Education

Education in Greece

Greece has a comprehensive public education system and several international options. Understanding the landscape helps families and students plan.

Education System Overview

Structure:

• Primary (Dimotiko): Ages 6-12, 6 years
• Lower Secondary (Gymnasio): Ages 12-15, 3 years
• Upper Secondary (Lykeio): Ages 15-18, 3 years
• Higher Education: Universities and technical institutes

Compulsory: Ages 5-15 (pre-primary through Gymnasio)

Public Schools

Pros:

• Free for all residents
• Greek language immersion
• Integration into local community
• Good foundation in Greek culture

Cons:

• Greek language instruction (challenging for non-speakers)
• Curriculum may differ from home country
• Infrastructure varies by area
• Limited English support

For expat children:

Public schools can work if you plan long-term residence and children are young enough to learn Greek quickly. Older children may struggle with language immersion.

International Schools

Athens options:

• American Community Schools (ACS Athens)
• Campion School (British curriculum)
• St. Catherine's British School
• Athens College/Psychico College
• International School of Athens

Thessaloniki:

• Pinewood American International School
• Anatolia College

Costs:

• €8,000-15,000/year primary
• €12,000-18,000/year secondary
• Additional fees for registration, uniforms, activities

Benefits:

• English-language instruction
• Internationally recognized curricula (IB, AP, A-Levels)
• Easier transition if you relocate again
• Established expat community

Higher Education

Greek universities:

• Free for EU citizens
• €1,500-9,000/year for non-EU
• Many programs taught in Greek
• Growing number of English-taught masters
• Well-regarded in certain fields (archaeology, medicine)

Popular for international students:

• Athens University of Economics and Business
• National Technical University of Athens
• University of Crete
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

English-taught programs:

Increasingly available at masters level, especially in business, engineering, and humanities.

Credential Recognition

For employment:

Foreign degrees generally recognized, but some professions require:

• Translation and legalization of documents
• Evaluation by DOATAP (recognition authority)
• Additional exams for regulated professions (medicine, law, engineering)

Process:

1. Gather original documents
2. Apostille/legalization
3. Official translation to Greek
4. Submit to DOATAP or professional body
5. Wait for evaluation (2-6 months)

Language Learning for Children

Options:

• Public school immersion (intense but effective for young children)
• Private Greek tutoring alongside international school
• Greek language courses at frontistiria (private tutoring centers)
• Summer camps in Greek

Timeline:

Young children (under 8) typically acquire Greek fluently within 1-2 years. Older children need more support.

Adult Education

Language learning:

• Greek language schools
• University extensions
• Private tutors (€15-30/hour)

Professional development:

• MBA programs (some English-taught)
• Professional certifications
• Online courses increasingly accepted