Education in Greece: A Guide for Expat Families in 2026

Education in Greece is run by the government and is free for all children aged four to 15. Greece has one of the highest literacy rates of about 97.9%, which is well above the global average of 86.6%.

The Greek education system is divided into three main levels: primary education, which starts with two years of compulsory kindergarten (Nipiagogeio) at age four followed by six years of primary school (Dimotiko); secondary education, which includes mandatory lower secondary school (Gymnasio) for ages 12–15 and optional upper secondary school (Lykeio) that offers academic or vocational programs; and lastly higher education, made up of public universities and accredited private campuses. 

This article will explain everything about the Greek education system, starting from Kindergarten to higher education. It gives you a look into the private school tuition fees and the best universities in Greece. 

Education in Greece: Key Takeaways

The Greek education system is run by the government, the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, and is free and compulsory for children aged 4 to 15. It covers primary and lower secondary school.

Education is divided into three main levels: early childhood care and kindergarten, primary school (Dimotiko), and secondary school, which includes compulsory lower secondary (Gymnasio) and optional upper secondary (Lykeio).

Early childhood education starts with daycare for ages 2 months to 4 years and two years of compulsory kindergarten (Nipiagogeio) from ages 4 to 6.

Primary school takes six years and focuses on subjects like Greek language, math, environmental studies, and practical skills such as robotics and digital learning. Around 93% of students attend public schools.

Secondary education lasts six years and is divided into Gymnasio for ages 12–15, which is compulsory, and Lykeio for ages 15–18, which is optional and combines general subjects and practical work training.

Higher education in Greece includes 24 public universities and newly accredited private campuses of foreign universities. Undergraduate degrees take four years, while Medicine takes six and Engineering/Architecture five years. Master’s programs last 1–2 years.

Primary school in Greece (Dimotiko Scholeio) lasts for six years and is compulsory for children from six to 12 years old. The curriculum is made up of main subjects like Greek language, mathematics, and environmental studies, with practical skills labs that teach skills such as robotics and more digitized learning. Most children in Greece, about 92.7%, attend public schools, which are free, and around 7.3% of students go to private schools

Types of primary schools in Greece

• Standard primary schools: This is the most common type that follows the national curriculum and provides textbooks for free. Enrollment is strictly based on your home address.
• All-day schools (Oloimero): These schools have an extended schedule until 4:00 PM or 5:30 PM to assist working parents. The afternoon session includes supervised homework and creative activities like music, ICT, or sports.
• Experimental schools (Piramatika): These are another type of school for testing new teaching methods in collaboration with universities. Students are selected randomly rather than by address.
• Model schools (Protipa): Focus on excellence and high performance. These schools are mostly known at a high school level, but there are a few that exist for primary students, which have a specific entry criterion.
• Special education schools: Dedicated schools for students with special needs that are equipped with specialized therapists and educators.

Average private primary school fees

Secondary education in Greece lasts six years and is divided into two parts. The first part is Gymnasio (Lower Secondary), which is compulsory. The second part is Lykeio (Upper Secondary), which is optional. The curriculum in secondary schools emphasizes community participation and digital skills, with schools using more interactive digital platforms and robotics labs.

• The General Lyceum (GEL) is the most common choice, with about 60–70% of students attending. It focuses on academic subjects and prepares students for the panhellenic Exams, which are needed for university entry. In their final year, students choose a study direction such as humanities, sciences, or economics and IT. 
• The Vocational Lyceum (EPAL) is a mixture of general subjects and practical training in areas like nursing, informatics, and mechanics. Students graduate with a professional qualification and can also apply to university through special entrance exams.

Types of secondary schools in Greece

Compulsory cycle: Gymnasio (Ages 12–15)

• General Gymnasio: The standard three-year lower secondary school for all students.
• Experimental Gymnasio: Works with universities to test new ways of teaching.
• Model Gymnasio: High-performing schools that require an entrance exam.
• Music & Art Gymnasio: Specialized for students with artistic talents who also need to take an entrance audition or exam.
• Evening Gymnasio: For working students from 14 or 15 and above.

Optional cycle: Lykeio (Ages 15–18)

• General lyceum (GEL): Academic route that prepares students for panhellenic university entrance exams.
• Vocational lyceum (EPAL): A combination of general education with technical skills. Graduates can work and still apply to university.
• Model & experimental lyceums: High-level or research-based versions of GEL or EPAL.
• Ecclesiastical lyceum: Focuses on religious education and orthodox studies alongside standard subjects.
• Special vocational lyceum (ENEEGY-L): Four-year technical program for students with special educational needs, that joins Gymnasio and Lykeio together.

Higher Education in Greece

Higher education in Greece is run by the state, and recently went through a few big changes. Public universities are still the main option, with 24 institutions, including specialized polytechnic and fine arts schools. But 2026 is the second year that private, non-profit branch campuses of foreign universities are officially operating in the country. 

Undergraduate degrees take four years to complete, but medicine takes six years, and six years for engineering and architecture takes five years. Master’s programs are a year to two years long, and most degrees are taught in Greek, but there is a growing number of English-taught degrees as the number of international students also increases. 

Tuition fees for universities in Greece

The Best Private and Public Universities in Greece

These are public and private universities in Greece that are highly regarded for their performance in medicine, engineering, business, computer science, and more. Greece also ranks 41st on the Global Education Report by Global Citizen Solutions, and it particularly stands out for its affordable fees. Students interested in studying in Greece can do so by obtaining permanent residency through the Greek Golden Visa, either by buying property in Greece or by choosing other investment options. You can also opt for other student visas and scholarships.

Lifelong learning in Greece is an important part of the country’s plan to improve skills for the future, especially in digital and green jobs. Training is given through university centers called K.E.D.I.V.I.M. and a group of private and municipal providers. Programs are planned to focus on teaching skills in Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and environmental sustainability with the goal of training over 75,000 workers by the end of 2026. 

• Academic and digital (K.E.DI.VI.M.): These centres, based in universities, are specifically for graduates and professionals looking to improve their expertise. They focus on fields such as AI, Cybersecurity, and green energy, and offer specialized certifications.
• Vocational training (S.A.E.K.): These schools are designed for high school graduates who are 18+, looking for more practical careers. They have five semester-long technical diplomas in areas such as tourism, health sciences, and informatics, including a paid apprenticeship.
• General and social (K.D.B.M.): Municipal centers that serve the general population with accessible, community-based learning. Their programs cover foreign languages, computer skills, arts, and civic education.
• Re-integration (S.D.E.): Also known as second chance schools, these are specifically for adults who did not complete the mandatory nine-year education. They provide an 18-month accelerated path to earn a lower secondary school diploma.

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Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

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