,497 | PPP dollars per FTE student | 2022 | OECD | Includes research and development in the OECD measure. |
| Education finance | Public funding share, primary to post-secondary non-tertiary | 78.3% | Share of total funding before transfers | 2022 | OECD | Funding source share for primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education. |
| Attainment and participation | Early leavers from education and training | 3.0% | Share of ages 18–24 | 2024 survey year | European Commission / Eurostat | Survey-based indicator, not an administrative school count. |
| Attainment and participation | Tertiary educational attainment | 44.5% | Share of ages 25–34 | 2024 survey year | European Commission / Eurostat | Survey-based attainment measure. |
Education Levels and Typical Pathways
The table maps Greek education levels to typical ages, programme duration and governance notes. ISCED labels are included only where the level alignment is stable enough for summary use.
| Level | Typical age | Years or grades | ISCED alignment | Authority or governance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early childhood before compulsory pre-primary | 2 months to age 4 | Optional settings | Early childhood care and education before compulsory pre-primary | Municipal and national social policy authorities | Eurydice describes no legal entitlement before age 4. |
| Pre-primary education, Nipiagogeio | 4–5 | 2 compulsory years | ISCED 0 | Ministry-led school system | The first compulsory education stage. |
| Primary education, Dimotiko | 6–12 | 6 years | ISCED 1 | Ministry-led school system | Completion leads to lower secondary education. |
| Lower secondary education, Gymnasio | 12–15 | 3 years | ISCED 2 | Ministry-led school system | Final compulsory stage. |
| General upper secondary education, General Lykeio | 15–18 | 3 years | ISCED 3 | Ministry-led school system | General route toward school completion and possible Panhellenic exams. |
| Vocational upper secondary education, EPAL | 15–18 | 3-year secondary cycle | ISCED 3 vocational | Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports | Combines general education and vocational specialization. |
| Post-lower-secondary vocational schools, ESK and EPAS | 16–23 | 2 years | Vocational route; national qualification route | Education and labour-related authorities | Eurydice describes post-lower-secondary VET routes after compulsory education. |
| Post-secondary vocational training, SAEK | After upper secondary | 4–5 semesters; shorter route for some vocational graduates | NQF level 5 route; ISCED treatment depends on programme reporting | Vocational education and certification authorities | Programmes support technical and vocational qualifications. |
| EPAL apprenticeship class | After EPAL | 11 months | NQF level 5 specialty diploma route | Education and certification authorities | Post-secondary apprenticeship route connected to vocational upper secondary education. |
| Bachelor or equivalent | After higher education admission | Usually 4 years; some programmes 5–6 years | ISCED 6 | Higher education institutions under national law | Includes university and professional programmes with different durations. |
| Master or equivalent | After first degree | Usually 1–2 years | ISCED 7 | Higher education institutions under national law | Postgraduate route reported separately by ELSTAT. |
| Doctoral or equivalent | After relevant postgraduate pathway | At least 3 years | ISCED 8 | Higher education institutions under national law | Doctoral enrollment and graduates are reported in ELSTAT tertiary statistics. |
Exams and Transitions
The table summarizes major transition points and nationally described exam processes. School-based and national entrance processes are separated.
| Transition | Exam or process | Typical stage | Managing authority | Purpose | Source note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary to lower secondary | Primary completion and progression | After six years of primary education | Schools and education directorates under ministry rules | Progression to compulsory Gymnasio | Eurydice system structure, 2025 update. |
| Lower secondary completion | Gymnasio completion | Around age 15 | Schools and education directorates | Completion of compulsory education and access to upper secondary routes | Eurydice organisation structure, 2025 update. |
| Model lower secondary entry | Special admission exams | Entry to model Gymnasio | Ministry and school authorities | Admission to model lower secondary schools where applicable | Eurydice lower secondary assessment notes. |
| General upper secondary progression | Written progression exams | Grades A and B of General Lykeio | School head and teachers’ board | Grade progression within General Lykeio | Eurydice assessment in general upper secondary education, 2025 update. |
| General upper secondary completion | School-leaving classroom exams | Grade C of General Lykeio | School head and teachers’ board | Upper secondary graduation | Eurydice describes May exams and special June or September periods. |
| Higher education admission | Panhellenic exams | After upper secondary completion | Ministry and National Exams Organization | Admission to higher education institutions | National Exams Organization summary describes annual national entrance exams and four examined subjects by orientation group. |
| Vocational upper secondary progression | EPAL progression and graduation assessment | During and at the end of vocational upper secondary education | EPAL schools under ministry rules | Progression, completion and vocational pathway access | Eurydice assessment in vocational upper secondary education. |
| EPAL to post-secondary apprenticeship | Apprenticeship class route | After EPAL graduation | Education and certification authorities | NQF level 5 specialty diploma route | Eurydice organisation structure describes an 11-month route. |
| SAEK vocational certification | Vocational qualification certification | After post-secondary vocational training | EOPPEP and related vocational authorities | Certification for vocational qualification routes | Eurydice and EOPPEP source roles. |
Finance Indicators
Finance values use OECD 2022 data and PPP measures where stated. They should be read separately from administrative school counts.
School Level Counts and Ratios
This table is the visible data source for the school enrollment and pupil-teacher ratio charts.
| Level | Pupils | School units | Teaching staff | Pupils per teacher | Source year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-primary education | 167,969 | 5,618 | 22,091 | 7.6 | School year 2023/2024 | Kindergartens. |
| Primary education | 561,890 | 4,314 | 77,598 | 7.2 | School year 2023/2024 | Primary schools. |
| Lower secondary general education | 325,062 | 1,847 | 41,276 | 7.9 | School year 2023/2024 | Gymnasio, excluding ecclesiastical and Second Chance Schools. |
| General upper secondary education | 236,368 | 1,378 | 23,861 | 9.9 | School year 2023/2024 | General Lykeio, excluding ecclesiastical upper secondary schools. |
| Secondary vocational education | 114,556 | 491 | 14,233 | 8.0 | School year 2023/2024 | EPAL and EPAS routes. |
Higher Education and Vocational Indicators
Higher education values come from ELSTAT academic year 2023/2024 tertiary education statistics. Secondary vocational values use ELSTAT school year 2023/2024.
| Sector | Indicator | Value | Unit | Source year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University education | Undergraduate enrollment | 607,326 | Students | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT |
| Technological education | Undergraduate enrollment | 126,880 | Students | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT |
| Vocational tertiary education | Undergraduate enrollment | 7,074 | Students | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT |
| Ecclesiastical tertiary education | Undergraduate enrollment | 2,612 | Students | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT |
| Postgraduate education | Master-level enrollment | 106,812 | Students | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT |
| Doctoral education | Doctoral enrollment | 33,663 | Students | Academic year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT |
| Secondary vocational education | EPAL pupils | 107,886 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT |
| Secondary vocational education | EPAS pupils | 6,670 | Pupils | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT |
| Secondary vocational education | EPAL graduates | 31,138 | Graduates | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT |
| Secondary vocational education | EPAS graduates | 2,104 | Graduates | School year 2023/2024 | ELSTAT |
Data Interpretation Notes
The notes describe how to read the indicator groups without merging unlike source systems.
Source years differ
School data use school year 2023/2024, tertiary data use academic year 2023/2024, finance data use OECD 2022 and attainment indicators use 2024 survey data.
National totals do not show local variation
ELSTAT national counts summarize the country-level system. Regional, municipal, school and institution differences are not ranked here.
Administrative counts and survey indicators differ
Enrollment, school, graduate and staff values are administrative or census-style counts. Early leaving and attainment indicators are survey-based.
Finance values use OECD units
OECD finance indicators use PPP dollars, GDP shares and funding-source definitions. They are not the same unit as national budget line items.
Tertiary sector categories need source context
ELSTAT tertiary tables still report remaining students in technological education categories after earlier institutional restructuring.
Exam routes are process summaries
Panhellenic exams, school progression exams and vocational certification routes are summarized at system level. Programme-level rules may vary by route.
Sources and Methodology
Hellenic Statistical Authority: Pre-Primary and Primary Education
Supports kindergarten and primary school pupils, school units, teachers, graduates, sector counts and pupil-teacher ratios for school year 2023/2024.
Hellenic Statistical Authority: Secondary General and Vocational Education
Supports lower secondary, general upper secondary, Second Chance School, EPAL and EPAS pupil, school, teacher, graduate and ratio indicators for school year 2023/2024.
Hellenic Statistical Authority: Tertiary Education
Supports undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, teaching staff and graduate indicators for academic year 2023/2024.
Eurydice: Greece Overview
Supports system governance, compulsory education ages, school-level pathway and central administration descriptions.
Eurydice: Organisation of the Education System
Supports education stage sequence, vocational routes, post-secondary vocational training and higher education duration notes.
Eurydice: Assessment in Upper Secondary Education
Supports school progression, graduation assessment, grading process descriptions and vocational upper secondary assessment notes.
National Exams Organization
Supports Panhellenic exam description as the annual national entrance exam route for higher education admission.
OECD Education at a Glance 2025: Greece
Supports 2022 education investment, PPP spending per student and public funding share indicators.
European Commission Education and Training Monitor 2025: Greece
Supports 2024 early leaving and tertiary attainment indicators based on Eurostat-aligned survey reporting.
Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports
Supports the central authority role for schools, higher education, exams and national education administration.
Counts are shown as whole numbers as published by the sources. Percentages and ratios are shown with the precision used in the cited source. Chart data repeat visible table values so the page remains usable if scripts are unavailable. School-year, academic-year, fiscal-year and survey-year values are not added into derived totals unless the source already reports that total.
School-year, academic-year, fiscal-year, survey-year and OECD reporting values should not be merged across levels, sectors or source systems without a stated method. Enrollment, staff, finance and attainment indicators use different definitions and do not by themselves measure school quality.